Bus services could be saved

West Sussex County Council wants to save money by cutting eight routes but some could get a reprieve.

The council's strategic environmental select committee wants to save two of the earmarked services and review another.

It discussed the plans this week and felt some of the routes were still needed.

The committee recommended continuing Sunday evening services for route 55 which calls at St Richard's Hospital, Chichester.

They want to keep current levels of Sunday services to Gatwick Airport.

The committee has asked to see whether cheaper tickets for young people are successful on a school route.

Travel subsidies are being introduced in September where under-16s will pay quarter fare and over-16s in full-time education will pay a half fare.

Committee members want to review that before making a decision about the 604 service between Pound Hill and Maidenbower in Crawley, which includes the Oriel High School route.

The committee agreed with plans to cut the other five routes including a Bus 4 U service, which transports many elderly and disabled people from their rural homes and Metrobus's East Grinstead to Gatwick commuter route.

West Sussex County Council said it could not afford to continue subsidising some bus operators because of a £900 million funding shortfall from Government.

Tex Pemberton, cabinet member for highways and transport, will consider the recommendations before he makes a decision on Tuesday.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said it hoped to mitigate some of the lost routes by using community services such as Dial A Ride.