Chelmsford Park and Ride is a park and ride bus service operated by Central Connect on behalf of Essex County Council. Two routes are operated serving two park and ride sites in Sandon and Chelmer Valley. The service was previously operated by First Essex for 15 years from opening until 5 March 2022. On 7 March 2022, operation resumed with Central Connect. The service was suspended on 28 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sandon service resumed on 6 July 2020 with an every 15 minute circular service and Chelmer Valley on 3 August 2020 with an every 30 minute service. Since 6th March 2026 First Essex has been re-contracted to operate the 700 (before 701) and 702, however the Saturday service was withdrawn due 'Very low usage', and Central Connect continues operating the 701 as a commercial service.
Current Service Two services are operated, Sandon Circular & Chelmer Valley Circular. Route Site Operating Hours Frequency702 Sandon Monday to Friday 06:30 - 19:45 Every 10 Minutes - PeakEvery 15 Minutes - Off Peak Saturday 07:00 - 19:15 Every 15 Minutes700 (First) 701 (Central Connect) Chelmer Valley Monday to Friday 06:30 – 21:30 Every 10 Minutes - PeakEvery 20 Minutes - Off Peak Saturday 07:00 – 20:30 Every 20 Minutes
Previous Service A Cross City service used to operate serving both sites operated by First Essex.
Park and Ride Sites Currently there are two park and ride sites in Chelmsford. One in Sandon southeast of the city and another in Chelmer Valley to the north of the city. During the COVID-19 pandemic Chelmer Valley Park and Ride Site was planned to be used as a temporary mortuary, but this did not happen in the end.
Fleet First Bus currently operate a fleet of Enviro400MMC buses on the Park and Ride service 701 & 702. This utilizes buses that used to serve Cornwall under the brand Kerrow. At peak times, a total of 8 vehicles are required across both routes. Before, Central Connect used Enviro200 MMC buses which were bought for this service.
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