More and cheaper buses promised by county council
East Sussex County Council last week released details of its proposals for cheaper bus fares and more frequent services across the county after receiving £41.4m funding from central government.
The national scheme introduced earlier this year to limit single fares to £2 has been extended to the end of June 2023. In the meantime, the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) will roll into action from next Friday 1 April. It includes:
- A new £5 all day ticket which can be used on most bus operators across East Sussex;
- A reduction from £17.50 to £15 for the weekly Freedom Pass for under 19s;
- An extension of the current offers of a single fare for under 19s after 6pm on school days and any time on non-school days;
- Up to four under 19s being able to travel for free with one adult fare paying or concessionary pass passenger.
Under a further programme to be launched “in the coming months”, the council plans a new bookable on-demand transport service which will operate primarily in more rural areas. The service will be able to be booked via an app or by phone.
Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Our plan to offer the highest quality bus service possible to our residents has been given a fantastic boost thanks to the Government funding we have secured.
“Our officers are working hard to make the proposals set out in our BSIP a reality and create a service that gives comprehensive choice, reduces congestion and makes a positive contribution to improving air quality and decarbonisation.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply