Calls grow for return of TfL buses to Essex town

More than 3,300 people have signed a petition calling for Transport for London (TfL) bus services to be restored to a town in Essex.

Residents of Waltham Abbey say transport links have worsened since TfL withdrew services in 2024.

There is now no direct bus connection between Waltham Abbey and neighbouring Chingford in north-east London.

Previously, the 242 bus route ran seven days a week from early morning until late evening.

Shane Yerrell, a councillor at Waltham Abbey Town Council, said the absence of a direct bus service made it harder for residents to visit relatives and travel to work and school.

"We haven't got a tube station or a bus that goes directly to London," he said.

Yerrell said there was clear demand for better transport links, arguing the town had become increasingly isolated by limited public transport connections.

"If there wasn't a need for it, there wouldn't be so many people signing the petition," he added.

Supporters of the campaign have argued that the absence of TfL buses had left residents facing higher fares and fewer public transport choices.

Conservative MP for Epping Forest, Dr Neil Hudson, has backed calls for services to return, describing the situation as "unacceptable".

He said his constituents in Waltham Abbey, who have no railway or Underground station, relied heavily on buses and had been left with a limited transport network.

Hudson also said transport difficulties were affecting access to education, with local students raising concerns about their ability to travel to colleges and sixth forms.

Not all residents support the campaign, however, with some questioning whether there is enough demand to justify the return of TfL services.

Geoff Hobbs, TfL's director of public transport planning, said the organisation's priority was providing services based on customer demand and available resources.

He said nine TfL-contracted bus routes already connected Greater London with nearby locations including Waltham Cross, in Hertfordshire, and Loughton and Debden in Essex.

Essex County Council said it remained open to discussions with TfL on new routes and future transport arrangements.

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