Double decker buses could soon be coming to a popular airport bus route.

First Essex is consulting with users as to whether the current single decker buses on the X10 and X30 service from Southend to Stansted should be upgraded.

Since the introduction, people living in Chelmsford, Basildon, Wickford and Southend have made the service so popular, that proposals are being drawn up to introduce ‘high specification’ double decker buses.

The bigger buses aim to accommodate the increase in commuters, airport staff and holidaymakers who make the daily journey to and from the airport using the buses.

The route was opened in November 2016 with 12 buses, in a £1.9m partnership with bus operator First Essex and Stansted Airport.

Before a decision is made, First Essex wants to generate as much feedback as possible from the thousands of people who use the service on the new proposals.

A questionnaire has been developed and is available for people to complete with their views on the many aspects of the vehicle design and specification.

The X30 service runs throughout the day, night and early morning, every day of the week on every day of the year, excluding Christmas Day.

With journey times of just 35 minutes from Chelmsford and 80 minutes from Southend to Stansted, it’s a popular choice for commuters.

All 12 buses introduced in 2016 are fitted with the latest Euro VI engines, which produce 95 per cent less oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared to buses with Euro V engines and as a result have helped improve air quality on the route.

Adam Keeble, marketing manager for First Essex, said: “I am pleased and excited to be announcing the trial of the double deck bus on the X30 route and I encourage everyone to complete our feedback form with their opinions on our proposal.

“The service has provided customers with a cost effective, fast, frequent journey to and from the airport and our aim to improve the service further.” The questionnaires are available on the buses and through the onboard wi-fi.