Starting Sunday, February 22, 2026, people travelling between Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester in Essex will have more options for getting home late at night. Konectbuses is adding later evening journeys on several popular routes to make it easier for residents to work or socialise later in the day.
The changes affect Routes 74, 74B and 76, which serve communities on the Clacton–Colchester corridor — including Wivenhoe (served by the 74/74B), Weeley (served by the 76) and Elmstead Market (served on the 76). The new trips will run seven days a week, bridging a long‑standing ‘service gap’ that previously left some passengers without late‑evening public transport options.
Essex County Council helped fund the extra trips using part of more than £68 million in government funding secured for buses across the county. The council’s allocation includes approximately £32.33m in revenue funding for 2026–29 and £36.26m in capital funding for 2026–30. Council and operator statements say the expansion is intended to support hospitality workers, students and local businesses by making it easier for people to travel between the coast and the city.
An official Konectbuses statement underlined the objective: ‘From 22 February 2026, Routes 74, 74B and 76 introduce later evening journeys Monday to Sunday… This is about ensuring that whether you work late or stay out for a meal, the bus is a viable option.’ The update follows earlier improvements to the local network (including frequency increases in 2025) as part of a wider plan to modernise and stabilise services in the Tendring area.
For full timetable details, passengers should consult the Konectbuses service pages for Routes 74, 74B and 76 and the Essex County Council announcement on the funding allocation.
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