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Kent County Council (KCC) has secured the future of two important bus routes in Thanet after Stagecoach announced plans to reduce a number of commercial services as part of a network review.Working closely with the operator, KCC's Public Transport Team has made arrangements to replace two routes that were earmarked to end. These are:Service 9: Ramsgate, Minster and Monkton (Monday to Saturday off-peak service)Service 32: Minnis Bay and Margate (Monday to Saturday)KCC prioritised support for routes where communities faced losing all bus provision, and where school pupils could have been left without a practical way of travelling to school. However, with limited funding available, the council has not been able to support routes where services are only being reduced or where alternative bus services are still available.Supported by Government Bus Grant Funding, KCC already invests around £13 million each year to support around 150 bus services across Kent that would not otherwise operate on a commercial basis.While bus companies decide which commercial services they operate, KCC works to protect important local connections where it can and has moved quickly to secure replacement arrangements where the impact on residents would be greatest.The replacements for Services 9 and 32 have initially been secured for six months. During this period, KCC will monitor passenger numbers and assess the longer-term viability of the routes, while also reviewing how services can be delivered as efficiently as possible alongside other bus services in the area.Spencer Dixon, KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "The withdrawal of these services would have had a significant impact on communities across Thanet, particularly for residents who rely on buses to get to work, school, appointments and other essential services."As soon as we became aware that these routes were at risk, we worked with the operator to find a solution and ensure people were not left without a bus service."We've been able to protect important links between Ramsgate, Minster, Monkton, Minnis Bay and Margate. While we cannot replace every commercial service that is withdrawn, we will continue to focus our support where it is needed most and where it will have the greatest benefit for local residents."This year KCC has also stepped in to arranged alternative services for routes serving residents in East Malling, East Peckham, Kingswood, Boughton Monchelsea and Grafty Green.

Kent County Council (KCC) has stepped in to protect vital bus links after a number of commercial services run by local bus companies were withdrawn, ensuring communities remain connected and children can continue getting to school.Working with local bus operators, KCC has arranged alternative services for routes serving residents in East Malling, East Peckham, Kingswood, Boughton Monchelsea and Grafty Green, helping to make sure people can continue to access schools, jobs, healthcare and other essential services.The Council has prioritised routes where communities risked being left without a bus service or where school pupils could have been left without a practical way to travel.Assisted by Government Bus Grant Funding, KCC already invests around £13 million every year supporting around 150 bus services across Kent that would not otherwise run. While bus companies decide which commercial services they operate, KCC works to protect important local connections where it can and has moved quickly to secure replacement arrangements where the impact on residents would be greatest.The replacement services in place are as follows:The Brookline-operated 4A service between East Malling and East Peckham, which currently runs on schooldays, is being withdrawn. KCC has secured a replacement service, which will be operated by Nu-Venture from September as part of its service 4 operation.Nu-Venture will also operate a replacement 575 service, ensuring there is enough capacity for students who previously travelled on the Arriva service.A new service, numbered 75, will replace part of the withdrawn Arriva network and maintain a bus link for residents of Clare Park in East Malling. The service will run between East Malling and Maidstone Town Centre via Maidstone Hospital.Nu-Venture will also provide a replacement 559 service following the withdrawal of Arriva services 59 and 89. This will help pupils from Grafty Green, Boughton Monchelsea and Kingswood continue to travel to schools in Maidstone through connections at Parkwood.KCC is continuing to work on solutions for communities affected by service withdrawals in Thanet. Further details will be announced as soon as arrangements have been finalised.Spencer Dixon, KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We've acted quickly to make sure people are not left without the bus services they rely on."KCC already supports around 150 bus services across Kent because we know how important they are to local communities. When we became aware that some areas could lose their only bus links, we got straight to work with operators to find practical solutions."We've been able to secure replacement services in a number of areas and, most importantly, make sure children can still get to school and communities stay connected."We can't replace every service that a commercial operator chooses to withdraw, but where the impact on residents is greatest, we'll always look at what can be done and work hard to find a solution."

