THE bus war is stepping up a gear with the introduction of three new Ipswich Buses services.

The transport operator is increasing the pressure on First in Ipswich with the new routes coming into force on Monday.

Ipswich Buses’ new services, running from Mondays to Saturdays, include the X3 which will serve Ravenswood to central Ipswich via Nacton Road and Bishops Hill, while the X5 will provide transport to Ipswich Hospital along Foxhall Road.

The third service, the 6a, will operate a one-way circular route linking central Ipswich with Landseer Road and Cliff Lane via Duke Street.

Malcolm Robson, managing director of Ipswich Buses, said: “These new services are aimed at providing competing services in response to the new services introduced by First in east Ipswich.

“Included in our new services is a direct service along Nacton Road into central Ipswich, a link which has been missing from our network for nearly 20 years.

“We are also looking forward to recommencing service 4 from Broke Hall and Bixley Farm into Ipswich via Felixstowe Road in September, providing a link First no longer wish to provide.”

Mr Robson said his drivers had told their managers that passengers had been standing back to allow First Buses past so they could catch their vehicles.

However, a First Eastern Counties spokesman hit back and said: “Other bus operators are within their rights to react to our positive changes in Ipswich, and we have no concerns that the improvements to bus services from both operators will benefit passengers in the area.

“First have been serving the Ipswich area for over 90 years and are proud to continue doing so with the introduction of our new services.

“We welcome passenger feedback to our Customer Service team (08456 020121) from any current users of our services if they feel we can improve further.”

n What do you think of the town’s bus services? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk