Public voices concerns over state of Hastings bus service

It was organised by Hastings MP Helena Dollimore who has launched a campaign to improve bus services and has been canvassing local people for their views.

It generated so much interest that two meetings were held at Hastings Angling Club on February 12 to accommodate those who wanted to attend

Late and cancelled buses, lack of communication and problems with the real-time bus app were among the problems frequently encountered by bus users.

Senior representatives from Stagecoach were at the meeting to address issues, including Stagecoach South East boss Joel Mitchell. They spoke about the operational problems they face including traffic congestion and roadworks and revealed the shocking fact that buses in Hastings are three times more likely to have their suspension damaged by potholes than anywhere else in the South East.

Brighton was held up as the model of running an efficient and reliable bus service.

Ms Dollimore said: “Having a reliable bus service is so important to all of us in Hastings, from children trying to get to school to people needing to get to hospital or GP appointments. I see no reason why we cannot have a bus service like Brighton.”

Joel Mitchell from Stagecoach said: “I am determined to see improvements and for the first time in seven years I see a chance to do that. Hastings matters hugely to us.

"The reason that Brighton is so good is that there was a political will 30 years ago to get people out of cars and using public transport.

"Some buses are running at a loss in Hastings, with the 329 service losing £1.5 million. Bus passenger numbers are lower. We need investment and that has to come through fares or from the local authority (East Sussex County Council). We genuinely care about this and want to get it right.”

Other points raised by bus users were that a bus that serves the White Rock Theatre finishes as early as 8pm and that concessionary bus passes for older people can’t be used until 9.30am making it hard to get to 9am GP appointments. The poor state of some of the bus shelters and the cleanliness of buses was also raised.

Joel Mitchell said: “The real time information system is run by East Sussex County Council but we are working with them to improve it. We are investing £3.5 million into improving the app.

"There are issues we can’t control such as if a bus goes over a pothole then it can affect the sensor and the bus will disappear from the real-time app.

"The biggest cause of late buses is traffic congestion and roadworks, although we are actually ten percent up on last year for punctuality. The state of the roads is an issue with three times more suspension damage to buses in Hastings than any other area in the South East.

"The long term solution is bus lanes. Buses work so well in Brighton because they do not interface with cars.

"Bus shelters are owned and maintained by East Sussex County Council and the 9.30am concessionary fare limit is a national mandate.

"There are 63 newer buses being introduced in the South East and we are planning to give Hastings the lion’s share. We have also introduced new bus washing machinery at the Hastings depot.

"We are about to do another review of the Hastings bus services and want to do a good job for you.”

Ms Dollimore said: “Potholes continue to be a problem. I am on the case and with be in touch with East Sussex County Council to hold them to account on how much of the Government money for potholes is being spent in Hastings and the quality of the repairs.”