Kent County Council (KCC) is supporting a series of bus fare promotions to make it easier and more affordable for people to travel around Kent this summer.Whether it’s visiting to the Hop Festival in Swale, the Food and Drink Festival in Deal, or exploring attractions across the county, cheaper bus tickets are available to help residents and visitors make the most of their day out.What’s Running This Summer?We are working with Stagecoach on several promotions including:Thanet (Loop service): £2 flat single fare on all weekends and Bank Holidays in AugustFolkestone and Hythe (Routes 102, 103,104 & 105): Special August £5 Day Ticket throughout AugustSwale (X3 service): £2 flat fare on Wednesday 5, and Thursday 6 September 2026 supporting the Hop FestivalDover (Deal Town Network): £2 flat fare on journeys starting and finishing in Deal, between Friday 28, and Sunday 30 August 2026 to support the Deal Food and Drink FestivalThere are also additional journeys on some Go Bus services including:Sevenoaks, and Tonbridge and Malling (Services 1 and 401): Additional Saturday and Sunday services serving Chartwell during August and September. For further details, visit the GoBus website.Spencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Summer is a great time to explore Kent, and we want travel to be as affordable and convenient as possible.“These discounted fares will help residents and visitors reach festivals, attractions and coastal destinations across the county while supporting our wider ambition to encourage more people to use public transport and reduce congestion on Kent's roads."The discounts are part of a wider programme of support KCC is delivering from funding secured by the government to encourage people to use public transport when travelling to major events across Kent.Earlier this month, KCC funded free shuttle bus services from Maidstone and Sittingbourne to help visitors attend the Kent County Show. Passengers could also travel to the Maidstone River Festival for £1.Residents and visitors can also Reach the Beach in Folkestone for less. The initiative offers £1 single adult bus tickets on Stagecoach routes 102 and 103 from Folkestone Central Station, and route 10 from Folkestone West Station to the Harbour until Sunday 30 August 2026.Families can also make the most of the summer holidays on the Isle of Sheppey with affordable bus travel connecting communities and attractions across the island.KCC is supporting Travelmasters' 360 Sunday service, which will operate throughout the summer, offering passengers a flat fare of just £2 per journey.

Families can enjoy more affordable days out this summer with free bus travel for all children aged 15 and under on participating bus services across Kent.Starting from 1 August to 31 August 2026, families will be able to save on the cost of travel whether they're heading to the coast, visiting attractions or meeting friends.This is part of this government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which is taking place across the whole of England to help people enjoy days out for less.Some of the operators participating in Kent include Fastrack, Arriva, Stagecoach, NuVenture, Chalkwell and GoAhead.Spencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “We’re pleased to support this Government-funded initiative, which gives children and young people aged 15 and under the opportunity to travel by bus for free throughout August.“As well as helping families save money during the school holidays, free bus travel makes it easier for young people to access activities, attractions and days out across Kent. It’s a great way to encourage more people to use public transport, helping build confidence in bus travel while supporting more sustainable journeys across the county.”Check each operator’s website for further information.Find out more about the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Families can make the most of the summer holidays on the Isle of Sheppey with affordable bus travel connecting communities and attractions across the island.Kent County Council (KCC) is supporting Travelmasters' 360 Sunday service, which will operate throughout the summer, offering passengers a flat fare of just £2 per journey.Running every Sunday until 30 August 2026, the service provides a convenient way to travel between Leysdown, Warden Bay, Eastchurch, Minster and Sheerness, making it easier for people to enjoy the island's beaches, attractions, shops and venues without the need for a car.The summer Sunday bus runs five trips a day with the first leaving at:Leysdown, Nutts Avenue: 9.30amMinster, Scocles Road: 9.56amSheerness Railway Station: 10.14amSpencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Summer is a great time for families to get out and enjoy