Hospital Bus Journey Cut in half for Village Residents
New 351 Bus Extension Delivers Direct Links to Basildon and Basildon Hospital
(find the new bus timetable HERE)
Residents of Ingatestone and the surrounding villages who once faced journeys of up to 2,5 hours involving three buses to reach hospital appointments will soon be able to travel directly on a single bus.
From 27 July, the extended 351 service will continue beyond its existing route to provide an hourly service linking Chelmsford, Margaretting, Ingatestone, Mountnessing, Warley, Brentwood, Basildon Bus Station and Basildon Hospital. The route also provides direct access to Brentwood Hospital, giving residents convenient public transport links to both hospitals and two major town centres.
For many years, residents without access to a car have faced lengthy, complicated journeys to attend hospital appointments. Multiple bus changes and extended travel times made what should have been a straightforward journey unnecessarily stressful. Those travelling by car have also had to contend with congestion and the cost of hospital parking.
The extended 351 service transforms those journeys, allowing residents to travel directly to healthcare facilities while also providing convenient access to shopping, employment and onward public transport connections. At Basildon Bus Station, passengers can connect with other services, including the 100 to Lakeside Shopping Centre, further improving access across south Essex.
The extension follows sustained representations by Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council, working with Essex County Council’s Love Your Bus team and First Bus to improve access to healthcare and public transport for local residents. Paul Jeater, Chair of Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to see this extension to the 351 service become a reality. This is much more than a new bus route—it is a lifeline for many of our residents. For too long, people without access to a car have faced lengthy and complicated journeys simply to reach hospital appointments. This new direct service will make travelling to Brentwood and Basildon hospitals significantly easier while also opening up better access to Brentwood and Basildon town centres.
I would like to place on record the Parish Council’s sincere thanks to Councillor Martyn Hart for his determination and commitment in helping to secure this service extension. I also thank Essex County Council’s Love Your Bus team and First Bus for working to deliver a practical solution that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
Simon Mathieson, Regional Director of First Bus East of England & Midlands, said:
“We’re delighted to extend the 351 service to Basildon Hospital, making it easier for people across Margaretting, Ingatestone, Mountnessing, Brentwood and Warley to access hospital services. Good public transport is about connecting people with the places that matter most, and this new direct link will provide a simpler, more convenient and affordable journey for patients, visitors and hospital staff alike. We hope the extended service will encourage even more people to choose the bus for their journeys.”
The Parish Council believes the enhanced service will improve the daily lives of residents across the area by making healthcare more accessible, encouraging sustainable travel and strengthening connections between neighbouring communities.
The extended 351 service begins operating on 27 July, with hourly buses linking Chelmsford, Margaretting, Ingatestone, Mountnessing, Brentwood, Warley, Laindon, Basildon Bus Station and Basildon Hospital.
