On Route Radio: Recent Episodes
On Route Radio
Welcome to 'On Route Radio' from Brighton and Hove Buses, where every month you can put questions and suggestions to Managing Director, Roger French. Hear about great days out by bus and luxury coach, plus regular news updates to ensure you're always first to hear about service improvements.
Sean Bolger presents the January edition of our online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the December edition of our online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the November edition of our online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the October edition of our online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the September edition of our online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the August edition of our online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the July edition of our online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the June edition of our brand new online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city.
Sean Bolger presents the first edition of our brand new online radio magazine show - On Route Extra. Each month we will bring you the very latest from Brighton & Hove Buses with news, views, comment and information about the bus services and how they affect you. There'll be a chance to put your questions to our top people, plus some ideas about how you can get the most from your local bus service. This is essential listening for our city!
The Summer Bus Times bring many improvements to services including a brand new way to save with the launch of the M Ticket Duo. Also this month some Easter ideas for the whole family and more of your questions to the man in charge of the city's buses.
This month all you need to know about the Summer Bus Times and the new approach to consultation on future bus service changes. Plus, how would you like to sit behind the wheel of a bus and help make the city's streets safe, we tell you how.
A new bus service is proposed for the Queens Park area from April, we find out what the changes will mean. We hear about the latest M Ticket for two and hold on tight as conductors return with open top buses for the Summer.
Listen out if you are a Seagulls fan as you could win some tickets! We have news of the plans to extend the 20mph city speed limit, why the new Lewes Rd Bus Lanes have been deemed a success plus your questions answered as always.
With buses running every few minutes to all parts of the city assisted by network of dedicated bus lanes we find out why there's no need to queue for car parks this Christmas. We also find out how easy it is to pay before boarding and get a real bargain.
The city's buses are set to get even greener thanks to a government grant to help tackle air pollution, we have news of faster online Top-Up times for the KEY Smartcard and it's fingers crossed for a top prize at this years UK Bus Awards
This month we take a look at the Government's new initiative to help young people get the best from bus travel, we have an update on plans to introduce advertising on the buses plus there's help with this years Christmas shopping.
The Winter Bus Times from September 15th see many improvements to services, it's back to school with a Fare Deal for parents and a look ahead to Christmas with an experiment to keep the queues down and the buses moving.
This month the City Council's low emission plans and what it means for bus passengers, we look ahead to the new Bus Times from September and the government's Passenger Focus watchdog gives the city another great set of results.
Our new 1 Stop Travel Shop in North Street, Brighton is the place to go for all your ticket requirements, information, travel enquiries and excursion bookings and much more besides. We caught up with some of the staff to find out more.
The customer unit is the hub of the company here to answer your calls seven days a week dealing with all your queries, problems and compliments. We went down to Bus HQ in Hove to meet up with some of them and find out more.
The latest figures show passenger numbers have doubled in the last 20 years, more brand new buses make travel even more comfortable and Brighton and Hove teams up with Sussex Police for this years UK Bus Awards. Plus more questions for MD Martin Harris.
This month sees a brand new SAVER for families travelling together with the M TICKET, the Government's Better Bus Areas scheme comes to Edward St and Eastern Rd and there's more of your questions to the Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Buses.
The best value bus tickets are now available for instant travel on all routes, all you need is a phone in your pocket. Also this month it's all aboard for the Brighton Festival and we put more of your questions to the man in charge of the city's buses.
No stranger to Brighton Martin Harris returns to steer the city's buses into the future, what will that future look like? Also this month the Key Smartcard gets you on the bus, into the car and on your bike. Plus your questions for the new man at the top.
We step off the number 12 bus and into the 1860's at Seaford Station, we take a stroll through the modern shopping area and then back into the past once again as we join local historian Dr Geoffrey Mead in the tranquillity of St Leonard's Church.
Away from the antique shops we make our way from the old part of Seaford to the High Street with its familiar shops and modern facade. With the help of Dr Geoffrey Mead, we manage to avoid clink and discover more of Secret Sussex.
