New Bus Services Set to Launch Across Swaffham Area from 1 September 2026

Residents across Swaffham and the surrounding villages will benefit from a range of new and improved bus services from 1 September 2026, following a public consultation carried out earlier this year.

The consultation, launched on 27 March 2026, sought views on replacing the existing Swaffham Flexibus and Swaffham Town Service contracts, as well as introducing a brand-new bus route linking Swaffham and Downham Market via Marham. Following feedback from residents and stakeholders, Norfolk County Council has confirmed that the new services will now go ahead.

New S8, S9, S10 and S10A Services

Operated by Coach Services Ltd of Thetford, the new S8, S9, S10 and S10A routes will replace the current Swaffham Flexibus and WNCT Route 10 services.

One of the biggest changes is the move away from the existing demand-responsive, pre-booked Flexibus model. Instead, passengers will benefit from fixed timetabled circular bus routes, making services simpler and easier to use.

The new S8 and S10 routes will continue to serve most of the villages currently covered by the Flexibus network, providing important links to Swaffham and connecting with many First Bus Excel services towards Norwich and Peterborough. As these services will now run to a set timetable, passengers will no longer need to use a booking app or reserve journeys in advance.

While the removal of the flexible booking system means some passengers may need to walk to their nearest designated bus stop, the new arrangements are designed to provide reliable access for work, education and everyday travel throughout the day.

The S10A service will operate as a dedicated school service.

Improved Town Connectivity

The new S9 service will replace the existing Swaffham Town Service. The revised route will operate as a circular service around the town, connecting all areas of Swaffham rather than focusing primarily on the town centre.

The simpler timetable aims to make local travel easier for residents, although some journeys may take longer as a result of the circular route structure.

Route Changes Based on Usage

Changes have also been made to reflect passenger demand. Northwold will no longer be served by the new network, while services to Methwold have been reduced due to limited usage and the availability of alternative services. Both communities continue to be served by Coach Services routes 88 and 89, which operate between King’s Lynn and Thetford.

Brand-New Route 67 Connects Swaffham and Downham Market

A key outcome of the public consultation is the introduction of the new Konectbus Route 67, operated by Central Connect.

This brand-new service will provide a direct public transport link between Swaffham and Downham Market, serving:

• Marham village and RAF Marham
• Fincham
• Crimplesham
• Narborough
• Downham Market town centre
• Downham Market Railway Station

The service has been designed to improve access to rail services at Downham Market and provide onward connections to First Bus Excel services in Swaffham.

The route was introduced in direct response to feedback received during the consultation, with hopes that strong passenger support will help secure its long-term future.

Supporting Sustainable Local Transport

The introduction of these new services is intended to make local bus travel easier to understand, more accessible and more sustainable. By replacing complex demand-responsive arrangements with straightforward timetabled routes, Norfolk County Council hopes to increase passenger numbers and fare revenue, helping to secure these vital transport links for years to come.

Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new timetables ahead of the launch date and to share the information with friends, family and neighbours who may benefit from the new services.

All new services will commence on Tuesday 1 September 2026.