The 256 bus route that for a short period ran from Waltham Cross to Harlow, along the Crooked Mile, has now apparently given up the ghost. This service was operated by Roadrunner. It was never a reliable service, the vehicles were substandard and the drivers were in the most part unfamiliar with the route they were meant to follow and had not enough understanding of English to know when to stop at designated stops (the bells invariably not be working).

What is the criteria for running what is primarily a public service? How does the council grant the licences these operators need to run such a service? Do they check their past history, do they ensure the drivers they employ are of a standard to carry passengers? 

Why not give permission to Arriva to increase and amend their service to Harlow to incorporate Waltham Cross if they wish, or at least make sure that any new company comes along to tie them to a two year contract and fine them if they don't provide the service they purport to offer.

B Knight