If you're looking for a quiet beach or an undisturbed walk Seaford has the answer just moments from the bus. Dr Geoffrey Mead takes us on a stroll towards the Anglo Saxon settlement of Bishopstone and fills in the historical gaps along the way.
The once industrial centre between Newhaven and Seaford is today almost invisible but if you get off the bus you can step back in time. Dr. Geoffrey Mead gives us a flavour of Tide Mills and the people who've not been gone that long.
A church name gives a big clue to the origins of Newhaven, but is it really true that this thriving port was created by a great storm in the 1500's and how did Denton become an island?
A walk along the West Quay takes you past Newhaven's working fishing area, still thriving and a link with the past in what nearly became a yuppie village. Keep walking and you arrive at Newhaven Fort, where Dr. Geoffrey Mead reveals more of Secret Sussex
Another meander through the streets of Secret Sussex and we find ourselves on the coast or do we? Dr. Geoffrey Mead is our guide to Newhaven and we begin in the now quiet High Street, quiet in part because of what's known locally as the noose!
An ancient name for the newest part of town, Ropetackle is now an area of wine bars and modern apartment living. A drastic makeover from the Shoreham of twenty years ago and as Dr. Geoffrey Mead explains, a great example of counter urbanisation!
Away from the High Street we find ourselves on the Riverside with local historian Dr. Geoffrey Mead. Boats and trains became home to a vibrant theatre set on the south coast in Bungalow Town, discover more about life just off the High Street.
The geography of Brighton made the building of the railway to London a little tricky and it was Shoreham that saved the day, as local historical geographer Geoffrey Mead explains.
A visit to Shoreham gets you about as close to Northern Europe as the bus can take you and this is reflected in the wonderful St Mary de Haura Church. A vast building, even with two thirds missing, we fill in the gaps.
If you stood on Shoreham High Street five hundred years ago the river would have been in a different place, local historian Geoffrey Mead explains what happened and why was Shoreham such a rotten borough?
We continue to uncover the secrets of Lewes and find ourselves in the beautiful gardens of Southover Grange, once dwarfed by a building bigger than Westminster Abbey. Then, it's a deep breath with local historian Geoffrey Mead, as we tackle Keere Street.
Eight miles from Brighton by bus and our tour of Lewes continues, it's another world where the past is clearly visible in the 21st Century. Local historian Geoffrey Mead has more on this independently minded town.
A great day out going round in circles, well actually one big circle, on board a luxury coach taking in the delights of London's orbital motorway. Wildlife, amazing scenery, wonderful architecture and more than a few facts and figures too.
Standing on Lewes Bridge we're on a divide that goes back over a thousand years, the separation of Lewes and the area known as The Cliffe. More tales of Secret Sussex now with local historian Geoffrey Mead.
Now the sensible home of Lewes District Council, Lewes House was once home to a very colourful Boston socialite. Geoffrey Mead reveals some of this amazing building's past scandals and tells us how a pile of gorse gave the house its wonderful look.
This time a walk with local historian Geoffrey Mead from Lewes High Street towards Lewes Castle. We find out why the castle was moved from its original position, discover the origins of the name Lewes and what is mathematical tiling?
This time local historian Geoffrey Mead guides us through some of Brighton's amazing seafront buildings. We start in a loo that's now a restaurant, take in a few Grand secrets and finish in the 1930's at the most westerly building in Brighton.
From Lewes Castle we head down towards Lewes High Street, via a wonderful complex of antique and craft shops. With Cliffe Hill in the distance local historian Geoffrey Mead guides us through some of the beautiful and historic buildings on each side.
Built on the Clyde almost a century and a half ago the West Pier is one of the most photographed buildings in Brighton. Local historian Geoffrey Mead, once a pier tour guide himself, is very well placed to reveal some of her best kept secrets.
Sir charles Barry won a competition to design the parish church of St Peter's in York Place, Brighton and went on to design the Houses of Parliament. Local historical geographer Geoffrey Mead tells us more.
This time we start our walk with local historian Geoffrey Mead outside the Brighton Fishing Museum. Records show that fishing was a part of Brighton life over a thousand years ago and today it's back after a 1970's blip.
