Review of council-subsidised bus services underway in Brighton and Hove

"Breeze up the Downs" country access buses are among subsidised services up for review

27 July 2011. Brighton and Hove City Council has embarked on a review of dozens of bus services that depend on council subsidy for their survival. Any changes which result from the review will come into effect in September 2012. The review also asks whether any new 'direct' bus services are needed.
 A spokesperson said: "Brighton & Hove City Council plans and funds a number of bus services. We pay for some complete routes and a number of evening, Sunday and school services. As these services are not profitable, they would not run without financial support from the council.

"The Transport Act 1985 gives local authorities the powers to seek tenders, and then to issue contracts, for bus services which are considered ‘socially necessary,’ but which are not commercially viable. Contracts for existing supported services were issued in September 2008, and are due to expire in September 2012. Before going out to tender for replacement services we are very keen to take into account the views of local communities throughout the city"

Residents are being asked to consider the following questions:
• Do the services run at suitable times ?
• Do they run to useful destinations ?
• Do the services offer value for money ?
• Are there any areas of Brighton & Hove which are not currently on bus routes, and where a bus route would be beneficial ?
• In terms of employment and educational opportunities, and of encouraging bus travel, are any new “direct” bus routes needed ?

If you would like to discuss any of these points, or if you have any questions, please do contact Richard Johnson on (01273) 292480, or by e mail richard.johnson@brighton-hove.gov.uk
The full review document can be downloaded at the link below
Bus Services Review – July 2011
Or click "read more" for list of services affected (extracted from Review Doc above)

In a related development, a council source said earlier today that the proposed CTS rapid transit service was shelved because of lack of funds. This would have enabled rapid bus links to reduce journey times on public transport - a move seen as essential if the city is to reduce air pollution caused by short car journeys. In B&H, 27,000 car journeys per day are work commutes of less than three miles, according to a report released last week.