From July 18 until at least September 10, Compass Travel buses are operating Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company (BHBCC) route 7X (Brighton Station – Brighton Marina) and from July 23 until at least September 10, Seaford & District buses will provide route 77 (Brighton Pier – Devil’s Dyke). At weekends Seaford & District will operate the 77 with open-top and heritage vehicles. Although the buses on the 7X will look slightly different, fares and times will remain the same says BHBCC. Both its key cards and m-tickets will be accepted on this route and normal cash fares can still be bought from the drivers.
According to Brighton & Hove News, BHBCC has recently apologised to customers for the disruption in service due to driver shortage. The company is quoted as saying it has “been taking action to resolve this and has been working closely with other local operators to support specific services.”
The Argus says that between five and 10 buses have been off the road daily because of the shortage. The company is trying to recruit new drivers and is using staff from neighbouring Go-Head companies.
BHBCC Managing Director Martin Harris told the newspaper: “I sincerely apologise to all our customers for the current dip in service levels and absolutely recognise the need to put our customers first, as we always endeavour to do.
“We are doing all we can to rectify the situation, which I can assure you is only temporary, and I am very grateful to our customers for their patience at this time.
“I would also like to thank my staff who are making a tremendous effort to minimise disruption for our customers, and express my appreciation to our fellow transport operators who are helping us.”
