Post by N230UD on Jul 10, 2017 21:53:39 GMT
I used to live in the 'Epping Forest' area of Essex, so still have a bit of an interest in the area.
Waltham Abbey, just over the London border, seems to be having a lot of cutbacks recently and the future doesn't look bright for bus operations in the town. When you look at Waltham Abbey on a map, it would look like it would have decent public transport - close proximity to other sizeable towns, and closeness to London.
As many of you know, the long-standing route 505 (Chingford-Harlow) was reduced to a measly Saturday only service using just one bus. I think that route could have the potential for commuters - a direct(ish) route to Chingford Station, to the first stop of the Overground - so a higher change you will get a seat. No chance of that now! It will be interesting to see how long the Saturday-only service will last. If ever a M-F service was brought back, many of the regular passengers would have probably found another way to travel about.
Currently Essex County Council are consulting for withdrawal of the 250 and 251 evening services between Waltham Cross and Loughton/Debden (the daytime service is EOS London's commercial 66), the only evening services which operate in Waltham Abbey. This would mean the last buses from Waltham Cross (for the rail connections) to Waltham Abbey would be 19.35 (251) and 20.18 (66), compared to the current 23.34 departure on route 251. Not particularly great if you work in London, or have a late shift.
If the people of Waltham Abbey used the Central Line from Loughton to go to London, the current last bus back on route 250 is at 22.33. If the 250 was withdrawn, the last bus is on route 66 at 19.47. There is a campaign from EFTAG (Epping Forest Transport Action Group) to retain this evening service.
But thats not all. In the latest Essex tenders, which begin from August 2017, some tenders have not been awarded, and instead put on a list of routes "....exceeding £5 cost per passenger journey that are to be withdrawn, considered for withdrawal or low cost alternative being investigated" (See here - www.essexhighways.org/uploads/files/Getting%20Around/Bus/Not-Awarded-Tenders-May-2017.pdf.
That list includes the 211/212 (Waltham Cross to W. Abbey - Roundhills and Breach Barns) a Mon-Sat service, 213 (Waltham Cross to Epping via W. Abbey), an hourly Mon-Sat service
It also includes the Sunday service of the 250 mentioned above - thankfully EOS still operate the 66 commercially on a Sunday. On Sundays, that leaves the 251 (hourly) and 66 (roughly hourly). Thinking about it, 2 buses an hour isn't too bad for W. Abbey.
The only positives for Waltham Abbey seem to be EOS London. They do give the impression that they are trying very hard to improve services there, and have a strong social media presence. The 66 and 86 routes they operate, both passing through Waltham Abbey appear to be reasonably successful.
I'm glad i'm not a bus user living in Waltham Abbey. My options would be rather limited.
Waltham Abbey, just over the London border, seems to be having a lot of cutbacks recently and the future doesn't look bright for bus operations in the town. When you look at Waltham Abbey on a map, it would look like it would have decent public transport - close proximity to other sizeable towns, and closeness to London.
As many of you know, the long-standing route 505 (Chingford-Harlow) was reduced to a measly Saturday only service using just one bus. I think that route could have the potential for commuters - a direct(ish) route to Chingford Station, to the first stop of the Overground - so a higher change you will get a seat. No chance of that now! It will be interesting to see how long the Saturday-only service will last. If ever a M-F service was brought back, many of the regular passengers would have probably found another way to travel about.
Currently Essex County Council are consulting for withdrawal of the 250 and 251 evening services between Waltham Cross and Loughton/Debden (the daytime service is EOS London's commercial 66), the only evening services which operate in Waltham Abbey. This would mean the last buses from Waltham Cross (for the rail connections) to Waltham Abbey would be 19.35 (251) and 20.18 (66), compared to the current 23.34 departure on route 251. Not particularly great if you work in London, or have a late shift.
If the people of Waltham Abbey used the Central Line from Loughton to go to London, the current last bus back on route 250 is at 22.33. If the 250 was withdrawn, the last bus is on route 66 at 19.47. There is a campaign from EFTAG (Epping Forest Transport Action Group) to retain this evening service.
But thats not all. In the latest Essex tenders, which begin from August 2017, some tenders have not been awarded, and instead put on a list of routes "....exceeding £5 cost per passenger journey that are to be withdrawn, considered for withdrawal or low cost alternative being investigated" (See here - www.essexhighways.org/uploads/files/Getting%20Around/Bus/Not-Awarded-Tenders-May-2017.pdf.
That list includes the 211/212 (Waltham Cross to W. Abbey - Roundhills and Breach Barns) a Mon-Sat service, 213 (Waltham Cross to Epping via W. Abbey), an hourly Mon-Sat service
It also includes the Sunday service of the 250 mentioned above - thankfully EOS still operate the 66 commercially on a Sunday. On Sundays, that leaves the 251 (hourly) and 66 (roughly hourly). Thinking about it, 2 buses an hour isn't too bad for W. Abbey.
The only positives for Waltham Abbey seem to be EOS London. They do give the impression that they are trying very hard to improve services there, and have a strong social media presence. The 66 and 86 routes they operate, both passing through Waltham Abbey appear to be reasonably successful.
I'm glad i'm not a bus user living in Waltham Abbey. My options would be rather limited.