The number 84 bus, which is currently operated by Metroline, will stop running this April

The 84 bus service (credit Wikicommons/Au Morandarte)

A popular bus route running from London to Hertfordshire for more than 100 years is set to close in April.

The 84, which travels from New Barnet to Potters Bar, South Mimms, London Colney and the city of St Albans, first began connecting the areas back in 1912.

While previously run in connection with Transport for London, the 84 has been operated solely by commercial company Metroline in recent years.

Its last day will be 1st April, reports the Welwyn and Hatfield Times.

Hertfordshire County Council confirmed via a spokesperson: “We can confirm that Metroline has deregistered service 84 with effect from April 2022.

“This is because the service is no longer viable for the company to operate. Our officers are currently engaging with bus operators, through the Intalink Partnership, to identify options for how much of the route may remain.

“Given the route also crosses the border into London, we are also raising our concerns with Transport for London about cross-boundary travel that may be affected.”

The council also added that decisions on “replacement services” would be announced in future.

More than 5,340 furious commuters have opposed ceasing operation of the bus, making their opinions known via a change.org petition.

Local Simon Tshulak launched the campaign to save the service just a week ago, writing on the site: “This is the only route to serve these locations directly and is a lifeline for many residents. Axing the route would have devastating consequences on the local community!

“The local schools would suffer either no direct bus route! Potters bar community hospital would suffer with elderly residents not being able to attend appointments easily! The passengers who rely on using the service to getting to work at London Conley shopping complex…”

While bus user Jennifer Meldrum, 70, commented: “I don’t drive. The No 84 bus is my link to my sister in Barnet, and my friend in London Colney. There is, in any case, very limited parking by the Almshouses in Wood Street.

“Climate change. Cutting the use of cars. Supporting those who do not use cars. Rewarding us, not making us 2nd class. Not restricting our lives.”

Currently, a Thameslink train service operates from Cricklewood, Hendon and Mill Hill Broadway in the London Borough of Barnet to the city of St Albans. Thameslink also operates a separate line travelling from Oakleigh Park, New Barnet and Hadley Wood to Potters Bar.

However, several of these stations do not offer step-free access. And the bus is significantly cheaper, with an adult day ticket costing a maximum of £7.50 for a Barnet to St Albans return trip. The same journey via Thameslink costs, at a minimum, £14.30 per journey.

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