Suffolk's bus services are in line for a multi-million pound boost - and the county council is now starting to look at what it might mean for passengers.
The government has given the county £8.1million to boost bus services over the next financial year.
Most of that, £5.3m, is in capital spending aimed at improving shelters, bus stations, special lanes or bringing in new vehicles.
The other £2.8m is on revenue support for rural and off-peak urban routes - a £900,000 increase in this year's support.
Officials at the council are still learning the exact nature of the funding, but they do expect to improve bus stops, introduce new bus priority measures and make it easier for passengers to find out about services.
County council cabinet member for transport policy Chris Chambers said: “This is a very welcomed boost in funding for bus services here in Suffolk.
"We work hard to lobby government for more support when it comes to providing residents with reliable, sustainable bus services and that has clearly paid off.
“More than £8million in additional funding will help us improve services, better connect communities, and enhance the overall customer journey.
“We look forward to working with partners and communities across Suffolk to see that this extra money provides benefit to as many residents as possible.”
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: "Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken.
“That’s why we’re reforming funding to deliver better buses across the country and end the postcode lottery of bus services."
“By delivering better buses, we’ll ensure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities - powering economic growth in every corner of the country.”
Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, added: "Suffolk Chamber of Commerce welcomes the news that Suffolk County Council will receive this funding. Many people rely on the bus to get to work.
"It is very important that existing services are not only protected but improved and that fares are affordable."
According to Department for Transport, 12.2million bus journeys took place in Suffolk last year.
While up from 9.5million in 2022, this is still below the 15.5million journeys that occurred pre-Covid.
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