Bus passenger figures continue to rise across Norfolk

Latest figures from bus operators across Norfolk show that the number of passengers has increased by 12% for the first quarter of this financial year.

There were more than 6.9 million journeys taken by bus during April, May and June 2024 compared to 6.1 million for the same period in 2023. 

This follows the figures released in April which confirmed an annual rise of 16% for April 2023 to March 2024.

It’s now two years since Norfolk County Council received £49.55m of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve bus services across the county and increase the number of journeys made by bus. 

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: “I’m so proud of what we have achieved here in Norfolk and how much we have delivered as part of our bus service improvement plan. These figures show what can be achieved when we invest in the right infrastructure and services, and prioritise the improvements that residents have asked for. From cheaper fares, to more frequent and more evening and weekend services it all makes the bus a real option for more people, more often.”

These figures have come just as Norfolk County Council and the Enhanced Partnership published an updated version of the Bus Service Improvement Plan for the county. The update outlines what has been achieved since the plan was first published in 2021, what more is planned over the next year, and what we would like to do beyond 2025 should more funding become available.  

Some of the highlights of bus service improvements delivered over the last two years include:

• Bus stop upgrades meaning 84% across the county are now fully DDA compliant.
• 9 stops across the county are now our ‘Gold Stop’ standard with 22 to be completed by 2025.
• Almost every bus stop with suitable infrastructure in Norfolk now has a QR Board linking to both scheduled and real-time information. Since installs began these have been used more than 180,000 times.
• Improved journey times for passengers thanks to infrastructure changes delivered using both BSIP funding and other funding streams. (See case study 1 and 2 in the notes to editor for full details).
• More than 40 services have been enhanced with increased frequencies, evening and weekend services and some brand-new services starting. (See case study 3 in the notes to editor for example service enhancement).
• Reduced fares, by implementing a £1.50 single journey fare cap in Thetford, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth and a 25% discount on weekly, monthly and group tickets. Norwich Park & Ride fares have also been simplified and discounted, with an adult day ticket now costing only £3 and additional passengers just £1 each.

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood said:
“Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see the number of bus passengers in Norfolk growing, as more and more people choose the bus to get around. Our Better Buses Bill will help Norfolk continue transforming its local bus network by empowering local leaders to give local passengers the modern, clean and efficient bus services they can truly rely on.”

Source: Norfolk County Council