Update December 2022

Bus timetable updates Here is a summary of what bus services have been updated on Suffolkonboard since your last email alert To view a full list of all upcoming bus timetable changes, visit www.suffolkonboard.com You can view a copy of the new timetable by clicking on the service number     Bus Number Route Operator Timetable Change Date of Change 4 Tanningfield - Monk Soham - Worlingworth - Eye - Diss High Suffolk CT The operator has changed the route of the service to better serve community demand. Timetable updated to reflect the change. 06/01/2023 10 Kenton - Framlingham - Woodbridge High Suffolk CT New service between Kenton and Woodbridge via Framlingham. Runs on 1st Saturday of every month only. 01/11/2022

Message from a Parishioner:

I would like to raise awareness of the daily public bus services that operate in this area, beyond those provided by the High Suffolk Community Bus.

As someone who was raised in an East Midlands town, I have noticed how damaging not having access to independent, reliable transport is to our young people in the villages - damaging to their ability to access services, to reach new opportunities and most importantly of all to their confidence as developing members of society. A brief investigation reveals that minor villages and hamlets in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have daily bus access to their nearest services/town/large village or port - whereas we in North Suffolk, in relatively large villages have, in many cases, no services at all. This is an urgent issue of ‘Levelling up’, which we need to regularly bring to the attention of our local leaders.

We do have some services, which we need to raise awareness of, and use more, so that these are protected and not further eroded, which I outline here.

Towards Ipswich

114 Service to IPSWICH via DEBENHAM - runs 9 times a day (Mon-Fri) in both directions. Nearest stop - Outside front of RISHANGLES CHAPEL. 08.10am Service stops additionally at BEDINGFIELD PUMP - heading to Debenham/Suffolk One/Ipswich. This stop has only two return options - the 14.05pm from Ipswich Old Cattle Market (Debenham 14.50) or 15.15pm (Debenahm 16.00). The 16.00pm service from Suffolk One (Debenham 16.59) does not officially stop at the Bedingfield Pump, but speak to the driver - they can adjust the route. The alternative route to IPSWICH is by use of the 118/119 service from FRAMLINGHAM to Ipswich Old Cattle Market Station. These services run for a total of 9 times a day (Mon-Fri). Nearest stops - for 119 only (4 times a day) - SAXTEAD GREEN (Old Mill), EARL SOHAM, ASHFIELD (Sunnyside), otherwise from FRAMLINGHAM at White Horse Close. Nearest stop for 118 is from BUS SHELTER FRAMLINGHAM (Bridge Street). The 118 service gives access to OTLEY COLLEGE.

Towards Diss

Six of the 114 bus service that head to EYE from RISHANGLES CHAPEL become the 112 after arriving in EYE, which progresses to DISS. The earliest is 08.56am which reaches DISS at 09.22. If you need to get into Diss earlier you need to get to OCCOLD Green at 07.05 am to get into DISS at 07.22 - that is the 113 service which starts in Thorndon.

Technology is a big help here

If you have a smartphone you can access bustimes.org - if you put the service number into search, find the service and click on the yellow box (map) it will show you your bus, tracked in real time so you can see where up your bus is - very reassuring when waiting at rural stops for all, but especially for parents and young people. Other useful websites include travelline.info (when using this you can see how poorly served we are!) and suffolkonboard.com (which is not always easy to use but the up to date timetables are there). If you need help to access timetables the library service n Eye and Framlingham are good resources All the services mentioned above do run Saturday services (although less frequent). - there is NO Sunday service.

I hope this has not been a boring or confusing read! My intention is only to attempt to inform and raise awareness.

More information

Dial-a-ride bus service

A new dial a ride bus service is now operating in Worlingworth and the surrounding area. You can ring to arrange transport to neighbouring villages and to and from the towns of Framlingham, Debenham, Eye and Halesworth. The service runs between 7.00am and 7.00pm Monday to Saturday. Any one can use the service, Conessionary bus passes are accepted. For more details, click  dial a ride bus services suffolk - Search (bing.com)

BSEVC Connecting Communities

BSEVC Connecting Communities is a charity which provides transport for those who cannot access public transport for many reasons, perhaps they just don't have a local bus service or they suffer from a disability. We have wheelchair accessible minibuses, we also have drivers in the area who drive their own vehicles and provide transport for longer trips.

To keep the minibus services running we are desperately in need of volunteer drivers.

We do also have a 16 seater minibus which we hire out to groups.

More information on services etc visit http://www.bsevc.co.uk

With thanks.

Jan Robinson, Transport Co-ordinator, BSEVC, Red Gables, Ipswich Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1BE

Charity no 1004198

Company registered in England 2636217

VAT Reg No 699984732

Tel 01449 614271