A critical bus route in Essex is set to be saved with a new airport link.
Central Connect, a bus operator in Essex, will launch a new route in June 2025 to protect the public transport link between Braintree, Great Dunmow, and Stansted Airport.
The new service, numbered 333, will replace the soon-to-be-withdrawn Arriva 133, and will run every day of the year with an hourly timetable and overnight journeys.
The route will connect Braintree Bus Interchange with Stansted Airport, serving key communities along the way, including Rayne, Felsted, Little Dunmow, Great Dunmow, and Takeley.
Journey times between Braintree and the airport will be under an hour, and fares will be capped at £3 for a single journey until the end of 2025.
Airport Travelcards will also be accepted.
The service has been supported through funding from Stansted Airport’s Sustainable Transport Levy, which supports public transport initiatives that improve access to the airport and reduce private car use.
Central Connect, based at Start Hill, Bishop’s Stortford, already operates a number of services in the area.
The introduction of the 333 will complement their existing routes in Dunmow and Takeley, and passengers will benefit from new day and season ticket options across routes 305, 333, and 335.
Brand new high-spec buses will be introduced on the route later in 2025 as part of the company’s investment in modernising transport in the area.
Peter Nathanail, managing director at Central Connect, said: "We know how important this bus link is – not just for airport staff and holidaymakers, but also for the local communities it serves.
"We’re proud to be stepping in to maintain a vital service for residents of Rayne, Felsted and Little Dunmow, providing convenient access to jobs, education and shopping at both ends of the route."
Steve Mills, surface access strategy manager at London Stansted, added: "Reliable and affordable public transport connections are essential, not just for the airport, but for the communities we serve.
"We're really pleased to support the continuation of this route and are grateful to Central Connect for stepping in to maintain this important link for our staff, passengers and for local residents."
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