Friday, 08 January 2016 10:49

107 bus route under threat

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The 107 bus route is currently under threat from closure The 107 bus route is currently under threat from closure
The future operation of the 107 bus service, which has stops in High Barnet on its route between Edgware and New Barnet, is in doubt because of a decision by Hertfordshire County Council to make further cuts in its funding for subsidised bus routes.

Five bus services operated by Transport for London are facing a withdrawal of subsidy from April 2016 following the county council’s decision to cut an additional £390,000 from its budget for bus funding.

The latest cut is on top of a £1.5 million reduction last year, and could result in a reduction in frequency, the loss of Sunday and late-evening services, or the withdrawal of buses from one or all of the routes involved.

The five routes affected are:

  • 107 Edgware Station – New Barnet Station
  • 142 Watford Junction – Brent Cross shopping centre
  • 258 Watford Junction – South Harrow Station
  • 292 Borehamwood Rossington Avenue – Colindale Asda store
  • 298 Potters Bar Cranbourne Road – Arnos Grove Station

Last year’s cuts in bus subsidies affected services across Hertfordshire, and on many routes led to the withdrawal of services after 7.30 p.m. and the withdrawal of Sunday services, except for those serving hospitals until 7.30 p.m.

Cutting them will mean more cars on our already busy roads, and real hardship for people without their own car.

The subsidies for the five services operated by Transport for London are now under threat because the county council’s three-year agreement with TfL to fund services between Hertfordshire and Greater London expires at the end of the financial year in March 2016.

The county council says that it is in discussion with TfL about the future operation of the five subsidised routes, and hopes an agreement can be reached to ensure continued operation.

Petitions against the possible closures have been started in Watford by both Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

In calling for support, Watford Liberal Democrats say the five services provide a vital link between London and Hertfordshire.

“These services are well used by residents to go to work and school or to go shopping.  Cutting them will mean more cars on our already busy roads, and real hardship for people without their own car.”

The two petitions are available at:
http://www.watfordlibdems.org/saveourbuses2016

http://www.watfordlabour.org.uk/bus-cuts-petition.html

1 comment

  • Comment Link Thursday, 15 September 2016 08:01 posted by kerry

    I very shocked by this as agency worker I use both 292 and 107 every day to work and week end. How are people going to work, school,collage & university. The bus in the and rush hour are alwUspacked both buses.
    Plus there are more houses being built. Borehamwood is a growing town.
    So I can see how cancelling 292 & 107 is going to k
    work

    Report

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