"Deeply disappointed" bosses at the bus firm which has lost the contract to run Norwich's park and ride services have reassured staff jobs will not be axed despite the blow.

Konectbus has run park and ride services on behalf of Norfolk County Council since 2015.

But, after a retendering process, the running of those buses will be transferred to two other companies - First and Central Connect - from April next year.

Rupert Cox, managing director of Go East Anglia/KonectbusRupert Cox, managing director of Go East Anglia/Konectbus (Image: Go East Anglia)

Rupert Cox, managing director of Go East Anglia/Konectbus, said: "While we are deeply disappointed not to have retained the Norwich Park and Ride contract, we take great pride in our nine-year legacy of providing thousands of visitors, commuters, and students with a sustainable and affordable way to reach the city centre.

"We want to assure everyone that there are no plans for redundancies or job losses among our valued colleagues.

"This transition presents an opportunity to review and optimise our current Konectbus network."

He said, in the meantime, the company encouraged customers to keep using park and ride buses.

Central Connect has been awarded the contracts to run services at Harford and Postwick - a site which had been threatened with closure but has been saved.

Thickthorn Park and Ride siteThickthorn Park and Ride site (Image: Archant)

First will run services at Thickthorn and Norwich Airport, while its services will also call at Sprowston park and ride site - which will become a transport hub also used by other operators.

First, which has a fleet of electric vehicles in Norwich, said zero-emission buses will be used on its park and ride services.

And bosses said they were committed to extending park and ride service earlier and later in the day, and on Sundays.

First Buses has a Norwich fleet of electric vehiclesFirst Buses has a Norwich fleet of electric vehicles (Image: Denise Bradley)

James McCluskey, commercial director at First Bus East of England, said: "We are thrilled to be awarded the contract for the Norwich Park and Ride services at the airport and Thickthorn sites and look forward to developing our plans for the Sprowston site.

"We look forward to bringing zero-emission buses into service, improving convenience for passengers while supporting a greener Norwich."