Update on Brentwood NIBS buses cancellations 29.9.26
As many Brentwood Bus users will have experienced
considerable problems with cancellations by NIBS in recent
weeks the BBARUA would like to explain what has happened
and what we have been trying to do.
When the schools returned in full on Monday 7 th September
the problems started with around 40 buses failing to run or
being cancelled that week , the following week saw 38 buses
cancelled and last week commencing 21 st September there
were 68 buses affected including 24 cancelled on Saturday
26 th September .
These are the ones we know of ! There well may have been
others that did not get reported or noticed .
Almost all Brentwood routes have been affected the worse
being 9 Basildon and 61 Blackmore , both supported by Essex
County Council and the commercial 81 service to Hutton .
There have been times on these routes where the whole
afternoon saw virtually no buses and we have reports of
members having to pay for expensive taxis to get to
appointments or home from them .
We have been contacting NIBS on a regular basis about this
and they agree that it is not acceptable but say some of the
situations are theirs but not all.....they also say we will have
new buses and new friendly faces in a few weeks time .
Our response to NIBS has been to say that we do not wish to
wait a minute longer for things to improve .
We have also given Essex County Council Passenger
Transport department details of what has occurred and have
received replies to the effect that they have “ passed them
on to the contracts department”. Requests for what action
will be taken as a matter of some urgency have received no
replies as have requests to review the operation of the no 9
and other services in the area . We asked for the opportunity
to present the 400 signature number 9 petition to the County
Council but so far that has been ignored .
It is very frustrating for yourselves and also for the
Association that this situation carries on as it does .
We are once again pressing the County Council to act with
some urgency and have done the same to the ECC Cabinet
Minister for Transport .
We know that members have , like ourselves , received no
reply or negative replies from local County Councillors , Essex
County Council and our local MP .
The BBARUA are determined that there will be a resolution
to the current situation and will continue to work towards it
however frustrating it is at the present time Statement from Essex County Council Integrated Passenger Transport Unit received by Brentwood Bus and Rail Users Association on Friday 2nd October 2026.
We are aware of the significant concerns being raised regarding the recent performance of NIBS services in the Brentwood area and the impact that ongoing cancellations are having on passengers.
The matter is currently being actively investigated by our Contract Management Team, who are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the recent cancellations and service performance issues with NIBS. We have also received and shared further information relating to service failures in recent weeks, including details provided by the Brentwood Bus & Rail Users Association, as part of the ongoing review.
Our priority is to work with the operator to identify the underlying causes of these issues and secure improvements to service reliability. We have made it clear to the operator that the current level of disruption is not acceptable and that measures must be put in place to reduce cancellations and improve service delivery.
We recognise the concerns raised regarding both commercial and ECC-supported services and understand the importance of maintaining reliable public transport links for Brentwood residents.
Whilst we are unable to comment on the outcome of the investigation at this stage, please be assured that we are treating this matter seriously and will continue to engage with the operator to ensure appropriate action is taken. Service performance will continue to be monitored closely and further updates will be provided when available.
Integrated Passenger Transport Unit
Huge reduction in Brentwood to Basildon no.9 buses
Service 9 Basildon to Brentwood Station (was First)
The Essex County Council supported off peaks services will be operated by
NIBS – First have withdrawn the peak commercial services , early morning
and some afternoon times, NIBS will not operate these. Link to timetable Brentwood to Ongar (NIBS) with new 64 Central Connect added buses 21 service by NIBS will continue Monday to Friday commercially and
Saturday supported by Essex County Council .
Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council were successful in getting a “Love your Bus”
grant and this will be used to provide extra buses on this route Monday to
Friday . These will be provided by Central Connectservice no.64 (link), it will mean
there will a full hourly service between 6am and 9pm and a late service from
Brentwood and Ongar.
Service 60 Warley Eagle Way – Brentwood – Pilgrims Hatch
Central Connect are increasing the peak time morning and afternoon service
to a 30 minute frequency to meet extra demand – Link to timetable.
Service 251 Wickford – Billericay – Brentwood – Warley Eagle Way – Sundays
Central Connect are taking over this service from 26th July 2026. Link to timetable
Service 351 Chelmsford to Warley Eagle Way (First) to extend to Basildon Hospital.
see article on this page
Increased services on 60 route in July
More journeys are being added on Service 60 from mid-summer. Following a stablisation of the Warley > Brentwood > Pilgrims Hatch service over the last 9 months we have been advised that there will be reinstatement of further journeys along the route from Monday 27th July.
