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A bus route change that drew ire from many in London’s Old North community got the green light from the London Transit Commission Wednesday night, months after residents packed the transit headquarters to campaign against buses they say would ruin their neighbourhood.

New concerns were raised by residents along the controversial route on Wednesday night, but this time it was fears of reduced bus service in Woodfield and Rowntree areas as a result of the shift to Route 1, including a farther walk for some older riders.

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Commissioners voted in favour of rerouting the bus to the east, travelling on Colborne Street instead of Richmond Street north of Oxford, to capture more riders and reduce travel time by “straightening” out the route. The decision also will add slightly more frequent service along the route in the early evening and on Sundays.

“When we make a decision, it’s for the entire city, it’s not for one specific neighbourhood. Changing Route 1 made more sense, it’s benefiting more people, an extra 1,000 hours we’re putting into the system. That was the selling point for me,” LTC chair Sheryl Rooth said.