16 to 20 Bus Saver

If you live in West Sussex and you are older than 16 but have not yet reached your 21st birthday, then you are eligible for the 16 to 20 Bus Saver discounted bus fare.

The 16 to 20 Bus Saver gives young people access to existing child rate fares and tickets of the relevant bus operator.

We’re pleased to say that operators of applicable local bus services in West Sussex are participating in the 16 to 20 Bus Saver, including Brighton & Hove, Compass Travel, Metrobus, Stagecoach and Sussex Coaches.

Discounted fares and tickets purchased under the 16 to 20 Bus Saver scheme apply to any direct bus journey which starts or finishes in West Sussex. Journeys which start and finish outside West Sussex are not covered by the 16 to 20 Bus Saver.

Apart from your age, the same rules apply to fares and tickets purchased under this scheme as apply to existing child-rate fares and tickets. Please check with your bus operator before travelling.

No. The 16 to 20 Bus Saver is for all young people in West Sussex whether you’re in education, training, working or not.

You can buy singles, returns, weeklies and most other tickets available from the operator with the 16 to 20 Bus Saver. Please check with your bus operator before travelling.

There is no cost to access the 16 to 20 Bus Saver. You just need to opt for a 16 to 20 Bus Saver ticket when purchasing your fare.

The discount offered under this scheme is exactly the same as the existing child rate fare or ticket offered by bus operators.

Yes. The larger operators all make certain tickets available via apps or online. Please check with your bus operator before travelling.

If you’re asked to prove your age to get discounted travel, the bus operator or driver may ask for identification. In addition to documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, a Citizencard can be used as it shows your date of birth. Some bus operators may accept and/or issue other forms of identification - please check with your bus operator before travelling.

West Sussex County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan has been funded by HM Government until March 2025. As the end of the funding period approaches, West Sussex County Council and the local bus operators will review the impact of the scheme and decide what happens from April 2025 onwards.

The 16 to 20 Bus Saver is aimed at young people who live in West Sussex. If you live in another county, please check with your local council for any discount schemes in your local area.

Additionally, you can check with your bus operator for details of any fares and tickets which don't depend on where you live.

If you’re asked to prove your age and can’t, the bus operator will normally charge the adult fare. If the bus driver didn’t accept your valid proof of age, please report your complaint to the bus operator.

The Government’s £2.00 bus fare cap is separate from the ’16 to 20 Bus Saver’. We encourage you to plan your travel ahead and check with the bus operator which fare offers you the best value for money.