everything the Isle of Sheppey has to offer, and we hope this £2 fare will make it easier for people to do that. Whether it's a trip to the beach, visiting friends and family, or exploring different parts of the island, the 360 service provides a convenient and cost-effective way to travel.”This is part of a wider programme of support KCC is delivering from funding secured by the government to encourage people to use public transport when travelling to major events across Kent.Earlier this month, KCC funded free shuttle bus services from Maidstone and Sittingbourne to help visitors attend the Kent County Show. Passengers were also able to travel to the Maidstone River Festival for £1.The Reach the Beach bus service is also running this summer in Folkestone. The initiative offers £1 single adult bus tickets on Stagecoach routes 102 and 103 from Folkestone Central Station, and route 10 from Folkestone West Station to the Harbour.360 bus timetable - Leysdown - Warden Bay - Eastchurch - MinsterHere is the timetable for the journey from Leysdown, through Warden Bay, Eastchurch and Minster.Stop nameLeydown, Nutts Avenue09:3011:3013:3015:3017:30Warden Bay, Oasis Stores09:3711:3713:3715:3717:37Elmley HM PrisonNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableEastchurch Prisons, Fire StationNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableEastchurch, Anne Boleyn Close09:4611:4613:4615:4617:46Eastchurch, High Street09:4811:4813:4815:4817:48Minster, Court Tree Drive09:5111:5113:5115:5117:51Minster, Chequers Water Tower09:5211:5212:5215:5217:52Minster, Scocles Road top09:5611:5613:5615:5617:56Thistle Hill, Heron Drive10:0012:0014:0016:0018:00Thistle Hill, Bellflower AvenueNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableSheppey Hospital10:0412:0414:0416:0418:04Sheppey Hospital, Yarrow DriveNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableMinster, Scrapsgate10:0712:0714:0716:0718:07Leigh Academy Minster GroundsNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableLeigh Academy Minster, Minster Road10:0812:0814:0816:0818:08Halfway House10:0912:0914:0916:0918:09Wards Hill, BottomNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableEKC SheppeyNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableHalfway, Power Station Road10:1012:1014:1016:1018:10Sheerness, Coronation Road10:1212:1214:1216:1218:12Sheerness, Millennium Way10:1312:1314:1316:1318:13Sheerness, Railway Station10:1412:1414:1416:1418:14Sheerness, TESCO10:1512:1514:1516:1518:15360 bus timetable - Minster - Eastchurch - Warden Bay - LeysdownHere is the timetable for the journey from Minster, through Eastchurch, Warden Bay and Leysdown.StopSheerness, TESCO08:4510:4512:4514:4516:45Sheerness, Railway Station08:4610:4612:4614:4616:46Sheerness, Millennium Way08:4710L4712:4714:4716:47EKC, Sheppey SecondaryNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableSheerness, Cavour Road08:4910:4912:4914:4916:49Sheerness, Coronation Road08:5110:5112:5114:5116:51Minster, Wards Hill BottomNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableHalfway, Power Station Road08:5310:5312:5314:5316:53Halfway, Halfway Houses08:541:5412:5414:5416:54Minster, Harps InnNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableLeigh Academy, Minster Road08:5610:5612:5614:5616:56Leigh Academy Minster GroundsNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableMinster, Scrapsgate Road08:5710:5712:5714:5716:57Sheppey Hospital09:0011:0013:0015:0017:00Sheppey Hospital, Yarrow Drive09:0311:0313:0315:0317:03Thistle Hill, Bellflower AvenueNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableThistle Hill, Heron Drive09:0511:0513:0515:0517:05Minster, Scocles Road top09:0811:0813:0815:0817:08Minster, Chequers Water Tower09:1011:1013:1015:1017:10Minster, Court Tree Drive09:1211:1213:1215:1217:12Eastchurch Prisons, Fire StationNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableElmley HP PrisonNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableEastchurch, Church09:1511:1513:1515:1517:15Eastchurch, Anne Boleyn Close09:1611:1613:1615:1617:16Warden Bay, Oasis StoresNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableLeysdown, Rose and Crown09:2511:2513:2515:2517:25Leysdown, Nutts Avenue09:3011:3013:3015:3017:25Warden Bay, Oasis Stores09:3711:3713:3715:3717:37

