‘Game changer’ as night bus route returns to city

UEA Two women and a man standing in front of a grey Norwich electric First BusUEA
The buses will run from the university six nights a week between midnight and 5am

University students could have an easier journey home in the early hours after a night bus route was brought back into service.

The 25 bus will run six nights a week between Norwich train station and the University of East Anglia (UEA), which is on the outskirts of the city.

Norfolk County Council, the UEA and the Student Union (SU) contributed £90,000 towards providing a "reliable" and "affordable" transport service between midnight and 05:00.

Nathan Wyatt, welfare, community and diversity officer at the SU, said it would be a "game-changer".

He added: "The return of the night bus is a huge win for students and the local community.

"Keeping students safe is a huge priority for us at the SU."

Getty Images Students sitting on picnic tables on a patio outside UEA building made of glass and concreteGetty Images
The University of East Anglia is about 2.2 miles from Norwich city centre - a long way to walk after a night out

The bus will run between the railway station and the university.

Ticket prices will be capped at £2 in line with the government’s single fare cap scheme.

Charlotte Melling, transport and events manager at UEA, said she was "confident" the night bus service would "significantly improve the safety of our students", as well as offering a "dependable option for late-night travel across Norwich to the wider community".

She said it would also provide "reliable transport for those working late shifts, and a reduction in disturbances in residential areas surrounding the university".

Olivia Hunt, activities and opportunities officer at the SU, said she was "excited" at the launch of the night bus.

"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."

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