TfL has released two consultations to improve London Bus services for Stratford and routes 53 and 363.
From TfL consultations
The London Borough of Newham has developed proposals that will transform Stratford town centre. This will include removing the gyratory around the Stratford Centre and introducing two-way traffic movement on Great Eastern Road, The Grove, Romford Road and Broadway.
The current configuration of the gyratory prevents the operation of a simple bus network (i.e. one that serves stops on both sides of the same road). Two way operation would simplify the bus network and allow buses to serve stops on both sides of the road. In particular, it would allow Stratford bus station to be served in both directions by westbound routes serving Broadway and Stratford High Street.
The London Borough of Newham has already carried out consultation on the Stratford Town Centre Improvements. For more information visit: www.newham.gov.uk/Stratford
We have reviewed the key bus issues that were raised with the London Borough of Newham as part of their consultation and have used these to help inform our network planning. We are now carrying out consultation on the associated changes to bus services that can be achieved with a two way road network in Stratford town centre.
The bus routes affected are: 25, 425, 86, 158, 241, D8, 257, 276, 104, 238, 262, 473 and N8 – routes 308 and 69 would remain as they currently operate.
What are we proposing?
- Routes 25 and 425 would operate in both directions along Broadway; Great Eastern Road, Stratford bus station, Great Eastern Road and Stratford High Street.
- Routes 86 and N86 would operate in both directions serving Stratford Bus Station, Broadway and Romford Road.
- Route 158 would operate in both directions along Great Eastern Road, serving Stratford bus station , Great Eastern Road and Angel Lane.
- Route 241 would operate in both directions serving Angel Lane, Great Eastern Road, Stratford bus station, Great Eastern Road, Broadway, Tramway Avenue and West Ham Lane.
- Route D8 would operate in both directions serving Stratford bus station, Great Eastern Road and Stratford High Street.
- Route 257 would operate in both directions serving Leytonstone Road, The Grove, Great Eastern Road and Stratford bus station.
- Route 276 would operate in both directions serving Stratford High Street, Great Eastern Road, Stratford bus station, Great Eastern Road, Broadway, Tramway Avenue and West Ham Lane.
- Routes 104, 238, 262 and 473 would all operate in both directions serving Stratford bus station, Great Eastern Road, Broadway, Tramway Avenue and West Ham Lane.
- Route N8 would operate in both directions serving Stratford High Street, Great Eastern Road, Stratford bus station, Great Eastern Road and the Grove.
Why We Are Consulting
The introduction of a two way road network in Stratford allows us to make improvements to the bus network in the area by simplifying routeings and improving interchange.
Buses would be able to serve stops on both sides of Great Eastern Road, The Grove, Romford Road and Broadway, and changes to junction layouts would allow Stratford bus station to be served by westbound bus routes along Stratford High Street. This would make the network more straight forward for passengers and would provide improved journey times and interchange on certain routes. There would also be a number of stop changes to facilitate this.
The stop changes may require some passengers to make a slightly longer walk. However, overall it is expected to be beneficial to passengers.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation and completion of the required changes around the gyratory, the changes should be introduced by summer 2019.
You can take part in the survey here and the consultation closes on 21st July 2017.
The next consultation is the proposed changes for routes 53 and 363.
From TfL Consultations
Bus services can experience delays on the approach to Bricklayers' Arms and on the roundabout itself. Therefore we are proposing to operate routes 53 and 363 over the flyover in order to avoid delays at Bricklayers' Arms.
What are we proposing?
To allow the buses to run via the flyover, buses would no longer be able to serve either eastbound stop at New Kent Road or Bricklayers' Arms.
Some local residents who catch the bus to/from the roundabout would have a longer walk (around 400m) to access these routes. However bus routes, 63, 168, 172, 415 and 453 will still operate via the roundabout and will remain unchanged. For destinations beyond New Cross on route 53 passengers would need to take route 453 and change at New Cross. For destinations beyond Honor Oak on route 363 passengers would need to take route 63 and change at Honor Oak.
Please also note, to assist routes 53 and 363 to operate over the flyover and serve the south east bound stop on Old Kent Road safely; we are proposing to make some minor amendments to the road layout. We propose to reduce the length of the hatching separating the off slip and Old Kent Road and extend the bus stop cage in order to maximise the distance available for buses to merge across to the bus stop. The bus stop shelter and flag will also be relocated approximately 7m south west.
Currently, bus route 53 runs between Plumstead Station and Whitehall every seven to eight minutes during Monday to Friday daytimes and Saturday shopping hours and every 10 minutes during Sundays and all evenings. Bus route 363 runs between Elephant and Castle and Crystal Palace Bus Station every 10 minutes during Monday to Friday daytimes and Saturday shopping hours and every 15 minutes during Sundays and all evenings. The frequencies would remain unchanged.
Have your say
We would like to know what you think about our proposals for changes to routes 53 and 363.
Please give us your views by completing the online survey below by 21 July 2017.
You can take part if the survey here and the consultation closes on 21st July 2017.
I invite you to follow me on Twitter and Google Plus by searching for @CLondoner92