Stagecoach celebrates one million journeys on Service 500 with free Valentine’s travel
Stagecoach South is sharing the love this Valentine’s weekend by offering free travel on its popular Service 500 to thank customers and communities after reaching a major milestone, one million passenger journeys since the route launched in July 2023.
The milestone journey was recorded on 27 January, when the 1,000,000th customer stepped on board Service 500, a powerful moment that reflects the growing importance of the route to local communities across West Sussex.
To celebrate the landmark moment, customers will be able to travel for free on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February, giving people the chance to enjoy days out, visit loved ones, or explore everything the route has to offer, on the house.
Service 500 launched in July 2023 with funding from the Department for Transport through the Bus Service Improvement Plan, in partnership with West Sussex County Council.
The free travel offer is available exclusively via the Stagecoach Bus App, where customers can redeem a discount code against a special promotional ticket. Full details on how to claim the offer are available here. Further celebrations will continue later in the month with a promotional competition, giving customers the chance to win a £500 gift card as another thank you for their continued support.
Service 500, which runs between Chichester and Littlehampton via St Richard’s Hospital, Shopwhyke, Barnham and Yapton, was introduced to improve connectivity for local towns and villages. Since launch, it has become a vital link for residents accessing work, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure, while supporting more sustainable travel choices across West Sussex with modern, low‑emission buses.
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, said: “Reaching one million journeys on Service 500 is an incredible milestone, and it simply wouldn’t have been possible without the continued support of our customers and local communities. Valentine’s weekend felt like the perfect moment to give something back and say thank you. Whether you’re heading out for a meal, meeting friends, or enjoying a day out, we’re delighted to help people travel for free and celebrate together.”
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Highway and Transport, Councillor Joy Dennis, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating one million journeys on the Stagecoach 500 route. This fantastic milestone reflects the hard work of everyone involved and the thousands of residents and visitors who choose the bus as part of their everyday journeys. Their support strengthens our public transport network, helps grow a sustainable and prosperous local economy, and plays a vital role in protecting our environment.
“We’re also working closely with parish councils to introduce more bus shelters along the route, making it more comfortable for people to travel by bus. These improvements aim to enhance the passenger experience and encourage even more residents to choose travelling by bus.
“The success of the 500 shows what can be achieved when we invest in and champion sustainable transport. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to its success, and we encourage even more people to get on board.”
Customers are encouraged to download the Stagecoach Bus App to redeem the free ticket, plan journeys, track buses in real time and discover the many destinations along the 500 route, from coastal trips and historic attractions to shopping, dining and local events.
For full details on how to claim free Valentine’s travel on Service 500, visit the Stagecoach website.