Love Your Bus – Grant Fund Information Hub
About the Love Your Bus Grant Fund
| Love Your Bus is a community-led grant initiative launched by Essex County Council (ECC) in 2024, funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). This funding opportunity was designed to enable Parish and Town Councils in Essex to bid for support to grow and sustain their local bus routes. It encourages community-led action and partnerships with transport providers to improve bus services in 2024/25. Project Aims
Key Details
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Eligible Project Types
Projects could include (but were not limited to):
Service Enhancements: Increased frequency, early/late services, route extensions
Community Engagement & Promotion: Marketing campaigns, school partnerships, events
Passenger Experience Improvements: Better information, accessibility upgrades, bus buddies
Incentive Programs: Loyalty schemes, business partnerships, themed services
2024/25 Grant Outcomes
A total of 9 projects were awarded funding, totalling £237,062.
All awards are subject to acceptance of grant terms and conditions.
Parish/Town Council | Project summary | Funding Amount |
Sheering Parish Council | 347 Service expansion to cover Harlow including marketing and promotion | £34,000 |
Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council | 351 service frequency increased between Chelmsford and Warley on Monday to Friday. | £48,716 |
North Weald Bassett Parish Council | Bus awareness Marketing Campaign | £19,000 |
Woodham Walter Parish Council | Advertising campaign for service 99 | £3,600 |
Burnham On Crouch Town Council | Additional morning journeys added for service 331 from Burnham on Crouch to Chelmsford including promotion of the service | £50,000 |
Mayland Parish Council | Rerouting and retiming service 331 and 31 mornings and evenings between Chelmsford and Burnham, including social media marketing | £14,666 |
High Easter parish council | Additional short Journeys added on service 17/18 2 days per week between Chelmsford and Chignall, including promotion of the service | £17,200 |
Shalford Parish Council | Additional vehicle available for DigiGo North zone, 50h /per week, Monday to Friday including marketing and network engagement | £48,880 |
Rayne Parish Council | Service 133 promotion and marketing | £1,000 |
You Suggested, We Listened
Feedback from 2024/25 Grant Round
Based on feedback and lessons learned, several improvements will be introduced for the next round.
Simplified application form to reduce time and complexity
Regular engagement sessions starting 4th September 2025
Looking Ahead – Love Your Bus 2
Applications for the next round of grant funding will open this Autumn. Please check back soon for the official launch date.
What’s Changing
✅ Simplified application form to reduce time and complexity
✅ Regular weekly engagement and Q&A sessions
✅ Held every Thursday, 1:00–2:00 PM
✅ Running from 4th September until launch day (exact date TBC)
Sessions will cover:
✅ Application process
✅ Eligibility and project design
✅ Completing the application
✅ Grant agreement and post-award monitoring
Applications for the next round will open this Autumn. Please check back soon for the official launch date.
