Schoolchildren in Radlett and Shenley have allegedly been left stranded due to an “unreliable” bus service.
Residents have stated that the 602 Uno bus service from Watford to Hatfield via the two villages is often late or cancelled. They also allege that the service drops passengers at off-route locations.
Hertsmere borough councillor Nik Oakley, portfolio holder for planning, infrastructure and transport, told Radlett News that the 602 service is “incredibly unreliable” and remains a “dire situation” despite months and even years passing since concerns were first raised.
One parent from Radlett shared that on January 9, her children “stood waiting from 7.10am and the bus didn’t arrive until nearly 8.15am”.
Another parent reported that her child had been left waiting in the dark and cold for two hours after a number of 602 services failed to show up.
One parent said: “This is ridiculous – it’s a regular occurrence. Our child has a constant issue getting to school. On one occasion, he was dropped off in the middle of nowhere due to a diversion!
“Lack of local secondary education is affecting multiple villages in the locality, but to not even have a reliable bus service to get [children] to their educational setting is more than a joke.”
A spokesperson for Uno Buses said: “We are continuously monitoring our network to make sure all customers receive the best possible service.
“As part of this, a new timetable for the 602 bus route was introduced on January 7 to specifically improve the punctuality and reliability of this service. Early feedback has been positive, and we will continue to track the performance.”
Despite these promises, another Radlett resident said that on January 12, her children stood waiting at a Shenley bus stop for an hour after multiple buses failed to arrive.
She said: “When are we going to get a bus service that is fit for the fare-paying public?”
Photo credit: Aubrey
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