How to pay on buses in Eastbourne due to Covid-19

Stagecoach bus by Eastbourne railway station

The bus company which operates services in Eastbourne is changing the way drivers take payments from customers in a bid to minimise the spread of the coronavirus.

Stagecoach has said it will only accept exact cash payments for fares from Thursday May 14 and anyone paying over the odds will have their spare change donated to the Demelza charity.

The charity provides specialist care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions across East Sussex, Kent and south east London.

L to R: Becky and Mary from Demelza, Isabella (Demelza service user) and her sister Emily with Joel Mitchell, MD Stagecoach south east SUS-201105-100240001

Joel Mitchell, Stagecoach’s south east managing director, said, “We really want to thank our customers for their help in keeping our drivers and their fellow passengers safe at this time.

“Although the majority of our customers are now using contactless and other digital forms of payment, many key workers still rely on cash to pay for their journey.

“Some transport operators are restricting cash, but we think this could leave some customers in our communities unable to travel, particularly those who are not able to have a contactless payment card.

“That’s why we’ve taken this decision – to continue to accept cash but to reduce the transfer of coins and bank notes by not issuing change.”

Mr Mitchell said the steps Stagecoach has taken are in line with government and public health guidance and this additional measure will mean ‘everyone who needs to travel can do and stay safe’.

He said, “We’re very proud of our partnership with Demelza and we’re conscious that they, along with many other charities, are struggling to maintain funding at this time.

“It’s right that we should donate any excess cash raised in this way and we’re pleased to be able to help Demelza carry on with the essential work they do.”

Lila Dowie from Demelza said, “We are so grateful to Stagecoach for their ongoing support and, as we have come to know and expect from them, their commitment to their customers and communities.

“This is such a great idea – small change that will make a big difference. These donations will keep customers safe during this crisis but also help Demelza’s nursing and care teams.”

“It will help keep our children and families safe and enable us to keep delivering the exceptional care they need during this time and for the year we have to come.”

For more information, visit www.stagecoachbus.com/SEcovid19

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