A PROGRAMME to replace all shelters across the county is well underway.

Since September 2024, 100 bus shelters across Essex have been replaced.

This is part of the council’s programme to provide better, more accessible and environmentally friendly shelters across the county.

The first areas to receive the new and improved shelters are Canvey Island, Benfleet and Rochford. Shelters that have requests for repairs or improvements on hold have been replaced first.

The new shelters have seating, motion sensor lighting, space for wheelchairs and prams and timetables.

Some will also include digital real-time information screens and advertising panels. These are 50% more energy efficient than those previous.

The council aims to replace another 100 by this September across the county.

A comprehensive programme to upgrade and expand bus infrastructure across Essex will then continue with the programme continuing year on year.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport said: “I am very pleased the work to provide the bus users of Essex with smart new bus shelters is making significant progress.

“This is going to be a huge task, but the fact the upgrade programme has already replaced 100 shelters in seven months means taking the bus is quickly becoming a more pleasant and accessible experience.

“I hope this will encourage more people to take the bus, encouraging more travel choice and a Safer, Greener, Healthier Essex.”

Find out what shelters are due to replaced and when using an interactive map on the TravelEssex website.