South Downs: Funding for bus services from Brighton facing cuts

The Breeze up to the Downs service is particularly popular in the summer

Funding for two bus services to beauty spots on the South Downs could be withdrawn as part of budget cuts.

Brighton & Hove City Council is proposing scrapping subsidies totalling £58,000 for its two Breeze Up to the Downs bus services.

It affects the 77 to the Devil's Dyke, which runs from Easter to mid-June, and the 79 to Ditchling Beacon.

A campaign group said the move goes against the council's aim to get more people on public transport.

"For such a relatively small saving, many vulnerable groups would be harmed," said Brighton Active Travel, which campaigns for easier access around the region.

"These buses are the cheapest way to get to the Downs quickly and people with the lowest incomes need that the most."

Under proposals before the Strategy, Finance and City Regeneration Committee on 8 February, the 77 service would be cut to one bus an hour, from two, between Easter and mid-June, and the 79 would be completely withdrawn, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Both services are operated by Brighton & Hove Buses.

The buses are one of the few ways to access the South Downs via public transport from Brighton

An impact assessment in the budget papers said the proposals would adversely affect older people, children and the disabled.

Trevor Muten, chairman of the Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: "We know the 77 and 79 bus services are popular with residents, and we're really keen to keep them running."

He said the council was working with the Department for Transport about using some government funding to protect the two services.

Ed Wills, managing director at Brighton & Hove Buses, said the company is working with the council about the future of the routes.

"The Breeze Buses are much-loved bus routes in our community, particularly in the summer, and we are looking at a range of options in partnership with the council," he said.

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