Residents and visitors can Reach the Beach in Folkestone for just £1 this summer thanks to a special bus fare offer funded by KCC.The initiative offers £1 single adult bus tickets on Stagecoach routes 102 and 103 from Folkestone Central Station, and route 10 from Folkestone West Station to the Harbour. It will start on Sunday 26 July 2026 and run until Sunday 30 August 2026.The scheme aims to improve sustainable travel options while supporting local businesses, attractions and events across Folkestone's seafront and town centre.Visitors can enjoy easy access to a programme of summer activities at the Harbour, including live music, outdoor cinema screenings, family workshops, sporting events, street food and adventure golf. The nearby Creative Quarter also offers independent shops, art installations, galleries, cafés and restaurants.Spencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy what Folkestone has to offer this summer and we hope these £1 fares with Stagecoach will help make days out more affordable for families, and visitors alike.“Whether it's a day on the beach, meeting friends for an evening at the Harbour Arm, or enjoying everything the town has to offer, we want travel to be one less thing people have to worry about.”The discounted fares are part of a wider programme of support KCC is delivering from funding secured by the government to encourage people to use public transport when travelling to major events across Kent.Earlier this month, KCC funded free shuttle bus services from Maidstone and Sittingbourne to help visitors attend the Kent County Show. Passengers can also travel to the Maidstone River Festival for £1 on Saturday 25 July 2026.Further promotional bus fare offers linked to events across the county will be announced soon.The services in Folkestone will operate daily with regular departures and late evening return journeys, making it easier for passengers to spend time at the coast without the need for a car, taxi or uphill walk back to the station.From Folkestone Central Station Stop C, routes 102 and 103 depart every 30 minutes. The last bus to the Harbour leaves at 10.33pm Monday to Saturday and 9.33pm on Sundays and public holidays. Return services from the Harbour operate until 10.05pm Monday to Saturday and 9.55pm on Sundays and public holidays.From Folkestone West Station, route 10 serves the Harbour every hour.For timetable information and journey planning, visit: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-east/head-to-the-harbour

Visitors travelling to this year's Maidstone River Festival can catch the bus for just £1, thanks to a special offer funded by Kent County Council (KCC).On Saturday 25 July 2026, passengers will be able to travel on all Arriva bus services within the Maidstone Area ticket zone for a flat £1 single fare, making it easier and more affordable for people to enjoy the hugely popular event.The River Festival is a free, non-profit event run by a team of local volunteers, with financial support from local businesses and sponsors. Celebrating more than 40 years, the festival has become a fixture in Maidstone's calendar and attracts visitors from across the county.The discounted fares are part of a wider programme of support KCC is delivering from funding secured by the government to encourage people to use public transport when travelling to major events across Kent.It also serves as a way of helping to reduce congestion and parking pressures in the town centre.Earlier this month, KCC funded free shuttle bus services from Maidstone and Sittingbourne to help visitors attend the Kent County Show. Further promotional bus fare offers linked to events across the county will be announced in the coming weeks.Spencer Dixon, KCC's Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "The Maidstone River Festival is one of the town's most popular community events and one I enjoy attending regularly myself. We're delighted to support it by making bus travel more affordable for everyone."By offering £1 single fares across the Maidstone area, we're giving people a convenient, low-cost way to get to and from the festival while helping to reduce traffic and demand for parking. We hope this encourages more people to choose the bus and discover just how easy public transport can be. I look forward to seeing everyone there."David Naghi, Maidstone River Festival Chairman, said: “It is fantastic that local buses are supporting the event by enabling people to travel in and out of town cheaply on what will be a busy day on the roads.“Arriva buses can drop passengers right in the centre of the action without the stress of finding parking and saving a fortune on parking charges. This is the first time an offer like this has been available to leave cars at home and travel in for £1 each.”Michael Jennings, Arriva South’s Head of Commercial, said: "We're pleased to be working with KCC to offer £1 fares to the Maidstone River Festival, making it easier for people to leave the car at home and enjoy the day out by bus.“Events like this are a great reminder of how buses connect communities to the things they love doing together and we're always glad to support initiatives that get more people travelling by bus."Find out more about Maidstone River Festival.

