Transport for London will take into account residents' concerns before taking a decision on whether to press ahead with radical changes to the 384 bus service, MP Theresa Villiers has been told.
Theresa spoke to Mike Brown, Commissioner of TfL, to make it clear that her constituents are strongly opposed to the changes TfL have put forward for consultation.
The 384 presently travels through the heart of New Barnet and the Bevan Estate, but TfL have put forward proposals to move it away from Gloucester Road, Lyonsdown Road, Longmore Road, York Road, East Barnet Road, Brookhill Road, Crescent Road, Castlewood Road and Northfield Road.
Many High Barnet residents are also worried about a proposed alteration to the route which would take it down Salisbury Road.
“I explained to Mike Brown how important it is for my constituents, especially elderly residents, to keep the 384 route as it is, because the proposed changes will mean longer walks uphill to get to a bus stop. The TfL plans also take the bus route away from Sainsbury’s and the new Aldi, making it more difficult for people without cars to go shopping,” said Theresa.
“I challenged the Commissioner on whether TfL had already made up its mind on this issue. He assured me that it had not and that my points would be properly considered, along with all the consultation responses.
“He also promised that the team he has in charge of buses and this consultation would look very carefully at what was planned and consider the views submitted by the public.”
Local residents’ group, the New Barnet Community Association, also oppose the TfL proposals.
Theresa has been working with ward councillor, Felix Byers, and her constituents to oppose the plans.