Bus services could face changes as passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Reduced commuting as people continue to work from home has seen passenger numbers on routes operated by Brighton and Hove Buses remain around 15 per cent below pre-Covid levels.

The company has said there are likely to be changes to its services to reflect the change in demand.

However, it said there have been no major reductions in service as seen in some parts of the country.

Nick Hill, commercial director of Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus, said: “Service levels are largely based on the number of people using them and our aim is to maintain a comprehensive network of services.

“There are likely to be changes to reflect demand, including increases on some busy routes and service enhancements identified through the bus service improvement plans in Brighton and Hove and East Sussex.”

Mr Hill said that the company is doing what it can to encourage the use of public transport amid the cost of living crisis.

He said: “We continue to encourage bus usage as an affordable and environmental way to travel. We are participating in the government £2 fare scheme that runs until the end of March.

“We offer 50p fares to young people under the age of 19 in Brighton and Hove, and free travel for up to four young people when travelling with a fare-paying adult of concessionary pass holder in Brighton and Hove and East Sussex.

“In a time when the cost of living is high, we are doing everything we can to encourage more people to travel bus which is considerably cheaper than the total cost of car travel.”

It comes as the industry warns that time is “running out” to avoid bus services from being axed across England.

Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport - which represents bus companies, warned that thousands of services could be at risk without longer-term support from the government.

The current funding deal to keep services running, despite a fall in demand due to the pandemic, expires at the end of next month.

He said: “While short-term investment has been welcome, reliance on piecemeal funding not only puts up to 15 per cent of services in jeopardy if not replaced but also deters passengers from giving their local bus service a go to get to work, leisure and education.”

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Compass Travel, which also operates bus services in the city and across Sussex, said it does not anticipate any potential cuts to bus routes.

Managing director Chris Chatfield said: “Our passenger numbers are largely back to pre-Covid levels, especially with the current national £2 maximum single fare deal.

“The vast majority of our bus routes are council contracts and all the councils we work with have been very supportive financially to ensure our services continue.”