Central Connect saves critical local bus route with new airport link

Press Release

Local bus operator Central Connect is stepping in to protect a vital public transport link between Braintree, Great Dunmow and Stansted Airport with the launch of a new route from June 2025.

The new service, numbered 333, will run every day of the year with an hourly timetable and overnight journeys, replacing the soon-to-be-withdrawn Arriva 133.

This new connection, linking Braintree Bus Interchange with Stansted Airport, will continue to serve key communities along the corridor, 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 just £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 locally 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 local transport.

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.

“We’re grateful to Stansted Airport for their financial support in helping to keep this connection going, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board from 1 June.”

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.

“London Stansted has the highest proportion of public transport use among major UK airports, with nearly 49% of passengers choosing trains, buses, or coaches for their journeys to and from the airport. We are committed to building on this success by further increasing this figure and making sustainable travel the preferred choice for even more of our passengers.”

Route 333 launches on Sunday 1 June 2025, with the first journey departing Braintree Bus Interchange at 02:40. The full timetable is available to preview now at central-connect.co.uk.

ENDS