Millions of pounds of investment is to take place in Suffolk’s bus network over three years following allocation of Government funding.
Services, ticketing, and infrastructure will all benefit under the package worth nearly £27 million between 2026 and 2029.
Suffolk County Council will receive a total of £26,813760 under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG).
This funding will enable the continuation and expansion of new and improved services introduced over the past two years through LABG support and its predecessor, the Bus Services Improvement Grant (BSIP), many of which were shaped by community feedback.
Suffolk will receive:
- 2026/27 - £8,849,119
- 2027/28 - £8,937,920
- 2028/29 - £9,026,721
The funding is split into two areas.
Revenue investment will focus on:
- Maintaining and growing enhanced services based on local suggestions.
- Increasing publicity and travel information to help residents make informed choices.
Capital funding will deliver:
- Renewal and expansion of Real Time Passenger Information across Suffolk.
- Improved ticketing options and accessibility in partnership with bus operators.
- Investigations into bus priority measures to reduce journey times and encourage modal shift.
- Upgraded bus stops with new shelters, better footway links, and accessibility enhancements—many suggested by local communities.
Local authorities will have flexibility to use LABG funding to meet local needs—whether by reducing fares, introducing new routes, investing in zero-emission buses, or improving bus stops and stations.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, said: “Certainty of funding allows Suffolk to work with operators on multi-year plans to transition to electric buses, improving air quality in town centres and ensuring more reliable operations.
"With guaranteed funding in place we can deliver the improvements our communities have asked for—better services in our towns and rural areas, and more accessible stops.
“This investment will help us make bus travel a more attractive, reliable, and sustainable choice for everyone."
Last July Suffolk County Council announced a £2.8m investment in new bus routes and improved services following announcement of LABG funding of £8 million for 2025-26.
As well as new routes, some services gained increased frequency and a Sunday schedule added.
Alongside the £2.8m revenue for delivering new or enhanced services, the county council also previously announced £5.2m of capital funding from the DfT for new and improved bus stops, bus stations, bus priority measures or vehicle upgrades.
For more details of public transport in Suffolk go to the Suffolk On Board website.
