New arrival parks up at Community Bus garage

The shiny yellow vehicle, which cost around 50,000 and has just 160 miles on the clock, begins its route around Bexhill's roads on Monday (June 14).

"We try and change our bus every three or four years," said Ian Harris, managing director of Bexhill Community Bus. "If you don't, the running repairs get more costly.

"I'm very pleased with this one.

"It's the fifth or sixth I've bought as managing director, and it's got a few new bells and whistles."

This is the 11th new community bus since the organisation began in 1980. In the past, new buses were funded through donations, but this latest addition was paid for entirely through fares claimed from East Sussex County Council under the Sussex County Card scheme, which gives pensioners or those unable to drive due to medical reasons free bus travel in Sussex.

The new arrival means there are once again two yellow buses covering Bexhill on a six-day timetable, which takes around 50,000 locals each year from Devonshire Road through Collington and Little Common and back to the Town Hall Square and Bexhill Railwy Station.

Routes also take in Pebsham and Bexhill Old Town, with plenty of stops. Tickets cost 60p for a single, 30p for children and are free for those holding County Cards and/or Blind Person Cards.

Later this year, the organisation is set to celebrate a milestone when it carries its 1.5millionth passenger safely to their stop.

Ian, who has been working for the organisation for about 20 years, said his team of 20 drivers and 10 conductors, all volunteers, would be delighted with the bus, which was made by Chassis Developments, near Farnborough.

"They used to be white," he said. "But this is the third or fourth since we changed to yellow. We just decided it was a more distinctive colour."

Details about bus timetables and fares can be found at www.bexhillcommunitybus.co.uk, or in the Sackville Road office of the organisation.