24/09/2026
Press release today by Southend-on-Sea City Council about the 62A and 62B
Southend-on-Sea City Council announces Arriva as operator of new 62A and 62B bus services
Southend-on-Sea City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Arriva as the operator of the new 62A and 62B bus services, which will commence operation on 25 October.
Passengers can travel on both new routes free of charge during the first week, giving them the chance to experience the service first-hand.
The new routes represent a significant investment in Southend's bus network and will provide improved connections between east Southend, London Southend Airport and Temple Farm Industrial Estate.
As part of the launch, Southend-on-Sea City Council will fund a week of free travel on the new services from 25 to 31 October 2026, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to try the routes at no cost. The initiative aims to encourage greater use of public transport and showcase the enhanced connectivity provided by the new 62A and 62B services.
Funded through the Government's Local Authority Bus Grant, the new services have been designed to improve access to employment, education, retail and leisure opportunities, while supporting the Council's ambition to encourage more sustainable travel across the city.
The 62A service will operate seven days a week between Southend Travel Centre and London Southend Airport Terminal via Sutton Road, North and Central Avenue, Hamstel Road, Eastern Avenue, Fossetts Retail Park, Priory Crescent and Manners Way. The 62B service will operate during weekday peak periods and will include an additional loop serving the Stock Road area. Together, the routes will provide a bus every 30 minutes along key sections of the corridor.
Councillor Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transport at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "We are delighted to welcome Arriva as the operator of the new 62A and 62B services. Arriva have committed to provide modern route branded buses to the 62A and 62B. These routes will provide vital links between residential communities, employment areas and London Southend Airport, while restoring bus connectivity to parts of St. Luke’s ward that have been without a direct service for several years.
The introduction of these services demonstrates our commitment to delivering the improvements identified through our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and ensuring residents have access to reliable, convenient and sustainable public transport."
Michael Jennings, Commercial Director, Arriva Southern Counties, said:
"We are pleased to be working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council to deliver the new 62A and 62B services. We look forward to providing a reliable and high-quality service that supports local communities and improves access to key destinations across the city."
The new routes will particularly benefit residents in east Southend by providing direct access to London Southend Airport, Airport Retail Park and employment opportunities at Temple Farm Industrial Estate. The services will also help reconnect communities in areas where bus provision has previously been limited.
Further information on timetables, fares and service details will be published ahead of the launch date.
