A major overhaul of the bus network in Southend-on-Sea will take effect on 31 May 2026, bringing more frequent services, new all-night travel options, and simplified routes for residents. These changes from First Bus are designed to create a clearer, more consistent service to help passengers plan their journeys with confidence.
A key update includes the 28 service, which will run every 7 to 9 minutes on weekdays and become a 24-hour service. Hourly overnight trips will now depart between midnight and 4am, joining the X30 as a late-night option. The X30 has also been amended to serve all stops between Southend Hospital and Rayleigh around the clock, while also adding early morning and late evening journeys to the airport.
The network changes were made possible by 8.5 million pounds in funding from the Southend-on-Sea City Council, secured through the Department for Transport. This support ensures that services like the 21, which runs between Southend and Canvey, can now operate hourly on Sundays. Additionally, the 26 service will combine with the 3A to offer a direct link from Hadleigh to Shoeburyness, including a new connection to Southend Hospital.
Under the new structure, the 20 service between Southend and Hullbridge will be replaced. The 25 will now cover the section between Southend and Rayleigh with more frequent departures, while a revised 27 service will link Rayleigh and Hullbridge. The 27 has also been rerouted to create new north-south connections between Hadleigh, Rayleigh Weir, and Hullbridge.
Julian Elliott, head of network for First Bus in the East of England, stated that the changes follow a thorough review aimed at strengthening the network to better reflect customer travel habits. The improvements focus on increasing reliability and providing better connections to meet the city’s growing transport needs.
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