The 274 bus: ‘One of life’s simple pleasures’

• WE oppose the decision by TFL and Metroline to change the 274 bus route from a hopper to a double decker. TfL and Metroline have created a non-existent “problem” in order to present the double decker as its “solution”.

They have reduced the 274 service, with buses now only every 11-13 minutes rather than the previous 7-8. Metroline can thus save money and argue it needs more “capacity” than hoppers supply, as buses are now more full. Thus it hopes to gain support for a decision it has already made without having consulted either passengers or residents.

At a time of unprecedented cuts to local council budgets by central government, it is unacceptable that precious money is being diverted from front-line services to destroy vital trees and traffic islands to accommodate a private company’s whim, rather than consider residents.

Agar Grove, a residential road, already suffers too much noise, congestion and pollution. Double deckers would aggravate this because they are intrusive and simply too big. Meanwhile, passengers waiting longer for the 274 will suffer further pollution and, along with residents, deterioration in the character of this road and others.

Crucially, this measure will also make the road very dangerous for the children in two ways. A residential road will become at a stroke a main road but with fewer points at which to cross safely.

Second, there will be even more temptation for pavement cyclists to increase their unchecked war against Agar Grove pedestrians (one such cyclist actually knocked over my then three-year-old daughter right outside our home). Once we have double deckers blocking the road, cyclists will take to the pavements even more.

Finally, the lovely 274 hopper makes for a relaxing, intimate service. It is one of life’s simple pleasures, where drivers and passengers – often the elderly and families –make conversation. This service is an accessible lifeline for the elderly, as well as a small mercy for families visiting the zoo.

The gentle interaction it encourages simply does not happen on a double decker. In a stressful, difficult city, these emotionally intelligent considerations matter.

I urge Metroline and TfL to reverse this decision, and consider also how and why you make such decisions going forward. And Camden, please do not spend our precious council tax to enable profits for a private company, while destroying the quality of life for residents.

Plant trees, do not destroy them! Make roads safer and less polluted, not more! On behalf of your residents, oppose this measure! Services and cities must be run for the benefit of the people who use them, not for distant profiteers of private companies.

MARION JONES
DOMINIC FARLAM
NW1