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Bus Firm Hits Back At MP

Thursday, 9 July 2026 08:15

Sanders Coaches has defended rural bus services after criticism from North Norfolk MP Steff Aquarone.

A Norfolk bus operator has hit back at criticism from North Norfolk MP Steff Aquarone over rural bus services.

The Liberal Democrat MP says people in rural communities need more reliable, more frequent and better-funded public transport, arguing that villages across North Norfolk deserve stronger connections.

But Sanders Coaches, which runs many services in the area, has defended its record and says improvements have already been made to routes in recent years. The company points to evening bus improvements and new rural services, while Norfolk County Council says bus passenger numbers across the county have risen by 26% since 2022.

Mr Aquarone has said he will not apologise for pushing for better services for his constituents, particularly in rural areas where people without access to a car can be left isolated.

Sanders Coaches is based in Holt and operates bus and coach services across Norfolk, including many routes in North Norfolk.

The row highlights the wider challenge of improving rural transport, where operators, councils and politicians are under pressure to balance passenger demand, funding and the cost of running services.

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