AN ADDITIONAL bus service has been launched between Rayleigh and Southend, with residents of a new housing estate which it will travel through, receiving a free bus permit for one year.

The bus service has been launched by transport company First Bus following funding from housing developer Countryside, which is behind the Wolsey Park development in Rayleigh.

Countryside bosses say they aim to reduce residents’ dependence on cars.

A service previously ran every hour between Rayleigh and Southend. Now the X30 bus - which boasts “comfortable leather seats and wifi” - will run every 30 minutes, between Rayleigh and Eastwood Rise Southend, enabling access to Rayleigh town centre and railway station, and both Southend and Chelmsford bus and railway stations. 

The service will continue to serve Chelmsford, Broomfield Hospital and Stansted Airport hourly.

Residents who purchase a new home at Wolsey Park are entitled to one year’s free bus travel for up to two members of each household plus other local bus services.

Rochford District Council Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning, Cllr Ian Ward said: “Our district will benefit hugely from the extension of this service, with thanks to Countryside and First Bus. It will be a fantastic link from the development to the major routes within Essex, and the inclusion of a year’s free bus travel for new householders is an added bonus to those moving into the area and for those who want to be fuel efficient and use public transport”.

The service was launched on Sunday October 30.

Martin Leach, Managing Director, Strategic Land and Major Projects, Countryside, added: “We are proud to be encouraging sustainable forms of travel, not only offering late and early morning buses, but also providing a 24-hour service throughout the week. 

“With the additional X30 service, we aim to reduce local residents’ dependence on cars by connecting them to key destinations including Rayleigh Station, Broomfield Hospital and Stansted Airport, as well as major employment and retail hubs such as Rayleigh, Chelmsford and Southend.

“What’s more, during peak times the bus can beat the traffic, as the bus lanes allow the service to bypass congestion zones and therefore makes it a more time efficient option too.”

Mark Francois, Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford added: “I wish it every success.”