Residents in Basildon are facing a loss of transport options after the Essex County Council officially stopped funding the B2 bus service on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The changes, which took effect on 31 March 2026, mean the route operated by First Essex no longer runs on those days, though it continues to operate as normal from Monday to Saturday.
The B2 route is a vital link for the community, connecting key locations such as the Basildon Bus Station, Basildon Hospital, Laindon Railway Station, and the Laindon Centre. For many residents, this service has been the only way to reach medical appointments, work, or local shops on weekends and holidays.
The decision to end funding for the B2 Sunday service follows a public consultation launched by the county council in August 2025. This was part of a wider review of nine bus routes across the region that had been supported by a Department for Transport grant since the pandemic. According to a council spokesperson, because these routes relied on specific grant funding, ending support for them does not impact the authority’s general budget.
Cllr Tom Cunningham, who previously served as the council’s cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport, stated that the consultation process was designed to ensure that council services represent a good investment for taxpayers. However, the move has faced criticism from local leadership. Cllr Gavin Callaghan, the Leader of Basildon Borough Council, has publicly opposed the withdrawal and is calling on the county council to reconsider the decision.
For those struggling with the loss of transport, particularly elderly or vulnerable residents, local support is available through Basildon Community Transport Services. This charity provides alternative travel options for residents who are unable to use public transport due to age, illness, or isolation.
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