Funding for Potters Bar to Barnet bus route looks set to continue

Councillors in Hertfordshire say they are pleased with the 84B’s performance so far, reports Will Durrant, Local Democracy Reporter

Cutting the cake to mark the launch of the 84B Potters Bar to Barnet bus (credit Will Durrant/LDRS)

Funding could keep the wheels turning along a bus route which riders campaigned to save.

The 84B connects Barnet with Potters Bar, which are three miles apart but separated by the M25. The route launched last September following a 17-month-long campaign to restore the connection.

The previous operator withdrew from the old route in April 2022 but Hertsmere Council later stepped in to fund a replacement on a one-year deal.

Hertsmere councillor Nik Oakley said she had spoken with Hertfordshire County Council which “had been sufficiently pleased with the performance of the 84B to give us a substantial amount of money in order to continue running the service”.

The Hertsmere Borough Council cabinet member, speaking at a full council meeting in April, added: “We are in the process of concluding the funding arrangements for this.

“We haven’t quite dotted all the Is and crossed the Ts yet, but I’m hoping in the next few weeks I’m hoping we will be able to fully explain what those details are.”

Cllr Oakley said it is “quite likely” the route will continue as a Monday to Saturday service, with no buses on Sundays.

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“It’s particularly popular with our residents who need to get to Barnet Hospital and Potters Bar Community Hospital,” Cllr Oakley said.

“In terms of how we see the development of buses in the future in Hertsmere, we will have several new routes funded by Section 106 money coming up.

“That will enhance a couple of existing routes and [fund] an entirely new route linking Watford with Borehamwood.

“We also aspire to introduce Hertsmere Hoppers in four of the settlements – Potters Bar, Borehamwood, Radlett and Bushey.

“Those plans are being worked on and in due course, I would be happy to share that with colleagues around the chamber.”

Section 106 is part of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which governs planning permissions. It gives planning authorities including Hertsmere Borough Council powers to demand infrastructure, services or money from developers who want to build in their areas.

Hertsmere Borough Council launched the route with a year’s funding worth £183,600, taken from the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is also a type of charge for new development.

But Hertfordshire County Council is ultimately responsible for transport in Potters Bar. A county council spokesperson said: “The 84B bus service is currently being financially supported by Hertsmere Borough Council.

“We have requested information on usage and revenue from the operator to help us make decisions on future funding.”

The former Metroline 84 connected Barnet with Potters Bar and St Albans. Throughout its 112-year history, the route has also served the Golders Green, Whetstone and Arnos Grove areas of North London.

Today’s route 84 leaves Potters Bar northbound for London Colney and St Albans, with the 84B southbound towards High Barnet Station and Barnet Hospital.

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