Weekday morning peak time frequency will increase to every 30 minutes until approximately 1000.
Weekday afternoon peak time frequency will increase to every 30 minutes between approximately 1530 and 1900.
Saturday journeys will operate at even hourly frequency throughout the day with the last bus now later at 1935. Click here for the forthcoming Service 60 timetable
Brentwood to Ongar – New bus service from 26th July 2026
Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council have been were successful in obtaining a
“Love your Bus“ grant and it will be used to provide extra buses on the
Brentwood to Ongar route with some buses running to Warley Eagle Way .
The new service will be in addition to the current NIBS 21 service but will be
provided by Central Connect who operate the improving 60 Pilgrims Hatch
route. It will run Monday to Friday and fill in the 2 missing buses in the 21
service each way as well as adding an early morning and extra evening buses
Congratulations to Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council for providing the
Brentwood area with new and welcome extra buses
************Please support this important new service************
351 bus service to go to Basildon
Revised Route: From 26 July 2026 service 351 will be extended beyond Warley to Basildon and Basildon Hospital via Warley Street and the A127.
Revised Timetable: From 26 July 2026 service 351 will operate hourly, Monday to Saturday. Click here to view the timetable.
Photos by Claire Jones
Vandalised bus shelter to be repaired
The BBARUA Chair has reported a vandalised bus shelter in Cherry Avenue.
Essex County Council Integrated Passenger Transport Unit has replied on 29/4/2026: "Thank you for reporting this issue; we have arranged for shelter supplier to visit the bus stop and assess the damage.
From their findings they order necessary materials and replace the broken wooden panels shown in your email.
Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for the works to take place."
Funds for Kelvedon Hatch buses
Here is a confirmation of the grant fund from Essex County Council for the 20 and 20b bus routes:
"From: Passenger Transport
Date: 26 March 2026 at 11:43:32 GMT
Subject: Love Your Bus Round 2 (2025/26) grant fund results
We are pleased to share that the results of the Love Your Bus Round 2 (2025/26) grant fund have now been published on the TravelEssex website.
This year we received a high level of interest from Parish and Town Councils across Essex, resulting in 24 applications and 23 projects being awarded funding. These community-led projects will support a wide range of improvements to local bus services, including additional journeys, route extensions, reinstated links, promotional initiatives, accessibility enhancements, and improved passenger information.
All applicants have now been notified directly, and we are therefore sharing the outcome more widely with our partners and stakeholders.
You can view the full list of awarded projects here: Love Your Bus Grant Fund Information Hub | Travel Essex
Delivery of these projects will take place during the 2026/27 financial year, with Grant Agreements being issued to successful councils in early April.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration in helping us improve local transport, accessibility, and the passenger experience across Essex.
Kind Regards
Tatiana Cullingford - Local Bus Network Community Engagement Lead"
Local Bus Consultation 2025
The Local Bus Consultation 2025 has now been finalised and published.
The consultation ran from 4 August to 27 October 2025 and reviewed 41 supported local bus services with contracts due to expire in July 2026.
The final decision reflects public feedback, passenger usage data, value‑for‑money assessments, and wider network sustainability considerations.
You can view the full decision report, appendices, and decision summaries at *this link*
Improvements to 60 bus service
Please *click on this link* for details of Central Connect improvements to the new 60 service between Pilgrims Hatch and Warley and the extended timetable that starts in January 2026
High Street and Ingrave Road now open
The High Street and Ingrave Road are now open and buses are back to normal.
80a and 80c timetables wrong
ECC have made a mess of the new timetables at stops on the 9 Basildon and 351 Chelmsford routes, these were changed because of timing changes on these routes.
However what has happened is that they have missed out the 80 Sunday services and it says on the stops such as Cherry Avenue : Sundays - No Service.
This not correct as the service continues and features on all of the websites , First , ECC and bustimes.org.
Mike Cotter, our Bus Officer, has asked Essex County Council to correct this asap.
351 Bus service increased from Monday 1st September 2025
Brentwood - 3 additional buses to Chelmsford
Leaving Warley Eagle Way at 10.35 12.35 14.35
Brentwood High Street at 10.47 12.47 14.47
Arrive Chelmsford Bus station 11.27 13.27 15.27
Chelmsford - 3 additional buses to Brentwood
Leaving Chelmsford Bus Station at 09.35 11.35 13.35
Arrive Brentwood High Street at 10.16 12.14 14.15
Warley Eagle Way at 10.25 12.23 14.24
These extra buses are provided with Essex County “ Love you Bus” funding.
