PUBLIC TRANSPORT CO-ORDINATION IN SHIRE COUNTIES - THE EAST SUSSEX APPROACH

A description is given of the attempts being made in East Sussex to improve public transport by means of two practical projects: shuttle in the urban area of Brighton & Hove, demonstrating the development of the Tram-Track or trunk network; and Escort in the rural Lewes and Wealden districts, demonstrating the cost effectiveness of properly coordinated complementary services. Shuttle was designed after extensive market analysis to concentrate on two residential areas for an experimental two year period. The services operate with a 10 minute frequency and give an improved service to 75-80% of existing bus passengers. The scheme is a specific attempt to attract people travelling by car to town centre destinations. A flat fare system was rejected, but a major effort was made to develop off-bus sales. Passengers are encouraged to buy a discount card and then pay half fare or less. By this method the perceived marginal cost of travel is reduced. The shuttle is said to be operating more reliably and carrying more passengers than previous services. The Escort project uses a brokerage service (developed in conjunction with TRRL) which focuses the daily links between potential transport users (general public, Education Dept, Social Services Dept, Health Authority) and transport suppliers (local transport operators, contract hire services, community services, county council transport, voluntary transport and ambulance service). The broker receives written or telephone requests for transport and uses a computerised directory to locate appropriate transport already available to meet these requests. Information on requests not met is stored for future planning reference. The escort services (marketed as County Rider) should be seen as a system to suit the needs of a particular area complementing the trunk transport system. (TRRL)