The city of Norwich is all set to witness a significant overhaul in its Park and Ride services, thanks to the efforts of the Norfolk County Council. In a bid to make the services more efficient and cost-effective, the council recently re-tendered the contracts for operating the services from five different sites in the city. The outcome of this exercise is the appointment of two new operators – First Bus and Simonds – who will take over the reins of the services from Sunday, March 30. This change is expected to bring about a host of benefits for the commuters, making their travel experience more convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
One of the most significant advantages of the new services is the introduction of earlier and later journeys, which will provide commuters with more flexibility in planning their daily travel. Additionally, the frequency of buses will increase at most sites, reducing wait times and making the services more reliable. Furthermore, Sunday services will be introduced at all sites, making it easier for people to travel into the city on weekends. The Airport, Thickthorn, and Sprowston services will also boast zero-emission buses, which is a significant step towards reducing the city’s carbon footprint. The fares for the services will remain low, thanks to the BSIP funding, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable and convenient way to travel.
The new services are the result of a careful planning process, which involved taking into account the feedback and suggestions of the commuters. The council’s cabinet member for highways, infrastructure, and transport, Cllr Graham Plant, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the new services will provide people with a great value and greener option for getting into Norwich. He also highlighted the fact that the council has been able to achieve its ambition of running the services without any subsidy, which is a significant feat in these difficult financial times. The launch of the new services will be celebrated with a promotional event outside the Forum in Norwich on Saturday, March 22, where residents can gather information and catch a glimpse of the new buses.
The operators of the new services – First Bus and Simonds – are equally excited about the launch. James McCluskey, Commercial Director of First Bus East of England, said that the company is looking forward to providing customers with more frequent journeys, extended operating hours, and a fleet of zero-emission buses. He also announced that the company will be offering free travel on the first day of service, Sunday, March 30, as a gesture of goodwill. Similarly, Peter Nathanail, Managing Director of Simonds, expressed his enthusiasm about the new Park and Ride bus routes, which he believes will be great news for visitors to Norwich and local residents. He highlighted the benefits of the services, including free parking at Postwick P&R and increased frequency from Harford P&R.
The introduction of the new services is expected to have a positive impact on the city’s transport infrastructure, making it more convenient and affordable for people to travel into Norwich. The fact that the services will be operated without any subsidy is a significant achievement, and a testament to the council’s commitment to providing efficient and cost-effective solutions. The use of zero-emission buses is also a step in the right direction, as it will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. Overall, the new Park and Ride services are a welcome development, and are expected to make a significant difference in the lives of commuters in Norwich.
For those looking to avail of the new services, the full details, including timetables and ticket prices, are available on the website www.norwichparkandride.co.uk. The website provides a wealth of information, making it easy for commuters to plan their travel and take advantage of the new services. With the launch of the new Park and Ride services, the city of Norwich is set to become an even more attractive and convenient place to live, work, and visit. The introduction of these services is a significant milestone in the city’s transport development, and is expected to have a positive impact on the community for years to come. As the city looks to the future, it is clear that the new Park and Ride services will play a vital role in shaping its transport landscape, making it more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
