FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
How to buy a ticket?
Compass Bus services accept contactless payments via Visa and MasterCard cards with the contactless symbol, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. American Express is not accepted. While contactless is preferred, cash payments are still accepted. If paying by cash, it’s recommended to have the exact fare, as drivers may not always have change. If they cannot provide change, a voucher will be issued for future use or exchange with another driver.
Contactless payment is a quick, secure way to pay for bus tickets using Visa or MasterCard cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, up to £45 per transaction. It eliminates the need for cash and change. To use contactless, simply tap your card or device on the ticket machine. Most cards with the contactless symbol work, but American Express is not accepted. Payments for tickets above £45 require cash. If there are issues with a payment, it may be pending or partially charged but will settle within 48 hours.
If payment fails, it may be due to card issues or fraud prevention measures. Contactless transactions are secure, with encrypted data and fraud protection. If a card is blocked due to insufficient funds, it can be unblocked once the debt is cleared. A receipt will be provided for each transaction.
How to use the app?
Tickets purchased on an app must be validated before boarding the bus, when boarding the bus you must scan the code on the app on the ticket machine. Tickets purchased on the app can only be used with the specific terms and conditions of that ticket; for more details please see our website.
The Compass Travel app provides you with live bus times, smart journey planning and detailed route maps ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience across West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey.
Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to school or just exploring, the Compass Travel app makes sure your journey is as smooth as possible with real-time information and easy-to-use features.
Lost Property
Customers are asked to take care to ensure that they do not leave any personal items on any vehicle. If anything is found on a service, it should be handed in to the driver, or failing that to a Company office as soon as possible. Drivers search their vehicles for lost property, and anything found is handed in to the local office. If something has only just been lost, it may be possible to claim it back from the driver if they are satisfied that the person concerned is the rightful owner. If this is the case, the driver must be provided with a name and address, and this information will be passed on to the Company.
If lost property is handed in, the Company is entitled to open any bags or packages in order to find out who the owner is, or how much the item is worth. If the owner can be traced, they will be informed that their property has been found.
Unclaimed items will be kept for one month, unless they are of a perishable nature, when they may be disposed of within 48 hours. The Company reserves the right to make a charge for the return of lost property. Lost property will be kept in safe custody until it is either claimed or disposed of, although no responsibility or liability can be accepted for any item or animal left on any vehicle.
Safety
Our buses are designed to be accessible for passengers with disabilities, young children, and those using pushchairs. Accessible buses have low steps for easy boarding and a designated area for one wheelchair. The wheelchair space accommodates a “standard reference wheelchair” (700mm wide, 1200mm long), and electric wheelchairs are allowed, but some types of wheelchairs such as mobility scooters are not safe for carriage. If in doubt, please contact our office for advice.
Wheelchairs on buses
Our buses are designed to be accessible for passengers with disabilities, young children, and those using pushchairs. Accessible buses have low steps for easy boarding and a designated area for one wheelchair. The wheelchair space accommodates a “standard reference wheelchair” (700mm wide, 1200mm long), and electric wheelchairs are allowed, but some types of wheelchairs such as mobility scooters are not safe for carriage. If in doubt, please contact our office for advice.
Passengers using wheelchairs should secure the restraint system and face backwards in the designated area with brakes on. If the wheelchair space is occupied, then unfortunately it will not be possible to allow a further wheelchair customer to board.
Buggies on Buses
We welcome passengers with buggies and our accessible buses have low steps for easy boarding of pushchairs, drivers will assist by deploying ramps or lowering steps when safe.
Please make sure the buggy or pushchair does not block the gangway and apply the brakes. If a wheelchair user boards, pushchair users may be asked to fold their pushchair and vacate the wheelchair area.
Helping Hand Scheme
The Helping Hand Scheme is a multi-operator initiative designed to assist customers with special needs, providing a free card to help communicate discreetly with bus drivers. The card allows passengers to convey specific requests, such as needing a ramp lowered, priority seating, or help with boarding, without verbal communication. The card is bright yellow for easy visibility and can also include emergency contact information. It is available to any passenger who may need extra assistance, and the card can be personalized with bespoke messages if required.
The card is free of charge, but passengers still need a valid ticket or concessionary pass for travel. The application process is simple, and forms are available online or at various locations. The card is credit card-sized, double-sided, and comes with a plastic wallet or lanyard for easy carrying.
For more details or to apply, passengers can contact Brighton & Hove Buses customer service. https://www.buses.co.uk/helpinghand The scheme aims to improve travel for those with disabilities or special requirements, ensuring better communication with bus drivers.
Bus Stops
Buses will stop at all recognized bus stops, and in country areas, they will stop wherever it’s safe upon receiving a clear signal from passengers. Passengers waiting at undesignated stops, especially in the dark, are advised to wear high-visibility clothing and do so at their own risk.
Dogs on Buses
Assistance dogs, including guide dogs and hearing dogs, can travel for free on Company vehicles. Other dogs or animals may be allowed at the driver’s discretion, provided they are not dangerous or disruptive. Animals should not sit on seats, and passengers must keep them under control on a lead or in a suitable container. The Company is not liable for the loss, death, or injury of animals, unless caused by negligence from the Company or its staff.
Bicycles
We regret that we are unable to carry fixed frame bicycles; folding bicycles will be carried subject to sufficient space being available and the bicycle being covered.
Behaviour on buses
Passengers must enter and exit through designated doors and present a valid ticket or pass upon request.
Fare should be paid immediately upon boarding, and defaced or expired tickets must be surrendered.
For safety, passengers should not cause discomfort, throw items out of windows, or distract the driver.
Smoking, selling goods, and distributing materials are prohibited.
Do not engage the driver while the bus is moving, except in emergencies or to request a stop.
Passengers causing disturbances may be asked to leave, and loud music or tampering with equipment is not allowed.
These rules ensure a safe and comfortable ride for everyone.
Compass Travel Mobile App
The Compass Travel mobile app allows you to purchase and validate bus tickets on our buses. You can also search for particular stops and check scheduled departure times for your route.
Mobile Tickets
Bus Stops
Journey Info
Compass Travel Mobile App
The Compass Travel mobile app allows you to purchase and validate bus tickets on our buses. You can also search for particular stops and check scheduled departure times for your route.
Mobile Tickets
Bus Stops
Journey Info
