February 2023
Luke: The night bus started as a concept by me in my election manifesto after working in the SU venues since my first year.
Nathan: I thought it was a great idea! Me and Luke campaigned closely (we weren't allowed to run together but we did our best to help each other)
July 2023
Luke: I set up recurring meetings about the project with the Head of Advice, Lindsay, and Nathan.
Luke and Nathan in a planning meeting
August 2023
Nathan: I organize a visit from Norwich South MP, Clive Lewis, who offers support through a roundtable with local charities if our own means do not work out.
October 2023
Luke: I worked with the Liberal Democrat Party in the City Council to bring a motion to Norwich Council to support the Night Bus and look for further funding. It passes unanimously.
Nathan: We went to the council meeting together and it was great to see support from our representatives.
Luke, Nathan and Lindsay at City Hall
Luke: I bring motions to both our own Union Council for support of the bus. The SU motion passed unanimously allowing me to gain more support on the project.
Luke and Nathan at Union Council
November 2023
Following Luke and Nathan teaming up with the UEA Security Team, who run the Transport department, we begin conversations with FirstBus. The estimated cost for running a night bus for one year is £90,000.
Luke: There was no way we could afford that!
Nathan: I look into every option imaginable, including sponsorships from external companies (including VK!)
December 2023
A Norwich City Councillor raises the question to Norfolk County Council regarding funding. The Transport Minister refuses to fund more than 1/3 of the project due to fears of it not being long-term, despite having a £1,000,000 pot for transport!
Luke: I write an open letter asking for them to reconsider. The route was successful pre-covid, why not now?
January 2024
After months of trying, winter proves to be a stalemate with funding. So, we decide to put the money where our mouth is and agree to a cost sharing agreement with the University and Norfolk County Council. Each institution agrees to put forward £30,000 for a 1-year trial.
Nathan: This was a huge commitment from us -- proportionally our investment was much bigger than the other institutions. We needed to justify our case!
Luke: I write a paper and bring it to our trustee board with support from Nathan. It passes!
February 2024 - May 2024
FirstBus and Norfolk County Council agreements being drafted, and the route finalised. Luke fully hands the project over to Nathan after leaving for another job opportunity in May.
Nathan: I was gutted that Luke was leaving, but was determined to finish our hard work.
June 2024
Luke: The agreement is finalised! The Union pays its £30,000. Nathan and I sign our cheques with the University and pay our share of the route.
Nathan: Purchase orders, invoices, internal and external comms, press releases, launch events, project oversight, you name it! It's been a mammoth task but finally it is coming to the end.
Luke and Nathan with the UEA transport team
August 2024
FirstBus submits the route application. Night Bus Approved.
Nathan and Luke's marketing campaign!