Fare updates 1st January 2025

Introduction of the government £3 fare

For 2025 the government increased the capped £2 cost of living fare to £3. To provide best value fares for passengers we are once again participating in this scheme, so any fare that was previously £2 will now be £3 or less as of 1st January 2025.

Savings can also be made if you are a regular traveller by purchasing longer duration products, particularly via our easy-to-use mobile app. Alternatively, flexible price capping on our Tap On Tap Off (TOTO) contactless system enables you to save money over the course of a week the more you travel with us.

The £3 fare has impacted other fares which need to be adjusted to ensure fairness and continuity in the fare structure. This has created additional savings and changes, which we would like to bring to your attention.

Single fare changes

Short journeys within the Brighton & Hove City Council area previously priced at £1.70 are now £1 throughout January 2025 when the government’s £2 fare increases to £3. A lower fare has been introduced across the citySAVER area for medium length journeys up to two stages as an ongoing saving at £2.80, previously £3.20. Popular journeys that will benefit from this saving include Whitehawk or the Marina to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and Old Steine to Preston Drove. Lower fares are therefore available across the city, rather than within the city centre only.

Tap On Tap Off (TOTO) and the CitySAVER area

Use Tap On Tap Off travel two or more times a day, for five consecutive days in a week, and you will pay the same current capped fare of £25 and get FREE travel all weekend, even though the daily price cap has changed to £6. This was and continues to be supported by the Brighton & Hove City Council Bus Service Improvement Plan. If you reach the day cap for a second day in a week, then your day cap gets a 5% discount. Every consecutive day you travel over a seven-day period, the day cap continues to reduce. The more you travel, the more you save. TOTO day caps in the networkSAVER area are unchanged.

Mobile tickets and the Key

The one-day citySAVER is available at £6 on the app and the Key. Child fares are £3 and student fares £4.40. CitySAVER 60-minute ticket is £3.40 on the app.

If you plan to make more than two journeys in a day, then the citySAVER is your best option when compared to purchasing two £3 single fares and offers a 5% discount every consecutive day of travel over a seven-day period when using TOTO.

networkSAVER - tickets purchased online via the app and the Key are a flat price of £7. On bus ticket prices have not changed and remain at £7.80. There is a small increase on some return fares but no longer distance return fares will cost more than a networkSAVER.

West Sussex 16-20 one day fares have seen a small increase of 15p and continue to be supported by West Sussex County Council as part of the West Sussex County Council Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Flatter fares

Flexible payment methods give passengers a choice for preferred ways to pay. The cost of these different ways is reflected in the price. For example, tickets purchased on the app offer the lowest prices for many fares. For popular tickets such as the citySAVER we have flattened the price so it’s the same cost whether you buy it on the app, contactless or the Key.

Continuous savings for children and students

Up to four children under the age of 19, accompanied by an adult or concessionary pass holder, can travel for free for journeys wholly within the Brighton & Hove City area (excluding night services). Additionally, unaccompanied under 19’s can travel off-peak for 50p within Brighton & Hove.

Child and student fares will continue to be offered at a reduced rate compared to adult fares.

East Sussex Fares

Some fares in East Sussex have been reduced, click here for more details.  

Caring for our customers

We care for our customers and do this in many ways including the offer of a wide range of fares and ways to pay to suit individual needs. These adjustments align with the £3 fare introduction to support a consistent fare structure. We provide value for money across a comprehensive and high frequency bus network 365 days a year.