Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Uxbridge residents ‘need Elizabeth line’
COUNCILLORS DEMAND EXPRESS BUS LINK
RESIDENTS in Hillingdon are missing out on the benefits of the Elizabeth Line because there are no fast bus routes in the borough, councillors have said.
Hillingdon councillors have again blasted the potential expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) into the borough.
Earlier this year, residents across West London welcomed the Elizabeth Line which offers a number of services into the centre of the city and beyond.
Two stations serve the borough of Hillingdon: West Drayton and Hayes and Harlington.
But, these stations are located at the bottom of the borough, just outside Heathrow Airport, which is also served by the Elizabeth Line.
Councillors have demanded that Transport For London consider creating an express bus service to help residents in the north of Hillingdon access the new train route, which in turn would encourage them to leave their cars at home.
On Thursday, November 17,
Deputy Leader Councillor Jonathan Bianco, said: “It is good news that after much delay, and overspending, the Elizabeth Line is up and running, offering residents a quick, regular, efficient and fairly green way of accessing central London all the way from Paddington to Stratford and beyond. “However this offer is only currently open to residents in the south of the borough as it doesn’t make any sense for those based in the centre or north to travel using current methods to West Drayton or Harlington to pick up a train. “What this borough lacks, and has for so many years, is an effective, fast bus route operating northsouth through the borough. “This proposal is that such be instigated, starting at the north of the borough linking Uxbridge and Brunel and ending at the Elizabeth Line connections at West Drayton, Hayes and Harlington.
“This route would enable all our residents perhaps to make full use of these transport hubs and will undoubtedly lead to a reduction in car use, parking problems near the stations, and ultimately an improvement in air quality.”
Residents can currently catch the U4 bus route from Uxbridge to Hayes & Harlington Station but it can take up to 40 minutes, according to Google Maps. This is shockingly long compared to the 15 to 25 minutes it would take to drive in a car.
This demand comes as the London Assembly backed Mayor Sadiq Khan ’s proposal to expand the ULEZ into outer boroughs, including Hillingdon.
If the proposal is passed, anyone with a car in the borough that does not pass the criteria will have to fork out £12.50 each day to drive around the borough.
Councillor Bianco added: “Such a move will have a seriously detrimental effect on many of our residents, including those who travel from outside London to work in one of our many businesses, including this council, our schools, and the NHS.”
“We believe an express bus will be a green, effective solution which will benefit our residents.
“What the bus is called, and what stops it makes are issues for another day but let’s make one thing clear if the mayor wants to do something to help the residents of Hillingdon then this is the way to do it, rather than penalize the poorest with the ULEZ tax.”
What this borough lacks, and has for so many years, is an effective, fast bus route operating north-south through the borough. Cllr Jonathan Bianco