How much does Arriva get paid to run buses in Hertfordshire?

In the last full financial year (2021/22), the operator was paid £948k, compared to £746k, £583k and £274k respectively for the previous years.

A Herts County Council spokesperson said: “The total amount we pay Arriva to provide bus services has increased over the last few years as Arriva have taken on more, and higher value, contracts to provide bus services on the county council’s behalf.”

A Freedom of Information request also revealed how much numerous local services cost last year.

READ MORE

• Complaints after Arriva makes changes to bus network in Watford area
• Arriva and Uno to axe bus routes in Watford area in October

The most expensive confirmed route was the 335/336 between Watford, Chorleywood and Chesham, which cost £144,698.

Arriva’s 500 serving Watford to Aylesbury was £94,422, while the 9 between Watford and Leavesden Park was £92,774.

The 8, which covers Watford to Mount Vernon and Northwood to Mount Vernon, cost a total of £46,221, and the 10 route between Woodside and Holywell was £13,702.

The figures for some bus routes – such as the 20, 321, and 724 – were not disclosed for commercial reasons.

The council spokesperson said those services are run by Arriva without any financial support from HCC, so it is not legally able to know the costs.

An Arriva spokesperson said: “The allocation of funding to Arriva and other bus operators is for the local authority to decide/confirm.”

Major changes were made to the Arriva network in April, which the operator said was a “direct response to reduced passenger demand”.

The move sparked a backlash with 700 people signing a petition calling for it to stop “carving” up the routes.

Arriva's network changes have not gone down well with everyone. Credit: Watford Borough Council

However, another wave of changes have been announced for next month including the removal of some services with no current replacement, according to Intalink.

It comes as Arriva staff prepare to go on strike again on Friday, September 30, having previously cancelled two other dates this month due to the Queen's death.

Drivers, admin staff, engineers, cleaners and shunters were balloted after the company offered pay rises between four and six per cent, which Unite branded a "pay cut disguised as a rise".

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.