Outrage as number 25 bus ends night service

First Bus have announced plans to stop the number 25 bus running throughout the night.

The 25 route is the major line taken by students when commuting between the city and the university, but its night route will now only run on Saturdays.

The night service currently operates from 11.50pm until 5.18am, but this will end from September 20 of the new academic year.

Uninterrupted transportation from the uni campus is a big benefit of First Bus’ annual pass, and many students will be affected by the changes.

SU Welfare Community and Diversity Officer, Jo Swo, said: ‘”The decision to take away the night bus, carried out when most students are away for summer, is an absolute disgrace.

“For the past decade the night bus has been a vital safety lifeline for students getting to and from campus and forms a key part of their student bus pass entitlement.

“Proudly promoting on their website that the cost of a UEA pass would be frozen whilst neglecting to tell students that this Night Bus will go is outrageous.

“The decision is a kick in the teeth for cash strapped students on campus and makes First look like a company more into profits than student welfare.”

Chris Jarvis, the SU’s Campaigns and Democracy Officer, said: “We’ll be warning all new students and urging them to boycott the pass until First reverses their decision.”

He continued: “Any student affected by the decision should sign the Students’ Union’s petition on change.org and record their personal stories on the dramatic effect it will have.”

Chris started the petition which you can sign here, and it currently has over 700 signatures since being posted 6 hours ago.

The changes come soon after Stagecoach announced that they will be taking over the company.

The Tab contacted First Bus for a comment, but they have yet to respond.