Residents across Essex recently benefitted from new and improved bus services in 2026, boosting connectivity across the county.
The new routes will operate across Harlow and Tendring, improving access to town centres, healthcare facilities, education settings, employment hubs, rail stations and hospitals. The services have been introduced through Essex County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), funded by the Department for Transport to promote greener and more accessible public transport.
Working closely with local transport providers, the new services have been designed to meet the needs of local communities. Improvements will include:
Better weekend and evening travel options
Improved coverage for rural areas
Stronger links to employment and education hubs
Enhanced connections to rail stations, hospitals and town centres
Essex saw a significant increase in bus passenger numbers during 2024/25. These new services aim to extend the bus network into areas where limited access has previously been a barrier to travel. They will also support future housing growth in the Harlow-Gilston Garden Town and the Tendring-Colchester Borders Garden Community, ensuring public transport infrastructure keeps pace with expanding communities.
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.”
The new services that have been introduced are:
Service Number | Route | District | Summary of Changes |
1/1A | Clacton Pier Avenue – Circular via Clacton Shopping Village Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional late afternoon and evening journeys added on Sundays. |
2 | Clacton – Mistley Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional Monday to Saturday evening journeys added. |
3 | Clacton – Harwich Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional early morning and evening journeys added. Sunday timetable introduced. |
4/4A | Clacton Pier Avenue – Circular via Jaywick Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional early evening journeys on Sundays. |
6/6A | Clacton – Point Clear Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional journeys added on weekday evenings and Sundays. Earlier start time on weekdays. |
9-9A | Clacton – Walton Konectbuses | Tendring | Revised timetable including the introduction of a 9A variant with journeys operating on Monday to Saturday evenings and on Sundays. |
15/15A | Waltham Cross – Harlow (15, 15A) and Upshire (15B) Central Connect | Harlow | Revised timetable. Monday to Saturday additional evening services. |
22 | Harwich – Circular via Harwich International Konectbuses | Tendring | Evening journeys and Sunday timetable introduced. |
59 | Harlow – Chelmsford Arriva | Chelmsford | Revised timetable including punctuality changes and some journeys being withdrawn. |
74 | Clacton – Colchester via Wivenhoe Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional journeys introduced on Monday to Sunday evenings. |
76 | Clacton – Colchester via Weeley Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional evening and Sunday journeys added. |
77 | Colchester – St Osyth Konectbuses | Tendring/ Colchester | Saturday timetable introduced. |
105 | Walton – Colchester Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional evening journeys and Sunday timetable introduced. |
107 | Walton – Colchester Konectbuses | Tendring | Additional evening journeys and Sunday timetable introduced. |
392 | Harlow – Hoddesdon Epping Forest Community Transport | Harlow | Timetable expanded to operate until 20:30 due to funding provided by ECC. |
407 | Old Harlow – Princess Alexandra Hospital Central Connect | Harlow | Sunday timetable introduced on Route 407 (to be operated by Central Connect). Hourly service with fourteen return journeys. |
