Locals get chance to quiz TfL on proposals to remove
popular routes
Ealing
Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq hosted a TravelWatch and TFL question
and answer session at Parliament, along with 70 constituents, to discuss
the proposed changes to bus routes in her constituency.
Steve Pound
MP and Ruth Cadbury MP also attended, with Mr Pound stating “his precious
E1” is no longer in use and that people are using Crossrail as an excuse
to cut bus services, though these services should not diminish.
The 440 bus
was the main point of discussion at the event, with many constituents
extremely angry about the removal of this particular bus. The 440 is the
only bus that stops outside ASDA and the Central Middlesex Hospital, with
many elderly individuals now unable to travel easily to these locations.
Geoff Hobbs
from TFL stated that the changes to the 440 route would make it a more
“useful, direct and faster service”, however, Dr Huq raised concerns that
non-paying users’ needs are not being taken into account well enough.
Hobbs made it clear that most of the changes are for a reason and TFL
predominantly gets the changes right, to ensure the needs of individuals’
needs are met and travel becomes more accessible.
A student
from the constituency pointed out the shortage of bus shelters, which
for young people and the elderly is an issue that should be addressed,
especially if the frequency of buses in the area is decreasing.
Overall,
constituents were unhappy that there is no more local involvement from
TFL and this should be a priority if well thought out changes are going
to be introduced. TFL stated that the cooperation of boroughs is often
a large barrier to improvements such as increasing bus stop shelters and
it was noted that it’s a great shame no one from the council attended
the event.
One constituent stated that although the event was well organised, “What
was most striking, and depressing, about [the event] was TfL’s capacity
to listen, then ignore. I fear that when they make a decision on our transport
services, bus or Tube, they’re obliged to go through a costly consultation
exercise then carry on regardless.”
Rupa Huq
MP, said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to get constituents, MPs and
TFL together to air out these concerns. Buses are integral to Ealing and
my main priority is to ensure that my constituents don’t lose out because
of the changes to the bus system”
Geoff Hobbs,
Director of Public Transport Service Planning at TfL, said: “The way people
travel in London is changing, so it is right that we reassess the network
to reflect this. It was very useful for us to hear the views of the local
constituents and residents on these changes, and we always encourage as
much feedback as possible when making any changes to our bus network."
January 2, 2019
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