The son of a Welsh millwright, who became one of the top architects of the time, Nash was hired by the Prince Regent who wanted to build his palace by the sea. The Pavilion has now been restored to it's original design but at the time Nash left Brighton u
Today Pool Valley is the resting place for coaches, but not so long ago it was horses you would have seen, after emerging from a dip in the ocean that it. Local historian Geoffrey Mead tells us more about the changing places and faces of the city.
Born in Brighton, Eric Gill later moved to Ditchling where he headed up a community of artists. A religious man, who lead a very bohemian life, definitely kept tongues wagging. A sculptor and famous for the Gill Sans typeface still used today.
You never quite know what your stepping on when you take a walk with local historian Geoffrey Mead. This time we hop off bus number 1 and discover more about the fascinating history of the once industrial Portslade beneath our feet.
Local historian Geoffrey Mead takes a walk along the non-toll road, just moments from the 56 bus stop at Copperus Gap. In days gone by ships arrived from all over the world and today a short bus ride still reveals much of this areas wonderful past.
This time we're in the North Street area of Portslade, once a bustling centre of coastal activity and an area home to one of the most famous sailors of all time. If you remember Players cigarettes you may have worked it out already!
Famous for his amazing stories that often culminated in a very unexpected end, Phil Starr died suddenly after his last performance in 2005. A tireless charity worker and, as fellow entertainer Dave Lynn reveals, one of the best in the business.
The journey along the coast is stunning, especially from the top deck. Home to some wonderful architecture, including the Lido and Ocean Hotel, Saltdean started life with just a couple of coastguard cottages. Local historian Geoffrey Mead tells us more.
This time local historian Geoffrey Mead takes us for a geology lesson along the under cliff walk between Rottingdean and Saltdean. We find evidence of the largest living things ever and discover how Welsh miners stopped the coast falling into the sea.
Two hundred years ago peace and quiet were the main selling points of Rottingdean and today not much has changed. This time we spend time on the beach with local historian Geoffrey Mead, turnover a few stones and uncover a little more of Secret Brighton.
Meet the lady, who apart from being very lovely, runs her department with military precision. Sergeant Rosemary spent fifteen years in the army, which makes her perfectly placed to look after all her drivers and keep them in order!
Once again we join local historian Geoffrey Mead to uncover more of Secret Brighton. This time we start our journey close to the magnificent St Peter's Church on what was Richmond Green.
This time we start our journey with local historian Geoffrey Mead on the corner of North Road and Vine Street in Brighton, and move through time from farming to foundries.
Not the best kept secret in town, but a stroll past the fabulous King and Queen pub with local historian Geoffrey Mead reveals a few more tales of old Brighton. We pass through Valley Gardens and into Marlborough Place to find out why it's so unique.
A fascination with buses as a boy, through the ranks to become the youngest inspector in the country, we meet Ron Hayes as he celebrates his 60th birthday. A man who has no intention of slowing down and every intention of keeping the buses running on time
An imposing and beautiful building that's not much of a secret from the outside, but once inside the memorials on the wall and a recently discovered vault tell the stories of one of the most powerful family's of the mid nineteenth century.
This time we join local historian Geoffrey Mead on the corner of Paston Place and St Georges Road and with the Royal Sussex County Hospital in the distance, we discover more of Secret Brighton.
This time we join local historian Geoffrey Mead to learn about a piece of Brighton that's not quite so secret. In the middle of Kemptown, a cow with huge eyes and a story to tell of it's urban ancestors.
Local historian Geoffrey Mead uncovers more of Secret Brighton and takes us down one of the city's famous 'Twittens' to discover a pub with its own brewery and a fine set of 'Blues and Buffs'.
English bandleader, composer, arranger and actor. Born in Brighton in 1903 Noble studied at Cambridge before attending the Royal College of Music. Hits include 'Goodnight Sweetheart' and 'The Very Thought of You'.
A Welsh composer, singer and actor who became one of the most popular British entertainers. A plaque at the Lanes Hotel on Marine Parade celebrates Norvello staying there whilst writing his successful 1935 show Glamorous Nights.
