Late-night bus services launched in Southend
Two routes in Southend are receiving extensions
Southend will see more busses running later into the night as two routes receive late-night extensions.
The 6, which runs via Sutton Road to Garon Park, will have three new journeys, at 19:35, 20:35 and 21:35.
The 2A, which runs via Southchurch Road and Thorpe Bay Station to Shoeburyness East Beach, will have two new services, at 23:15 and 00:15.
Councillor 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."
He also said, in an interview with Greatest Hits Radio Essex: "It's enabled people to take work in the Southend Centre for the entertainment industry. If they work in bars, they can now get home at a reasonable price and at times that suit them."
"Those that want to enjoy a night out, can now do so as well."
"And with Garons, and Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, it will enable people to have these events later and know they can get a bus back."
He also said that it would improve safety: "It is going down the main road, so people feel they can go home safer, and more effectively, and cheaper."
"The bus stops are well lit down those main roads."
"We are always thinking of how to make people's journeys safer."