First Bus East of England Reinstates Night Bus Service for UEA Students

First Bus East of England is pleased to announce the return of the Night Bus service, an initiative designed to enhance student safety and strengthen community wellbeing. The service will return on 30 September, thanks to a collaborative effort between the University of East Anglia (UEA), the University of East Anglia Students' Union (UEA SU), First Bus, and Norfolk County Council, demonstrating a shared commitment to the welfare of students and local residents.

The Night Bus will operate as an extension of the existing 25 bus route, running from midnight until 5am, six days a week. This service will provide essential late-night transport for students and residents alike, with ticket prices in line with the Single Fare Cap Scheme, up to a maximum of £2.

The route will begin at the University, pass along Unthank Road, travel through the city centre, and conclude at Norwich Train Station. This service is made possible through joint funding from UEA, UEA SU, and Norfolk County Council, with each organisation contributing approximately £30,000.

Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, commented: "We are thrilled to bring back the Night Bus service for UEA students and the local community. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transport options that meet the needs of everyone in Norwich. The Night Bus will not only improve student safety but also offer greater accessibility and convenience for all late-night travellers. We’re proud to collaborate with UEA, UEA SU, and Norfolk County Council on this vital project."

The reintroduction of the Night Bus service is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including enhanced safety for students during nights out, reliable transport for those working late shifts, and a reduction in disturbances in residential areas surrounding the University. Additionally, it will improve accessibility for the wider community, offering a dependable option for late-night travel across Norwich.

Charlotte Melling, Transport and Events Manager at UEA, stated: "It has been a privilege to work on a project that will benefit our community. UEA is committed to enhancing night-time safety both on and off campus. The introduction of a night bus service represents a concrete step towards this goal, and we are confident it will significantly improve the safety of our students and local residents traveling to and from the campus."

Olivia Hunt, Activities and Opportunities Officer at UEA SU, also emphasised the importance of supporting the service: "I'm excited about the launch of the Night Bus. This new service will greatly enhance nightlife accessibility and improve student safety. We encourage everyone to take full advantage of this initiative to ensure its success and longevity, as it operates on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis."

The return of the Night Bus aligns with UEA SU’s mission to provide essential services to the student body, promote safety, foster a strong sense of community, and integrate accessibility into the daily lives of students.

Nathan Wyatt, Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer at UEA SU, added: "The return of the Night Bus is a huge win for students and the local community. Keeping students safe is a top priority for us at the SU, and we believe that affordable, accessible late-night transport will be a game changer. It has been an immense privilege to work on this project, and I hope students will feel the benefit."

For more information about the Night Bus service, visit First Bus East of England’s website.