97 Flex Barnham

97 Flex Barnham zone and key destinations

Access a flexible way to travel in Barnham and surrounding areas with the 97 Flex.

The new 97 Flex bus will follow a semi-flexible bus route during peak travel hours from 6.45am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7.00pm.

Between these hours, the bus will serve a specific commuter zone from Slindon then follow a fixed bus route. To travel during peak hours, you can book a seat on the bus via the app or call centre. You can also flag it down at designated bus stops within its route.

During off-peak travel hours, the 97 Flex will operate fully-flexible in the wider area based on the bookings it receives from the app or call centre. Book-a-Bus operates Monday to Saturday, except public holidays.

You can use the 97 Flex service to connect to other towns within the zone or for onward travel connections, including, rail travel to major cities such as London or Brighton, or local bus routes (for example, Bus 66A/66C, Bus 85/85A, Bus 500 and Bus 700).

A full list of pick-up or drop-off points and onward connection points can be viewed on the Book-a-Bus Barnham app.

Travelling on the 97 Flex Barnham Book-a-Bus

Using the Book-a-Bus Barnham app

To travel on the 97 Flex, download the Book-a-Bus Barnham app using a smartphone or tablet:

With the app, you can:

  • quickly see your closest meeting point
  • book and pay for your ride
  • track your vehicle in real-time.

Pre-purchased tickets are validated by the driver, or you can pay on the bus. You can book on the day or up to 48 hours before your journey.

97 Flex Barnham commuter timetable

Peak travel hours

During peak travel hours from 6.45am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7.00pm, the 97 Flex will serve a specific commuter zone from Slindon and follow a fixed bus route. Check the timetable for the bus routes.

Frequently asked questions

  • The 97 Flex zone locations served can be seen on our interactive map above.

  • Bus pick-up locations for the 97 Flex zone are at designated bus stops or areas within the zone. A full list of pick-up or drop-off points and onward connection points can be viewed on the Book-a-Bus Barnham app.

  • This is a trial Demand Responsive Transport service set up to target areas with limited access to public transport. In some cases, within the zone, certain booking restrictions have been applied where there is a public transport service already in place.

  • The bus service is constantly undergoing review to understand better ways to improve the service meaning some locations are subject to change.

  • During peak weekday times, the 97 Flex vehicle is a semi-flexible service following a timetable between Slindon, Walberton and Barnham Railway Station, allowing rural areas to connect to commuter train times.

    At nonpeak times, the 97 Flex vehicle is fully flexible, meaning you can book travel from and to any location in the zone.

    View our interactive map for more information.

    Interactive map (external link)

  • The 97 Flex Commuter timetable may be viewed on our leaflet.

    Book-a-bus Compass 97 leaflet (PDF, 937KB)

Fares and tickets

Book-a-Bus uses a simple fare structure to make it easier to understand and budget for. The cost will be clearly displayed on the app or stated when booking over the phone.

Until December 2024 Book-a-Bus fares will be fixed at lower prices due to the Government price cap. More information on the price cap is available from Help for Households – travel costs.

Fare structure

Concessionary pass holder

  • Free (usual time restrictions apply)

Under 5s

  • Free

Child (Age 5-18)

  • Single - £2.00 fare price cap (normally £2.60)
  • Return - £3.75

Adult

  • Single - £2.00 fare price cap (normally £3.30)
  • Return - £4.00 fare price cap (normally £5.00)

Bus it! is part of the wider Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is funded by the Department for Transport.