Two bus routes are set to merge from early summer with a route which goes via Brighton Station and North Street.
Residents were told last month Brighton and Hove Buses was looking to link the popular 18 route with another.
Bus passenger group Buswatch announced last week this would be the 50 route which serves Hollingdean – and that the new service will have the number 20.
However, the route as currently proposed does not stop at Churchill Square – although Hollingdean and Fiveways councillor Theresa Fowler says it has been tweaked to stop at Imperial Arcade at her suggestion .
Brighton and Hove Buses was approached for comment, but had not responded at the time of publication.
According to Buswatch, the route will be:
Hollingdean to London Road Shops – Cheapside – Queens Road* – N1 & N4 – St James’s St – Queens Park
Queens Park – Old Steine – N5 – Brighton Station – North Road – London Road Shops – Hollingdean
David Nash, who chairs Brighton Buswatch under the name Nash Travelman, said: “The combined route has many benefits.
It’s a route linking Ditchling Road to Brighton Station direct (using a successfully tried and tested route via Trafalgar Street).
“The combined route saves on one bus that could be used elsewhere.
“One route less at Churchill Square – though not too much an issue – will free up bus stop space, providing a better through put of buses.”
He also said the new route had points at either end where late-running buses can catch up – an issue with the looped 18 service which led to poorer reliability.
I live in Hollingdean and use the bus several days per week and the 50 service is very poor as it is I’m worried that it will be very much worse for the residents of Hollingdean and is used be a huge amount of pensioners and young families
Hollingdean has three major shopping areas two to the South Sainsbury’s and Aldi/B&Q. One to the North ASDA. Neither has a bus link enabling people to do their weekly shopping, but at least residents can get the bus to Queens Park to feed the ducks.
This number 20 route sounds like it’s been dreamt up by a boardroom full of penny pinching suits who have never used a bus in their entire lives. The problem with the 18s would have been better solved by creating a 2A route. Something that goes down Freshfield Road, Queens Park Terrace/Road to the Old Steine instead of Queensway. Then it would turn right at the clocktower and follow the number 7 route to George Street where it would once again merge with the regular 2 route.
Whats going to happen to 18 bus will it still serve Compton Ave to Pepper Pot via Homeleas and Monlelier road towards Waitrose
As a resident of Hollingdean, this sounds awful – i get on and off at the old steine multiple times a week, and this new route would extend the time spend to get there significantly or force me to get off and walk – with the current ridiculous bus prices this is just taking the mick! The 50 would be served better by a more consistent buses, and there should be new ones added, not this poorly thought out combination. Who is this helping that wouldn’t be better served by an additional route?
The 50 bus service is already the worst service in europe
I can’t believe you’re doing this. It’s absolutely appalling and we have no say once again.
I’m concerned about having to walk to Fredrick Place in the dark when I come home from the station
To those saying they have had no say… these changes are being requested by Brighton Area Bus Watch, the community organisation whose sole purpose is taking community suggestions for network improvements to the bus company!! Get involved!!
Good news
I live in Hollingdean and we have NOT been notified of this. Cutting off an entire estate from Churchill Square is ridiculous, making it difficult for people with impaired mobility to get there. What idiot thought up this plan, one that doesn’t rely on buses that’s who. It’s going to put more time on journeys going all round the houses to get home after a hard days work. The 50 service is beyond a joke as it is. Thank you Brighton & Hove buses for your impeccable service in failing the community.
I depend on the 50 from Hollingdean daily for shopping, medical appointments and church. I do not drive a car. The proposed change cuts me off completely and offers no alternative. Who benefits? I don’t recall being asked about changes, just told. Please please reconsider.
Please reconsider changes to 50 route.
This is a bad move, Hollingdean residents need a route to Churchill Square!
I also notice that there is no information about when the proposal comes in!
Firstly no consultation either residents and secondly no time schedule for the proposed changes. As usual the people being affected are being kept in the dark!!
This is ridiculous, I,m 76 years old and need to get to Churchill Square once a week. What’s my bus pass for or do you want me to take a taxi on an old age pension!
I totallay agree with the points about no service 50 to Churchill Square and also no service back to Hollingdean either but it might come in useful if I have to get to/from the station as I find it difficult to use the bridge at Moulscoomb station. Why can’t they reinstate the 50 going up to the station instead ? Yet again no body asks the people who actually have to use the bus !!!!!