In its submission to Transport for London’s (TfL) consultation on
the restructure of central London bus services,
the London Assembly Transport
Committee points out fundamental concerns with how
the review is being conducted.
A pivotal issue is TfL’s proposals to reduce central London
services without an indication that capacity will move to outer
London areas - something proposed in the Mayor’s Transport
Strategy.
Other issues the Committee has raised include:
-
The consultation is not comprehensive
enough – it does not allow Londoners to give
views on how the network functions as a whole or address levels
of service in different parts of London.
-
No mention of new orbital and express
routes – the Mayor’s Transport Strategy indicated
these would be introduced. High-capacity articulated vehicles
could be used on these routes if the Mayor is bolder in his
plans.
-
Disadvantages for disabled passengers –
TfL has admitted an additional 36,000 people each day need will
need to change buses on their journeys. These changes need to
be made easier.
The Chair of the London Assembly Transport
Committee, MBE AM, said:
“TfL’s bus consultation proposals are concerning.
“The Mayor’s Transport Strategy clearly states there will be
an effort to shift bus service capacity from central London to
outer London. It also proposes the introduction of orbital and
express routes. Yet in TfL’s proposals there are no indications
that this will be delivered.
“Importantly, the plans could leave many passengers with
disabilities or mobility problems having to make more changes on
their journeys.
“Interchanges must be made easier for passengers, with
adequate shelter, accurate and timely information, and shorter
walking distances between stops at the very least
“As Chair of TfL, we urge the Mayor to rethink these plans.
For people with disabilities and those who live in areas where
there is no tube service, buses are a crucial lifeline.
“The Mayor cannot run the risk of losing the confidence of
Londoners. Bus services must not be relegated to the back
seat.”
Notes for Editors:
- The London
Assembly Labour group support the views expressed in this
letter, apart from those relating to Outer London.
- The letter is attached
