RESIDENTS are being urged to share their views on the future of 162 local bus services across Essex.

Essex County Council has launched a public consultation looking into the future of the county’s bus network.

A small percentage of bus services in Essex are subsidised by the council because commercial bus operators will not operate them. These non-commercial services mainly operate in rural areas, at less popular times for travel and are the subject of this consultation.

Across the network, the amount of people using buses in Essex has declined since the Covid-19 pandemic and the council needs to ensure future routes are financially viable and operate to meet the new demand.

The consultation will explore how to ensure the bus network is fit for the future and ready to meet new levels of passenger demand, while also making sure it provides value for money for taxpayers.

As part of the consultation, 162 services across three groups are being consulted on. These are:

• the vast majority where no change is proposed until at least 2028
• a group which will be supported until at least 2026, but where passenger numbers need to increase 
• a low use group which are not currently meeting the needs of communities

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, said: “Buses are integral to the lives of many of our residents and we need a network that gets them to work, school and training affordably and efficiently whilst supporting the county’s economy.

“Encouraging bus use is important as it helps reduce the number of cars in our town and city centres, reducing congestion, cutting emissions and improving the environment.

“Unfortunately, we know passenger numbers have been declining due to the impact of the pandemic. However, the more residents use them, the more investment there will be in services.

“This consultation will explore the future of 162 bus services in Essex as we look to develop a network which works for Essex and ensure that we are investing taxpayers’ money where it can have the best impact.”

The consultation is open until 5 October 2023. To take part, visit https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/iptu/2023.

Residents are encouraged to complete the survey online, however, if people wish to receive a hard copy, they can they contact [email protected] or telephone 0345 743 0430.