Release date 17 March 2026
West Sussex County Council’s programme of improvements to bus services across the county will be extended following a £32.7million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT).The Local Authority Bus Grant will contribute to the council’s bus improvement programme over the next four years, helping maintain reliable and accessible bus services that support local journeys, jobs and essential services.
For the 2026/27 financial year, this includes:
• £4 million set aside to continue to improve bus travel across the county through upgraded infrastructure,
• £5.2 million allocated to support bus services, along with fare schemes including concessions for young people.
Since 2022, the county council has invested £21m in measures to make bus journeys better. Projects delivered through this grant includes new bus lanes and traffic light priority at junctions for buses on busy routes, the installation of 548 real-time passenger information displays, a pilot scheme supporting local councils with bus shelter installations, and accessibility upgrades at 298 bus stops.
The county council has also made the bus network more affordable with more than one million journeys having been made by young people using the discounted bus fare, and over 38,000 trips taking place through Book-a-Bus, the county’s demand responsive bus service. These enhancements have been well received by residents, with the latest 2024/25 Transport Focus survey showing overall satisfaction with bus services has risen to 86%, up from 81% and ahead of the 83% national average.
Councillor Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This continued investment from the DfT allows us to build on the progress already made and maintain our focus on improving bus services for our communities across the county. Reliable public transport plays a key role in supporting a sustainable and prosperous economy, helping people stay connected to their jobs, services and one another.
“Results from the Transport Focus survey shows appreciation for our bus network. This is encouraging feedback that the improvements delivered in recent years are making a difference.
“We will continue working closely with local bus operators, as well as our parish, district and borough council partners, to identify areas where further improvements are needed. This shared approach ensures we can deliver sustainable and accessible bus services that meet the needs of our residents now and in the long term.”
See more about our bus improvements and view the interactive map of works and phases at www.westsussex.gov.uk/BusIt.
Detailed spending plans for future years will be set out as the programme progresses. Further information, including the annual allocations set out in the grant, are published on the GOV.UK website.
