Public Consultation Launched on Future of Swaffham Bus Services

Residents are being invited to have their say on the future of local bus services in Swaffham as Norfolk County Council launches a public consultation on proposed changes to the Swaffham Flexibus and Swaffham 10 Town Service.

Both services are currently fully subsidised by Norfolk County Council but are experiencing low passenger numbers, raising concerns about their long-term sustainability. The consultation seeks public feedback on how the services are used and what improvements or changes residents would like to see. Any changes agreed would come into effect from September 2026.

The Flexibus service, introduced in 2022 following a successful bid to the Department for Transport, operates as a demand-responsive service, while the Swaffham 10 Town Service runs a more traditional fixed route. As part of the review, Norfolk County Council is proposing that the two services could be combined into a single, revised service operating to a fixed timetable and route.

Under the proposals, the new service would operate with a set number of stops in Swaffham and a direct route into the town centre. Booking seats would no longer be required and the current Flexibus app would be removed, allowing passengers to travel without advance reservations.

The consultation outlines a number of possible changes to routes and stops based on current usage levels. Villages including Oxburgh, Hilborough and North Pickenham would continue to be served, while early morning and evening journeys linking XL services to and from Norwich, Dereham and King’s Lynn would remain in place.

However, the proposal suggests that service to Methwold and Northwold would be removed from the new route into Swaffham due to existing alternative options via Lynn and Thetford. It is also proposed that some villages and stops with very low usage — including Bodney, Cranwich, Threxton Hill, Ickburgh, Little Cressingham, Shingham, Didlington, Brookville, Little London, Eastmoor and the stop at Petygards — could be removed.

Journey times may also be reduced if fewer stops are served, and some stops on the current Swaffham 10 Town Service may be removed where nearby main road stops are available within walking distance.

The proposed new service would include provision for the new housing development on Sporle Road but would not serve Lynn or Norwich Roads, as these locations are already covered by First Bus XL services.

In addition to the proposed changes, Norfolk County Council is also seeking views on the potential introduction of a new Swaffham to Downham Market service via Narham. Residents are being asked whether they would use such a service, which areas it should serve, and what days and times it should operate.

Residents, passengers and local businesses are encouraged to share their views by emailing the Passenger Transport Manager at [email protected], using the subject line “Swaffham Consultation”.

The deadline for responses is Thursday 23 April 2026.