Bus network consultation 2025

Essex County Council (ECC) is reviewing its support for 41 local bus services. We want your help to ensure that our future bus network is ready to meet new levels of passenger demand and is providing value for money. ECC is therefore carrying out this public consultation regarding these local bus services.

This consultation will commence Monday 04 August 2025 and close on Monday 27 October 2025 @ 2359

These services are currently funded by the Council to ensure communities have access to essential transport links where commercial services are not available. With contracts due to expire in July 2026.

Why Your Views Matter

The way people travel has changed significantly in recent years. This consultation is a chance for residents, businesses, and community groups to share their views on how local bus services are meeting their needs — and where improvements or changes might be needed.

Feedback will help Essex County Council decide which services to continue supporting, redesign, or potentially return to commercial operation.

What's being proposed

· Group 1: 16 services showing growth or potential for improvement. These may be redesigned or supported with additional funding.

· Group 2: 16 services with lower usage. These may be redesigned to improve value for money or could be subject to further consultation.

· Group 3: 9 services that were temporarily supported after COVID-19. These are being considered for return to commercial operation.

How to Take Part

You can view the proposals and respond to the consultation by visiting the main consultation page.

If you would like to complete a Hardcopy of the consultation you can do so by Downloading the Bus Network Consultation 2025.

If you would like to promote the consultation please use our poster.

We encourage everyone who uses or relies on local bus services to take part.