Concerns have been voiced by parents over escalating bus fares and how these might impact young people making independent journeys.
Following the removal of a 50p off-peak discount for solo travellers under 18 in Brighton and Hove, which formed part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan, the regular child fare of £1.60 now applies.
The scheme ended because the funding dried up, meaning these trips reverted to standard pricing.
Nick Hill, the commercial director, explained that the 50p special rate for children travelling alone during off-peak times had been introduced jointly with Brighton & Hove City Council under the Bus Service Improvement Plan, but the financial support has now ceased.
Mr Hill pointed out that up to four children can still travel without charge alongside an adult within the city due to Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.
Commuters of any age can benefit from reduced costs through a SAVER ticket, while pupils getting to and from school remain unaffected by this alteration.
Residents took to social media to air their grievances.
Emma Davies, a Patcham resident, said teenagers would be significantly impacted.
Valerie McEvoy, another local, calculated that getting to and from school would cost £3 daily. She noted this was not optional and families might require two buses each way, which would amount to £30 weekly per child for compulsory education.
Jill Carr described the rise as unreasonable.
Nicola Claber concurred, calling it a enormous leap and a substantial sum for young people with no income.
Luke Head argued that overall bus fares ought to be lower. He pointed out that the nation requires more sustainable transport and fewer emissions, and the most straightforward initial measure would be reducing ticket prices.
Nash Travelman, speaking for Brighton Buswatch, said the group was disappointed about the fare adjustment while acknowledging the constraints of limited resources. He suggested the increase sends an incorrect signal when the goal is to persuade people to select this mode of transport. However, he expressed satisfaction that free travel for children accompanied by adults remains in place and fully endorsed maintaining this provision.
In December, more than 2,500 people signed a petition calling for complimentary bus travel for those aged under 19 in Brighton and Hove, contending that fare expenses could hinder access to education and safe travel arrangements.
The fare dispute emerges as the council works to obtain financing to assess bus franchising, which would grant it greater authority over routes, timetables, and pricing.
Brighton and Hove City Council indicated in November that the Bus Service Improvement Plan had delivered almost £9 million in benefits to residents and visitors across three years while supporting reduced fares, expanded services, and enhancements to bus infrastructure.