From Sunday 31 August, Southend will see more buses running later into the night.
Southend's night time travel options will get a major boost this month, as the Council and Arriva agree to extend late evening bus services across the city.
Subject to traffic commissioners' approval, the new services will launch on Sunday 31 August 2025, with funding secured through grants under Southend's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Route 6, which runs via Sutton Road and Cluny Square to Garon Park, has already seen success thanks to a council-funded extension earlier this year. That support will now expand to include three new late evening journeys, leaving Southend at 19:35, 20:35 and 21:35, and returning from Garon Park until 22:05.
Route 2A, which runs via Southchurch Road and Thorpe Bay Station to Shoeburyness East Beach will also benefit from two new late-night services. Buses will now depart Southend Bus Station at 23:15 and 00:15, continuing all the way to East Beach, significantly improving the current timetable.
As part of the review, Saturday only buses on routes 9 and 9A will go back to running every 20 minutes instead of every 15, starting Sunday 31 August. This change follows lower than expected passenger numbers.
Cllr Paul Collins, cabinet member for finance, assets, and investments, said: "I'm really pleased that we're expanding late-night bus services to help people get around safely and easily, especially to support Southend's evening and nighttime economy.
"The success of the Garon Park route shows that when we invest wisely in public transport, it works. These extra services on Routes 6 and 2A mean more people can get home from work or enjoy an evening out, with safer, more accessible travel later into the night.
"We've looked carefully at how services are being used and made decisions based on that. I'm confident these changes will make a real difference."
Cora Woodhouse, marketing and customer service director at Arriva, said: "Through close working relationships with Southend-on-Sea City Council we're really pleased to be introducing late night trips on service 2A to Shoeburyness East Beach and additional trips for service 6 to Garon Park. These services are a convenient, sustainable travel option for residents and we're committed to supporting greener, more accessible transport across the area."
To find out more about Southend's Bus Service Improvement Plan visit our BSIP page.