TfL set out bus strategy for the rest of the decade
Transport for London (TfL) has published its long-term plan for buses, designed to create a modern bus network that will attract more customers and help the capital become net zero by 2030.
Buses are already the most used form of public transport in the capital, and TfL's Bus Action Plan sets out to create an attractive alternative to car use by focusing on five areas:
An inclusive customer experience - a modern, relevant bus network that allows for spontaneous, independent travel, including improved customer information and bus station refurbishment; with actions including upgrading more existing bus stops to meet the wheelchair accessible standard
Safety and security - a safe, secure bus network, with no one killed on or by a bus by 2030, and with all elements of the Bus Safety Standard implemented by 2024; and ensuring all customers and staff feel confident on the bus network travelling day and night, including through improved bus driver training
Faster journeys - a faster and more efficient bus network, with journeys 10 per cent quicker than in 2015, with initiatives including the aim to introduce 25km of new and improved bus lanes by 2025
Improved connections - a bus network better suited to longer trips with better interchanges, especially in outer London; and ensuring London residents remain close to a bus stop
Decarbonisation and climate resilience - a zero-emission bus fleet to tackle climate change and improve air quality, working with operators, boroughs and suppliers to reduce the cost and difficulty of infrastructure upgrades needed to enable the transition of the bus fleet; and safeguarding the network from extreme weather conditions
The plan can be seen in action on the route 63 from King's Cross to Honor Oak, where new higher specification all-electric buses were launched last month. The buses bring together a range of customer-friendly features for the first time, including a more welcoming feel, USB charge points and mobile phone holders, a larger wheelchair and buggy area and better real time travel information on board. A new bus lane on the New Kent Road section of the route is improving journey times and reliability in line with the plan. All vehicles meet TfL's Bus Safety Standard and feature upgraded CCTV, enhancing security.
Louise Cheeseman, TfL's Director of Buses, said, "We are excited to set out our bus strategy for the rest of this decade, which is all about creating a bus service reflective of our customers and their evolving needs, supporting a sustainable recovery from the pandemic, making London a net zero city by 2030 and improving people's safety and wellbeing.
"Investment in buses is imperative in dealing with the climate crisis and cleaning up the toxic air that is damaging our health. Our red bus network is fundamental to preventing congestion and, more widely, is a catalyst for unlocking homes and employment in London, as well as creating green jobs across the UK.
“Buses are already an efficient, convenient form of public transport and London has the largest green bus fleet in western Europe, but we need to raise the bar. The Bus Action Plan sets out how we will meet the challenges now and into the future, making buses cleaner and greener, more efficient and an option for all our city's diverse communities. Ultimately, it's about making the bus the natural choice over the car.
Silviya Barrett, Head of Policy and Research at Campaign for Better Transport, added "London's buses keep the capital moving and communities connected. More modern buses, better customer information, additional bus priority lanes and plugging critical gaps in service provision will help improve passengers' experiences and enable more people to make buses part of their everyday journeys. This will support the economic recovery and help tackle congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. To make this happen, it is vitally important that TfL has the sustainable funding deal it needs to keep investing in, and promoting a return to, public transport post-pandemic."