THERE was rejoicing in Joydens Wood yesterday as the popular B12 bus route operated on Sunday for the first time.

Following a short consultation, Transport for London (TfL) launched the new half-hourly service for the route running between Joydens Wood and Erith.

Ninety-seven per cent of people who responded to the month-long consultation were in favour of the route expansion, with just two people being against the proposal.

A massive 106 people contacted TfL, the majority through the online consultation, to voice their support.

Bexley Council’s cabinet member for the environment and public realm Councillor Gareth Bacon said he was “delighted” with TfL’s decision.

He said: "This route provides important links to Bexleyheath and Erith town centres, as well as local railway stations.

“This is something local residents have wanted for a long time.

“Bexley Council, which is committed to making sure that the borough has the public transport it needs, worked hard alongside residents, TfL and other stakeholders to see this through to a successful conclusion.”

Following years of campaigning, the bus will collect passengers in Joydens Wood, Coldblow and areas of Northumberland Heath.

It will travel clockwise around the Joydens Wood loop before noon and anti-clockwise during the afternoon, as on other days of the week.

Some bus-users suggested via the consultation the service would be better if it ran every 40-minutes rather than every half-hour.

A TfL spokesman responded to these suggestions saying: “The service will run every 30 minutes to attract users and to cater for the use we believe will be made of it.”

The first bus from Joydens Wood will depart at 6.50am and the last bus at 11.50pm.

Meanwhile the first departure from Bexley Road in Erith will be at 7.12am and the last bus at 12.10am the following Monday morning.

Head of network development for TfL John Barry said: “There was overwhelming support in the recent consultation and we are delighted to introduce a Sunday service on route B12.

“London has an extensive bus network which we keep under regular review to see where we can deliver cost-effective benefits to our passengers.”