TfL is considering making changes to 23 central London bus routes.
Many of the routes take in Oxford Street — with the proposed changes projected to reduce the number of buses driving on the famous shopping street by around 40%. Aside from less congestion, says TfL, positive side effects would be improved air quality and safety.
TfL says it is reacting to changes in passenger travel patterns in the last decade, including a 23% rise in passenger journeys on bus routes outside zone 1.
The buses which will be affected by the changes are: 3, 6, 8, 15, 22, 23, 25, 46, 73, 137, 172, 242, 332, 390, 425, 452, C2, N2, N3, N8, N15, N22 and N73.
The increase in passengers using other forms of transport, such as the tube, has also been taken into account, and the forthcoming Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is expected to further decrease the number of bus passengers in central London.
Gareth Powell, TfL's Director of Strategy and Contracted Services, said:
By making these changes to bus services we can provide the right level of service and in the process we can make Oxford Street a safer and healthier place.
If the proposed changes are brought in, a small number of customers would need to change buses to complete their journeys, but the hopper fare — introduced earlier this year — means that the second journey would be free.
To have your say on the proposed changes, visit the website, email consultations@tfl.gov.uk or write to FREEPOST TFL CONSULTATIONS by 29 January 2017.
