A vital bus route linking Epsom to Kingston will be axed in the New Year because it is not profitable enough.

Arriva is taking the 418 service off the road at the end of February because it can no longer compete with London Buses subsidised service which operates on part of the route.

The route starts at Kingston and runs through Surbiton and Tolworth before stopping at Epsom Hospital and carrying on to Guildford.

Tony Adams, chairman of the Kingston Area Travellers Association, said the decision spelled disaster for passengers if there was no substitute.

He added: We would be expecting London Buses to contract a replacement for the service as they have been doing between London and Surrey.

London Buses have begun urgent discussions with Surrey County Council to sort out some form of replacement service.

A spokesman for the company said: We are currently undertaking a review of services which cross the London boundary into neighbouring counties.

We are also seeking comments from all London boroughs and county councils.