Isleworth Labour petition helps save hospital bus service from the axe

TransportForLondon has been forced to re-think plans to cut buses serving West Middlesex Hospital after pressure from residents and local councillors. TfL announced plans to scrap the 110 bus route, serving the hospital and a number of Isleworth schools as part of a consultation launched in October 2018.

The proposals triggered protests from Isleworth residents and an online campaign and street petition led by Councillor Salman Shaheen. Initial pressure from the residents and councillors forced TfL to extend the deadline for the consultation to January 2019. Further action, including the petition with over 800 signatures which was presented to the London Assembly, has now led to a change of plans by London’s transport administrators.

Instead of scrapping the 110 service which provided an essential link between West Mid Hospital and the Ivybridge Estate, TfL has announced today that it will only re-route the 110 service and instead extend the existing H22 bus from Twickenham to serve West Middlesex Hospital via the Ivybridge Estate.

“This will retain many of the links broken by the withdrawal of route 110,” said Chris Hall from TfL while announcing the outcome of the consultation which received 3800 responses in total. “These changes help to address concerns raised in response to the original scheme – and give higher bus service frequencies to West Middlesex Hospital.”

TfL does however plan to reduce the frequency of the H37 bus service – which links Hounslow with Richmond via Isleworth – in line with its initial consultation, but Hall insists that capacity will be met by the extension of other bus routes.

Councillor Shaheen had objected to TfL’s plans for Isleworth, pointing out that cutting the 110 would put additional pressure on the 267 service and isolate those needing to get to West Middlesex Hospital.

“I’m pleased to see that TfL has listened to the concerns of Isleworth residents,” Councillor Shaheen said. “People power forced them to revise their plans and ensure a decent bus service to the hospital remains in place. It’s essential that good transport links are maintained to West Middlesex Hospital, especially during the Covid-19 crisis. But I remain concerned that the H37 reduction will further compound poor public transport in Isleworth.”

Changes are due to come into effect in December 2020. The consultation report, including responses to the issues raised can be found www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/bus-changes-richmond