Derek Deedman

Pat Stringer, who is just taking over as Commercial Manager of Brighton & Hove Buses, has agreed with Horsham District Council officers that there is an unfortunate gap in the afternoon 2A service to Steyning. He has apologised for the impact this had on bus users from Horsham District.

As the timetable has only just been changed, however, he says it would not be possible to change this again until later in the year. This was because bus operators must give the Transport Authority a lengthy notice of changes and, of course the timetables have been printed and are already in operation.

Pat has, however, agreed to look carefully to try to resolve this issue for the next possible timetable review in September. Although it must not be forgotten, that as a commercial service, the changes would have to be based on a business case. He concedes that the afternoon slot should be able to generate the required patronage.

So, unfortunately not good news for the short term, but Horsham DC officers feel confident that B&H have now clearly got the message and will try to resolve this in the autumn.

In the meantime Bramber, Steyning and Upper Beeding bus users should continue to contact Brighton & Hove Buses when this break in the hourly service causes them a problem.