This and other bus timetables can be found on the .bus information page
37 route Mon - Sat to be replaced by route 60 - a win for BBARUA
Thanks to the representations made by the Association, bus users across Brentwood, the petition and local Councillors to Essex County Council the 37 bus service has been saved. Full detail below.
Following the announcement by First Essex that
they are withdrawing their Monday-Saturday
Service 37 in Brentwood at the end of August
2025,' Central Connect are hoping to
launch Service 60 as a replacement from
Monday 1st September.
Service 60 will be operating on a fully
commercial basis without local authority
funding.
Service 60 Timetable
Service 60 will operate a generally hourly
timetable Monday-Saturday between Warley,
Eagle Way and Pilgrims Hatch (Bishop's Hall
Estate) via Brentwood Station and High Street.
On Saturdays there will be a small number of
two-hourly gaps between buses.
The final decision on the start date lies with the Traffic Commissioner, and Essex County Council are waiting to hear when it can officially begin.
The current First Essex Sunday service 37, funded
by Essex County Council, will continue
unchanged.
The timetable can be seen here: https://www.central-connect.co.uk/essex-back-to-brentwood
No.9 bus timetable change from 20th April 2025
The First no.9 Brentwood to Basildon service will have a revised timetable from Monday 20th April 2025.
They have tweaked the times in the daytime to improve punctuality and the good news is that they have reinstated later services in the evening with a new 18.15 from Brentwood and 17.55 and 18.45 from Basildon.
No other Brentwood services have been changed from the 20th. April 2025. Link to timetables
Buses to Orsett Hospital; proposed no.9 extension to Basildon Hospital
The 200 bus is now serving both Basildon Hospital and Orsett Hospital!
It has been proposed by First Buses that on arrival at Basildon Bus Station a number of no.9 bus journeys will continue as the 200 bus connecting to Basildon Hospital. We do not as yet have timetable details. Link to First buses timetables Link to First buses
£3 Single Bus Fare Cap from January 2025
The £2 bus fare cap will end on 31 December 2024 and be replaced by a £3 cap, it has been announced by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
It is understood that the £3 flat rate cap will still only apply to most single journeys.
Buses 9, 37 and 351 timetable changes after 3rd November 2024
On 3rd November 2024, some First buses will be running to changed timetables including buses 9, 37 and 351 The new timetables can be seen here.
No 9 bus back on normal route
We have been informed that the no.9 bus is back on its normal route having been detoured due to a burst water main
NIBS now running 61, 61C, 71 & 72
From the 27th and 28th July 2024, NIBS has expanded its bus services to include the 61, 61C ,71 and 72 routes. Bus service information can be found on the Bus Information page of this website
Ongoing investment in Essex bus provision confirmed
Decision follows consultation seeking feedback from residents on the services that taxpayers support across the county.
Ongoing investment will be made in a large network of local bus services across the county, Essex County Council has confirmed.
A consultation with residents showed it was clear there was strong support for local services and highlighted the essential role they play in people’s lives.
As a result, the council has decided to continue supporting over 150 routes that take people to work, school, shopping and healthcare, with on-demand bus service DigiGo also playing a bigger role in providing its service to more Essex communities.
Essex County Council subsidises around 15% of bus services in the county because they are not commercially viable. These non-commercial services mainly operate in rural areas, at less popular times for travel and provide vital journeys for residents.
Bus use has been on the increase since the Covid-19 pandemic, with residents returning to buses as an effective means of travel and new ways of working have bedded in.
As a result of the consultation, over 150 routes will continue, with new contracts to be procured. Some will be replaced with the DigiGo service, and a very small number (seven) will cease because they are low use. Most of the changes will happen in July 2024 when contracts expire.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: "Bus services across Essex provide a vital transport link for many people. From those who rely on buses to help them access vital services, to those choosing to take the bus instead of car, it's vital Essex County Council continues to invest and support the network alongside bus operators so it can continue to grow.
"What this decision means is that Essex will continue to have a well-supported local bus network, and I'm particularly delighted that we've been able to seize the opportunity to expand the service that DigiGo will provide. This will mean even more communities can benefit from this fantastic on-demand service."
New bus information displays
There are new bus information displays on both sides of Brentwood High Street and at Brentwood Rail Station
The picture shows the sign on the South side of the High Street
£2 Single Bus Fare Cap until 31 December 2024
£2 bus fare cap that was to end on 31 October 2023 has been extended until 31 December 2024
It is understood that the £2 flat rate cap will still only apply to most single journeys.
