Campaigners angered over changes to bus routes

Stagecoach is breaking up longer routes into two short routes

Campaigners say changes to some bus routes in East Sussex may deter people from using public transport.

From Sunday, Stagecoach is breaking some of its longer routes in Hastings into two shorter routes, meaning passengers having to pay the £2 fare twice to complete the longer journey.

The campaign group Transport Futures East Sussex described it as "an act of self harm in terms of attracting people to the buses".

Stagecoach said the changes are being introduced because of fewer passengers using the longer routes.

Derrick Coffee from Transport Futures East Sussex told BBC Radio Sussex: "Nobody's going to welcome a 100% increase in their bus fares.

"The £2 bus fare has been a renaissance for the buses, and we've been lucky in East Sussex to have a lot more services restored.

"The £2 fare has changed the profile of the bus user, people who hitherto would have used their car, so if we are winning people over it seems to be a bit of an own goal."

'Improving reliability'

Joel Mitchell, Stagecoach South East's managing director, said, "These changes are all about improving the reliability of the bus services we offer for the community.

"We have to make sure we are using our resource and capacity in a way that delivers the best possible service to where it's most needed.

"The vast majority of bus passengers in the Hastings area travel into the town and back, rather than across town.

"Thanks to our partnership with East Sussex County Council we offer a great value day ticket that allows unlimited travel anywhere in the county at £5.50 for adults over 30, £4.10 for under 30s, or just £3.50 for those aged 18 and under."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.