Council extends funding to keep Highlands Estate and West Leigh connected to the city centre

August 6, 2026

The Council has confirmed continued funding for Stephensons of Essex's 17 and 17A bus services, helping keep the Highlands Estate and West Leigh connected to Leigh and Southend city centre.

Funding for the 17 and 17A extension into the Highlands Estate will continue for a further 12 months from July 2026, while funding for Stephensons of Essex's 24 evening service has also been extended for a further six months.

Funded through the Department for Transport's Local Authority Bus Grant, the services support the delivery of Southend's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and help connect residents in the Highlands Estate and West Leigh with Southend city centre, Leigh-on-sea, Belfairs Swimming Centre, local shops, healthcare, employment opportunities and onward rail services.

Councillor Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transport, said: "Extending these services is great news for residents, helping people get to work, education, healthcare and leisure activities.

"The continued funding for the 17 and 17A services means the Highlands Estate will remain connected to the wider bus network, while the extension of the 24 evening service will help residents travel later into the evening.

"Alongside this investment in local bus services, the government's free bus travel offer for children aged 5 to 15 throughout August gives families another opportunity to make the most of Southend's bus network this summer."

Timetables and service information are available on the Stephensons of Essex website and app.

As an added benefit for families during the summer holidays, all three Southend bus operators are offering free travel for children aged 5 to 15 throughout August as part of a government-backed scheme available across the country.