Stagecoach South routes 7 and 7A between Lancing and Worthing in West Sussex have become the first Stagecoach services to be franchised in the south of England.
Worthing-based Compass Travel will operate the service with 3 of their single deck buses now liveried in Stagecoach colours, with seven assigned drivers.
Stagecoach South MD Andrew Dyer said following the removal of support by West Sussex County Council for evening and Sunday services, the decision was made to offer the route under franchise to another operator well placed to offer a reliable service and able to keep overheads to a minimum.
“Compass Travel will be able to deliver the high standard of service we require with running costs which should ensure the route can continue to operate without subsidies,” said Dyer. “We will continue to handle the marketing and promotion of the service.”
Compass Travel MD Chris Chatfield said he was delighted to have gained the route 7 franchise: “Everyone’s a winner with this commercial partnership. Our dedicated driver team with their local knowledge will be able to provide customers an excellent, friendly service between Lancing, Sompting, Lyons Farm, Broadwater and Worthing.”
