Revealed: Major revamp of London's bus network planned to tackle pollution and cut congestion... with 33 routes affected

Six week consultation by TfL will see major changes to most bus routes in central London
'Modernising' the bus network: 33 routes will be affected under the proposed changes
PA Archive/PA Images
Tom Powell28 September 2018

Transport chiefs have revealed plans for the biggest overhaul of London’s bus network in 16 years, with more than 33 routes affected.

The proposals are designed to “modernise” the capital's bus network by allowing it to grow in outer London, while adapting underused services in the centre that contribute to congestion and air pollution.

Three routes face being culled, 13 are set to be shortened and eight will see a reduction in frequency under the plans.

Geoff Hobbs, of Transport for London, said: "Our proposals to reorganise the bus network would modernise bus travel in London by matching capacity with demand, reducing bus-on-bus congestion while enabling year-on-year increases in bus services in outer London.

"In adapting underused and inefficient services in central London, our plans will help reduce pollution that has such a damaging effect on the health of Londoners."

The routes which face being withdrawn entirely are the 48 from Walthamstow to London Bridge, the 271 (night service) in north London and the RV1 from Covent Garden to Tower Bridge.

A new route, the 311, would be created between Fulham and Oxford Circus.

The proposals are aimed at cutting the distances travelled by buses in central London
PA Archive/PA Images

TfL also plans to increase the frequency of services on five routes, the 26, 35, 46, 149 and 242, as well as restructuring 13 different routes.

The proposed changes to the bus timetable would increase average customer journey times by around 1 per cent, but decrease the distances travelled by buses in central London by 9 per cent.

Of the 500km of London roads currently served by buses, just 0.4 per cent of them would be bus-free after the proposed changes.

A new bus route will be created between Fulham and Oxford Circus
AFP/Getty Images

A six-week public consultation on the proposals began today, with more information available here.

Unite regional officer John Murphy said: "Transport for London's plans represent the biggest shake-up of London's central bus network in years and will leave many bus workers worried about their future.

"Unite will be seeking assurances over jobs and expects to be fully consulted on the impact any changes may have on the workforce such as drivers having to move bus garages or be retrained on new routes."

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