First Bus Awarded Contract for Norwich Park and Ride Services
Following a successful competitive tender process, First Bus East of England has been awarded the contract to operate services from the Airport and Thickthorn sites for the Norwich Park and Ride.
This new contract, set to begin in early 2025, will run for up to eight years, demonstrating Norfolk County Council’s long-term commitment to sustainable and accessible transport in the region.
As part of a separate agreement, we will also be introducing our Pink Line services into the Sprowston site, offering an enhanced frequency for these users.
First Bus will introduce zero-emission buses at the Thickthorn, Airport and Sprowston sites as part of its ongoing efforts to provide greener transport solutions. The transition to zero-emission vehicles is a critical part of Norwich’s strategy to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the city.
First Bus has committed to extend the operating hours of the services to offer earlier and later journeys, as well as a Sunday service, providing increased convenience for passengers.
Key Service Enhancements:
- Zero-emission buses from the Thickthorn, Airport and Sprowston sites.
- Extended operating hours, including earlier, later, and Sunday services across these sites.
James McCluskey, Commercial Director at First Bus East of England, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded the contract for the Norwich Park and Ride services at the Airport and Thickthorn sites and look forward to developing our plans for the Sprowston site. Our commitment to providing environmentally friendly transport options is at the heart of this partnership, and we look forward to bringing zero-emission buses into service, improving convenience for passengers while supporting a greener Norwich.”
Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: “The Park and Ride service is a really important part of our transport strategy for Norwich, but during these times of increased financial pressures within local government we have to be careful with every penny we spend. That’s why we made it our ambition to find a solution so that this service can be run without any subsidy. Operators have impressed us with their creativity for the services going forward and I’m certain that First can create a service for residents that is sustainable for the future.”
More details on the new services will be released as plans are finalised over the coming months.