On-demand bus services introduced across East Sussex
Flexibus, a flexible on-demand rideshare service, has been introduced across a number of zones of East Sussex which are not served by any regular bus route. Residents within each zone can book a ride to anywhere else within it or to their nearest town centre, train station, hospital or other key destinations.
Services run Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm (not Sundays or bank holidays). Bookings can be taken up to 30 minutes before the intended ride and up to seven days in advance, either by a telephone call or through an online app.
The cost is capped until at least the end of October at £2 per adult, or £4 return, as a result of government subsidy. It will probably rise to £2.50 and £5 respectively for the following year. Seniors are able to travel free with their bus passes on the same terms as on regular routes; there are equivalent concessions for children (but those under 15 must be accompanied by someone over that age). Cash payments are accepted on the bus; card alternatives will be introduced “soon”, according to a press release from East Sussex County Council.
The buses are accessible by wheelchair users via a rear lift. Assistance dogs are also welcome.
Zones relevant to Hastings and its hinterland are drawn as follows:
Zone 7: Battle, Ninfield, Robertsbridge and Heathfield;
Zone 8: Bexhill, Herstmonceax, Ninfield, Battle;
Zone 9: Hawkhurst, Northiam, Hastings, Robertsbridge
Zone 10: Hastings, Rye, Northiam.
The East Sussex Flexibus team say they “will always aim to be at your meeting point on time but occasionally circumstances out of our control may cause a delay. You can use the app to keep updated on the bus arrival time”.
Telephone calls should be made to 01273 078203. The online “Ride Pingo” app can be downloaded from AppStore or Google Play using a smartphone or tablet.
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