Release date 25 March 2026
West Sussex County Council has listened to the views of residents and amended plans for improving bus services in Chichester to ensure they continue to meet local needs.
Following feedback from the public consultation, a new route will be set up to keep the Parklands and East Broyle areas connected to the city centre. This new service will run six times a day between 9.30am and 2.30pm. This is based on what communities told us they needed, aligns with when the current services are used most, and aims to support people with reduced mobility.
Plans to double the frequency of the 50 and 46/47 routes to run every 30 minutes with a more direct 46/47 service to the city centre including stops in Minerva Heights will proceed as originally proposed.
Councillor Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to have their say and share their views. Your responses have helped shape our plans and ensure we are focused on delivering a service that meets the needs of local people.
“The changes we’ve made build on the existing proposals, maintain important links for residents who depend on regular and accessible travel options, and improve connections for the growing community in Minerva Heights.
“We have maintained a strong working partnership with the bus operator throughout this process and through our Bus Service Improvement Plan we will continue our focus on making buses a more attractive travel option, which is ultimately good for communities, individuals, the environment and the economy.”
The new service will link Worcester Road, Little Breach, Cedar Drive and Oliver Whitby Road with Chichester city centre.
The council will invite operators to submit competitive bids for the new route and all improved services, with the aim of having them running later in the year. All the changes will take place at the same time so routes 50 and 46/47 will be improved on the same day that the new route starts.
Councillor Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property said: “It was good to hear the feedback from so many residents, including those who are less mobile and who rely on the buses for essential journeys. That’s why I’m delighted to see we are now making changes that continue to support local communities, including those in Parklands and East Broyle.
“Recent additional Government funding for our Bus Service Improvement Plan is enabling us to support more bus services than previously, helping to maintain these essential local links. We are able to use this resource to support the changes to our original proposals and amend the plans to introduce a new extended service, while improvements to the existing routes will be funded in part by contributions from the housing developers for Minerva Heights.
“As with all local transport services, longevity is shaped by regular use and demand. So, I encourage people to make best use of their local bus services to help sustain services for the future.”
Find out more about how the council is improving bus services in West Sussex
