Local London Assembly Member, Joanne McCartney AM, has welcomed the news that Transport for London (TfL) is consulting on proposals to introduce a new bus route, the 456, which would replace the W10 and run from Crews Hill to North Middlesex University Hospital via Enfield Town and Winchmore Hill. Proposals are also on the table from TfL to increase the route’s hours of operation.
In a response to Ms McCartney’s latest written question to the Mayor on bus links to North Middlesex University Hospital, it was confirmed that TfL would consult on proposals to extend local bus services this autumn.
Ms McCartney has long campaigned for improved bus connections across Enfield, particularly to North Middlesex University and Chase Farm hospitals. Over the course of her campaign, she has sent a number of letters to TfL and to both hospitals, as well as posing questions to the Mayor directly on the matter.
The W10 bus route currently runs from Crews Hill to Enfield Town. The new 456 route will be an extension of this route to North Middlesex University Hospital also running via Winchmore Hill. This will vastly improve access, as there is currently no direct bus service from Enfield Town to the hospital. There will also be an increase in the hours which the route operates and will also run on Sundays.
The response to Ms McCartney’s written question to the Mayor also states that TfL is working with the hospital to re-route the 491 through the grounds of the hospital, which is set to further improve accessibility for patients and visitors.
Local London Assembly Member for Enfield and Haringey, Joanne McCartney AM, said:
“Having campaigned for better transport links to our local hospitals for a number of years, I welcome TfL’s consultation on the proposed 456 route from Crews Hill to North Mids Hospital via Enfield Town and Winchmore Hill.
“It is vital that patients and their families are able to easily access reliable transport links to reach their local hospital.
“The provision of greater capacity on local bus services is also likely to encourage Enfield residents to leave their cars at home, helping to boost air quality around in area and around the hospital”.