TFL 'backtrack' on plans to cut 384 bus route, crucial for JCoSS students

With the help of local MP Theresa Villiers, the Barnet-based cross-denominational Jewish school has forced the plans to be shelved

Transport for London have “backtracked” and shelved plans to cut the Number 384 bus service deemed crucial for children attending JCoSS school in East Barnet.

The state-funded secondary school, which is the first cross-denominational Jewish school in the UK, had struggled to gain the attention of TfL bosses, so headteacher Patrick Moriarty enlisted the help of local MP Theresa Villiers.

The Conservative representative of Chipping Barnet this week welcomed the U-turn, saying: “TfL has done the right thing… It would be disruptive for local residents if parents were encouraged to drop off and pick up their children by car instead of letting them take the bus.”

She added that “long queues of children at bus stops could give rise to security concerns,” saying: “In the past, anti-Semitic incidents have been reported at bus stops in Barnet and I welcome the commitment TfL have given me that they will work with the police and JCoSS to help keep students safe.”