The Night Bus service returns for UEA students
By: Communications
The Night Bus service, an initiative designed to enhance student safety and strengthen community wellbeing, will make a return thanks to a collaborative effort between the University of East Anglia (UEA), the University of East Anglia Students' Union (UEA SU), FirstBus, and Norfolk County Council, demonstrating a shared commitment to the welfare of students and local residents.
The reinstated Night Bus service will operate from 30 September as an extension of the existing 25 bus route, providing late-night transport from midnight until 5am, six days a week, 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. The service is made possible through joint funding from the UEA, UEA SU, and Norfolk County Council, with each organisation contributing approximately £30,000.
Charlotte Melling, Transport and Events Manager at UEA, said:
“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 travelling to and from the campus."
The introduction of the Night Bus is expected to bring several key 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. The service is also anticipated to improve accessibility for the wider community, offering a dependable option for late-night travel across Norwich.
Olivia Hunt, Activities and Opportunities Officer at UEA SU, highlighted the importance of support for the service, saying:
“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 reintroduction of the Night Bus service 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, said:
"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, 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."
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