Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the news that the Conservative Government’s bus funding will see the return of bus services in East Tilbury and Horndon.
Sadly, last year, Thurrock Council withdrew support for commercially unsustainable bus services in parts of the borough as part of its work to make the council’s budget sustainable. In response, Stephen worked with residents, the local authority, and the Government to find a way forward which, this week, resulted in the Department for Transport awarding the local authority £432,000 to support local bus services through its Bus Improvement Plan.
Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomed the news: “I know that the cut to bus services was no small thing for residents in East Tilbury and Horndon. Many rely on them to get around. So, it was disappointing when they were cut. I know for a fact that this is not something which elected councillors ever wanted to do.
However, it is fantastic news that the Government has listened to my concerns on behalf of residents. Government funding will allow Thurrock Council to tender two bus routes to serve East Tilbury and Horndon which are expected start operating this summer.”
The bus service will be tendered for a minimum of 15 months and there is an opportunity to extend the service if additional funding is received or fare revenues increase. There will be two routes on which bus companies can bid – one serving East Tilbury and one serving Horndon-on-the-Hill. The service is subject to statutory regulations and is expected to commence operating no later than 12 August 2024.
Councillor Ben Maney, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Highways, said: “I’m delighted that Thurrock has been awarded this funding by the Department for Transport to support our local bus services.
I know many people rely on our bus services to get around the Borough, they are a fantastic way for people to get out and about.
Hopefully this new service leads to our local communities being better connected and make it easier for people to visit relatives and friends, go out shopping or see the sites.”
