Residents and visitors to West Sussex will soon benefit from a new bus route between Chichester and Littlehampton as part of the West Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan.
The new 500 service will be run by Stagecoach South and will commence in July 2023 initially for two years. The route will run between Chichester, Shopwhyke, Tangmere, Fontwell, Barnham, Yapton and Littlehampton.
Buses will run every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and hourly on Sundays and into the evening.
The new service will provide access to key services in both Littlehampton and Chichester centres as well as Portfield retail park, St Richard’s Hospital, and the University of Chichester (Bishop Otter campus).
It will also link with existing bus services, the railway at Barnham Station and a planned new Demand Responsive Transport service in the Barnham/Eastergate/Westergate area where many homes are due to be constructed.
Improving the transport network by providing better transport links for these communities is also in line with the Council Plan of 'supporting a sustainable and prosperous economy'.
All vehicles will be low emission euro 6 buses, locally branded to reflect the route and areas served and fully compliant with all access requirements, including low floor access. New and improved roadside infrastructure at bus stops will be installed along the route, including shelters and real time information screens.
Matt Davey, Assistant Director for Highways, Transport and Planning for West Sussex County Council said:
“I’m pleased that Stagecoach South have been awarded the contract and we can now move forward with delivering this great new service for our residents.
“The 500 service will give residents living in more rural areas improved access to local facilities and towns and providing more choice of public transport will ease car-based congestion, helping to combat climate change.”
Stagecoach Commercial Director James O’Neill said:
“We’re really excited to announce this new service in partnership with the County Council. With the current cost of living, we know many people think carefully about how and when they travel. The bus offers fantastic new opportunities for village residents - whether for shopping, work or leisure."
More information about the service will be promoted on our website and social media channels over the coming months.
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