98 Bus (53 timetable)

Stagecoach are making changes to a number of their bus services due to continuing financial losses on a number of bus routes. Like most bus companies, they have had significant cost increases and their income is not keeping pace. At the same time East Sussex County Council is not in a position to fund more services due to their own budget limitations.

ESCC have been speaking to Stagecoach about concerns raised by HPC regarding the new 53 timetable (which had showed the first bus out of Windmill Hill and Herstmonceux not leaving until 8.29am). Stagecoach will now be providing a journey on weekdays, starting from the bus stop opposite Budgens at 07:09. This will arrive in Eastbourne town centre at 07:56. Regrettably they are unable to maintain an earlier journey from Windmill Hill. These timetable revisions will commence from this coming Sunday, 1st September.

Stagecoach say an average of less than 2 passengers a day have been using the first 98 bus from Windmill Hill, and an average of less than 3 passengers a day from Herstmonceux. Please consider using the bus service to secure its future. UK Government funding until March 2026 is also providing the additional evening and Sunday bus service which runs on a 2 hourly frequency. It is important that residents use this much requested new service provision to keep it in the future!

Thanks to ESCC Cllr.Bob.Bowdler for his support with this matter.