London Buses route 497

London Buses route 497 was a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England. It ran between Harold Hill and Harold Wood station, and was operated by Stagecoach London.

497
Overview
OperatorStagecoach London
GarageRomford
VehicleAlexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC
Peak vehicle requirement2
StatusDefunct
Began service25 January 2020 (2020-01-25)
Ended service9 March 2024 (2024-03-09)
Night-timeNo night service
Route
StartHarold Hill
ViaGallows Corner
EndHarold Wood station
Length3 miles (4.8 km)
Service
LevelMonday to Saturday
FrequencyAbout every 30-60 minutes
Journey time18 minutes
Operates05:40 until 00:18

History

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The route was first proposed in a review by Transport for London published in September 2016. A two-month consultation was held in 2017.[1] It had been expected to start service in May 2019, however it was delayed.[2] It began service on 25 January 2020.[3][4] A review found that passenger numbers were insufficient for the route to be sustainable. In autumn 2021, Transport for London opened a consultation requesting opinions on if the route should be extended, or withdrawn.[5][6][7]

In March 2022, Transport for London confirmed that the Sunday service would be withdrawn in the summer and that the route would be extended to Dagnam Park Square.[8]

In January 2024, following a public consultation, Transport for London confirmed that the route would be withdrawn on 9 March 2024. It was replaced by an extension of route 346 that now serves all the same roads and stops formerly served by route 497.[9]

On 9 March 2024, the route was withdrawn.[10]

Former route

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Route 497 operated via these primary locations:[11]

References

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  1. ^ Roach, April (13 September 2019). "TfL confirms new bus route 497 from Harold Wood to Harold Hill will be coming to the borough". Romford Recorder. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  2. ^ "Elizabeth Line changes will see more cross-border cuts". Buses Magazine. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  3. ^ "Over three years on … new route 497 begins". BusAndTrainUser. 25 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  4. ^ "New bus route starts running in Harold Hill". Time 107.5 fm. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  5. ^ Boyle, Caislin (8 September 2021). "Harold Wood to Harold Hill bus at risk as consultation opens on its future". Romford Recorder. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  6. ^ Billson, Chantelle (19 October 2021). "Future of bus route hangs in the balance as consultation ends". Romford Recorder. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  7. ^ "Are TfL about to ditch new route 497?". BusAndTrainUser. 3 October 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  8. ^ Marius, Callum (22 March 2022). "Iconic London bus route 1 saved as TfL announces service changes across capital". MyLondon. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  9. ^ "Harold Wood and Upminster - proposed changes to bus routes 346, 347 and 497". Transport for London. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  10. ^ "Harold Wood and Upminster - proposed changes to bus routes 346, 347 and 497". Transport for London. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  11. ^ Route 497 Map Transport for London
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  Media related to London Buses route 497 at Wikimedia Commons