Call to restore 84 bus route between Potters Bar and New Barnet

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers is hoping to bring back a “vital link” of the 84 bus route between Potters Bar and New Barnet.

Hertfordshire County Council initially stepped in to partially save the route between St Albans and Potters Bar after the announcement of the entire route being scrapped, but anyone wishing to continue their journey to the remaining areas have been left unsatisfied.

The MP says she has now been pushing for Barnet Council to meet with Hertfordshire County Council and Transport for London (TfL) to discuss possible solutions.

She said: “This route has been a much-valued part of our public transport system for over a hundred years.

“It is a vital link for local people, especially those living in Monken Hadley and Hadley Highstone who need it to access the tube and national rail networks, as well as shops and other facilities in Potters Bar.”

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The route ceased operating was announced by Metroline back in February after passenger numbers fell during the pandemic.

Now the MP hopes that Barnet Council could help fund for the service and support people travelling in the local area.

She continued: “The St Albans to Potters Bar element was taken on by Sullivan buses, with financial support from Hertfordshire County Council.”

“But the Potters Bar to New Barnet route remains closed. Many constituents are unhappy and find the alternative public transport options to be impractical.

“I have raised with this Hertfordshire County Council, TfL and with the Department for Transport. I am now urging to Barnet Council to help restore the Barnet element of the 84 service.”

Potters Bar bus garage. Credit: Street View

Hertfordshire County Council has expressed interest to help bring back the rest of the service in some capacity.

A spokesperson said: “We began working with local operators earlier this year to secure the best replacement service for the original 84 service that serves Hertfordshire.

“We are happy to engage with other local councils and interested parties to discuss further solutions and look forward to receiving more details.”

Cllr Emma Whysall, Labour councillor for High Barnet ward said: "Labour councillors have been supporting residents in their campaign on the 84 bus and hope that Theresa Villiers will seek funding from government which would enable Hertfordshire County Council to run the full route.

"But at the moment, Ms Villiers is calling on Barnet Council taxpayers to plug gaps in Hertfordshire County Council’s budget. This is wrong and will encourage more cuts that would have to be funded by Barnet taxpayers. 

“The Government has also been holding Transport for London to ransom by dragging their heels on a fair long-term funding settlement. How can Ms Villiers ask TfL to fund a Hertfordshire bus service when she supports a Government that has been trying to bankrupt them?"

Meanwhile Cllr Allan Schneiderman, Labour chair of enviornment & climate change committee, said he would be "more than happy" to meet with the MP to explain why the government needs a better long-term funding settlement for TfL to resolve the issue.

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