Compass Bus

Compass Bus, or Compass Travel, is an independent bus and coach operator based in Durrington, Worthing, West Sussex. They operate over 50 bus services throughout West Sussex and Surrey, linking many places other bus companies do not serve. They operate commercial and contracted routes, including the 99, a flexible service between Petworth and Chichester. This service has a fixed route, but will deviate off the route to serve a number of small villages if pre-booked. In addition, a number of Sainsbury's special bus services are run, serving Rustington and Chichester Sainsbury's. Services to Benfield Park Sainsbury's were withdrawn in 2010.

In October 2006 the operation of some of Compass Bus' routes, mainly in the Burgess Hill area, passed to Countryliner, who also operate in Sussex and Surrey. In September 2007, Compass picked up a number of routes formerly operated by Palaeobus, when they ceased trading. The Holmbush Express services were added to the portfolio from 20 April 2009, along with several other enhancements to existing services.

Also in April 2009, Compass acquired the coaching business of Sussex Country Tours, along with a rare 25 seater Robin Hood bodied Mercedes coach and a more conventional 41 seat Van Hool bodied Volvo. A third coach was sold to acquire the company's first Scania Irizar Century.

Work with Brighton & Hove football club and Rail Replacement work from the middle of 2011 saw the company expanding into new areas. Optare Solo's are regularly seen plying between Rottingdean and the Falmer Stadium, whereas the larger vehicles operate the services from Shoreham and Hangleton. Newer 10.8m Enviro 200s have strengthened the fleet to increase the number of vehicles available to Rail Replacement work, although at present this is largely restricted to services operating through Barnham under the low bridge.

From 3 January 2012, Compass took over the operation of the Stagecoach route 7 in Worthing under a franchise agreement. Unique in South East England, this arrangement gives the running of the service to Compass, whilst Stagecoach retain it as part of their network. The service was adjusted by splitting the two estates - North Sompting to be served by a modification of the original route 7, and the Test Road estate to the south by the new 7A. This enabled the service to be operated by three vehicles instead of four as previously. Route branding has been applied to the vehicles.

Further expansion came when Compass won contracts to operate routes in East Sussex from 21 May 2012. These are in the Lewes / Newhaven / Seaford area. Six brand new Optare Solo SRs were ordered to operate these services, finally being delivered during the second week in August 2012.

More services resulted when Compass were awarded contracts for a number of services in Brighton & Hove, which will commence on 16 September 2012. Seven brand new Enviros have been ordered to operate these routes. In the West Sussex area, a number of changes have resulted following WSCC cuts.