Bus chief considers ‘substantial’ cash package to support 84B Potters Bar to Barnet route

The funding could keep the wheels turning along a bus route that travelers have campaigned to save. The 84B links Barnet to Potters Bar, two towns on either side of the M25 which are three miles apart.

It was launched last September, following a 17-month campaign to restore the connection. The previous operator left the old route in April 2022.

Hertsmere councilor Nik Oakley (Lab, Borehamwood Kenilworth) said he had spoken to Hertfordshire County Council who “were happy enough with the performance of the 84B to give us a substantial amount of money to keep the service running”. Hertsmere Borough Council’s cabinet member, speaking at a full council meeting in April 2024, added: “We are in the process of finalizing funding arrangements for this. We haven’t dotted all the Is’s and crossed the T’s yet, but hopefully in the next few weeks we’ll hopefully be able to fully explain what those details are.”

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Cllr Oakley said it was “quite likely” the route would continue as a Monday to Saturday service with no buses on Sundays. “It is particularly popular with our residents who need to get to Barnet Hospital and Potters Bar Community Hospital,” said Cllr Oakley.

“In terms of how we see bus development going forward in Hertsmere, we will have several new routes funded by Section 106 money. This will improve some existing routes and (fund) a whole new route linking Watford to Borehamwood.

“We also aspire to introduce Hertsmere Hoppers to four of the settlements – Potters Bar, Borehamwood, Radlett and Bushey. These plans are being worked on and, in due course, I would be happy to share them with colleagues in the House.”

Section 106 is part of the Planning Act 1990, which regulates planning permissions. It gives planning authorities, including Hertsmere Borough Council, the 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 worth of funding of £183,600 taken from the Community Infrastructure Charge, which is also a type of charge for new development.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “The 84B bus service is currently financially supported by Hertsmere Borough Council. We requested usage and revenue information from the operator to help us make future funding decisions.”

The former tube line 84 connected Barnet with Potters Bar and St Albans. During its 112-year history, the route also served the Golders Green, Whetstone and Arnos Grove areas of north London. Today’s route 84 runs from Potters Bar north to London Colney and St Albans, with the 84B south to High Barnet London Underground station and Barnet Hospital.