The Member of Parliament for Thetford has welcomed the launch of a new bus service in the town, made possible thanks to increased Government funding for bus services across Norfolk.
Terry Jermy MP has welcomed the Government’s plan to deliver faster, cheaper and more reliable buses with the confirmation of £26.6 million buses funding for Norfolk County Council.
Part of this funding has been made available to Coach Services Limited, a Thetford based bus operator who will be launching a brand-new service to meet the needs of the community. Starting from Monday 15th December, the Thetford Rangers service will run up to every twenty minutes, seven days a week.
This landmark Government funding given to the County Council is part of the move to give local authorities more power to run local services and aims to lower the price of fares, introduce new routes and zero-emission buses, as well as creating new and improved bus stops.
The MP recently visited the Coach Services depot to meet with Director Rob Crawford and General Manager Rick Martin to discuss local bus services across South West Norfolk and the launch of their new service, the Thetford Rangers.
Totalling £3 billion across England, the funding announcement represents a record level of investment for bus improvements for the majority of areas.
Terry Jermy, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk said: “I am so pleased to see this new bus service for Thetford. It is something I have campaigned for over many years and will see a more frequent service as well as an entirely new Sunday service. As a rural MP, I am delighted the Government is investing £26.6 million to deliver better bus services across Norfolk.
“Transport services in rural areas like South West Norfolk are vital. This record funding will see services become more reliable, frequent and affordable, and make getting to school, to work, to doctor’s appointments, or to see friends and family easier and more accessible.
Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood said: “For too long passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations and over a decade of routes being cut.
“This £3 billion boost will change this, providing passengers with lower fares, more frequent and reliable services and safer journeys – helping both ease the cost of living and making it easier for people to get to work, hospital appointments and social plans, boosting the economy.”
