The 497 bus route runs currently runs between Harold Wood Station to Harold Hill, Gooshays Drive via Gallows Corner Tesco.
A short route that is often used by residents of Harold Wood and Harold Hill for shopping at Gallows Corner. Especially the elderly and those without cars
TfL are are now holding a public consultation on our proposals, running from 6 September to 17 October 2021, and you can find details on how to take part below.
The two main proposals are either to end the route or to extend it. Full details below
Route 497 operates with single deck buses every half hour except in the evenings and on Sundays when it is hourly. It was introduced in January 2020 just before the pandemic took hold. A review of the first year of service has been undertaken and this has identified a need to encourage greater passenger usage, especially if the way people travel changes substantially as we come out of the pandemic (e.g. through more home working). Without an increase in ridership we may need to consider withdrawing the service. You can read the Post Implementation Review in the ‘Documents’ Section.
Our proposals are as follows:
Proposal 1: We are proposing to extend route 497 from its current terminus at Harold Hill, Gooshays Drive so that it continues in service to its bus stand on Dagnam Park Square. From Gooshays Drive roundabout it would operate via Dagnam Park Drive, Leamington Road and Petersfield Avenue to Dagenham Park Square. Towards Harold Wood it would run along Dagnam Park Drive direct to Gooshays Drive roundabout. The bus already does this out of service. By operating in service and serving the bus stops it passes it will improve connectivity and serve more households and schools. We anticipate this will boost ridership. You can view a map of the proposed changes in the ‘Documents’ section.
Proposal 2: Withdrawal of this bus route entirely as without increased ridership it may be better to use limited resources differently. We would like to understand how the withdrawal of the bus route might impact you and other passengers to help us make an informed decision.
Equalities Impact Assessment
We have undertaken an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA). The EqIA examines what impact (positive or negative) the proposed route change may have on customers with characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
We consider the impacts of bus service change proposals on equality groups throughout the planning process ensuring, where possible, effective mitigations are in place where no viable alternative is available. The EqIA can be found in the ‘Documents’ section.
What’s next?
We shall review all responses to the consultation before coming to a decision on any changes to route 497. We will then publish our consultation analysis and the reasons for the decision on this page.
Have your Say
We are running a public consultation about these proposals and would like to hear your views. The consultation is open from 6 September to 17 October 2021. You can respond by completing our online survey. To take part, you will need to register with your email address. Your details will be kept secure and only used, with your permission, to update you about the outcome of the consultation and our next steps.
If you prefer, you can email your comments to haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk or write to us at FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY (Route 497) no stamp needed.
You can also ask us questions throughout the consultation, using the ‘Questions’ tool below.