20 Bus CLosure
There have been reports that the 20 bus route is likely to close soon. Apparently, it has been costing more to run that it takes in, and budget cuts mean councils have been forced to cut down on bus routes. However this bus pases through 3 different councils, and as of yet, all three haven’t been able to successfully close it down.
Closing this bus would have severe repercussions on the surrounding area; it passes through an area with many schools in the area, such as Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green, Forest School in Waltham Forest, and Trinity School, also in Waltham Forest. Many of the children from these schools rely on the 20 bus to get to and from school, easing traffic on the roads surrounding these schools in the mornings and afternoons. IF the bus were to be scrapped, many children would find themselves unable to get to school, and would resort back to taking the car, clogging up roads.
Another bus route that is likely to be scrapped is the 167, which runs through Ilford, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, and Loughton, areas which have many schools such as Chigwell School, and many children living in these areas take this bus daily.
We spoke to a Barkingside resident who frequently uses the 167 to get to the school where she teaches. If the route were to close, it would be far harder to commute daily and she would have to find an alternate measure, For the Government, cutting cost may be all important but they need to realise it has repercussions on many people in that area.
By Soumya Krishna Kumar, Bancrofts School
