The introduction of free concessionary travel in April has proved a great success in Eastbourne. Over 15,000 passes are now in issue, an increase of nearly 3,000 compared with those under the previous half-fare scheme.
Pass holders are entitled to free local travel within the Sussex Countywide scheme on Eastbourne Buse/transport/public/concessionary-bus-fares/applys, Stagecoach, and Brighton & Hove bus journeys that start in Eastbourne. However the pass is not valid on services such as the sightseeing tour around Eastbourne operated by City Sightseeing as this is not a local bus service and is therefore not eligible for inclusion within the Countywide scheme. Mistakenly some pass holders have believed that they could use this service and have been allowed to by the operator. This has now ceased and pass holders are encouraged to use the alternative local bus services available.
Councillor Elkin the Cabinet spokesperson for Transport commented “The success of this scheme is great news for Eastbourne. It costs taxpayers a lot of money but allows many more residents to get out and about our lovely town and encourages drivers to leave their cars at home. It’s really good to see the buses well used because that is so much better for the environment. I would encourage people who are eligible for a pass to apply for one so that they can start to reap the benefit”.
Application forms for passes and information on how to apply are obtainable from the Council’s website
www.eastbourne.gov.uk, the Customer Contact Centre at 1 Grove Road or by telephoning 415181.
