We're pleased to announce that the Hedingham & Chambers 753 bus route is expanding. Thanks to a successful joint funding bid with our neighbouring parishes, improvements to our 753 bus service is promising greater access and convenience for all.
Starting from 26th May 2024, get ready for extended service hours and even more accessibility along Route 753. Here's what you can look forward to:
Later Nights and Sunday Service: Residents travelling between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury serving Sicklemere, Stanningfield, Cross Green, Lavenham, Great Waldingfield, Acton and Long Melford can now enjoy the bus service that will now operate later into the evening and on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
More Buses to West Suffolk Hospital: We understand the importance of easy access to healthcare facilities. That's why there’s an increase in frequency of buses to West Suffolk Hospital, ensuring that residents have reliable transportation options when they need it most. The last bus back to Sudbury at 22:37 to support NHS workers and patients.
Excellent Value for Money: Despite these enhancements, we're committed to offering affordable transportation solutions. With a single fare of just £2!
During the engagement process we asked you what you’d like to see from local bus services, here are some of the results:
“At the moment there is no service at all on a Sunday from Bury St Edmunds to Sudbury when most people are likely to want to ravel on public transport to have an outing, visit people in hospital or spending time with their family. There are also people who need to get to work”.
“I am a pensioner with no access to a car. It has always been a frustration to me that I can’t go to any of the many events and locations served by the existing bus service on a Sunday and I would use such a facility frequently. It is also an ongoing frustration that Sunday Health Centre is so shabbily served by any convenient public transport service and if there is any way in which this can be addressed it would save many of us a great deal of stress, not to mention money in the occasional cab fares”.
An evening bus service would enable people to travel between various places and provide a greater footfall for all businesses, help their sustainability and enable them to stay open for longer hours and serve the public”.
This significant improvement in service comes as a result of Hedingham & Chambers successfully securing a portion of the Bus Service Improvement Plan 2 funding from Suffolk County Council, thanks to a collaborative effort with the UK Government.
Hedingham & Chambers are part of Go East Anglia who provides bus services across Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk. Go East Anglia expanded to included Hedingham & Chambers bus services in 2012, where most of their routes operate in rural areas across the three counties to ensure a service is provided to more areas.
The expansion of service hours, particularly on Sundays, is a welcomed change for villages that have been without bus service for many years. The overwhelming support from local communities, Councillors, and parishes highlights the significant positive impact this enhancement will have on the region.
But it's not just residents who stand to benefit from these improvements. Local businesses are excited about the potential boost to their trade. Gainsborough’s House is offering a discounted entry to anyone who shows a bus or train ticket, as they are keen to promote the use of public transport. This initiative not only encourages visitors to explore the town but also supports sustainable travel options.
Here's what our local businesses have to say about the improved bus route:
Charlotte Dixon, Events & Marketing Manager of Gainsborough House comments:
This initiative is a positive step in encouraging locals and tourists to explore the arts and culture that Essex and Suffolk has to offer using more sustainable modes of transport. Further information can be found on our website: www.gainsborough.org
Increased tourism in our town, especially as we come into Summer is something that always happens as we are a beautiful historic town, amazing local facilities and plenty to keep everyone busy.
Rachel Price, Business manager of Sudbury Town Council comments: “We are thrilled with the extension of the 753 service. We have an ever-expanding evening and Sunday economy in Sudbury with some of the best Sunday lunches for miles around, fantastic independent businesses, not to mention the strength of our leisure and culture sector. Much of our town centre events programming is also taking place on Sundays this year, from our new Street Food Festival, our Green Sundays Eco Markets and a new Antiques & Vintage Fair, we are excited at the prospect that more people will now be able to reach us and enjoy everything our town has to offer.”
Join the town in celebrating all things green, the use of public transport and Hedingham & Chambers new 753 bus service. Plan your journey here.
This expanded service will increase accessibility for residents. Whether it's commuting to work, attending medical appointments, enjoying leisurely outings, or providing greater independence for young people, the extended bus service promises to enrich the lives of everyone in the community.
Alistair McMillan, The Brewery Tap comments: “The Brewery Tap is really starting to fire on all cylinders again after a change of management and the Mauldons Brewery itself is also ramping up things. Check out all of our events on our new website: https://www.thebrewerytapsudbury.co.uk/events”
Anna Ruiz-Pardos, General Manager of The Mill Hotel comments:
“The Mill is thrilled about the extension of the 753 bus route, as it opens up new opportunities for both residents and visitors to conveniently access our vibrant town center. This initiative reflects Sudbury's commitment to fostering a connected and thriving community.”
As you can see, the new 753 bus service will provide safe travel for plenty of the locals who attend our pubs. It allows you to enjoy your evening, and not have to worry about how you are getting home.
How you can get involved:
Get onboard and use the bus
Spread the word about our enhances services
Encourage your local businesses to share with their customers
Sign your business up to become a reward partner
We're excited to embark on this journey of improved accessibility and convenience. Pick up a timetable and discover all the great places you can visit this summer by bus! Hedingham & Chambers are full of day trip inspiration, advice on how to use their app to plan your journey and information on where you can travel by bus.
Let's make transportation in our community better than ever before!
