The latest figures from Compass Travel, the bus company that operates the 106 bus service, show that unless there are more passengers the service will have to stop at the end of March 2010.
The original once per day Monday to Friday shopping service was expanded earlier this year to a two-hourly service between Worthing and Henfield via Upper Beeding, Steyning and North Lancing, operating every day from Monday to Saturday. This improved service was in response to requests from local people for a regular direct bus service throughout the day to Worthing, and was supported by the Parish Councils along the route, including Upper Beeding Parish Council. In addition to passenger fares the service is funded by a one-year subsidy from planning development money and a contract for transporting school children to/from Steyning Grammar School.
Although it may be possible to extend the school contract after March next year, no further subsidy is available, especially in view of the worsening financial situation for the County Council, and so to continue to operate after that date many more passengers are needed to use the service on a regular basis.
So why not think about using the 106 now? It is really a service for everyone
Are you 60 or over? Then with your concessionary bus pass (obtainable free from Horsham District Council) it won’t cost you anything to use the 106 bus to get to Worthing Hospital or any of the shopping and leisure/sporting facilities in Worthing. (E.g. M&S, BHS, restaurants & cafes, cinema, theatres, swimming, ten-pin bowling, bowls, walking along the prom etc. and no car parking charges!).
Are you under 19 and still in full-time education? Then with your 3 in 1 bus pass (free from West Sussex County Council) you can travel at one quarter of the adult fare to within walking distance of some of the colleges’ campus (including Northbrook College at Shoreham Airport). The pass is also available any other time during the days, when not at college or school, to use those other shopping, leisure and sporting facilities mentioned above.
In between those ages? Well you have to pay the bus fare, but this could still be cheaper than car parking charges, and you could enjoy all the above-mentioned facilities in Worthing without having to worry about the traffic queues on the A27 or the A24. And if you have young children, the Brooklands Pleasure Park is also on the route for them to enjoy.
Have to work during the day? This service is just the job if you work in the centre of Worthing, or on the Lancing Business Park, or just as good if you work at the Small Dole or Henfield Business Parks. And you can use bus on Saturday to go to work or go to Worthing shopping etc.
And of course by not going by car you will be doing your bit to slow climate change. Convinced yet? Perhaps you should give it a go- let the bus take the strain!
Article submitted by Derek Deedman (Liberal Democrat and the West Sussex County Councillor for the Bramber Castle Division)
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