A fleet of 13 new gas-powered single deck buses will soon be operational in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, the boss of Anglian Bus has revealed.

And for the first time in just over 50 years, an hourly train service will run along the entire length of the East Suffolk railway line between Ipswich and Lowestoft from December 10, following completion of the long-awaited passing loop at Beccles.

The two pieces of news were given to a meeting of the East Suffolk Travellers' Association (ESTA) on Saturday.

Andrew Pursey, general manager of Anglian Bus, said the push towards greener transport would mean his firm was 'the first operator in the UK to operate these gas buses.'

Earlier this year the Department for Transport announced successful bids as part of round three of the government's Green Bus Fund. With the aim to reduce fuel emission levels by encouraging bus operators and local councils to use more eco-friendly vehicles, �3m was announced for the East of England, including �624,000 for the 13 new gas powered buses for use by Anglian Bus.

Mr Pursey said: 'We trialled the bus on three different routes last year and were extremely pleased with the results and feedback from drivers and passengers. We were successful with our bid earlier this year and I am hoping we will see them in a few weeks' time – to start in December or January.'

ESTA Chairman Trevor Garrod said: 'There are one or two small buses that run on normal gas, but certainly nothing on services around Lowestoft. So this will be an important step forward towards greener transport.'