- West Sussex is one of 31 places across the country chosen to receive new funding to level up local bus services through the Government’s £1.2 billion bus transformation programme.
- The new funding is part of a £7 billion package which will help to level up transport outside of London – delivering lower, simpler fares to help tackle cost-of-living pressures.
Henry Smith MP has welcomed £17.4 million of new funding for West Sussex to deliver vital improvements and level up local bus networks – delivering cheaper, more frequent, and more reliable journeys for passengers.
Henry said;
“Bus networks form the spine of local transport networks – but for decades too many communities have been let down by poor bus infrastructure.
“That is why I’m delighted that West Sussex is receiving £17.4 million of new funding to boost bus services – transforming our local transport network to deliver cheaper, more reliable and more frequent services for passengers.
“This will mean that local passengers will get a better deal, with local transport networks they can truly rely on.”
This funding is part of a £7 billion package from the Government, made up of £1.2 billion of funding for areas who will prioritise improving their bus services for local residents; £5.7 billion of transport funding to England’s eight city regions; and £38 million for light rail operators across the Midlands and North.
Including earlier awards, just under two thirds of England's population outside London will benefit from new investment to make their buses more frequent, more reliable, easier to understand and use, cheaper, or greener. Improvements will also include integrated ticketing and more bus lanes to speed up journeys.
Other areas which are willing to show similar levels of ambition will continue to be eligible for funding. In the meantime, a further £150 million is being provided across England to maintain service levels as patronage continues to recover after the pandemic.
The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, commented;
“Buses are the most popular way of getting around in this country – but for too long people outside of London have had a raw deal.
“The investment we’re making today to ramp up the bus revolution will drive down fares at a time when people’s finances are tight and help connect communities across England.”
