Southend to introduce free peak bus travel for disabled residents

March 19, 2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council is improving accessibility and supporting residents with the introduction of free peak bus travel for residents with disabilities and their companions.

From 1 April 2026, Southend residents with disabled concessionary bus passes will be able to travel free from 6am for journeys starting within Southend. This will help residents who need to travel earlier in the day for work, appointments or education.

The council will also receive £8.5 million in dedicated bus funding over the next three years. This will support work to improve reliability, provide better connections and respond to the city’s growing transport needs.

Recent improvements already include the new 23A/B service between Leigh-on-Sea Station, London Southend Airport and Airport Business Park along with the 3A supported service between Southend and Leigh running via the Hospital and Blenheim Chase. Bus routes 2A, 24 and 29 are being supported to operate later into the evening.

As part of the council's wider accessibility work, we have removed advisory bays, ensuring that all disabled parking bays are enforceable for the exclusive use of Blue Badge holders, and ensuring that the installation of new bays comes at no cost for eligible applicants.

Peter Slattery, chair of the Southend Area Bus User Group (SABUG), said: “I would like to thank the council for the planned extension to disabled concessionary bus passes. Disabled concessionary pass holders will be able to board buses a full three hours earlier than the current restrictions allow, starting from 6am every day from 1 April onwards, which is wonderful news.

“This will help me and fellow disabled pass holders travel to early GP and hospital appointments within Southend. It also means those who are employed can now use the buses free of charge to get to work. And it gives people the opportunity to travel into Southend High Street to meet friends and family for breakfast and a chat before starting their day’s adventure. Again, I thank the council.”

Cllr Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Public Transport, said: “Our aim is to make transport more reliable, more accessible and easier for everyone to use. Introducing the early start concessionary pass will make a real difference for disabled residents who need to travel before 9am.

“Alongside the confirmed bus funding and recent improvements to routes and late-night services, this allows us to continue strengthening Southend’s transport network for years to come.”

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: “Making this change gives people with disabilities more flexibility and freedom. We’re delighted that our prudent management of the council finances affords us the ability to make positive changes like this, and to support our residents to be active and mobile. My personal thanks go to the resident who raised this with us and got us looking at this issue more closely."