Essex - Chelmsford Park&Ride Update

Central Connect have been proud to operate the Chelmsford Park&Ride services since March 2022, when we were awarded a contract by Essex County Council to run routes 701 and 702 on their behalf. During that time we have seen patronage on the routes grow steadily following the end of the Covid-19 restrictions and thanks to the hard work of our front line driving colleagues, performance of both services has been strong. 

Following an extensive review of our network and the performance of the Park&Ride services we are delighted to note that Service 701 at Sandon is now at a point where it can be operated fully commercially without any subsidy from the local authority. As such we are delighted to advise that we will be continuing to operate Service 701 Sandon Park&Ride beyond the end of our initial contract in March 2026 without the need for any taxpayer support. 

Unfortunately the number of passengers using Service 702 at Chelmer Valley isn't quite enough to allow the same commercialisation without a reduction in frequency. Essex County Council have advised that they wish to see a continuation of the existing frequency at Chelmer Valley and as such from Friday 6th March 2026 operation of the Chelmer Valley service will pass to a new provider. 

There will be no change to the timetable of Service 701 with journeys continuing to operate through March to the same times passengers are already used to.

Details of the new Service 702 provider at Chelmer Valley and any changes to the timetable there will be confirmed by Essex County Council in due course.