99 Bus and 99 Flex

99 Bus and 99 Flex zone and key destinations

There are two buses operating in the 99 Bus zone, serving the Chichester and Petworth area:

  • The 99 Bus - a semi-flexible service, meaning some sections of the route has fixed stops. Can be booked up to seven days in advance.
  • The 99 Flex - a fully flexible service, meaning there is no conventional bus timetable. Can be booked up to seven days in advance or on the same day. This bus can travel within the zone outline in our interactive map below.

The 99 Bus and 99 Flex accepts both cash and card payments on the bus.

To travel on the 99 Flex, first check to see whether your journey starts and ends within the zone or if you are travelling to locations outside of the zone which the bus serves.

Confirm a pick-up or drop-off within the zone (or an onward connection point marked in black) on the Ride Pingo app or via our call centre on 01243 858854 (operating hours 6.30am to 7.30pm). A full list of pick-up or drop-off points and onward connection points can be viewed on the Ride Pingo app.

Travelling on the 99 Flex

Book-a-Bus vehicles

The 99 Flex uses a conventional bus that is fully accessible with low floor access making it easier to board for those with mobility issues or those in a wheelchair.

Frequently asked questions

  • The Bus 99 will operate in the rural area between Chichester and Petworth as seen on our interactive map.

    Bus 99 interactive map (external link)

     

  • There will be two buses operating the 99 Bus route. These are:

    • the Bus 99 - a semi-flexible service meaning some sections of the route has fixed stops
    • the 99 Flex - a fully flexible service meaning there is no conventional bus timetable. This bus can travel within the Demand Responsive Transport zone.

  • Bus pick-up locations will remain the same for the existing 99 Bus with fixed bus stops and semi flexible bus stops (when booked).

    Bus pick-up locations for the 99 Flex are at designated bus stops or areas within the zone.

  • The Bus 99 service will be operated by two buses, the Bus 99 and 99 Flex. The Bus 99 is a semi-flexible service meaning some sections of the route has fixed stops. The 99 Flex is a fully flexible service meaning there is no conventional bus timetable. This bus can travel within the designated zone.

    This approach has been taken as it ensures customers who use the existing Bus 99 service will be able to do so using the existing timetable.

  • The existing 99 Bus will remain the same, operating the current timetable. A new fully on-demand service has been added to the Bus 99 offering, known as the 99 Flex. This will operate 7.00am - 7.00pm, Monday to Saturday, offering more public transport to people in rural areas.

  • This is a trial service set up in 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.

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 UK Government.