At a Glance
- Southend-on-Sea City Council is hosting a free High Street event where residents can meet local bus operators and transport representatives as part of Catch the Bus Month.
- Residents can ask about local services and find out about work to improve reliability, journey times, passenger information and accessibility.
- The event will highlight how buses connect people with work, education, healthcare, shopping, leisure and other transport services.
- It takes place near Victoria Circus from 10am to 3pm on Thursday 3 September, and there is no need to book.
Whether you already use the bus, are thinking about using it more often or have questions about local services, Southend-on-Sea City Council is inviting you to a free High Street event where you can speak directly to local operators and transport representatives.
The event is being held as part of Catch the Bus Month, an annual national campaign led by Bus Users UK that celebrates the important role of buses and encourages more people to consider bus travel.
At the event, you can discuss local services and find out about work to improve bus reliability, journey times, real-time passenger information and bus stop accessibility across Southend.
Good bus services improve connectivity, helping you reach work, education, healthcare, shops, leisure facilities and transport interchanges. Travelling by bus can also offer a convenient and affordable alternative to driving, without needing to drive or find and pay for parking.
Local bus operators Arriva, First Bus and Stephensons, transport partners, community organisations and council representatives will be available to speak to residents about:
- bus reliability and journey times
- real-time passenger information
- accessibility across the bus network
- connections to employment, education, healthcare and leisure
- links between bus services, walking routes and cycling infrastructure
- cleaner and more sustainable ways to travel
Councillor Paul Collins, cabinet member for finance and transport, said:
“Good bus services connect people with work, education, healthcare, shops and leisure, while providing a convenient and affordable way to get around.
“Whether you use the bus regularly, are considering it for more journeys or have questions about local services, come along and speak directly to local operators about bus travel in Southend and the work being done to improve it.
“I look forward to meeting bus passengers at this great event.”
Catch the Bus Month event
Date: Thursday 3 September 2026
Time: 10am to 3pm
Location: Pedestrianised area at the northern end of Southend High Street, near Victoria Circus and The Victoria Shopping Centre
The event is free, everyone is welcome and there is no need to book.