A NEW round-the-clock bus service will provide a direct route to Stansted Airport for people living in Basildon and Wickford.

First Essex has launched its new X10 route, which will run hourly throughout the day between Basildon bus station and the airport, starting on Sunday.

The route will stop in Wickford and Chelmsford, providing south Essex passengers with easy access to the city’s nightclubs and bars.

The bus operator is investing £900,000 in five new buses, which will include leather seats, free wi-fi, charging points and luggage racks.

It will take 80 minutes to get from Basildon to Stansted.

First Essex managing director Alex Jones said: “We are pleased and excited to be launching the new X10 service in conjunction with our partners at Stansted Airport.

“The service will provide a cost effective, fast, frequent journey for commuters, holidaymakers and staff working at the site.

“We’re committed to making this new service a success, so much so that we’re investing £900,000 in five brand new buses, which will operate on the route from September.”

Steve Mills, passenger services manager at Stansted Airport, said: “Over half of air passengers currently travel to Stansted Airport by public transport – that’s the highest figure for any major airport in the UK, and one of the best in Europe.

“The popularity of bus and coach services at Stansted continues to grow with over 600 scheduled departures every day to over 55 destinations around the UK.

“Operating a fleet of new high quality buses, the X10 service will be the only direct link between Stansted Airport, Basildon and Wickford.

“With an 80-minute journey time, passengers and staff will find the service extremely convenient and an excellent alternative to their car.”

An adult single from Basildon or Wickford to Stansted will cost £14, or £20 return, while a journey from Basildon to Chelmsford is £8 for a single ticket or £12 return.

The route will make stops outside the Watermill, in Eastmayne, Basildon, the Swan, in Broadway, Wickford, and The Chase, in Runwell.

To celebrate the launch, First Essex is running a competition to win £250 worth of holiday vouchers.

For more information about the route and the competition, visit firstgroup.com/essex or follow @FirstEssex on Twitter.