Arriva and Uno to axe bus routes in Watford area in October

Fresh from huge adjustments and cancellations introduced by Arriva earlier this year, further changes are on the horizon by both Arriva and Uno.

This includes the removal of some services altogether with no replacement yet to be found, according to the Intalink bus passenger information website.

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Image via Telegraph & Argus (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

In the Watford area, the biggest news is that the 8 service operated by Arriva is to be withdrawn from October 30.

The 8 runs between Watford town centre and Mount Vernon Hospital – previously it extended to North Watford and Abbots Langley.

The loss of the 8 is proposed to be covered by the introduction of a new 508 service by Arriva, which will run every day from October 30 between Hemel Hempstead, Watford, South Oxhey and Mount Vernon.

The 508 is also to cover changes to Arriva’s 500 route, which currently runs between Aylesbury and Watford. From October 30, the 500 will run between Aylesbury and Hemel Hempstead only.

An Arriva spokesperson says splitting the 500 will “help the reliability of the service”.

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Image: Watford Borough Council

Elsewhere, Uno’s R16 betwen South Oxhey and Watford, R9 between Chipperfield and North Watford, H19 between Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead, 51 between Hemel Hempstead and Chipperfield, and R17 between Carpenders Park and Hatch End will all be withdrawn from October 23.

The Intalink website says replacement services for each of these routes is being investigated.

October’s changes come following the loss of Harlequin Travel’s 318 between Abbots Langley and Watford earlier this month, while a Carousel service between High Wycombe and Watford was cut, and since July no longer serves Hertfordshire.

There were a number of complaints earlier this year when Arriva made big changes to its Watford and Hemel Hempstead network, with more than 700 people signing a petition accusing Arriva of “carving up” some routes.

It also comes amid planned strikes by Arriva workers in Hertfordshire on September 30. Action on September 16 and 20 was cancelled due to the death of the Queen.

A banner outside Watford Junction. Image: Twitter: @Fllwthebear (Image: Twitter: @Fllwthebear)

Anyone with queries about the October bus changes should contact the bus operator or Intalink on 0300 123 4050 or give feedback via feedback.ptu@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

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