New 62A and 62B bus services in Southend now operating across the city
The council is launching the services with a free week of travel.
Two new bus routes are now taking passengers across the city of Southend.
The 62A and 62B begun services yesterday with the council saying it will improve connections between East Southend, London Southend Airport, and Temple Farm Industrial Estate.
As part of the launch, Southend-on-Sea City Council are funding a week of free travel on new services, between the 25th and 31st October 2026.
The aim is to get residents and visitors the opportunity to try the routes at no extra cost and encourage the greater use of public transport.
The 62A service will operate seven days a week between Southend Travel Centre and the London Southend Airport Terminal via Sutton Road, North and Central Avenue, Hamstel Road, Eastern Avenue, Fossetts Retail Park, Priory Crescent and Manners Way. The 62B service will operate during weekday peak periods and will include an additional loop serving the Stock Road area. Together, the routes will provide a bus every 30 minutes along key sections of the corridor.
Councillor Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transport at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "We are delighted to welcome Arriva as the operator of the new 62A and 62B services. Arriva have committed to provide modern route branded buses to the 62A and 62B. These routes will provide vital links between residential communities, employment areas and London Southend Airport, while restoring bus connectivity to parts of St. Luke’s ward that have been without a direct service for several years.
The introduction of these services demonstrates our commitment to delivering the improvements identified through our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and ensuring residents have access to reliable, convenient and sustainable public transport."
Michael Jennings, Commercial Director, Arriva Southern Counties, said:
"We are pleased to be working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council to deliver the new 62A and 62B services. We look forward to providing a reliable and high-quality service that supports local communities and improves access to key destinations across the city."