Matthew has raised concerns about proposals by Transport for London (TfL) to change bus routes in the Hendon constituency.

The 113 and 189 routes both serve local residents and connect communities to central London. Under proposals from the Mayor’s transport body, plans are being discussed to re-route the 113 at Swiss Cottage to end at White City, rather than its current terminus at Marble Arch, and re-route the 189 at Belsize Road to end at Camden Town, rather than its current terminus at Marble Arch. This means that there will no longer be a direct service from the Hendon constituency to central London.

As a result, customers will be required to change onto a second bus to complete their journeys either into central London or back home to Hendon, Mill Hill or Edgware. Not only will this be inconvenient but journey times will be longer, depending on connection waiting times.

TfL is running a consultation until 12 July 2022 and Matthew is urging constituents to make their views known at https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/busreview

Matthew said: “Many constituents use these bus services and with the rising cost of living, more people are now using the bus as it is significantly cheaper than using the Tube. Buses are also more accessible for people who do not live near Tube stations. Furthermore, given the increasing likelihood of industrial action on the Tube, TfL need to maintain the services as currently provided. 

"I have submitted my comments and ask that everyone does the same in order that TfL can assess the strength of feeling on their proposals. If people choose not to engage in the consultation then we will lose a service in the future which we will come to regret.”