Charity steps in to support First Essex passengers stranded at stops

A local charity has launched an emergency relief initiative to support First Essex passengers stuck at bus stops for extended periods, as ongoing delays leave some commuters waiting for hours — sometimes even overnight — for a service to arrive.

The organisation, First Aid for First Essex, is providing free sleeping bags, tents, non-perishable food, and thermal blankets to those struggling to cope with the unpredictable nature of Essex’s bus network.

Volunteers have been dispatched to major stops across Colchester, Chelmsford, and Basildon, where passengers have been found cold, hungry, and increasingly desperate.

“We realised something had to be done when we started seeing people bringing camping chairs to bus stops as standard,” said charity founder Janice.

Passengers have welcomed the support, describing their exhausting and uncertain wait times.

“I got to my bus stop at 8:30 AM thinking I’d make my 9:15 appointment,” said one passenger waiting at Colchester’s ‘bus station’. “By 1 PM, I’d finished my packed lunch and started wondering if I should set up a JustGiving page to fund an Uber instead.”

One commuter in Chelmsford reported that he had been waiting for the 371 for so long that a nearby café worker took pity on him and brought him a free coffee.

“When I got here, I was a young man with hopes and dreams,” he joked. “Now I’m just hoping I don’t run out of battery before I check the app for the 19th time.”

First Essex has denied responsibility for the crisis, suggesting that passengers should take a more proactive approach to their bus journeys.

“We recommend that all customers check our live tracking system before travelling,” a spokesperson said. “Of course, the tracking might not be accurate, but that’s part of the experience.”

The company also insisted that passengers should carry supplies for longer waits, including water, snacks, and something to pass the time.

“We see our bus service as an opportunity for reflection and mindfulness,” the spokesperson added. “It’s a chance to step away from the fast-paced modern world and just… wait.”

Last week, police declared a major incident after a First bus in Colchester turned up exactly as scheduled, leading to multiple casualties requiring treatment for shock.

In response to growing concerns, local councillors have suggested official emergency protocols for stranded passengers, including designated rest areas with shelter and seating at major bus stops.

Meanwhile, the charity is now asking for donations to fund regular welfare checks on passengers and an official hotline for commuters to report extreme delays and receive assistance.

“Nobody should have to spend the night at a bus stop just because they needed to get to work,” said Janice. “If the buses won’t turn up, at least we will.”