Following receipt of the 2025/26 Local Authority Bus Grant earlier this month, the first tranche of bus services being launched or improved with the revenue allocation of £2.8m has been announced by Suffolk County Council.
As with the previous Bus Service Improvement Plan grants covering 2023-25, these routes have all been suggested by the community through the council’s “scheme on a page” initiative.
“I’m delighted to announce these new and improved routes for Suffolk. These changes represent the biggest positive change to bus services across the County since 1998 and along with our previous route improvements, show our commitment to supporting local communities and the bus industry,” said Cllr Chris Chambers, Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste.
“These routes were suggested by the community and we hope to see these services grow passenger numbers over the coming months and years. I would like to thank all Councillors, Parish and Town councils and bus companies who came forward to suggest these improvements.”
The majority of the services are expected to start in late August or early September, however in the case of Mulleys routes covering Marham Park (M77) and Thurston (M40), these began on 7th July, replacing services withdrawn by other operators. This is to minimise disruption for the local community, following the recent cancellation of the Marham Park Flyer.
Cllr Chambers continues: “We have been working extensively, over many months, with local providers and the community to find solutions for those affected by the cancellation of the Marham Park Flyer service. The Local Authority Bus Grant for 2025/26, which was the council received from the Department for Transport on 1 June has enabled us to offer a replacement for this much-loved route.
“To reduce the gap in services around Marham Park, we worked with the Traffic Commissioner to ensure a shorter notice period than usually required for the new route to begin and I am pleased that this new route has now started. We have an excellent track record of supporting communities and operators to maintain routes when circumstances like these present themselves, and this is another example of that.”
Alongside the £2.8m revenue for delivering new or enhanced services, the county council also previously announced £5.2m of capital funding from the DfT for new and improved bus stops, bus stations, bus priority measures or vehicle upgrades.
(File picture courtesy of Suffolk County Council)