Bus consultation
Essex County Council Integrated Transport Unit have just launched a consultation on their Supported Local Bus Services 2024-2028.
The Unit would like to obtain people’s views to help us shape their bus network across the County. Please note this consultation does not include the commercial bus network.
The consultation commences 14 July 2023 and closes 05 October 2023.
They would encourage people to complete the survey online by visiting the web site https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/iptu/2023
If you are unable to complete the consultation online, they can send a hard copy of the consultation on request via passenger.transport@essex.gov.uk or telephoning 0345 743 0430 or 0345 603 7631 to request a copy.
The Unit are keen to hear from as many people as possible..
If you have any further questions, please email passenger.transport@essex.gov.uk
Operator changes
Changes to Brentwood area Bus services July 2023
From Monday 31 st July 2023
Service 32 Chelmsford – Blackmore – Ongar (was First)
This service is now operated by Stephensons of Essex
Service 565 Brentwood – Herongate – West Horndon – Bulphan (was First)
This service is now operated by NIBS Buses
Proposed change postponed :
Service 61 Brentwood – Doddinghurst – Blackmore ( Vectare)
The proposed reduction of buses serving Plovers Mead will not take place as
there have been 2 objections to Essex County Council . The current timetable
will remain the same whilst this matter is reviewed .
First bus timetable changes and service cuts
First to bring in New Timetables on Monday 31st October 2022
Changes to three of First in Essex Brentwood services from Monday 31st.October 2022 .
The no.9 service , Brentwood to Basildon is described by First as a “reduction in the service levels to match the costs and revenue received” . That seems to be something of an understatement , more so when the service was reduced already this year from a 30 minute to hourly frequency . The most concerning aspect of the new timetable is the axing of services used by working customers , only 2 buses leave Brentwood before 9am against a previous 5 and in the evening the last bus now leaves Brentwood Station at 17.30 with the 18.30 and 19.30 services withdrawn . This means there are no buses to The East Ham Estate for commuters leaving London after 5pm. Saturday suffers equally with the first 2 buses in the morning being withdrawn along with the 16.50 service and the last bus on Saturday evening , the last bus to Basildon on Saturday is at 17.50 , 20 minutes later than in the week.
The no.37 Pilgrims Hatch circular sees a 25% reduction in services with a reduction in frequency on weekdays to 20 minutes (from 15 at present ) , This will be acceptable if buses maintain better timekeeping , it is still common to see two buses running round a minute apart . As with the number 9 service the Pilgrims Hatch route sees severe cuts to morning and evening services with a reduction of three before 9am in the morning and 4 in the evening , the last bus now leaves Brentwood Station at 18.39 with the 19.00 ,19.20 , 19.40 and 20.00 services withdrawn . Again this means commuters have a much reduced ability to use the bus as an option .
The 351 Chelmsford service has suffered less , there are timing changes in the teatime peak and again the last bus in both direction is withdrawn .
Let us hope new timetables are displayed at bus stops .
Once again the bus users of Brentwood have seen First reduce their bus services and we seem to be on a pattern of diminishing returns , the less buses there are resulting in a general reduction in the number of passenger journeys overall . Poor reliability also discourages regular users particularly when appointments have to be kept.
Analysis of service reductions :
No 9 to Basildon current services: number of buses on Weekdays 18, Saturdays 13. Buses to Brentwood: Weekdays 20, Saturdays 12
from 31.10.22 number of buses to Basildon: Weekdays 14, Saturdays 9. Buses to Brentwood: Weekdays 15, Saturdays 9
No 37 Pilgrims Hatch current services: Weekdays 55, Saturdays. 31
from 31.10.22 Weekdays 39, Saturdays 28
No. 351 Chelmsford mainly time changes with a bus less each way Monday to Saturday
Service Disruption - Route no.9 now running
The emergency road works in Rayleigh Road have finished, and the no.9 bus service is reinstated.
1st July 2022 Essex County Council Supported Bus Service Tender Updates – Brentwood areas
The following services were up for renewal this year and all have kept the same operator as before with some alterations on two of them , when we have full details of the amendments we will publish them .
The service 61 61A 61C Brentwood to Blackmore
Vectare will continue to operate this service
There will be a minor timetable change
Service 71/72 Warley - Brentwood - Stondon Massey
Stephensons will continue to operate this service .
