Transport companies across the region have pledged to make services more timely.

Ipswich Star: Signing of the Bus Punctuality Improvement Partnership: L-R Steve Wickers - First Buses, Malcolm Robson - Ipswich Buses, Bill Hirion - Stephensons of Essex, Alan Braybrooke - GallowaySigning of the Bus Punctuality Improvement Partnership: L-R Steve Wickers - First Buses, Malcolm Robson - Ipswich Buses, Bill Hirion - Stephensons of Essex, Alan Braybrooke - Galloway (Image: Archant)

First Buses, Ipswich Buses, Stephensons of Essex and Galloway all signed the Bus Punctuality Improvement Partnership at the Annual Operator Conference in Suffolk.

The initiative with Suffolk County Council will see the companies regularly review punctuality and identify the causes for any late services and put remedies in place.

As well as signing the initiative, all four companies will send twice yearly reports on punctuality levels to the Traffic Commissioner for the Eastern Region who will monitor progress.

Councillor Mary Evans said: “Suffolk County Council wants to encourage more people to travel by bus to ease congestion and improve air quality in our bigger towns. Two of the key factors in deciding to take the bus instead of driving are the punctuality and reliability of the bus service.

“I am really pleased to see bus operators sign up to the partnership.

“The agreement means that buses are fitted with equipment which tracks their journeys giving real time information, so passengers know exactly when their next bus is due. It also monitors the punctuality which allows the county council to prioritise buses at traffic lights so they can keep up to time.”