How to Apply

The Love Your Bus Grant Fund supports Parish and Town Councils to deliver projects that increase bus patronage and strengthen local transport networks, while contributing to Essex County Council’s (ECC) wider ambitions:

• A strong, inclusive, and sustainable economy

• A high-quality environment

• Health, wellbeing, and independence for all ages

• A good place for children and families to grow

Grants of up to £50,000 per project have been available for revenue-based initiatives, delivered through funding from the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Two rounds of funding were delivered across 2024/25 and 2025/26, supporting a wide range of community-led service improvements across Essex.

The second round of funding was awarded in April 2026, with projects due to begin delivery from July–August 2026.

Applications are currently closed, and there is no confirmed date for future funding rounds at this stage.

Further Guidance and Application Documents

For full details on the application process, including bid criteria, project requirements, collaboration guidance, evaluation criteria, and monitoring and reporting expectations, please refer to the documents below:

Love your bus Application Guidance Notes

Bid Criteria for Parish and Town Councils

Intended Grant Agreement

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply:

• Parish and Town Councils only.

Bus service requirement:

• Services must operate at least 80% of their mileage within ECC's administrative area (excluding Southend and Thurrock).

Number of applications:

• Each council can submit up to three projects.

• Each Projects up to £50,000

• Joint applications with neighbouring Councils are encouraged

Required support

• Transport Provider: A letter confirming support from the bus operator, including agreement to data-sharing requirements

• County Councillor: Written or email endorsement from the relevant local County Councillor

What to Expect After Applying

Once submitted, applications are assessed against the published criteria.

If successful:

• A Grant Agreement will be issued for signature

• Funding will be released once the agreement is signed and returned

• A project start date and monitoring schedule will be agreed

Ongoing support will be provided by Essex County Council throughout the delivery period.

Stay Updated

The Love Your Bus Information Hub will continue to be updated. Please check regularly for:

• Programme updates

• Revised guidance or documentation

• Frequently asked questions