New Express Bus Route 1X Enhances Travel in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove Buses will launch a new express bus route, the 1X, on Sunday, July 7. This new service will connect Mile Oak and Brighton Marina, offering travelers faster and more efficient transportation between key areas such as the City Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Hove, Portslade, and Mile Oak.

The 1X route, distinguishable by its bright pink bus stop poles, is supported by the council's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). It is designed to provide the quickest bus connections from the east to the west of the city, following a similar path to the popular route 1 but with fewer stops, making it ideal for travelers seeking speed and convenience.

The launch of the 1X will replace the 1A service, while increasing the number of buses on route 1 to Whitehawk. To mark the occasion, Brighton & Hove Buses will host an event at Churchill Square from 2 pm to 5 pm on Friday, July 12. Olympic Gold medalist Sally Gunnell will attend, offering travelers the chance to engage with the new service and win prizes.

Thanks to funding from the Department for Transport's BSIP, the new express service will operate with increased frequency. The 1X will run every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday during the day, every 20 minutes on Sunday, and every 30 minutes in the evenings, providing ample options for travelers.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport, Parking, and Public Realm, highlighted the benefits of the new service. He emphasized how the 1X will reduce travel times to key areas, supporting more reliable and cost-effective travel, and enhancing passenger satisfaction. This is particularly advantageous for travelers needing quick and direct routes within the city.

Ed Wills, Managing Director at Brighton & Hove Buses, expressed excitement about the 1X route. He noted the quick journey times it offers and the significant investment in new buses, six of which will serve the 1X route daily, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

The improvements funded by the BSIP include enhancements to other services such as the 78 and 79 Breeze buses, the 37 and 37B Compass Travel services, and the 16, 47, and 52 Big Lemon services. These changes aim to provide travelers with more reliable and frequent service options.

For Whitehawk residents, the new schedule means a more dependable service with additional buses before 7 am on weekdays and the option to use the 1X for faster travel westwards. This is particularly beneficial for early morning travelers heading to the city centre or hospital.

Councillor Muten assured that the new timetable would provide regular, consistent, and reliable services, greatly benefiting those traveling early in the morning. Whitehawk residents will also continue to enjoy the enhanced 21 route, which connects them to Brighton Marina, London Road, and the city centre.