Caroline Pidgeon AM has joined Liberal Democrat councillors in Brent in expressing deep disappointment at the news that Boris Johnson has refused to act to provide more buses in the Brentfield Road area.
A huge petition from local residents was submitted to the Mayor by Liberal Democrats at a formal Question Time session last month.
Brentfield Road runs between Brent Park Tesco and Harlesden Station and is also home to the prestigious Neasden Temple, but is currently served by only two buses, the 206 and the PR2.
Transport for London also admitted recently that the frequency of buses on the PR2 route had deteriorated significantly in recent months.
Nevertheless, Mayor Boris Johnson replied to the Liberal Democrat-organised petition with a letter concluding: “TfL consider that Brentfield Road is adequately served by these routes and there are no plans at present to provide further bus services here.”
Lib Dem assembly member Caroline Pidgeon, the Chair of the Assembly's Transport Committee, said:
"There is clearly a huge demand for a bus in the Brentfield Road area and it is very disappointing that the Mayor refuses to listen to local people."
Councillor Daniel Brown, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, said:
"Given the dreadful service on the PR2, it is little wonder that local people are demanding more buses along Brentfield Road. I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues on the Council and at City Hall have supported them in that call.
"It is therefore deeply disappointing that Mayor Boris seems has not listened to either the very many residents who signed the Petition, or our own representations. Local residents desperately need an improved local bus service, especially at weekends, and it is a pity the Conservative Mayor does not recognise this. We will nevertheless continue to try to persuade him of what we see as a strong case for improved services."