TRAVELLING across the county has become easier for passengers with more than 100 electronic signs at key bus stops now giving up-to-date bus information.

Passengers with smartphones can also get live bus information via apps.

A total of 106 electronic Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) signs have been installed at some of the busiest bus stops across East Sussex as part of a five year project to improve journeys for residents and visitors to East Sussex. A further 28 are due to be in place by the spring of 2018.

As well as using the signs at bus stops, passengers can access live bus times and travel information from bus stops across the county via the Traveline website www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk or through third party and bus company apps.

“Gone are the days of standing at the bus stop wondering how long you have to wait,” said Cllr Nick Bennett, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment. “Real time passenger information is now available using the signs, and also through smart phones and mobile phones, to tell passengers exactly when their bus will arrive.

“As a council, we are committed to encouraging increased use of public transport and I hope that the improvement in accurate, up-to-date bus information will encourage more people to take the bus.”

The majority of operators are now providing live bus times information for nearly all their buses including Stagecoach, Brighton & Hove Buses, Metrobus, Compass, Renown, Seaford & District, Cuckmere Buses, North Wealden Community Transport and Community Transport for the Lewes Area.

The project to upgrade and expand the RTPI system is a partnership between East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council. The contract to supply and install the system was awarded to Trapeze ITS Ltd.

The scheme received a total of £1.08million from the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Additional funding totalling £824,000 from the county council’s Local Transport Plan Capital Programme, Hastings Parking Surplus and developer contributions has also been used to expand coverage of RTPI in East Sussex.

Further funding of £500,000 is currently being sought through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership for more signs to be installed in Bexhill and Hastings between 2018 and 2021. This is part of a wider programme to improve movement and access within the two towns to support local economic growth.