By Webmaster Burgess Hill on Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Category: Business News

Introducing Brookleigh’s New 38 and ‘38 Flex’ Bus Services

Brookleigh residents will now benefit from improved public transport with the introduction of the new 38 and '38 Flex' bus services, starting from Monday, 11th May 2026.

Funded by Homes England and operated by Compass Travel, the services have been developed to support the growing community and make travel around Burgess Hill more convenient, including easy access to the Town Centre and Railway Station. Read on for a summary of what you need to know.

This exciting progress was made possible by strong partnership work, as with everything growing here at Brookleigh. Homes England has worked closely with West Sussex County Council (WSCC), providing the initial funding to start the service, along with ongoing funding for the wider Public Transport Strategy.  

Compass Travel has operated bus services in Burgess Hill for many years, meaning they know the area and local transport infrastructure well. They have lots of experience with digital demand-responsive transport (DDRT), which is the on-demand, flexible bus service for travel at off-peak times that works alongside the timetabled peak time service.

Easy travel, when you need it. You'll find out more below about why this is a great fit for Brookleigh.

​​​​Two bus services to meet residents' needs

 The key focus throughout planning and procurement was to meet the needs of the community. Two distinct services are in place to achieve this

Initially, the bus service will be a 'hail & ride' service while works are still planned for the road surfaces and bus stop areas.

During peak times, Monday to Saturday, the 38 Service runs as a fixed, timetabled schedule. The buses operate up to every 30 minutes and serve all stops along the route, meaning residents have easy and convenient access to Burgess Hill Town Centre, the Railway Station and other local destinations.

In addition, the route includes a dedicated AM and PM timetabled School Service to The Triangle, serving St Paul's Catholic College.

How do I travel, and do I need to book?

We want to make travel as easy as possible.

Adult single fares are £2.40 (return £4.60), with contactless or cash payment accepted as normal when you get on the bus. In addition to the Compass Travel website, the bus service is supported by the Compass Travel app, where you can conveniently check the full timetable, costs (including concessions and travel passes), and other service information.

The app is downloadable at: www.compass-travel.co.uk/download-our-app

​The off-peak '38 Flex' Service

During off-peak hours, including Sundays and Public Holidays, demand for any bus service varies. But, as we know, people still need to travel and stay connected!

At these times, the service switches to the '38 Flex' model, allowing residents to book journeys to and from anywhere within the defined Burgess Hill zone, including all stops served by the timetabled service. This service is a more comprehensive replacement of the previous 'flexibus' service.

This flexible approach helps support a wider range of journeys, particularly for those travelling at quieter times of day or to destinations not covered by the fixed route.

How do I book?

Again, ease and flexibility of travel are key. Passengers who used the old 'flexibus' service will be used to the idea of booking local travel when they need it.

All users will need to download the 'Brookleigh 38 Flex' app. This app is dedicated to booking and managing journeys on the '38 Flex' Service (separate from the Compass Travel app) and is downloadable from the iPhone or Android stores.

As Brookleigh continues to grow, the introduction of the 38 and '38 Flex' Service is making everyday travel more accessible – just as it should be.

The combination of fixed and flexible travel options aims to provide convenient, reliable choices throughout the week. As a resident, whether you're travelling for work, school, shopping or leisure, your base at Brookleigh connects you strongly to Burgess Hill and beyond.

​Find out more