A drive towards sustainable transport in Lowestoft has led to an overhaul of the bus services to help curb traffic congestion and promote greener travel.

Bus providers First and Anglian Bus have revamped six bus service links across the town to encourage people to ditch cars in favour of public transport.

Anglian Bus is providing an extension of the 601 to allow a 30 minute service to Kessingland Beach, Lowestoft College, Tesco, Pleasurewood Hills and Gunton Hall.

Meanwhile, First bus have enhanced five routes, including a 30 minute daytime service and an hourly service on evenings and Sundays for the 102; an hourly service during the evenings and Sundays for the 103; a 30 minute service between Monday and Saturday for the 104; a 20 minute daytime service, and an hourly service on evenings and weekends for the 105; and an hourly daytime service Monday to Saturday for the 106.

Members of the county council and bosses of the bus companies have praised the initiatives as a step towards helping tourism, improving public transport, and tackling traffic delays throughout Lowestoft.

The improvements are part of the second stage of the �6.25m Lowestoft Links project, which aims to boost travel options, improves people's health and reduce traffic congestion over the next three years.

Suffolk County councillor Tony Goldson said: 'The service is going to encourage more tourism to Lowestoft and give holidaymakers a service with regular access to Pleasurewood Hills.'

Lowestoft Local Links, funded by the government and local councils, will see the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Lake Lothing and revamp the forecourt at the train station.

Businesses have been told they could benefit from reduced travel costs, a healthier work force and easier access for staff and customers if they embrace car-sharing schemes and cycle to work projects.

Schools will be invited to take part in sustainability work shops, cycle training from Bike-It officers, and walk to school events.

Steve Wickers, regional commercial director for First, said: 'This project is just one part of an ongoing regeneration project.

'It is one way of encouraging people to use buses, and to make sure there is a good network coverage across the Lowestoft area.

First and Anglian Bus have been subsidised by the Department of Transport's Local Sustainable Transport fund in order to deliver the enhanced service.

Andrew Pursey, managing director of Anglian Bus, said he was confident the services will continue once the subsidies stop in three year's time.

Lowestoft Local Links is funded by the Department of Transport, Waveney District Council and Suffolk County Council.