There will be a revised timetable.
Service 269 Brentwood to Grays
NIBS will continue to operate this service
Timetable unchanged.
Brentwood Bus and Rail Users Association welcome the fact that the same reliable operators will still be running these services for the foreseeable future.
NIBS buses - no.31 cancelled
Information from from NIBS:
The 31 route will be cancelled on 3rd October, but has not been running since September 2020; the alternative is the First 37 bus.
As from August 1st 2022 the 81 Hutton Circular has resumed a 30 minute service Mondays to Fridays .
Here is a link to NIBS updates
This information page is to be updated daily.
First Essex buses timetable changes
From 17th April 2022 there are alterations to First timetables: Changes to Basildon area bus routes (link) no.9 timetable(pdf)
Services affecting Brentwood: route 9 (Basildon to Brentwood) are reduced in frequency to hourly with extra peak journeys at the busiest times.
Our Bus Officer has let the management know that the reduction of services is highly unpopular.
Printed timetables should have been available on First buses on the week beginning 17th April but have not been seen on the no.9 route so far (11/05/2022).
First Essex service update web page
First Essex buses now have a web page showing current bus information. Here is the link to the web page.
Updated information can also be found on twitter
Rumours about 81 bus reductions untrue
NIBS 81 bus service 19th November 2021
Apparently there are a number of rumours on social media that this service is going to reduce to an hourly frequency .
The Association has been in contact with NIBS and they have said that there is NO plan for this to happen.
They did add that there may however be some “on the day” cancellations due to driver shortage which we know to be a national problem at present.
61 and 62 buses back to normal timetable
Vectare ran an emergency timetable for the 61A 61C and 62 buses from 1st November until the 13th November 2021.
We have been informed that the services are now back to normal
No.31 bus cancelled
NIBS have cancelled the 31 Brentwood Station to Pilgrims Hatch Circular .
No.9 bus back through Outwood Common on Nov. 2
First Basildon had problems with the works at Outwood Common and could not send the No.9 buses round there.
Due to the works and parking obstructions they suspended that part of the service.
Services resumed on 2nd November 2021.
Long Ridings road open
Long Ridings road is now open and the 80 and 81 buses can now follow the normal route .
First Bus changes to the 100 service Lakeside to Chelmsford
From 1st September 2021, First Bus will be splitting the Lakeside - Chelmsford route into two parts, from Lakeside to Basildon and from Basildon to Chelmsford.
This will mean that passengers wishing to go to Basildon Hospital who change from the no.9 at Billericay to the 100 bus will need change again at Basildon bus station
First Bus changes to the 351 Brentwood to Chelmsford service
First Bus will be changing the frequency of the 351 service outside of peak hours .
As from 1st September 2021 there will only be an hourly service between 9am and 2pm from Chelmsford replacing the every 30 minutes service times operating up until 31st August. From Brentwood this will be from 9am to 3pm.
The departures are Chelmsford Bus Station : , 10.05 ,11.05,12.05,13.05 and 14.05 , 14.35 then every 30 minutes .
Brentwood Station 09.00 Warley Eagle Way : 10.03 , 11.03 , 12.03 , 13.03 ,14.03 , 15.00 then 15.30 onwards.
The Association has contacted First Bus Chelmsford to complain that no notice of this reduction in services was given on their website and that we were not notified in any way either.
Bus changes on April 12th 2021
First in Essex .
Service 9 Brentwood - Basildon – Revised service but still every 30 minutes .
32 Chelmsford – Blackmore – Ongar returns to school days timetable.
37 Brentwood Station – Pilgrims Hatch – Slightly revised service - every 15 minutes.
80A, 80C, 251 Sundays only – no change
565 Brentwood – Herongate –West Horndon – School days timetable applies
NIBS – Services 21 to Ongar , 81 Hutton Circular.
A full pre-Covid service timetable operates .
Stephensons – 71/72 Brentwood to Stondon Massey.
From Monday 8th March 2021 a full pre-Covid service timetable is operating .
Vectare
61 Brentwood – Blackmore continues a normal timetable .
Tfl London
498 Brentwood – Romford has extra buses at school times (students only services).
School service 608 runs from and to from Gallows Corner (students only).
Brentwood Community Transport 808 hospital shuttle bus is half hourly from April 6th 2021 If anyone experiences or hears about problems in respect of school buses or students' access to scheduled services would they let us know as we can take it up with the relevant company so they can consider taking action.
