4:10pm Monday 9th February 2009
By Paola Dellafiora
A bus service which only last month faced the axe was re-launched today.
Watford coach firm Mullany's has taken over the 318 service after operating company Metroline withdrew because of the ‘increasingly uncertain economic climate’.
Hundreds of residents fought to save the service, which links Abbots Langley, with Watford town centre.
Mullany's Director Kevin Crawford says the company is looking forward to working with the local community.
Mr Crawford said: “We are a local company serving our community. Our priority is simply to put our customers first by giving them an efficient and professional service. We hope to look after them with courtesy, reliability and safety.”
The red bus runs every 30 minutes on Mondays to Fridays, with a slightly reduced service at lunchtimes and after 3pm.
Watford and Abbots Langley MP Claire Ward tried out the new service on its first day of operation this morning.
After a round trip from the village high street to Watford town centre Ms Ward said: "I'm pleased the service has been saved. There was a really family atmosphere on the bus into Watford this morning.
“People were having a chat and cracking jokes. It's obvious the service is a vital link for people wanting to get into Watford without having to take their cars. I just hope that Mullany's can manage to make it pay even with the subsidy from local councils."
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