Compass Card

Discounted travel is available to Compass Card holders, between the ages of 18 and 25, on board Brighton & Hove Buses.

To redeem the discounted bus travel, Compass Card holders need to firstly sign up to the discounted travel scheme at one of our offices or travel hubs. 

How much is the discount?

Presently any passenger over 18, who isn't a student, would normally pay full adult fare.

Compass Card holders are entitled to student fare prices, which is approximately 33% off adult fare prices. All student fare prices are here. 

Who is eligible for the discount?

In order to be eligible you must firstly have a Compass Card. You can not apply for the discounted travel without a Compass Card. . 

What is the Compass Card?

The following details are from the Compass Card information page.

The Compass Card is a discount card for 0 to 25 year olds with special educational needs or disabilities in Brighton & Hove or West Sussex. You can use the card at lots of leisure venues to get discounts or special offers – so you end up paying less to have fun! You can see the offers on the Compass Card here.

To get a Compass Card, you need to register with Brighton & Hove council (Compass B&H) or West Sussex council (Compass WSx). But first, you’ll need to check whether you’re eligible for a card. Find out more about getting a Compass Card here.

I am between the age of 18 and 25 years and have a Compass Card- what do I do now to redeem my discounted travel on the buses?

Once you have your Compass Card bring your card to our travel hub on North Street, or office at Conway Street. We will either provide you with a student key card, or we'll approve your mobile app account to be able to purchase student tickets. 

Please visit one of the below offices with:

• your Compass Card 
• Photo ID
• a passport size photograph (this is not required if you wish for your photo to be taken by staff at the Travel Shop, or if you wish to use our mobile app) 
• your email address
• your current address details.
• Your mobile phone if you wish to use our mobile app

Your picture will be taken by one of our staff and your discounted travel account will be activated on the day for you.

I am not able to visit the office or travel hub myself to apply for the discounted bus travel. What happens now? 

You may have someone apply to open the account on your behalf. It is vital that they bring along the following information with them in order to verify the account.

• your Compass Card 
• your Photo ID 
• a passport size photograph of you (as you will not be present to have your photo taken)
• your email address 
• your current address details.

How do I buy tickets once my account has been activated?

If you use our mobile app, you will be able to purchase student tickets using your mobile phone. If you decide a key card is a better option for you, then you will be able to buy tickets from our Brighton Travel Hub or our Head Office at 43 Conway Street. Alternatively you can top up online at smartbuses.co.uk by using your personal account details.

Can I buy discounted fares onboard the bus with my Compass Card?

No, you can only purchase tickets in advance using a key card provided by us or an M Ticket. Therefore you must apply to one of our offices or travel hubs first. 

I am between the age of 0 and 18 years of age. What discounted bus travel am I entitled to?

Up until the ages of 0 and 5 years all children travel for free. Between the age of 5 and 18 years we always recommend to apply for a Bus ID card as this will give the child and young person the highest discount available. All details on how to apply for a Bus ID are here.

Do I qualify for free concessionary travel on the buses? 

Some disabled children and adults are entitled to free concessionary travel on board the bus. To check to see if you qualify go to the East Sussex Concessionary card webpage here