Konectbus says it will not scrap underutilised 30A service

Representatives for Konectbus, including the region's network manager, met with Thorpe Marriott parishioners recently where the long-term prospects of the 30A service were discussed.

It was here where the viability of the service, which runs through Drayton, Hellesdon, Mile Cross and Norwich, was questioned. 

Konectbus has met with Thorpe Marriott over reduced use of its 30A service (Image: Newsquest) Carolyn Brice, a local of two years who attended the meeting, said: "It does not look good.

"Not enough people from the School Road area are using it and while a recent extension to Longdale has been a success, the numbers generated there do not compensate for the shortfall on School Road."

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The news has led to fears that Thorpe Marriott could be dropped from the route to save the company money and prompted calls to use it before the area is left without transport. 

The 30A runs from Thorpe Marriott to Norwich city centre and serves Drayton, Hellesdon and Mile Cross (Image: Konectbus) "The service seems pretty safe until the end of March but we've been pointed out the consequence of losing it," Carolyn added. 

"Making short hops to and from the centre of Drayton can make a difference."

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Despite the uncertainty, Konectbus bosses have assured locals the 30A isn't going anywhere.

"We don't have any plans to withdraw it," said Davina Langley, the firm's head of marketing.  

Konectbus has said it will not be dropping the 30A service despite fears (Image: Newsquest) "Our passenger numbers are growing, although some areas are still lower than expected and we have met with the local parishes to help encourage passenger growth along the route. 

"The service is currently partly funded by Norfolk County Council and although there are no plans for this to be removed, any growth will help to safeguard the route in the future."

Earlier this year Konectbus lost the contract to continue running park-and-ride services around the city and in September it introduced a slew of changes to existing routes to "remain sustainable".