Explore Kent By Public Transport

Kent County Council (KCC) has secured the future of two important bus routes in Thanet after Stagecoach announced plans to reduce a number of commercial services as part of a network review.Working closely with the operator, KCC's Public Transport Team has made arrangements to replace two routes that were earmarked to end. These are:Service 9: Ramsgate, Minster and Monkton (Monday to Saturday off-peak service)Service 32: Minnis Bay and Margate (Monday to Saturday)KCC prioritised support for routes where communities faced losing all bus provision, and where school pupils could have been left without a practical way of travelling to school. However, with limited funding available, the council has not been able to support routes where services are only being reduced or where alternative bus services are still available.Supported by Government Bus Grant Funding, KCC already invests around £13 million each year to support around 150 bus services across Kent that would not otherwise operate on a commercial basis.While bus companies decide which commercial services they operate, KCC works to protect important local connections where it can and has moved quickly to secure replacement arrangements where the impact on residents would be greatest.The replacements for Services 9 and 32 have initially been secured for six months. During this period, KCC will monitor passenger numbers and assess the longer-term viability of the routes, while also reviewing how services can be delivered as efficiently as possible alongside other bus services in the area.Spencer Dixon, KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "The withdrawal of these services would have had a significant impact on communities across Thanet, particularly for residents who rely on buses to get to work, school, appointments and other essential services."As soon as we became aware that these routes were at risk, we worked with the operator to find a solution and ensure people were not left without a bus service."We've been able to protect important links between Ramsgate, Minster, Monkton, Minnis Bay and Margate. While we cannot replace every commercial service that is withdrawn, we will continue to focus our support where it is needed most and where it will have the greatest benefit for local residents."This year KCC has also stepped in to arranged alternative services for routes serving residents in East Malling, East Peckham, Kingswood, Boughton Monchelsea and Grafty Green.

Kent County Council (KCC) has stepped in to protect vital bus links after a number of commercial services run by local bus companies were withdrawn, ensuring communities remain connected and children can continue getting to school.Working with local bus operators, KCC has arranged alternative services for routes serving residents in East Malling, East Peckham, Kingswood, Boughton Monchelsea and Grafty Green, helping to make sure people can continue to access schools, jobs, healthcare and other essential services.The Council has prioritised routes where communities risked being left without a bus service or where school pupils could have been left without a practical way to travel.Assisted by Government Bus Grant Funding, KCC already invests around £13 million every year supporting around 150 bus services across Kent that would not otherwise run. While bus companies decide which commercial services they operate, KCC works to protect important local connections where it can and has moved quickly to secure replacement arrangements where the impact on residents would be greatest.The replacement services in place are as follows:The Brookline-operated 4A service between East Malling and East Peckham, which currently runs on schooldays, is being withdrawn. KCC has secured a replacement service, which will be operated by Nu-Venture from September as part of its service 4 operation.Nu-Venture will also operate a replacement 575 service, ensuring there is enough capacity for students who previously travelled on the Arriva service.A new service, numbered 75, will replace part of the withdrawn Arriva network and maintain a bus link for residents of Clare Park in East Malling. The service will run between East Malling and Maidstone Town Centre via Maidstone Hospital.Nu-Venture will also provide a replacement 559 service following the withdrawal of Arriva services 59 and 89. This will help pupils from Grafty Green, Boughton Monchelsea and Kingswood continue to travel to schools in Maidstone through connections at Parkwood.KCC is continuing to work on solutions for communities affected by service withdrawals in Thanet. Further details will be announced as soon as arrangements have been finalised.Spencer Dixon, KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We've acted quickly to make sure people are not left without the bus services they rely on."KCC already supports around 150 bus services across Kent because we know how important they are to local communities. When we became aware that some areas could lose their only bus links, we got straight to work with operators to find practical solutions."We've been able to secure replacement services in a number of areas and, most importantly, make sure children can still get to school and communities stay connected."We can't replace every service that a commercial operator chooses to withdraw, but where the impact on residents is greatest, we'll always look at what can be done and work hard to find a solution."

Kent County Council (KCC) is supporting a series of bus fare promotions to make it easier and more affordable for people to travel around Kent this summer.Whether it’s visiting to the Hop Festival in Swale, the Food and Drink Festival in Deal, or exploring attractions across the county, cheaper bus tickets are available to help residents and visitors make the most of their day out.What’s Running This Summer?We are working with Stagecoach on several promotions including:Thanet (Loop service): £2 flat single fare on all weekends and Bank Holidays in AugustFolkestone and Hythe (Routes 102, 103,104 & 105): Special August £5 Day Ticket throughout AugustSwale (X3 service): £2 flat fare on Wednesday 5, and Thursday 6 September 2026 supporting the Hop FestivalDover (Deal Town Network): £2 flat fare on journeys starting and finishing in Deal, between Friday 28, and Sunday 30 August 2026 to support the Deal Food and Drink FestivalThere are also additional journeys on some Go Bus services including:Sevenoaks, and Tonbridge and Malling (Services 1 and 401): Additional Saturday and Sunday services serving Chartwell during August and September. For further details, visit the GoBus website.Spencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Summer is a great time to explore Kent, and we want travel to be as affordable and convenient as possible.“These discounted fares will help residents and visitors reach festivals, attractions and coastal destinations across the county while supporting our wider ambition to encourage more people to use public transport and reduce congestion on Kent's roads."The discounts are part of a wider programme of support KCC is delivering from funding secured by the government to encourage people to use public transport when travelling to major events across Kent.Earlier this month, KCC funded free shuttle bus services from Maidstone and Sittingbourne to help visitors attend the Kent County Show. Passengers could also travel to the Maidstone River Festival for £1.Residents and visitors can also Reach the Beach in Folkestone for less. The initiative offers £1 single adult bus tickets on Stagecoach routes 102 and 103 from Folkestone Central Station, and route 10 from Folkestone West Station to the Harbour until Sunday 30 August 2026.Families can also make the most of the summer holidays on the Isle of Sheppey with affordable bus travel connecting communities and attractions across the island.KCC is supporting Travelmasters' 360 Sunday service, which will operate throughout the summer, offering passengers a flat fare of just £2 per journey.