Robert Halfon, Member of Parliament for Harlow and the villages, has stepped up his calls to save our local buses. Due to a national shortage of qualified bus drivers and falling passenger numbers during the pandemic which have not returned to normal, bus routes in Harlow are under threat.
In January, Robert raised his concerns about reduced Arriva services with the operator directly and has subsequently written to the Minister for Roads and Local Transport, Richard Holden MP, to request urgent support to save local bus routes. Mr Halfon has now requested an urgent meeting with the operator and local stakeholders to save essential services, including those serving Harlow College, local schools and Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Commenting on the situation, Robert said, “I am deeply concerned that the proposed reduction in bus routes by Arriva UK Bus will have a significant and detrimental impact on our local community. School children, college students and elderly residents especially, rely on these connections to access vital services, including schools, the outstanding Harlow College, our wonderful Princess Alexandra Hospital, and our town centre.
“I have raised my concerns with Arriva UK Bus and the Minister for Roads and Local Transport to ensure that Harlow residents do not face travel chaos. I have requested an urgent meeting with the bus operator and local councillors to reduce the impact of service cuts on local residents.
“I would like to thank Arriva UK Bus for their support and cooperation and to also reassure residents that I am working hard to save our bus services.”
