New and improved bus services in Harlow and Tendring

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.

The new services that have been introduced are: