James Wild MP has called for continued efforts to improve bus services across Norfolk, urging the government to continue the trajectory laid by the previous Conservative Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). This plan included a £50 million commitment to supporting community bus services across Norfolk.
Following the recent announcement of £15 million in funding for Norfolk, as part of the current Government’s £955 million transport package, concerns remain about how funding is being used locally, with many operators not using the BSIP funding to provide cheaper tickets for passengers.
James emphasised the importance of prioritising measures that directly benefit commuters, such as more affordable fares and enhanced services. He expressed particular concern about the recent decision to raise the bus fare cap from £2 to £3, warning that the 50% increase could undermine efforts to make public transport more accessible, especially for those who rely on bus routes daily.
Speaking on the issue, James Wild MP said:
“Buses are essential to help people get around Norfolk West Norfolk for work, school, to access essential services, or socialising and we benefitted from the last government’s £50 million investment in more frequent services.
“It is important this government builds on that record and continues to invest in better services, including later departures, in our rural area. Hiking the bus fare cap by 50 per cent will hit people who rely on bus routes which offered lower fares.”
