The Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority has been awarded £564,000 from the Department for Transport to explore how bus services across the region could be improved. The package will fund independent studies into bus reform options, including franchising, and pay to recruit a named officer to lead the work.
What the funding covers
The award is split between research and staffing. Of the total, £500,000 will pay for studies assessing the benefits and practicalities of reforming the bus network, while £64,000 has been allocated to recruit a dedicated Bus Reform Officer who will co‑ordinate the work.
| Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|
| Independent studies into bus reform and franchising | £500,000 |
| Recruitment of Bus Reform Officer | £64,000 |
| Total | £564,000 |
Why the work is being carried out
The authority says the work will help it assess how future services might better meet the needs of passengers, communities and businesses across Sussex and Brighton. The studies will draw on experience from the Department for Transport and other Strategic Authorities to examine options for improving connections to jobs, education and essential services.
"This is an exciting investment in the future of our buses across Sussex and Brighton. We know the cost of living is biting hard and that our buses must become more affordable and meet the needs of our communities in terms of frequency and route planning. This funding fires the starting gun on potential change."
The comment above was made by Councillor Bella Sankey, chair of the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority board. Other board members emphasised the wider economic value of buses and the particular importance of services to rural communities.
Local impact and next steps
Officials say the studies will examine whether franchising or other reforms could create a more coherent network, improve affordability and increase the frequency of services where demand is highest. The recruitment of a Bus Reform Officer suggests a sustained piece of work rather than a short feasibility exercise; the officer will lead engagement, evidence‑gathering and co‑ordination with local authorities and operators.
- The funding supports independent analysis rather than immediately changing bus contracts.
- Outcomes could include proposals for franchising or alternative models to improve coverage and cost-effectiveness.
- The focus will include access to jobs, education and essential services, and the needs of rural areas.
Public officials and councillors have framed the work as the start of a process. Any concrete changes to timetables, fares or the structure of the network would follow further decisions based on the studies' findings and subsequent public and stakeholder consultation.
The award reflects national interest in local bus reform and comes amid wider debates over public transport funding, fare affordability and how best to support travel where demand has not fully recovered since the pandemic. For residents across East Sussex and beyond, the studies could signal the first step towards more joined-up and potentially more affordable bus services.
