First Bus Essex has expanded Bus route B1 directly linking Basildon and Laindon to Harold Wood, connecting to the Elizabeth Line providing alternative routes into central London. – Crucially, the route provides a much-needed bus connection across the London/Essex border, which are mostly limited to a handful of TfL Services (370/327 Lakeside & 498 to Brentwood) — and notably, this service is not operated by Transport for London (TfL).
By extending the existing B1 bus service, First Bus is bridging the gap between South Essex and London’s fastest transit network, offering a low-cost alternative to complex train transfers – The expanded B1 bus service began on July 26.
The Route and Journey Time
The First Essex B1 runs from Basildon Bus Station in the town centre, it will travel via Laindon Station and after West Mayne it run express straight along the A127 to Harold Wood Station.
Once at Harold Wood, passengers can step straight onto the Elizabeth Line for fast travel into central London, Paddington, or all the way to Heathrow Airport terminals. – The extended B1 route also provides as an alternative connection for when there’s problems on the c2c rail line.
Travel Time: A one-way trip between Basildon Bus Station <-> Harold Wood Station taking 40-50 minutes, with B1 running around every 20 minutes Weekdays, Saturdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays
Cost: Passengers can take advantage of affordable pricing, with a single fare costing just £3 & freedom passes should be accepted on route too.
For full times & stops see: Travel Essex
Across Basildon & Laindon.
Locally within Basildon, the B1 service will coordinate with a revised service B2 to provide a combined 10-minute urban frequency between Basildon and Laindon.
B2 – runs between Basildon, Laindon Centre and Victoria Road via Great Knightleys, also operating at a 20 minute frequency.
When combined with B1 this provides a bus every 10 minutes between the busy Basildon and Laindon corridor.
With another new First Essex service B6 running Laindon Shopping Centre to Basildon Hospital via Langton Hills & Basildon Town Centre.