19/04/2005
The once familiar and reliable 84 bus service, a vital link connecting New Barnet through High Barnet and Hadley Highstone to Potters Bar, has ceased operations, leaving a significant void in local public transport. This withdrawal, which took effect on Friday, 1st April, has prompted widespread frustration and concern among residents, students, and commuters who relied on the direct connection. The sudden cut-off has sparked an outcry on social media, with many expressing disbelief that their direct route to Potters Bar has been severed. Understanding the reasons behind this decision and identifying viable alternative travel methods has become paramount for those navigating this essential corridor in North London and Hertfordshire.
The decision to withdraw the Route 84 service was made by Metroline, the bus operator, citing significant commercial challenges. According to Metroline, the service had experienced a substantial reduction in regular users since the onset of the pandemic, coupled with a notable increase in operational costs. This combination, they stated, rendered the route no longer commercially viable. While Metroline expressed gratitude to their long-standing customers and apologised for the inconvenience, the explanation offers little comfort to those now facing disrupted journeys.
Adding to the complexity, the withdrawal of the 84 service was not uniform across its entire length. In a commendable move, Hertfordshire County Council stepped in to provide financial support, ensuring that the Potters Bar to St Albans section of the route would be maintained. This intervention led to a 'rescue deal' with Sullivan Buses, which now operates this northern segment, preserving a crucial link for communities within Hertfordshire. However, Transport for London (TFL) declined to provide similar financial support to maintain the Potters Bar to New Barnet section, leaving Barnet residents to seek new solutions on their own. This disparity in support has naturally fueled further resentment among those in the southern part of the former route.
For passengers accustomed to the direct journey provided by the 84, TFL has advised a multi-leg bus journey as an alternative. The recommended route involves catching the 307 service from High Barnet. This bus will take passengers to the Cat Hill roundabout, which is located in Cockfosters. From there, travellers are instructed to change onto the 298 service, which continues from Cockfosters directly to Potters Bar. While this alternative is indeed covered by the Hopper fare, meaning passengers only pay once for multiple bus journeys within an hour of tapping in, it represents a significant downgrade in convenience and efficiency. The requirement to change buses introduces additional travel time, potential waiting periods, and the inconvenience of transferring, especially for those with mobility issues, pushchairs, or luggage. This two-bus solution is a far cry from the simplicity of the single 84 service, and many former users have voiced their outrage, particularly those travelling for school or hospital appointments.
TFL currently operates several other routes in the vicinity that might offer tangential connections or options for specific destinations. These include routes 298, 313, and school routes 626 between Potters Bar and Cockfosters, Chase Farm Hospital, and Enfield. Additionally, TFL operates route 399 during Monday to Saturday inter-peaks, serving areas around Hadley Wood. While these routes might be useful for other journeys, they do not directly alleviate the primary challenge of travelling between the core areas of Barnet and Potters Bar without a bus change.
The Rail Alternative: A Direct Link
Beyond the bus network, a direct rail service offers a more straightforward, albeit potentially less accessible, alternative for travel between Barnet and Potters Bar. Passengers can utilise the rail connection between New Barnet, Hadley Wood, and Potters Bar stations. This option typically offers faster journey times compared to the multi-bus route and eliminates the need for transfers once on the train. For many, especially those living near the stations, this presents a viable and often preferable solution. However, it's important to note that train stations are not as ubiquitous as bus stops, meaning that for some, reaching the station might require an additional journey or walk, negating some of the convenience. Furthermore, rail fares might differ from bus fares, and while season tickets or travelcards can offer value, individual single journeys might be more expensive than the bus Hopper fare.
Impact on the Community and Call for Action
The withdrawal of the 84 service has disproportionately affected various segments of the community. Students travelling from Potters Bar to schools in Barnet, such as Queen Elizabeth's School or Barnet and Southgate College, now face extended and more complicated commutes. Similarly, patients and visitors travelling to Barnet Hospital from Potters Bar are experiencing significant inconvenience. The added travel time and stress can be particularly challenging for those attending appointments or visiting vulnerable family members.
