Multi-million pound boost for West Sussex bus services
The county's been granted Government money for the plans - which include cheaper fares for 16 to 21 year olds
Improvements to bus services are on the way in West Sussex following a £17.4 million funding boost.
The money has been awarded to West Sussex County Council by the Government as part of efforts to increase the number of passengers using services across the county.
The County Council has announced a range of schemes which the money will be used for, including a discounted concessionary scheme to encouraged young people aged 16 to 21 to use the buses.
'Tap-on- tap-off' fare technology will also be brought to services operating in the county, while more than 300 electronic display screens will be installed at stops to provide information on times and delays.
Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Sussex County Council, said:
"The £17.4million Department for Transport funding is excellent news for the whole of the county - and bus passengers in particular.
"We are working in partnership with the bus companies to do all we can to try to make bus travel as attractive as possible, help increase passenger numbers and thereby make it easier for people to get to essential services, shops and businesses, education and leisure facilities and to leave cars at home in favour of this more sustainable way to travel."
Other schemes being developed include:
• Improved bus stops at countywide sites, with new poles, flags, hardstanding, disabled access, shelters, seating, lighting and nearby crossing points
• Improvements to the bus lanes in Station Way, Crawley and the bus lane priority set up in Manor Royal, Crawley
• Creation of a new transport hub in Crawley, providing a single place to swap between different modes of public transport
The Department for Transport funding news follows the ongoing £2 fare scheme, which has been confirmed to be extended until June, and the recent County Council’s “Bus It” campaign – which encouraged senior residents to consider returning to the buses to take full advantage of their eligible free pass.