Southend-on-Sea City Council, in partnership with Arriva, is excited to announce enhancements to bus routes for residents, thanks to the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
![Several local councillors posing with Arriva bus and holding bus time tables.](/images/Extended_bus_routes_for_Arriva_9_and_29.png)
Arriva Service 29 now includes two additional return evening journeys between Belgrave Road and the City Centre from Monday to Saturday. These enhancements will greatly benefit residents in Westborough, Blenheim Park, and Belfairs wards.
Arriva Service 9 will increase its Saturday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes between Rayleigh Station and North Shoebury, benefiting residents in Eastwood Park and St Laurence wards.
These service enhancements have been made possible by DfT BSIP Phase 2 funding. They follow the recent restoration of the bus route between the City Centre and Garon Park, further strengthening Southend's bus network.
Councillor Paul Collins, cabinet member for finance, assets, and investments, said: "We are delighted to extend the Arriva 9 and 29 bus services, building on the restored City Centre to Garon Park route.
"Our Bus Service Improvement Plan and funding support cheaper travel, more reliable journeys, and increased passenger satisfaction. Enhancing these services aligns with our commitment to improving connectivity and accessibility across Southend-on-Sea. It also encourages more people to travel by bus, reducing car journeys and thereby improving air quality."
For more information on bus services in the city, please visit our bus and train information page.