From Sunday 1 February 2026, reduced bus ticket prices funded by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) will no longer be available on any buses in East Sussex due to the current funding coming to an end.
Without funding in place, Stagecoach is not able to continue offering these tickets at the reduced prices.
Tickets that will end on 1 February 2026:
- £1 short hop
- £2 short hop
- East Sussex DayRider multi-operator
- East Sussex DayRider U30 multi-operator
- East Sussex DayRider U19 multi-operator
- Child accompanied
- Child unaccompanied
Freedom Weekly ticket
This ticket will still be available, but East Sussex County Council will increase the price on Monday 16 February from £15 to £20 for 7 days unlimited travel. This ticket is available to under 19s, to buy on the bus only.
The £3 single fare cap will still be in place on all Stagecoach buses.
We understand this may affect your travel plans. Here are some options to help you choose the best value ticket for you moving forward:
Short journeys
If you only travel a few stops, single ticket options include:
- Short journey (up to about 1 mile): Adult £1.90, child £1.10
- Medium journey (up to about 2.5 miles): Adult £2.70, child £2.20
- Long journey (up to about 3.5 miles): Child only £2.60
- Longer journeys (over 3.5 miles): capped at £3 for both adults and children
Please ask your driver for the best fare.
Day travel (unlimited travel for one day)
If you mostly travel in Eastbourne or Hastings
- Local DayRider: Adults £6.30, U19 £4.80
If you travel across Kent and East Sussex
If you use multiple bus companies
- Discovery ticket: Adult £10, child £8
Valid on most buses across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and East Hampshire. See South Downs Discovery Ticket page for details. Available to buy on bus only.
Travelling with children
One paying adult or concessionary pass holder can take up to 4 children (aged 5-15 years old). Each child travels for £1 for one single journey.
If you travel most days, buying a weekly or monthly ticket can work out cheaper than paying for single tickets each time.
Here are some options that might suit you, available to adult passengers only:
7 Day MegaRider
Best if you travel most days in one week
- Unlimited bus travel for 7 days in a row
- You can travel as much as you like within your chosen area (local travel zone or South East)
- Good value if you use the bus for work, college, shopping or regular journeys
Prices
- Local zone £24.60
- South East £38.60
28 Day MegaRider
Best if you travel regularly every month
- Unlimited bus travel for 28 days in a row
- You can travel as much as you like within your chosen area (local travel zone or South East)
- Usually cheaper than buying weekly tickets if you travel 3 or 4 times a week
- Ideal for commuters and students
Prices
- Local zone: £83.60
- South East: £131.10
Flexi tickets (5 or 10 day bundles)
Best if you don't travel every day but still use the bus often.
- Get 5 day tickets for the price of 4, or 10 day tickets for the price of 7
- Each ticket gives you unlimited travel for one day in your chosen area (local travel zone or South East)
- Use them only on the days you need - they do not have to be used in a row
- Great if you work part-time, travel a few days a week, or mix bus travel with other transport
Prices
- Local Flexi5: £25.20
- South East Flexi5: £39.60
- Local Flexi10: £44.10
- South East Flexi10: £69.30
MegaRider Xtra (monthly direct debit)
- Unlimited travel in your chosen area (local travel zone or South East) with automatic payments from your credit or debit card
- Available to purchase online onto a Smart Card
- Good value for regular travellers (3 or more times a week) who want a fixed monthly cost
Price per month
- Local zone: £79.30
- South East: £123.90
You can buy all these tickets either on the Stagecoach app, online, or on the bus from your driver.
If you would like more information about why the BSIP funded tickets are ending, East Sussex County Council will be best placed to help, as they manage the funding for these fares. Find more information on their website: East Sussex County Council