Waltham Abbey residents call for return of TfL buses
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 16:31 · Archive
More than 3,300 people have signed a petition calling for Transport for London buses to return to Waltham Abbey after services were withdrawn in 2024.
Transport for London withdrew bus services from Waltham Abbey in 2024, cutting the direct connection between the town and Chingford. The 242 route previously ran seven days a week with buses every 10 to 30 minutes from early morning to late evening, with the final bus leaving Chingford Station as late as 12.10am on Sundays.
More than 3,300 residents have signed a petition calling for the services to be restored. Shane Yerrell, a councillor at Waltham Abbey Town Council, said the absence of a direct bus service made it harder for residents to visit relatives and travel to work and school. He argued the town had become increasingly isolated by limited public transport connections. Resident Nancy Legg said: 'I want the buses back. You can't get one. You cannot get to Chingford.' She added that she could not visit her children who live in Chingford.
Dr Neil Hudson, Conservative MP for Epping Forest, has backed the campaign, describing the situation as 'unacceptable'. He said his constituents, who have no railway or Underground station, relied heavily on buses. Transport difficulties were affecting access to education, with students raising concerns about their ability to travel to colleges and sixth forms. Not all residents support the campaign, however, with some questioning whether there is enough demand to justify the return of TfL services.
How it is being reported
- Calls grow for return of TfL buses to Essex townThousands sign a petition and the local MP calls the loss of buses "unacceptable".BBC Essex · 12 Oct, 16:03
- Essex town where locals slam 'unacceptable situation' of bus servicesThey are calling for a changeEssexLive · 11 Oct, 13:00
In this story: Waltham Abbey · Chingford · Transport for London · Dr Neil Hudson · Shane Yerrell · Nancy Legg · Essex
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