Borough working to extend bus service for Horton residents

The Royal Borough is this week working closely with the First Group to resolve local issues around bus services in Horton in the run-up to major improvements to the borough's bus network scheduled for the end of March.

Horton and Wraysbury ward councillors and council transport officers held talks with First Group on Friday afternoon (February 22) to look at options for providing a regular bus service through Horton as part of improved routes linking more of the borough with the new Terminal Five.

And on Friday (February 29) officers will attend Horton Parish Council's public meeting at which residents will be invited to give their views.

Discussions are focussing on proposals to replace the existing No 60 route through Horton – which ends on March 22 – with a new Slough-Datchet-Wraysbury service to Heathrow Terminal Five.  

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for transport, said: "We understand that some people living in Horton are unhappy about the proposed changes to the No 60 service, and we are working closely with First Group to look at options. 

"Our discussions with First have demonstrated that it is just not possible to retain the Horton loop in the new Terminal 5 service if the operators are to meet their very tight airport deadline – but we are determined to find a solution for the residents of Horton.  We want to hear the views of local people as to the best way forward so that we are providing accessible services for all our residents.

"The overall improvements to the borough's bus network have been timed to coincide with the opening of the new Terminal Five – and give us the perfect opportunity to expand and enhance our network to link more parts of the borough with Heathrow airport.

"The new timetables will also feature earlier and later buses – which will be of particular benefit to residents who do shift work at the airport – and more buses on Sundays.  We are also introducing accurate Real Time Passenger Information on electronic bus stop displays at key locations.

Cllr John Lenton, Horton and Wraysbury ward councillor, said: "We appreciate that the existing service in Horton is used by only a small number of people but we also understand that they do depend on it.

"That is why we are striving to come up with alternatives so that villagers can continue to have a bus service to the places they need to visit for doctors' appointments, shopping, other business and of course travel to and from schools."