First Essex announce new 'Bring Your Own Bus' scheme

In a bold move to tackle increasing demand and service delays, First Essex has announced the introduction of a revolutionary new initiative allowing commuters to bring their own buses to help maintain service levels.

The scheme, set to launch next month, is designed to improve transport efficiency by encouraging passengers to take an active role in public travel —mostly because First themselves can’t be bothered.

Under the scheme, passengers who own a vehicle large enough to carry at least eight people will be eligible to register as a provider, and once approved, participants will be issued an official First Essex window sticker and will be expected to follow regular bus routes, picking up and dropping off passengers as they go.

The company believes this will help alleviate the strain on its existing fleet (seemingly made up of four buses, all running late) while offering locals more frequent transport options.

Head of Passenger Experience at First East of England praised the initiative as a step forward in community-driven public transport.

“This is all about empowering people,” he said. “By allowing customers to participate directly in transit services, we are giving them the freedom to move. Ultimately, we’re one step closer to moving the everyday in Essex.”

Passengers who take part in the scheme will receive a share of the fare revenue collected, with First offering volunteers an impressive 3% share of all payments taken on board.

In return, they will be required to adhere to the company’s guidelines, ensuring that stops are missed randomly, drivers pull away just as a passenger reaches the door, and buses experience occasional “operational issues” whenever people actually need them.

As an additional incentive, those who commit to a minimum number of service days each month will be granted priority boarding on official First Essex buses, whenever one happens to turn up.

Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. While some see it as an innovative solution to Essex’s long-standing public transport issues, others have raised concerns about road congestion and the safety of unqualified drivers running local routes.

Transport campaigner Elaine criticised the plan, describing it as an extreme way to shift responsibility onto the public. “First Essex has struggled with service reliability for years, but this seems like a bizarre way to solve it. What next? ‘Bring Your Own Train’ for Greater Anglia?”

The first phase of the Bring Your Own Bus scheme will roll out in Chelmsford, Colchester, and Basildon, with further expansions planned if the initiative proves successful.