Enhanced services, more frequent buses and new connections are being introduced across Fastrack Kent Thameside from 1 August 2026.The improvements are designed to better connect communities, support the continued growth of Ebbsfleet Garden City, and provide passengers with a more reliable and convenient public transport network.It will see seven buses per hour serving Whitecliffe compared with the current two. An additional bus will operate on Route A taking the route up to five buses per hour. The night service will also double in frequency to two buses per hour. Direct bus links will also be restored between Ingress Park and Greenhithe with Gravesend.This is part of Kent County Council’s (KCC) ongoing commitment to ensuring Fastrack continues to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors while supporting sustainable growth across Kent Thameside.New and Improved ServicesThe changes include the following.Route AServices will run more frequently, increasing from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes. There will also be some small changes to evening service frequencies, and the route will be extended to serve Dartford Acacia Hall.Route AZThere will be additional journeys between Gravesend and Amazon LCY3. The stop at Ebbsfleet International will be removed due to low passenger use. Some journeys between Dartford and Amazon LCY3 will operate as Route N.Route BThis route has been changed to operate via Whitecliffe between Bluewater and Ebbsfleet International. This will deliver new direct connections between Dartford and Darent Valley Hospital with Whitecliffe, and more reliable journey times between Bluewater and Gravesend by not using the A2. There will also be minor changes to the frequency of evening services.Route CThe new C Route will replace existing Routes E and F. This will operate every 15 minutes between Ingress Park and Bluewater, with buses every 30 minutes extending to Gravesend via Whitecliffe, Ebbsfleet International and Cable Wharf. This will restore the direct connection between Ingress Park and Greenhithe with Gravesend which was lost following service changes in response to the collapse of Galley Hill. Through ticketing introduced in response to Galley Hill for journeys to Dartford and Gravesend from Ingress Park and Greenhithe via Route B to remain in place.Route NEnhanced night services. Buses will run every 30 minutes at night, seven days a week, with Whitecliffe served for the first time. In Temple Hill, the route will be slightly changed to run via Trevithick Drive instead of Littlebrook Manor Way and Henderson Drive.Spencer Dixon, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “These improvements demonstrate our commitment to enhancing the Fastrack network to meet the needs of everyone who uses these hugely important services.“The new connections and more frequent services ensure Fastrack remains an attractive option which residents can rely on for all journeys day and night.“Fastrack has around three million passenger journeys each year showing just how valuable it is for people in Gravesend and Dartford. With the final electric vehicles entering service over the coming months, we will continue to build on this and drive more progress forward.”For a detailed breakdown of the changes, visit www.kent-fastrack.co.uk

Visitors heading to this year’s Kent County Show can enjoy free bus travel, thanks to an initiative funded by Kent County Council (KCC).The annual event will take place at the Detling Showground from 3 to 5 July 2026, and KCC has arranged complimentary services to make travel easier and more sustainable for visitors, while reducing congestion on nearby roads.The shuttle buses will run from Maidstone and Sittingbourne across all three days.Passengers travelling from Maidstone can use services operated by Nu-Venture, with buses departing from:Maidstone East at 09:15, 10:30 and 11:45King Street at 09:20, 10:35 and 11:50For those coming from Sittingbourne, services operated by Chalkwell will depart from:Sittingbourne Bus Hub at 09:15, 10:30 and 11:45The Coniston at 09:18, 10:33 and 11:48The Long Hop at 09:22, 11:00 and 12:15Return journeys will also be available in the afternoon. Visitors are advised to check the relevant operator’s website for the full details.The services are being funded using Government Bus Grant funding which is provided to support KCC’s Bus Service Improvement Plan designed to encourage more people to use sustainable transport.Spencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We are pleased to be offering free bus travel to the Kent County Show this year. Not only will this help to reduce congestion around the A249, it will also make it easier and more affordable for visitors to attend this hugely popular event. I want to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of these services and enjoy a fantastic day out.”

