A TOWN bus service could be withdrawn after it was found just two passengers used it a day.

Essex County Council is running a consultation on plans to axe the 94C service in South Woodham Ferrers on Sundays.

The route is part of a joint tender with the 33 service between Chelmsford and Southminster which also runs on Sundays.

The bus, operated by First Essex, runs on the 33 route and in the downtime between journeys it is used as the 94C town service.

But this has caused the 33 service to not run to time.

The main service carries on average 281 passengers a day while service 94C carries on average just two passengers a day.

The council has now proposed removing the 94C service to help improve the Chelmsford to Southminster route.

Ray Gooding, Essex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Passenger Transport, said: “We are aware of issues with the number 33 Sunday service not running to time in South Woodham Ferrers.

“Its partner Sunday service, the 94C, is only used on average by two people every Sunday.

“Therefore, we are proposing to withdraw the number 94C service to free up the bus and help make the number 33 service more reliable for the 281 people who use it on average every Sunday.

“We believe it makes sense to move resources to support this service but want to ensure we understand the potential impact on the community.”

The six week consultation began last week and runs until November 27.

The questionnaire will be available on the bus, from the driver, or online athttps://surveys.essexinsight.org.uk/busconsultationservice94C.

People can also take part by phoning 03457430430.