The introduction of a shuttle bus between Manningtree Station and the Tendring Show has proven a success, with the service eliminating over 100 individual car journeys in its inaugural year.

Launched for the 2025, the shuttle bus, which ran on 12 July, was designed to offer a convenient, environmentally friendly onward travel option for visitors arriving by train by taking them between the rail station and the showground.

The initiative was funded by the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP), Lawford Parish Council, Manningtree PACE (Practical Actions for Climate and the Environment), working in partnership with the Tendring Show, and supported by Greater Anglia.

The aim was to encourage people to use rail, as the most sustainable form of transport to access the show, and to help to reduce traffic, congestion and pollution in the local area, supporting both the community and the environment.

Jayne Sumner, engagement manager for the Essex & South Suffolk CRP, said: “The service offered a real opportunity to reduce congestion on local roads and lower pollution in the towns and villages surrounding the showground, and we were pleased that over 100 people used it in its first year.

“With capacity to transport up to 500 people, plans are already underway to enhance the service in 2026, building on the success of this year and working with local partners to further promote sustainable travel options to encourage even more people to visit the show by train.”

Scott Dolling, Greater Anglia’s partnerships manager, said: “We are grateful to the Essex and South Suffolk CRP for facilitating this initiative, which helped to make it easier for people to enjoy the Tendring Show by train and the connecting shuttle bus. With our great value fares, comfortable new trains and fast, frequent services, travelling by rail is a great way to access this event.”

John Hall from the charity Manningtree PACE said: “We are pleased that the shuttle bus service from Manningtree Station to the Tendring Show worked well. Thanks to the passengers who chose greener travel, and all those involved – Greater Anglia and the Essex & South Suffolk CRP, Lawford Parish Council and Tendring Show, the minibus drivers and the PACE volunteers. We proved it works – we are sure more will choose the green shuttle next year.”

Learn more about Greater Anglia’s work in the community here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Essex & South Suffolk CRP via their website.