The number of people using buses in Norfolk is rising, with the number of journeys taken soaring by 800,000 in the space of a year.

New figures show more than 6.9 million journeys were taken by bus during April, May and June this year, compared to 6.1 million over the same period last year.

That came after figures released earlier this year confirmed a 16pc rise in bus use between April 2023 and March this year.

Leaders at Conservative-controlled Norfolk County Council hailed the increase.

They said it had followed improvements to bus services using almost £50m the council got from the Department for Transport.

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transportGraham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: "I'm so proud of what we have achieved here in Norfolk and how much we have delivered as part of our bus service improvement plan.

"These figures show what can be achieved when we invest in the right infrastructure and services, and prioritise the improvements that residents have asked for.

"From cheaper fares, to more frequent and more evening and weekend services it all makes the bus a real option for more people, more often."

Following the Covid pandemic, which saw bus usage fall, the government introduced a £2 cap on fares, which is due to run until the end of December.

Locally, £1.50 single journey fare caps were introduced in Thetford, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth to help swell use.

Norwich Park & Ride fares were also reduced, with adult day tickets costing £3 and additional passengers £1.

The past year also saw electric buses introduced by First in Norwich, while millions of pounds have been spent on changes to the city's roads to speed up buses.

READ MORE: Search for new company to run Norwich park and ride buses

Legislation to give all councils the power to franchise local bus services was included in the King’s Speech.

And Simon Lightwood, the government's local transport minister, said: "Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it's fantastic to see the number of bus passengers in Norfolk growing, as more and more people choose the bus to get around.

"Our Better Buses Bill will help Norfolk continue transforming its local bus network by empowering local leaders to give local passengers the modern, clean and efficient bus services they can truly rely on."