A NEW bus service was launched in Ely this week.

The service, provided by Norfolk Green, which operates dozens of routes in March and Wisbech, is made up of two orbital routes linking the housing estates on the outskirts of Ely with the city centre and the new Sainsbury store on Lisle Lane.

One loop is via Cam Drive while the other loop is via Beresford Road providing an hourly service to those residents and giving a half-hourly service to the city centre and Lisle Lane.

It is understood that Sainsbury’s, which stumped up �800,000 in developer contributions back in October, will contribute funding for the service for the first years, with an option for a further two years after that.

Fares will be �1.50 for a single ticket, �2 for an all day ticket and �8 for a weekly ticket.

Under 16s will pay �1 for a single and �1.60 for a day ticket while 16 to 19-year-olds will pay �1.20 for a single and �1.80 for a day ticket. The council said that concessionary bus passes can also be used on the service.

Councillor Peter Moakes, chairman of the Development and Transport sub committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It is fantastic to launch a new bus service which will meet the needs of our residents. We hope this service will be valued and well used by residents over the years to come.”

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Steve Criswell, cabinet member for Community Infrastructure, said: “We always welcome a new bus route to help people of all ages get out and about. The new service shows how developer’s contributions can make a real difference to communities and I’m sure this will be of great benefit to Ely residents.”

The vehicles will be modern single deck buses with the disabled accessibility and low platforms.

Extra money from the Sainsbury’s development will also be used to fund schemes to improve transport around the city.

The council is appealing for ideas and suggestions about how traffic flow and management could be improved in Ely and also to hear about any concerns or difficulties you are experiencing.

To provide feedback go to www.eastcambs.gov.uk or fill in a comments form available in the reception at the District Council.