Stagecoach puts brakes on Eastbourne to Brighton bus link

Stagecoach has confirmed its 701 service linking Eastbourne and Brighton will not run over the winter, but promises to reassess the route next spring.

The hourly service began operating five months ago and also serves Seaford, Newhaven and Falmer.

Stagecoach says that running the bus link over the winter period won’t be ‘viable’.

The company’s managing director, Joel Mitchell said: “We’re grateful to everyone that uses the service and we’re really sorry to have to step it down at this point. Initially the route did better than we expected, and we were pleased with the early uptick in passenger numbers.

"But growth hasn’t quite been enough to be able to sustain the service, especially through the winter - so we’re putting it on hold with a view to looking at how we can bring it back in one form or another, perhaps next year.

"We know people want to see low fares and more new bus routes - that’s why we’re ready to try new things where we can - but we also need clarity on a long- term funding strategy beyond the current £2 government fare cap.

"This is so we can work alongside local leaders to choose an approach that helps bus networks to flourish across all our communities and that reduces the harmful impacts of

congestion on our roads.”

The last day the 701 service will operate this year will be Saturday, November 16.