Rail - Bus link from Great Yarmouth station saved as new operator steps forward.
The Wherry 100 bus service which connects rail passengers arriving at Great Yarmouth station with the town centre, bus station, seafront attractions and one of the areas largest holiday parks will run again this year.
Having operated for several years, its future was in doubt after the previous transport company chose not to continue the service, however Great Yarmouth based Ambassador Travel has now stepped in to run the hugely popular seven day per week link.
Commencing on July 23 and running through until August 31, the Wherry 100 service will operate every 30minutes, seven days per week between 9.45am & 6.15pm. Connecting Greater Anglia services arriving and departing Great Yarmouth railway station with the seafront, town centre, bus station and Vauxhall Holiday Park.
Fares have been held at 2024 prices with an adult single ticket priced at £2, children (aged 5-19) at £1.50, aged 4 and under free with family tickets available and national bus passes also accepted.
Once again the service is being sponsored by the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and is the only bus service to call directly outside the railway station.
Chris Mitchell, Chair of the Partnership said, “We are delighted to partner with Ambassador Travel this year to support the hugely popular Wherry 100 service. Once again rail passengers arriving in Great Yarmouth will be able to step off the train and onto the bus within minutes of their arrival and enjoy both great connectivity and very reasonably priced fares.”
Ian Forkes, Company Director at Ambassador Travel added, “We are pleased to be taking on the Wherry 100 service and look forward to conveying rail passengers arriving into Great Yarmouth with a fast and frequent connection to the town centre, bus station, seafront and Vauxhall Holiday Park.”
Since the service began it has proved popular with both holiday makers arriving in the town and people from communities along the railway between Norwich and Great Yarmouth including Brundall, Cantley, Lingwood, Acle and Reedham.
Reedham resident Ann Thompson is thrilled the service will run again this year, she said; “It’s really fantastic news to hear that the Wherry 100 bus is running again, I always use the train to get to Great Yarmouth but the long walk from the station means it’s difficult to reach the town centre, seafront or the beach especially with grandchildren, having used the service many times since it began I am absolutely thrilled it is going to run again for the summer.”
In advance of the service commencing Wherry Lines volunteers will be distributing printed timetables and posters promoting the service.
Jonathan Denby, train operator Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said:
“We are pleased that the Wherry 100 bus service between the rail station and the key locations and attractions in Great Yarmouth will run again this summer. Many visitors to the town arrive by train and being able to offer a seamless travel experience for onward journeys from the station is very important for our customers and helps to showcase Great Yarmouth as a great holiday destination.
“We hope that it will encourage even more people to leave the car at home and travel sustainably, on our comfortable new trains, when visiting.”
Timetables are also available online here with further information available from Ambassador Travel on 01493 440350.