Greater Anglia says visitors heading to Suffolk’s coast this summer will benefit from improved integrated public transport links, connecting rail passengers arriving at Lowestoft station with some of the area’s most popular attractions.

From Tuesday 26 May, enhanced bus connections will make it easier for visitors travelling on the East Suffolk and Wherry Lines (Ipswich to Lowestoft and Norwich to Lowestoft) to continue their journeys by bus directly from Lowestoft rail station.

The operator said these improvements formed part of a wider collaborative effort between rail, bus and local authority partners to promote sustainable, convenient and affordable travel across the region.

It comes following the creation of a new unified leadership team, bringing together Greater Anglia, c2c and Network Rail Anglia to support more joined-up journeys for passengers.

Services to Pleasurewood Hills on the X1 route and to Africa Alive! and Kessingland on route 99 will additionally call at Lowestoft rail station, creating simple onward connections for rail passengers. Buses will operate every 30 minutes to and from the station throughout the day.

The initiative also highlights PlusBus, the integrated rail-and-bus ticket, which includes travel to these destinations within the fare zone.

Railcard holders can benefit from additional discounts on already low-cost PlusBus tickets, making public transport an even more attractive option for families and day-trippers.

Visitors to Africa Alive! can also take advantage of a special offer this summer, with the attraction reducing entry ticket prices by the value of a customer’s PlusBus ticket when purchased at the attraction’s ticket office. This effectively reimburses the cost of PlusBus travel while still allowing unlimited bus travel within the PlusBus zone on the day of travel.

Martin Halliday, Officer for the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership, said: “Improved connectivity remains a key priority for the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership. We began discussions with First Bus more than a year ago about how we could better promote integrated services in and around Lowestoft.

“Following the opening of the Gull Wing Bridge and improvements to traffic flows across the town, we have been working together on opportunities to strengthen public transport links along the coast, including connections towards Southwold via Pakefield and Kessingland, and northwards towards Great Yarmouth via Hopton and Gorleston.

“We are delighted to see these enhanced station bus links introduced in time for the summer season. Through the Lowestoft Central Project and our station shop and tourist information office, we have also been supporting visitors with clearer route information and guidance about local bus connections.

“In the coming months, further passenger information will be added within the rail and bus interchange at Lowestoft station.”

Thalia Woodgate, Officer for the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, said:“We are delighted to support this initiative, which showcases how integrated rail and bus travel can help people enjoy the very best of Suffolk without needing to rely on the car.“The East Suffolk Line provides a fantastic gateway to the coast, and these improved onward connections from Lowestoft station will make it easier for residents and visitors alike to access attractions, seaside destinations and local communities across the area.”

Scott Dolling, Partnerships Manager at Greater Anglia, commented: “Better rail and bus connections make it easier for people to visit some of Suffolk’s best-loved attractions without relying on the car.

“The East Suffolk and Wherry Lines are a scenic and sustainable way to reach the coast, and this is a strong example of practical partnership working making public transport simpler, more useful and better connected across the region.”

Paul Martin, Commercial Manager for First Bus in the East of England, said: “We’re pleased to support our rail partners and the county council in giving visitors an easier way to travel and enjoy local attractions.

“Our team is ready to welcome customers on board this summer for a quick and comfortable journey, which helps reduce traffic on local roads and the problems of congestion.”

Timothy Stephenson, Head of Passenger Transport, Suffolk County Council, said: “This is great news for Suffolk’s coast and it’s encouraging to see such a strong commitment to sustainable travel.

“Strengthening the links between rail services and key attractions like Pleasurewood Hills, Kessingland beach and Africa Alive! shows real ambition to make public transport the natural first choice for visitors.

“With buses timed to meet trains at Lowestoft station, people can step off the rail network and continue their journey smoothly, confidently and without the stress of driving or parking.”

Joshua Hunter-Harl, Sales and Marketing Director, Africa Alive!, said: “We are delighted to support this initiative, helping to make it easier and more affordable for visitors to travel sustainably to Africa Alive! and enjoy everything the Suffolk coast has to offer.

“Improving public transport connectivity is an important step in supporting sustainable tourism across the region, while also improving access for local communities and visitors travelling without a car.

“By working in partnership with Greater Anglia, First Bus and local stakeholders, we hope these enhanced connections will encourage more people to discover Africa Alive!, support the local economy, and inspire visitors to connect with wildlife and conservation.”