Nearly £900,000 is being invested to improve and grow bus services across Essex, helping local communities access more reliable, frequent and connected bus travel.
Essex County Council has awarded £895,160 through the Love Your Bus 2 programme, supporting 23 Parish and Town Councils to deliver improvements based on the specific needs of their communities.
The programme is funded through the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and enables local councils to shape the services people rely on every day.
What the funding will support
Proposals from local councils include:
more frequent journeys
extended routes
reinstated weekend services
youth fare initiatives
passenger information upgrades
community-led promotion and awareness activities
These enhancements aim to improve accessibility, reduce isolation, support local journeys and encourage greater use of sustainable, reliable transport.
Map of Areas Receiving Love Your Bus 2 Funding
This map shows the locations of the Parish and Town Councils awarded funding across Essex.
Parish and Town Councils awarded funding
Witham Town Council
Roxwell Parish Council
High Easter Parish Council
Great Yeldham Parish Council
Nazeing Parish Council
Stow Maries Parish Council
Woodham Walter Parish Council
Aldham Parish Council
Stanway Parish Council
South Hanningfield Parish Council
Great Yeldham Parish Council
South Woodham Ferrers Town Council
Rettendon Parish Council
Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council
Waltham Abbey Town Council
Loughton Town Council
Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council
These projects were selected on community need, deliverability and passenger benefit.
When improvements will begin
Enhancements funded through Love Your Bus 2 are expected to begin from April 2026, following coordination with local councils and bus operators.
Find out more
More details about the Love Your Bus programme and individual project updates can be found at:
👉 Love Your Bus Grant Fund Information | Travel Essex
