TravelEssex (the public transport arm of Essex County Council) is asking Rayleigh residents in Essex who are aged 66 or over, or who have a qualifying disability, to share their thoughts on local bus travel in a new survey launched on 20 January 2026. The council says it wants to understand why fewer people are using their free concessionary travel passes after local figures showed a 12% year-on-year drop in concessionary journeys across the Rochford District. The feedback will help officials decide how to spend money on future bus improvements and identify ways to support people who may be feeling lonely or unable to get out. This is particularly important because the eligibility age for the older person’s bus pass will begin to increase toward 67 from April 2026 (see TravelEssex guidance and GOV.UK for State Pension/entitlement details).
Many local people rely on routes such as Arriva’s 9 and First Essex’s 20, but recent timetable changes have caused confusion for passengers. On 4 January 2026 Arriva’s bulletin shows that 9A journeys were withdrawn; TravelEssex wants to know whether those and other timetable changes are making it harder for residents to reach shops, medical appointments or other essential services.
Residents can fill out the survey online until 28 February 2026, or pick up a paper copy at Rayleigh Library or the Mill Arts & Events Centre (Mill Hall). Local groups such as the Rayleigh and Rochford District Association for Voluntary Service (RRAVS) are named in council materials as community stakeholders who may be able to help residents complete the form.
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