Debussy is among the most important of all French composers and a central figure in European music. Classic FM's Jamie Crick reveals Debussy's connection to Sussex and the influence the area had on his music.
Bridge was taught how to play the violin by his father and was a pupil at the Royal College of Music. Jamie Crick from Classic FM tells us more about the composer who made Friston, near Eastbourne his home.
Regular afternoon presenter on Classic FM, Jamie Crick tells us more about one of the greatest British composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Born in Gloucestershire in 1872 Williams moved to Sussex as a child, quickly showing a talent for music.
Brighton and Hove Albion, after a very short time, are now very settled in their new home, the 'Amex'. With Match tickets giving free travel on a new network of bus routes it's a great day out.
Come with us and relax in Hove. Adam Lindsay talks to some of the players and organisers at the Sussex County Cricket Club and discovers another great day out by bus.
Sean Bolger takes another walk with local historian Geoffrey Mead, this time along Western Road. We find out about the area's connection to a Greek national hero and discover more about the last big fruit garden in the centre of the city.
All the major streets in Brighton have been widened, all except one. We join local historian Geoffrey Mead for a walk along one of the city's main thoroughfares and enjoy a trip back in time.
Local historian Geoffrey Mead recreates the view from a very early piece of urban landscape at the top of St James's Street. You could once have seen Brighton's famous Chain Pier from here and as we find out you can still stand on it today!
Western Road in Brighton has nothing to do with the direction in which it takes you, as Sean Bolger finds out on another stroll with local historian Geoffrey Mead to uncover a little more of Secret Brighton.
We look around the latest editions to the fleet and talk to the experts involved in the purchase of new buses from Volvo. Adding more than just comfort and safety to the city's streets, these new vehicles are good for the environment too.
Brown, known as Captain Brown, was a specialist marine engineer who with the help of Thomas Telford built Brighton's Chain Pier, the first pleasure pier in Britain. The pier survived several storms until it's final destruction in 1896.
An apprentice photographer, Friese-Greene invented the moving picture. He led a chaotic life, declared bankruptcy three times and also spent the odd week in prison due to debt. There's a plaque outside the family home in Worcester Villas.
The only Brighton man to have been awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War. Ernest Beal attended Brighton Grammar School and worked in his father's stationary shop. The family business went on to become part of Sussex Stationers.
There's a Castle Tavern so where's the castle? Sean Bolger and local historian Geoffrey Mead are in Old Steine to discover more of Secret Brighton.
Sean Bolger and local historian Geoffrey Mead are in the centre of the city, this time taking a walk up North Street to discover more of Secret Brighton.
Sean Bolger with more of Secret Brighton and this time local historian Geoffrey Mead tells us about New Road's nonconformist past.
Sean Bolger and local historian Geoffrey Mead step off the number 5 to uncover the secrets of Patcham. First port of call 1935 and a very famous pub.
Sean Bolger and local historian Geoffrey Mead uncover a few secrets that we pass almost every day, right at the heart of the city.
One of the most famous and revered actors of the twentieth century. Local history expert Marc Sinclair tells us more about the man who insisted on being addressed as "Larry".
The Martlets Hospice provides end of life care services to adults with life limiting illness and the Argus Appeal provides help in cash and kind for many deserving causes. Find out why we think these charities are so deserving.
The son of a German clockmaker who lived in Dyke Road, Brighton. He brought electricity very early on to his own house and later built the world's first electric railway that still runs today. Broadcaster and train enthusiast Nicholas Owen tells us more.
Carol switched careers from teaching to the media. She was sub-editor on London's Time Out magazine, she was part of the launch team at London's LBC radio and then became one of the most famous faces in television news.
The chimney sweep who spent his life fighting for the rights of the common man. Known as the Guv'nor, Cowley campaigned for serviceman, street traders, pensioners and fought against the fascists of Mosley.
A civil engineer educated in Hove and famed for his bridges, dockyards and for the construction of the first major British railway, The Great Western Railway. Brunel also came second in a poll to find the greatest Briton of all time.
Born Charles Thomas, he married the daughter of William Stanford and changed his name by royal licence to Thomas-Stanford. Find out more about the Tory MP who lived at Preston Manor.
