September 22, 2025
HL1 - Celebrating Partnership
Introduced in March 2025; Service HL1 operates half hourly seven days a week between the new High Leigh Garden Village, being built west of Hoddesdon by developers Taylor Wimpey, Hoddesdon town centre and Broxbourne Station, linking to Greater Anglia services into London Liverpool Street, London Stratford, Hertford and Cambridge.
Designed and tendered by Hertfordshire County Council and operated by Central Connect the route has brought together four key partners working collaboratively to develop and provide for the local community.
Central Connect were delighted to introduce a brand-new dedicated vehicle for the route in September 2025 with a custom livery show casing the partnership working and the value of public transport for High Leighs growing population. The HL1 offers comfortable seating with seatbelts throughout, low floor access, USB charging at all seats and air conditioning to elevate the passenger experience and compliment quick journey times. With end-to-end journeys taking just 12-13 minutes, passengers can quickly nip out to the shop, café or doctors. Or if commuting into London, High Leigh residents can reach Liverpool Street in as little as just 45 minutes showcasing the benefit of efficient bus to rail interchange.
The HL1’s current forecasts show strong potential for full commerciality within the project window, allowing a legacy of excellent transport links for the communities being created and growing within High Leigh and the wider Hoddesdon area. A claim and an ambition underpinned by the dedication and determination of all four key partners; Hertfordshire County Council, Greater Anglia, Taylor Wimpey and Central Connect, to achieve a successful outcome. Partnership has been vital for the success of the HL1, and the Intalink Enhanced Partnership has played a pivotal role to ensure collaboration across all parties.
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Thoughts from the HL1 Partnership:
“This is an excellent initiative linking our respective branding with the HL1 service. Local people and those moving into their new homes will see the joined-up messaging of doorstep to Liverpool Street in 45 minutes as a really compelling public transport offer. Greater Anglia are pleased to be an integral part of this project and advocate the joined-up thinking involved as a great template for integrated transport.”
Scott Dolling, Greater Anglia Partnerships Manager
“Bringing together key stakeholders to work towards a common goal of increasing sustainable transport options in a new development is the vital for the long-term prosperity of the bus industry and Central Connect are delighted to see strong early growth on the HL1 spurred by the efforts of our partners.”
Adam Hemingway, Central Connect Head of Network
“The HL1 is a great example of partners coming together to improve everyday journeys for our residents. By linking High Leigh directly to Broxbourne Station and the wider rail network, this service is giving new and existing residents a fast, reliable and sustainable travel option that properly connects bus to rail, giving a serious alternative to the car. It shows how thoughtful planning and true collaboration can create lasting benefits for our communities.”
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Growth, HCC
“We are delighted to have supported Service HL1’s new vehicle. This service not only provides High Leigh Garden Village residents with easy access to the town centre via public transport, but also railway links to London and other surrounding cities, making it vital for commuters and those looking for wider entertainment options.”
Jason Turner, Taylor Wimpey Thames North Sales Manager
Designed and tendered by Hertfordshire County Council and operated by Central Connect the route has brought together four key partners working collaboratively to develop and provide for the local community.
Central Connect were delighted to introduce a brand-new dedicated vehicle for the route in September 2025 with a custom livery show casing the partnership working and the value of public transport for High Leighs growing population. The HL1 offers comfortable seating with seatbelts throughout, low floor access, USB charging at all seats and air conditioning to elevate the passenger experience and compliment quick journey times. With end-to-end journeys taking just 12-13 minutes, passengers can quickly nip out to the shop, café or doctors. Or if commuting into London, High Leigh residents can reach Liverpool Street in as little as just 45 minutes showcasing the benefit of efficient bus to rail interchange.
The HL1’s current forecasts show strong potential for full commerciality within the project window, allowing a legacy of excellent transport links for the communities being created and growing within High Leigh and the wider Hoddesdon area. A claim and an ambition underpinned by the dedication and determination of all four key partners; Hertfordshire County Council, Greater Anglia, Taylor Wimpey and Central Connect, to achieve a successful outcome. Partnership has been vital for the success of the HL1, and the Intalink Enhanced Partnership has played a pivotal role to ensure collaboration across all parties.
—
Thoughts from the HL1 Partnership:
“This is an excellent initiative linking our respective branding with the HL1 service. Local people and those moving into their new homes will see the joined-up messaging of doorstep to Liverpool Street in 45 minutes as a really compelling public transport offer. Greater Anglia are pleased to be an integral part of this project and advocate the joined-up thinking involved as a great template for integrated transport.”
Scott Dolling, Greater Anglia Partnerships Manager
“Bringing together key stakeholders to work towards a common goal of increasing sustainable transport options in a new development is the vital for the long-term prosperity of the bus industry and Central Connect are delighted to see strong early growth on the HL1 spurred by the efforts of our partners.”
Adam Hemingway, Central Connect Head of Network
“The HL1 is a great example of partners coming together to improve everyday journeys for our residents. By linking High Leigh directly to Broxbourne Station and the wider rail network, this service is giving new and existing residents a fast, reliable and sustainable travel option that properly connects bus to rail, giving a serious alternative to the car. It shows how thoughtful planning and true collaboration can create lasting benefits for our communities.”
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Growth, HCC
“We are delighted to have supported Service HL1’s new vehicle. This service not only provides High Leigh Garden Village residents with easy access to the town centre via public transport, but also railway links to London and other surrounding cities, making it vital for commuters and those looking for wider entertainment options.”
Jason Turner, Taylor Wimpey Thames North Sales Manager
