The Bourne Community Bus was launched in April 2022.
In 2020 District Councillor Tracie Bangert and West Sussex County Councillor Andrew Kerry-Bedell met with Major Dickie Davies and the welfare team at Thorney Island Baker Barracks. With many families not having cars, it was clear one of the key factors about the feelings of loneliness on the island was linked to a lack of transport off the island.
Once Thorney’s needs were worked out, Andrew toured Chidham and Hambrook, Southbourne and Westbourne Parishes to see if there were similar resident needs. Not surprisingly, there were, with many local bus services axed or cut back over the years. Emsworth Resident’s Association also got involved, and the bus action team was complete.
It’s taken £70,000 in grants, WSCC and Parish funding and support from CT Sussex and InOurArea CIC to keep the Bourne Bus running.
The Bourne Bus is now a collaboration of seven towns and villages with 20 people involved in its day to day operation and running.
We’re pleased to provide this resident bus service, as well as offering the bus for low cost individual or group hire – click here for details.