'No chance' of night bus to Northwood

But despite public demand for the service, TfL has only promised to keep tabs on the situation.

Ian Brooks, who works on transport issues with Eastcote Residents' Association, said: "My young son had to share a £60 cab back from central London at the weekend. I am sure young people would like to see a cheaper alternative."

Asked by the Gazette whether introducing a night bus to serve 71,000 residents in this corner of the capital was a possibility, TfL ruled out such a move on grounds of cost.

A spokesperson said: "TfL regularly reviews the bus network. In response to stakeholder requests we have investigated the provision of new night bus services to the Ruislip area.

"However, the number of passengers we estimated that would use a new service would not be enough to justify the additional costs. We will continue to monitor the situation."

Night buses currently stop at Harrow Weald, Northolt and Uxbridge, while the 24-hour Oxford Tube service stops at Hillingdon station.

The last evening bus arrives at Ruislip at 1am and the first morning bus departs at 5.30am. Between those times, it's a taxi cab or a long walk.

Councillor Keith Burrows, cabinet member for transportation at Hillingdon Council, said: "I always get baffled how TfL could know what the usage will be if there has never been a service there.

"I am willing to take it up as a cabinet member and ask why our residents don't get that service.

"If TfL can justify it with figures then fair enough, but I think if they did something like a trial run for one month it would at least give us a fair chance to show whether we want it."

Do you want a night bus to the Northwood area? Email jamescracknell@trinitysouth.co.uk