Bus garage closure 'devastating' for drivers and passengers

Bus operator Arriva, which runs services from the garage, confirmed the “phased closure” of the facility last week, citing rising costs as the main reason behind the decision.

It is understood the facility will be redeveloped and that bus drivers will be relocated to Hemel Hempstead.

• Garston bus garage to close next year, Arriva confirms

One driver, who asked not to be named, said it was a “disgrace” that a company the size of Arriva claimed it could no longer afford to run the routes.

“I’m being sent to a garage 17 miles away which is basically going to leave me struggling financially even more than I already do,” he said.

Cllr Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, chairman of Watford Borough Council, said: “It is devastating news because it’s a service for local people.

“There will be issues for drivers too if they have to relocate. Already people are struggling to make ends meet – it is a real blow for them.”

He also said the loss of the facility would have a negative impact on the town’s roads.  

“Public transport is so crucial to Watford. Already many roads are gridlocked at peak times. This will make it even worse. We need more public transport, not less,” he added.

Peter Taylor, deputy mayor of Watford, also raised concerns, saying the closure of the base “could lead to a deterioration in local bus services”.

“So many people rely on our bus services and we must do all we can to protect and improve them. Without decent bus services our congested roads will get even busier. I will be raising this with Arriva directly,” he added.  

"It is disappointing that Arriva want to close the bus garage. This is a locally listed building and a well-known local landmark that must be preserved." 

George Jabbour, Conservative candidate for Mayor of Watford, said transport providers should be investing more in local infrastructure and facilities, rather than closing them down.

“I am concerned that operating Watford's existing bus routes from garages outside the town might have a detrimental impact on the long-term viability of the routes that benefit our community,” he said.

“Given the strategic location of Garston bus garage on St Albans Road, we as a community must receive assurances that the new development will be used for the benefit of our town.”

When asked if plans to sell the facility were already in place, Arriva said: “We are reviewing our options regarding the future of the site. Our priority over the next few months is to manage the closure process with the minimum of disruption to everyone concerned.”