Transport for London (TfL) has announced that only three bus routes in the capital will now be ended following a consultation which saw more than 21,500 people share their feedback.
Substantial cuts to the central and inner London bus network were proposed due to a Covid funding deal from the Government which required TfL to make savings equivalent to four per cent of the bus network.
However, following the consultation responses – which expressed concern at the changes – additional funding unlocked by the Mayor of about £25m per year means TfL has been able to save the vast majority of bus routes.
Only three bus routes out of TfL’s 620 total network will go, and a total of 53 routes will no longer be withdrawn or affected.
TfL will still go ahead with 22 per cent of the service changes consulted on, which are all in areas with numerous alternative public transport options and in areas where following the changes there will be enough capacity on buses to meet demand.
More than 70 routes were originally proposed to be affected, while the plans being taken forward will impact 18 routes.
Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s Director of Public Transport Service Planning, said: “This new funding, alongside our detailed analysis of the extensive consultation feedback and emerging travel patterns, has allowed us to significantly reduce the scope of the changes.
“The proposals that we will be taking forward are those that have a minimal impact on Londoners, as they are areas with much higher provision of buses than there is demand.”
