News on future of subsidised bus routes expected soon

Councillors are expected to decide on funding for around 20 subsidised bus routes in Brighton & Hove that rely on council money to keep going.

A report by officers goes before members of the policy, resources and growth committee on 13 July.

The routes include a number serving schools as well as others linking the city to the South Downs National Park.

The report explains the outcome of a tendering process for the routes.  At the moment, details are confidential under laws designed to protect companies’ commercial confidentiality. This ensures that competitive tendering wins taxpayers the best available deal.

Companies who have won the routes will be announced if and when councillors agree the report. This includes agreeing an investment of £150,000 into subsidised routes – money saved by efficiencies elsewhere in the council’s transport service.

Chair of the council’s transport committee Councillor Gill Mitchell said: “These subsidised routes are very important to many communities so we’re doing everything we can to protect them. I’m looking forward to announcing details as soon as the rules allow.”

The Policy, Resources & Growth Committee is in Hove Town Hall council chamber from 4pm on Thursday 13 July.