18th March 2011
Changes to Eastbourne Community Bus
When the Eastbourne Community Bus Service started last year it received a one off grant from East Sussex County Council to cover the start up costs and the first year’s operation. Now it needs to make changes to the way the service operates so that it can cover its costs and continue to provide the service.
The Dial a Ride concept of a door to door service will be retained, but the changes being made will hopefully increase the number of passengers being carried each day.
Since the Eastbourne Community Bus has been operating it has proved successful but the size of the area to be covered and the many diverse reasons for using the service have presented enormous challenges.
The following changes will apply from 4th April 2011.
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All existing regular bookings will be cancelled.
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New regular bookings will be accepted, but they must fit into the routing and scheduling that will apply.
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Non regular bookings cannot be made more than 14 days in advance.
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Bookings cannot be accepted after 2:00pm on the working day before the day service is requested.
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The bus will operate on a routing and approximate time basis. This will be as flexible as possible to ensure the needs of service users can be met. However please note that it may not be possible to accept requests that do not readily fit into the routing and timetables.
- The fare for each single journey will be £2.00
CTLA is a registered charity; it receives minimal funding from outside bodies and has, therefore, to rely on fare income to cover the costs of running the service.
CTLA will continue to operate the service incorporating the above changes for a period of 3 months but if it finds there are not sufficient numbers to avoid losses, it will regretfully have to consider withdrawing the service.
For more information, or to book buses,
call CTLA on: 01273-517332.
8th March 2011
Free Bus Travel Start Time Kept at 9:00am
Following representations from ESF the ESCC Cabinet has agreed today to keep the start time for the use of Seniors' Free Bus passes at 9:00am
This is great news and will be appreciated especially by Seniors wanting to attend the DGH for early appointments.
19th January 2011
Shopping Transport Service
Age Concern Eastbourne runs a very successful shopping transport service; with their six seater minibus they collect shoppers from home, take them to a supermarket (Sainsbury’s or Tesco’s) allow sufficient time to shop and then take them home again.
The round trip costs £6 and takes about 2½ hours; shoppers are collected within geographical areas so no-one is on the bus for any length of time. The service is being expanding and Age Concern is looking for Eastbourne residents (over 50!) who would benefit. You can shop weekly or fortnightly depending on your needs. Can they help you or a friend or neighbour? Their existing shoppers enjoy the atmosphere of these trips and they have become a social ‘occasion’!
Volunteer drivers and escorts. also also needed. Age limit for drivers is 70 and a D1 license entitlement is needed. Full MiDAS training (Minibus Driver Assessment) will be given. A CRB check will also be undertaken.
If you can help us out with a morning or afternoon of your time, they’d love to hear from you; please call Emma Vieira on 01323-638474.
17th November 2010
Don't be a Danger on the Road
The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership has issued the following warning to drivers.
If you are taking medication, pay attention when you are on the move. Your concentration can be seriously affected by prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. Don't become a danger to yourself and others.
These symptoms can make you a danger on the road: Dizziness / Blurred Vision / Nausea / Loss of Concentration / Tiredness.
For more information:
visit the Sussex Safer Road Partnership website
25th May 2010
New Community Transport Guide
As part of an initiative to raise the profile of community transport throughout East Sussex, a new Community Transport Guide is now available. This takes the form
of a bus-map style leaflet and is widely available in libraries, and information centres.
6th March 2010
ESCC Issues New Community Transport Guide
Community transport is non-profit transport that is developed by local people and communities to serve their local needs. It provides transport where there is either no existing conventional public transport or where existing public transport cannot be used, for example because of limited wheelchair access.
Community transport can be provided by a variety of vehicles, from a voluntary car service all the way through to a bus; it depends on the needs of the community.
Most community transport services are not run on a schedule or timetable, but rather respond to requests when they are made.
Download Community Transport leaflet > >
18th November 2009
Help shape the future of bus services in East Sussex
East Sussex County Council would like your views on its plans to improve bus services in East Sussex.
A review of our passenger transport services in 2007 showed a number of areas where bus services could be changed or increased to provide better transport links.
The Draft Bus Strategy sets out how the council plans to improve bus travel in the county, including how and where services will change.
Have your say about the Bus Strategy > >
This consultation closes on 23rd December 2009.
Eastbourne Community Bus Service
A new local transport service, the Eastbourne Community Bus Service, has been introduced. Supported by funding from East Sussex County Council, and available to residents within the Eastbourne Borough Council boundaries, the local transport service is operated by Newhaven company CTLA. It will be available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm.
Membership is free. To qualify you must either:
- Hold or qualify for a Countycard concessionary pass
- Have any form of mobility difficulty that prevents you using other local bus services.
Where will the bus take me?
The Community Bus will take you to and from anywhere within the Eastbourne Borough Council area. You can use this service to travel to shops, doctors,dentist, optician, visit friends, day centres, leisure centre, the station, the choice is yours.
Who can use the Community Bus?
The service can be used by most residents living within the area covered by the service. To check eligibility please complete the application form or phone CTLA on the number below.
How can I join the service?
You must register to use this service, contact CTLA for an application form. Once your completed form is received, you are welcome to telephone to arrange transport. Registration is free.
How much are the Fares?
There is just one standard flat rate fare of £1.50 per each journey. Unfortunately t he National Bus Pass cannot be accepted on this service.
How do I book this service?
The CTLA offices are manned between 8.00 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday, so just telephone with your booking request giving at least one day notice.
Where does the bus pick me up?
CTLA offers a truly personal service by providing door to door transport (subject to access).
Can I take my wheelchair/walking aid?
Yes, all vehicles are fully accessible by either ramp or tail-lift, when booking please inform CTLA if you are a wheelchair user. Families with folding buggies can also be accommodated
A Minibus of Your Own?
Minibuses are available for hire with driver to eligible groups, please contact our office for terms, conditions and prices.
Telephone 01273 517332, or visit: www.ctla.org.uk
11th September 2009
Do you have difficulty with local bus services?
Public Transport is always a big issue whenever our Members get together. Eastbourne Borough Council is looking at piloting a community bus scheme in Eastbourne. In addition, the Older Peoples' Engagement Day Report (see our home page for details) asks seniors’ forums to gather information on use of buses – where people want to go, where they currently go, and where bus stops should be in rural areas.
Always ready to help, ESF has produced a transport survey for Eastbourne residents in Microsoft Word format, which you can download here. Please return it to the address at the bottom of the page or, alternatively, you could complete it in Word, highlighting the appropriate items in a different colour, and e-mail it back to us at members@esf-online.org