A groundbreaking event has taken place at the site of the future Bean Road underpass in Ebbsfleet today (Thursday 23 April), marking an important step forward for the project ahead of an anticipated start on construction later this spring.The Bean Road underpass is a key part of Kent County Council’s (KCC) Fastrack programme, which aims to deliver fast, reliable and sustainable public transport connections across Kent Thameside, supporting housing growth, jobs and regeneration.Once constructed, the scheme will see a 75‑metre underpass built beneath the B255 Bean Road, creating a direct route for Fastrack buses, pedestrians and cyclists between Whitecliffe (formerly Eastern Quarry) and Bluewater Shopping Centre, with improved onward links to Ebbsfleet International Station.Following a competitive tender process, Erith Contractors Limited were appointed to deliver the construction works, with the construction contract valued at £18.6 million. The total value of the scheme is £25.5 million.A significant proportion of the funding for the scheme has been secured from the Department for Transport through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, alongside contributions from Bluewater and Eastern Quarry Limited. This funding is ringfenced specifically for improvements to bus and sustainable transport infrastructure and cannot legally be redirected to other highway projects.Preparatory activity has already taken place on site, including initial site setup, vegetation clearance and specialist surveys. These works are being carried out in anticipation of the main construction phase, which is expected to begin once all pre‑commencement planning conditions have been discharged.Subject to this, the anticipated construction programme is expected to last around 15 months, with completion forecast for summer 2027.Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This project is a strong example of effective partnership working, with KCC bringing together government and local partners to deliver real improvements for the area.‘The funding secured for the Bean Road underpass is ringfenced specifically for bus and sustainable transport infrastructure, enabling us to invest in a scheme that improves connectivity while supporting growth in Ebbsfleet.‘Today’s groundbreaking event marks an important step forward for the project as we move toward an anticipated start on construction.”Sara Waller, CEO of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone in partnership with Kent County Council and Department for Transport, combining all of our investment to make this project happen.“This project is about improving everyday journeys - making it easier for people to travel, work and move around the area – from Dartford, to Greenhithe and Ebbsfleet and onto Northfleet and Gravesend. Bringing immediate benefit to existing residents and helping to shape that place for future residents.“As Ebbsfleet continues to grow, investments like this are essential, supporting long-term development, improving daily life through stronger connectivity and accessibility, and linking the new town of Ebbsfleet to its existing neighbours.“We look forward to the positive impact this project will bring for those living in and travelling through the area.”Andrew Waldron, Operations Director at Erith, added: “Collaboration is at the heart of Erith’s approach. The Bean underpass project is being progressed with a strong focus on early engagement, clear communication and close cooperation with the client, designers, local authorities and affected stakeholders, helping to ensure the scheme is delivered efficiently and sensitively from pre‑construction through to completion.‘This project exemplifies the type of complex, high‑value infrastructure challenge where Erith’s expertise adds real value. We are proud to play a part in delivering a scheme that improves connectivity, enhances safety and leaves a lasting positive impact for the local community.”For the latest on the Bean Road Underpass, visit: Bean Road Fastrack Scheme - Kent County CouncilFind out more about Ebbsfleet Development Corporation: Homepage - Ebbsfleet Garden City