Essex County Council is investing more than £1.45 million to make bus travel across Essex simpler, more reliable and better value for passengers.
The funding is part of the Council’s Thrive programme — a research-led initiative that forms an essential part of Essex’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The plan sets out how the Council will grow bus use across the county by making services easier to understand, more convenient and better suited to local needs.
Working closely with local bus operators, Thrive sets out practical improvements such as clearer fares, better information, targeted promotion and increased frequency to understand what genuinely encourages people to choose the bus. Thrive, residents will see a range of improvements designed to make everyday journeys easier including:
Service 13 (Epping) will increase from hourly to every 30 minutes, giving passengers greater flexibility and shorter waiting times. Service 38 /38A (Witham – Braintree – Halstead) will increase from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes during the main part of the day, with additional evening journeys added up to 20:45, making it easier to travel later for work, shopping or leisure.
In Tendring, a new ticket zone will apply to any journey beginning and ending within the district. This will make fares simpler and easier to understand, while also offering better value for residents, students and visitors.
Passengers in Tollesbury, Goldhanger and Maldon will benefit from a targeted digital campaign promoting Service 95. The campaign will highlight key destinations, service frequency and the convenience of travelling into Maldon for work, education and leisure, with a particular focus on encouraging off-peak travel.
Service 104 (Colchester – Harwich) will also benefit from wider marketing activity, including leaflets, posters, radio and newspaper advertising, alongside joint promotion with local partners to support both commuter and tourism travel.
Improvements are also being made to passenger information on Service 9 between (Basildon – Billericay). Updated maps and timetables, clearer bus stop materials, QR codes for live tracking and wider distribution of information through local organisations will help passengers plan their journeys with confidence.
By testing these improvements in different parts of the county and gathering data on what works best, Thrive will help ensure future investment focuses on the changes passengers value most, building a stronger and more connected bus network for Essex.
Cllr Mark Platt, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said:
These new and improved services represent a major step forward for public transport in Essex. By expanding coverage, improving frequency, and strengthening connections to key destinations, we are making it easier for residents to choose the bus for everyday journeys. This investment will support our growing communities, reduce congestion, and help create a greener, more accessible transport network for everyone.”
Cllr Laureen Shaw Cllr Shaw is Deputy Cabinet Members for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said
“These new services mark an important investment in the future of our communities. By improving access to key destinations and offering more reliable travel choices, we are helping residents stay connected to work, education, healthcare and leisure. This expansion strengthens our commitment to delivering a transport network that supports growth, reduces isolation and gives people real, sustainable alternatives for everyday journeys.”
