Essex County Council has announced a transformative 10-year partnership with Clear Channel to overhaul the county’s bus shelter infrastructure. Following a competitive tender process, this collaboration will rejuvenate Essex’s roadside bus facilities, with Clear Channel responsible for replacing, maintaining, and installing new shelters throughout the region.
The project kicks off in late August 2024, starting with an investment of £3 million in the first year. The initial phase will target shelters that have been on hold or previously managed by other suppliers. Following this, a comprehensive upgrade and expansion program will enhance bus infrastructure across Essex.
The newly replaced bus shelters will feature modern amenities, including seating, motion sensor lighting, and space for prams and wheelchairs. Some shelters will also be equipped with digital real-time information screens and advertising panels.
For details on the installation schedule, the Travel Essex website will provide an interactive map showing which shelters will be replaced and the timeline for the first year. This map will be updated regularly to include future plans.
Under this contract, Clear Channel will not only manage the maintenance of the bus shelters but also handle advertising at select locations agreed upon by the council. Revenue from advertising will contribute to a guaranteed income for the council, which will be reinvested into further improvements of the bus network.
In addition, Essex County Council has formed a Collaboration Agreement with ten district, borough, and city councils within Essex, centralizing the ownership and management of bus shelters. Parish councils, developers, and other organizations will also have the option to purchase shelters through Essex County Council, ensuring a cohesive and upgraded bus shelter network across the county.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Transport, stated, “This exciting contract will bring much-needed improvements to our bus shelters and infrastructure, making public transportation easier and more accessible for everyone in Essex.”