Danny Pike talks to veteran Brighton journalist Adam Trimingham who explains why King Charles ll deserves to have a bus named after him, despite only spending one night in the city.
Day trips and short breaks, concerts to country homes, you'll discover there's a destination for everyone onboard one of our luxury coaches. Our reporter Adam Lindsay joined a trip to Hever Castle to find out just what's on offer.
After a lifetime of touring Cunningham settled in Brighton, where he became a star attraction on the now defunct West Pier. He wrote his own epitaph "...at the funeral do not despair, there's a chance Omani won't be there"
New Zealand born Oliver Bullied began his railway career in 1889 at GNR Doncaster. Southern Railway brought the man responsible for Britain's only double decker trains to Brighton, where he now proudly rides on one of our double deckers.
Former leader of Brighton Council and later Mayor of Brighton, Stanley Theobald's greatest achievements were in housing. His son Geoffrey tells us more about his father, one of Brighton's most powerful and influential men.
Probably the most influential and most popular of theatre critics, Tinker served at the Brighton and Hove Herald and later at the Evening Argus. Former colleague Annie Nightingale shares some of her memories of a much missed friend.
Bert Bacharach said "You could hear just three notes and you knew it was Dusty". One of our best selling female singers, broadcaster Annie Nightingale tells us why Brighton should be so proud of her friend Dusty.
Locomotive superintendent of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway. Danny Pike takes up the story of the man who now rides up front on one of our buses.
Danny Pike talks to veteran journalist Adam Trimingham about the unofficial wife of George IV.
George the IV indulged an extravagant lifestyle, he also commissioned John Nash to build the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Danny Pike takes up the story of one of our most famous names.
A solicitor who served as Mayor and a socialist in a tory town. Danny Pike finds out more about the man described as the maker of modern Brighton with former Brighton Argus journalist Adam Trimingham.
The Hove schoolboy who went on to lead Britain to victory against Hitler. Journalist and author Adam Trimingham tells Danny Pike more about the boy ignored by his parents.
Just jump off the bus at the pier and take a tour of the awarding winning sewers. After about an hour you'll pop up through a manhole to catch the bus home from the Old Steine.
The Duke of York's opened it's doors on the 22nd September 1910 and is the UK's oldest purpose built cinema. Come with us as we take a look around this Grade II listed building, which is still showing films to this day.
Brighton Racecourse is just ten minutes from the beach by bus and a wonderful family day out with beautiful views across the Sussex Downs.
Underneath the arches at Brighton & Hove Station is a treasure trove of toys and models to delight the young and the young at heart.
Come with us for a trip around one of the most instantly identifiable architectural images in the world.
Cyclists sit behind the wheel of one of our buses and see the risks they sometimes take.
The quirky Booth Museum of Natural History is one of the city's gems and a great place to take the whole family.
Devil's Dyke, Stanmer Park and Ditchling Beacon are all within easy reach and under half an hour from the City centre, the 'Breeze Up' buses are now running for the Summer.
Our 75th Anniversary Bus Rally on Brighton's Madeira Drive on the 13th of June was just part of the celebrations. Russell Hookey spent the day wandering down memory lane.
Sandy Warr goes behind the scenes of mission control at Bus HQ to find out how real time bus information works.
Join Sandy Warr on board the 2A from the seaside village of Rottingdean just a few miles to the east of Brighton & Hove then up into the heart of West Sussex to Bramber and Steyning.
Managing Director Roger French talks to Sean Bolger about the new book Pride and Joy. Roger's life, his memories and his own 25 year involvement with Brighton & Hove Buses.
Take the bus and visit all the major historic buildings and points of interest including the Pier, the Sea Life Centre and the jewel in the city's crown, the stunning Brighton Pavilion.
Connecting Brighton and Hove with Royal Tunbridge Wells. Through the Sussex weald, Lewes, Isfield and Crowborough. Sandy Warr takes in the medieval castles and healing waters along the way!
Join Sandy Warr as she takes a trip on the 13X, our spectacular bus ride between Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne. It must surely be one of the most scenic bus routes in all of England!