A brand-new Norwich Park & Ride service is set to launch on Sunday 30th March, bringing improved travel options and a free day of travel for all users to mark the occasion.
Following a re-tendering process at the end of 2024, Norfolk County Council appointed two operators to run the refreshed service from all five Park & Ride sites without requiring council subsidy. First Bus will now operate services from Airport, Thickthorn and Sprowston, while Simonds will run services from Harford and Postwick.
Upgrades to the service include earlier morning departures, later evening journeys, increased frequency at most sites and Sunday service availability across the board. Passengers using Airport, Thickthorn and Sprowston routes will benefit from zero-emission buses, with low fares continuing under the Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: “The Norwich Park & Ride service is an important part of our transport plan for Norfolk… We’ve not only achieved our goal of removing the council subsidy, but we’re also giving people what they asked for—earlier and later buses, and Sunday services.”
Ahead of the relaunch, operators will be outside The Forum in Norwich on Saturday 22nd March from 10am with information and a chance to see some of the new buses. The following Sunday, 30th March, all services—except Costessey, which is unchanged—will offer free travel for the day.
James McCluskey, Commercial Director of First Bus East of England, said the upgrade will provide “more frequent journeys, extended operating hours, and a fleet of zero-emission buses.” Simonds’ Managing Director Peter Nathanail added that the new routes offer benefits for both visitors and commuters, particularly with improved connections from Postwick to Norwich train station.
For full service details, including new timetables and fares, visit: www.norwichparkandride.co.uk
