The No 84 bus route pictured in Barnet
(Picture: Ingy The Wingy)A major bus route between north London and Hertfordshire faces the axe from April despite a petition signed by 5,000 people to save it.
The number 84 bus service is operated by Metroline every half-hour between New Barnet and St Albans and also runs on weekends.
The route, which serves key stops between north London and Hertfordshire such as London Colney and Potters Bar, has become unprofitable, according to the operator.
The service is not a TfL service and operates on a fully commercial basis.
A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson told media: “We can confirm that Metroline has deregistered service 84 with effect from April 2022.
“This is because the service is no longer viable for the company to operate. Our officers are currently engaging with bus operators, through the Intalink Partnership, to identify options for how much of the route may remain.
“Given the route also crosses the border into London, we are also raising our concerns with Transport for London about cross-boundary travel that may be affected.
“We hope to announce a decision in due course regarding replacement services.”
A petition, started in protest by Herts resident Simon Tshulak, had been signed by more than 5,000 people on Tuesday in less than a week.
“This is the only route to serve these locations directly and is a lifeline for many residents,” it states. “Axing the route would have devastating consequences on the local community!”
One signatory, Beccy Stanley, said: “This is going to cause immeasurable damage to the communities of St Albans, Potters Bar and Barnet.”
Another, Donna Jones, added: “I live in Barnet and have friends in Potters Bar. This is my only way to travel to see them as I cannot afford cabs.”
Discussions are now underway between council officials and other bus operators about future services along the route.
The Standard has contacted Metroline for comment.
It comes as almost a quarter of people in outer London say they feel “forced” to own a car due to a lack of transport options, according to a new YouGov survey.
TfL has also warned of an eighteen per cent reduction in bus services across the capital if a long-term funding solution is not found.
