Services restored in Hemel Hempstead

In March, there were several changes to bus services in Hemel Hempstead, following the change, customers and councillors contacted Arriva to ask them to reconsider their plans as some people were left without a service.

Following meetings with Residents Associations, local councillors and reviewing correspondence received to the customer service department, some of the links are being restored from the 31st July 2011.

The main areas affected were Adeyfield and Northend Farm with changes to services 1 and 12.

From the 31st July, the 1 service will be altered and split into the 1 and 1A.  The 1A service will restore the route to operate via New Park Drive, Briery Way and Masons Road on an hourly frequency, Monday to Saturday.

A link from North End Farm to Tescos has been introduced on weekdays, something that the local residents felt very strongly about. There are also additional journeys in the morning and evening peaks, making it easier for those working in the town centre to use the bus, services 4 and 5 are providing these much sought after links.

Ken Hargreaves, depot manager at Hemel Hempstead said “When planning changes we look at how often a bus service is used, what other services are around and get feedback from our drivers, in March we thought we were making the correct changes to reflect the usage of services 1 and 12.  Feedback has shown that this was not the case so we are happy to restore services to a level that our customers want.  We are totally committed to providing a good service to the people of Hemel Hempstead.  Times are challenging for the bus industry as they are for lots of people but we hope that the changes from the 31st July will ensure people can make the switch from using their car to using the bus”

County Councillor Andrew Williams. Said  "I welcome the decision by Arriva to revise the timetable to reintroduce an early morning and evening service from    North End Farm to the Town Centre which will of great benefit to those residents who work in the town and would have had no service available to get home.

I am also delighted that Arriva have listened to local residents suggestion that a service to Jarmans Park would be beneficial for those wanting to shop there and the decision to route the 12
Service is very good news for North End Farm residents".