Southend-on-Sea concessionary bus pass returns to normal hours of use

August 5, 2020

The hours of use for concessionary bus passes in Southend-on-Sea will return to normal on Tuesday 1st September 2020.

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council extended the hours of operation for local bus passes from off-peak times to 24 hours. This was to help people make use of early hours opening for high risk groups.

With businesses and shops reopen, and schools preparing for a September return, social distancing requirements on bus services mean that during the peak morning travel period there will be additional pressure on bus capacity for school children and workers.

As a result, the council has agreed with bus operators that the times of operation for Southend-on-Sea concessionary bus passes will return to normal hours – this is 9am to midnight on weekdays and all times on weekends and public holidays from Tuesday, 1st September 2020.

If you are a pass holder and want to travel outside of these hours, you will need to pay the full fare for your journey from this date.

Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, says: “As lockdown has eased and with schools returning, we need to ensure bus passengers and drivers can observe social distancing on buses that currently have reduced capacity at this time.

“Although the changes to the hours in March has not seen a major increase in bus use before 9am, a return to normal hours for concessionary bus passes will help ensure that the peak morning times are available for those travelling to work or school.

“Bus passengers should continue to follow the guidance from Public Health England regarding public transport. This means you should wear a face covering unless you are exempt, reduce personal contact, maintain social distancing and good personal hygiene measures, particularly sneezing or coughing into disposable tissues, avoiding touching your face and regular thorough hand cleaning.”

All bus passengers are asked to note the availability of bus services is likely to continue to change over the coming weeks.

Bus passengers are strongly advised to check the bus operator’s website, social media and phone apps to see what bus services will be running before starting their journey.