Brighton & Hove Buses taking over Stagecoach route

Following Stagecoach’s announcement it will be withdrawing route 54, Brighton & Hove Buses will take over this service. The new operator is to run the service under its Regency brand from 21 September 2025.

The route links Eastbourne, Polegate, Hailsham, Golden Cross, East Hoathly, Halland and Uckfield. The route will remain the same as at present except in north Hailsham where it will run along London Road and will not serve Battle Road and Hawkswood Road (route 28 will continue to serve these roads every 30 minutes). The level of service will be similar to present, mainly on a commercial basis without local taxpayer subsidy. 

“East Sussex has become an even better place to operate buses following the introduction of the Bus Service Improvement Plan in partnership with the Council” – Ed Wills, Managing Director for Brighton & Hove and Metrobus

Ed Wills, Managing Director for Brighton & Hove and Metrobus, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to improve a bus service. I am delighted to add a further route to our excellent portfolio of bus services in the Eastbourne and East Sussex area where we currently operate the extremely popular, high frequency Coaster and Regency services. East Sussex has become an even better place to operate buses following the introduction of the Bus Service Improvement Plan in partnership with the Council.”

Like all Regency buses, vehicles on route 54 will have USB charging points at every seat, free Wi-Fi, next stop audio and visual information. It will have fully accessible buses including dementia friendly floors, wheelchair taxi guarantee scheme and free morning newspapers. Payment can be made using Tap On, Tap Off contactless bank cards, the mobile app or cash at a maximum single fare of £3.

In June this year, Brighton & Hove Buses launched 24 new buses on the Regency Routes 28, 29 and 29A, which connect Brighton, Lewes, Hailsham, Eastbourne, Uckfield, Heathfield, Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells.