Local residents were left without vital transport links last Easter when the 21 bus service was dropped with minimal warning.
The route was integral in serving residents by being a regular and dependable link into both Southend and Leigh High Streets whilst also providing a vital route to Southend Hospital.
Since this route was dropped by First Essex, Anna Firth MP has worked tirelessly to reinstate the service to ensure that residents are not left isolated.
Her relentless efforts have now paid-off as the route 3 bus has been diverted from its previous route to now serve areas around Elmsleigh Drive, Blenheim Chase and Prittlewell Chase, with Anna catching one of the first journeys on the new route this week.
The new route means residents will once again able to access the key amenities they were deprived of without the use of a regular bus service. Residents told Anna they were delighted that they once again had the freedom to go where they wanted, without having to pay for a taxi.
The Southend West MP rode the new number 3 bus taking advantage of the brand-new scheme “Get Around for £2” which sees the fare for a single ticket capped at £2 until the 31st of March 2023.
This initiative is part of the new National Bus Strategy which was designed to support and work with the sector to help make bus services more frequent, more reliable, easier to use and cheaper.
Anna recognizes that in the current climate, where many households are facing pressures due to the rising cost of living, that it is more important than ever to ensure access to affordable public transport.
Anna said,
“I am delighted that I have been able to secure this change from First Essex Buses.”
“As soon as the service was withdrawn, my inbox was inundated with messages from constituents who had been hugely inconvenienced by a poorly communicated change.”
“With the re-routing of the number 3 bus, I am pleased to have helped restore residents’ vital access to places like the hospital, Southend High Street and Leigh Broadway.”
“However, whilst this is a success, the work doesn’t stop here. I will continue to try and increase the frequency of this new service to provide a more complete coverage for residents to make their lives as easy as possible.”
Cllr Helen Boyd said,
“It’s great news that the people of the Blenheim area now again have the opportunity to visit the hospital and the high street. I am really thankful for Anna’s help in this.’”
“A lot of elderly people had mentioned to me the effect it was having on their livelihood, and it is necessary there is a reasonable bus service.”
