All aboard for new coastal bus services in Lewes district

Residents in Peacehaven and Telscombe, and along the A259 between Seaford and Falmer are set to benefit from new bus services after councillors agreed £900k of Community Infrastructure Levy funding.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is charged on new developments to help raise funds to deliver infrastructure improvements in communities across the district - since 2015, £16 million has been allocated to a wide range of projects.

This latest award, which will fund three new buses, delivers on commitments to enhance local infrastructure following the Chalkers Rise development. 

Councillor Laurence O'Connor, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, said:

"This is exactly what CIL is designed to deliver - real, tangible infrastructure improvements that support our growing communities.  These new buses will make a huge difference to residents, opening up better access to jobs, schools and colleges and essential services.

"By enabling long‑term improvements to public transport, thousands of residents will benefit, and it all supports a shift towards more sustainable travel."

The investment will enable Brighton & Hove Buses to:

• Extend Route 23 to North Peacehaven, creating a new daily link to Brighton Marina, the universities and key employment areas
• Increase the frequency of night buses N12 and N14 to run hourly throughout the night
• Increase the number of express 12X services on the A259 'Coaster' corridor, operating every 12 minutes
• Introduce Sunday and Public Holiday extensions of Route 14 to Newhaven Sainsbury's
• Simplify Peacehaven routes by removing 14B and 14C variations to improve reliability

The upgrades in services are expected to generate 374,300 additional bus journeys every year, significantly increasing access to employment, education, healthcare and shopping.

Alec Horner, Secretary of Peacehaven Residents Association & Telscombe Residents Association, said:

"Both Telscombe and Peacehaven Residents' Associations are very grateful for the Community Infrastructure Levy funding and the improvements it brings for bus services in Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs, which will enhance the connectivity and mobility for most residents in our communities."

For all the latest information on the bus routes and timetables, visit: www.buses.co.uk/july  

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