‘Investment in Suffolk’s bus services has been long time coming’

A council’s pledge to invest millions of pounds into improving bus services has been welcomed by passengers.

Suffolk County Council has unveiled 17 “new or enhanced” bus services which will launch across the county between 31 August and the middle of September.

Routes once facing cancellation will be re-introduced, additional journeys to and from Rock Barracks in Woodbridge will be laid on, and there will be new Sunday services.

According to the authority, the changes represent “the biggest positive change to bus services” in the area since 1998.

Councillor Chris Chambers, cabinet member for transport strategy, planning and waste, said: “I’m delighted to launch these new and improved routes.

“We know that they will make a huge difference to local people, because they have all been suggested by Suffolk Communities.

“These changes show our commitment to supporting local communities and the bus industry.”

The routes have been funded through the 2025/26 Local Authority Bus Grant from the Department for Transport.

£2.8m will be used to deliver the new or enhanced services, while a further £5.3m will be used for new bus stops, bus stations, bus priority measures or vehicle upgrades.

The funding has also enabled the council to introduce new services in areas which had seen local bus services cancelled or reduced, such as Newmarket and Marham Park.

Mark Green, who lives in Ipswich, frequently uses buses to get to and from neighbouring towns.

He told the BBC: “It needed to be done a long, long time ago, but at least they are doing something about it now – it will be a lot better and it will help people a lot.

“On a Sunday the buses are useless, so much so I try to avoid getting buses anywhere on a Sunday, so [the new Sunday services will be good].

“Hopefully they will also update the buses as well. The old buses are so bumpy – I remember I had an operation once and I got on one and it was so painful.”

Among the services launching on 1 September, is the enhanced First number 70 route, which currently operates between Orford and Grundisburgh.

The council says it will improve journey options from Sutton Heath and Melton to several locations including Grundisburgh, Woodbridge and Rock Barracks.

Maj Alex Mason, 2IC 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, of Rock Barracks in Woodbridge, said his station “warmly welcomed” the move.

“This investment will make a meaningful difference to the daily lives of our serving personnel and their families, many of whom rely on public transport,” he said.

“Improved access to schools, healthcare, and community services will help new families feel more connected and supported as they build their lives here.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these enhanced services in the months ahead.”