Bus on standby to replace rail services

A train operator revealed it keeps a bus on standby at the region's rail terminus in anticipation of disruption to services.

Abellio Greater Anglia made the revelation following the cancellation of trains between Sheringham and Norwich last weekend.

Eight services were pulled after a signal fault and replacement bus services and taxis were put on for passengers.

Abellio apologised for the disruption this week but declined to confirm how many trains had been cancelled on the line since the start of the year.

Media officer Lucy Wright said: 'Generally, performance on the Sheringham line has been good. During the four weeks ending January 9, the punctuality performance figure for the line was 97.5%. The average performance figure for the line over the past 12 months (up to January 9) is 95%.

'Eight services were cancelled on the Norwich to Sheringham line on Saturday, as a result of the signal failure. A rail replacement bus service was put in operation as soon as possible and we also used taxis to convey passengers.

'We have a standby bus available at Norwich station which is used as a contingency. In the event of extended disruption, we call upon other local bus operators to supply buses.'

The disruption began shortly after 3pm on Saturday, but services resumed around 8pm that evening.

Ms Wright added: 'We're sorry for the disruption to services on Saturday.'