Perhaps the most severely impacted are residents living around Hadley Highstone. With the withdrawal of the 84, this area has lost its direct bus service altogether, leaving many without a convenient connection to either Barnet High Street or Potters Bar. This isolation highlights the critical role the 84 played in linking these smaller, often overlooked, communities to essential services and transport hubs. Notices pasted on bus stops in Barnet High Street, urging passengers to go online to work out alternative routes, offer little comfort to those who have lost their most direct lifeline.
In response to the public outcry, Theresa Villiers, the MP for Chipping Barnet, has actively engaged with TFL, urging them to reconsider their decision. She has also called upon TFL to apply for a government bus recovery grant, which could potentially provide the financial assistance needed to reinstate or support a viable alternative for the lost section of the 84 route. Furthermore, Ms Villiers has encouraged Barnet Council to follow Hertfordshire's example and explore options for intervening financially to find a solution for their residents. The pressure on local authorities and transport bodies remains high as communities continue to grapple with the repercussions of this service withdrawal.
Comparison of Travel Options from Barnet to Potters Bar
| Travel Method | Key Stops/Stations | Estimated Journey Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Former Bus Route 84 | New Barnet, High Barnet, Hadley Highstone, Potters Bar | Approx. 25-35 mins | Direct, convenient, widely accessible stops | No longer available |
| New Bus Alternative (307 + 298) | High Barnet (307) to Cat Hill Roundabout, then Cockfosters (298) to Potters Bar | Approx. 45-60+ mins (incl. waiting) | Covered by Hopper fare, relatively frequent services | Requires a bus change, significantly longer journey, less convenient for mobility impaired |
| Rail Service | New Barnet, Hadley Wood, Potters Bar | Approx. 10-15 mins (train journey) | Direct, fastest option, comfortable | Requires travel to/from stations, potentially higher cost, less frequent than buses, limited station access |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was the 84 bus service from New Barnet to Potters Bar withdrawn?
A1: Metroline, the operator, withdrew the service due to a significant reduction in passenger numbers since the pandemic and increased operational costs, making the route commercially unviable.
Q2: What are the current bus options from Barnet to Potters Bar?
A2: TFL advises taking the 307 bus from High Barnet to Cat Hill roundabout in Cockfosters, then changing to the 298 bus which goes to Potters Bar. This journey is covered by the Hopper fare.
Q3: Is there a direct train service between Barnet and Potters Bar?
A3: Yes, there is a direct rail service available between New Barnet, Hadley Wood, and Potters Bar stations, offering a quicker alternative to the bus for those near the stations.
Q4: What happened to the Potters Bar to St Albans section of the 84 route?
A4: Hertfordshire County Council intervened and provided financial support, allowing Sullivan Buses to maintain the Potters Bar to St Albans section of the route.
Q5: Will the 84 service from Barnet to Potters Bar ever be reinstated?
A5: While there's no immediate plan for reinstatement by TFL due to commercial viability concerns, local MP Theresa Villiers is campaigning for TFL to reconsider and apply for government grants to support the service.
Q6: How has this withdrawal affected students and hospital visitors?
A6: Many students travelling to Barnet schools and patients/visitors to Barnet Hospital face significantly longer, more complicated, and less convenient journeys due to the need for bus changes or reliance on rail services that may not be as directly accessible.
Q7: What is the 'Hopper fare' and how does it apply to these new routes?
A7: The Hopper fare allows passengers to make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of touching in for their first journey, paying only for the first journey. This means the 307 and subsequent 298 bus journey will only cost one standard fare, provided the transfer is made within the hour.
The withdrawal of the Route 84 service has undoubtedly created a significant challenge for residents and commuters in Barnet and Potters Bar. While alternatives exist through multi-leg bus journeys and direct rail services, they often fall short of the convenience and accessibility that the original route provided. The ongoing efforts by local politicians and the community highlight the pressing need for a sustainable and efficient transport solution to bridge this crucial gap. For now, careful planning and adaptability are key for anyone needing to travel between these two important areas.
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