The new operator of a “lifeline” bus service due to be axed will be paid £280,000 to take on the route.

Arriva had confirmed it would withdraw the 328 service on June 2, but following a backlash Hertfordshire County Council has now said it will be taken on by Red Rose Travel.

The company will take over the route from that date with a £280,000 subsidy from HCC and there will be a temporary timetable for four to six weeks during the changeover period, with the exact routes to be confirmed.

It will have the same schedule as the current timetable, running every hour from Abbots Langley to Watford and every 30 minutes from the town centre to Mount Vernon Hospital.

Watford Observer: The currently route from Abbots Langley to Mount Vernon hospital.The currently route from Abbots Langley to Mount Vernon hospital. (Image: Arriva)As with the current schedule, the bus will only run from Watford town centre to the hospital in Northwood every hour on Sundays.

Labour South Oxhey councillor Steve Cox called the result a “complete relief” after it was the subject of protests by residents and a petition calling for it to be saved garnered over 1,200 signatures.

Watford Observer: Around 20 residents gathered yesterday to protest the decision to withdraw the bus service.Around 20 residents gathered yesterday to protest the decision to withdraw the bus service. (Image: Nikki Ford)

“People rely on this bus for leisure, work and school,” he said. “It is a lifeline for many and it is magnificent that the pressure we and residents brought to bear has saved this bus for the community.”

Watford Observer: South Oxhey Labour councillors Joan King and Stephen King in front of the 328 bus.South Oxhey Labour councillors Joan King and Stephen King in front of the 328 bus. (Image: Cllr Steve Cox)

News of the cancellation only came to light as part of a regular update on the Hertfordshire Intalink website. Arriva later blamed a shortage of drivers locally and lower overall passenger numbers post-pandemic which meant the service was “no longer financially sustainable”.

Liberal Democrats councillor for Abbots Langley Sara Bedford said she was “really pleased” with the result.

“I have been pressing for the county council to get the tenders out there and find the money to keep this route on the road,” Cllr Bedford added.

Watford Observer: Councillor Sara Bedford said she was really pleased with the result.Councillor Sara Bedford said she was really pleased with the result. (Image: Cllr Sara Bedford)

“I think they recognise that there is an awful lot of resident pressure both in South Oxhey and in Abbots Langley to keep this running.”

When asked about the £280,000 subsidy the county council will give the bus operator, Cllr Bedford said: “Under the current arrangement of bus services, it’s the only way to keep the bus on the road.

“One advantage of having a subsidised route is that they lose their money if they don’t run the bus so it’s more likely to be reliable.”

Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at HCC, said: “I know residents will be pleased that we’ve been able to step in and protect the 328 bus service.

"We understand how important this service is to local people, and I am really pleased that we are able to work with Red Rose Travel to maintain this important public transport link in the county.

"We want to make it easy for people to choose public transport, and financially supporting services like this is one way we can do that.”