As we enter the final month of the year (December 2024), I’ve been reviewing the answers from the London Mayor's Question Time held on 21 November 2024. There’s a wealth of interesting information about upcoming improvements to London buses and the Underground, including plans for driverless trains.
Bus lanes and bus journey times
Reference: 2024/3971
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Projects introducing new bus lanes are currently being progressed at 39 locations on the Transport for London (TfL) and borough road networks to meet the March 2025 target. Each project will go through an individual design development process with traffic modelling being undertaken for specific schemes dependent on the existing network performance and proposed intervention. It is not possible to complete a collective modelling assessment for all of the bus lane schemes to determine the overall journey time improvement from the programme.
As indicated in my previous response to Mayor’s Question 2024/3248, TfL is currently on track to achieve the 25km target by the end of March 2025.
As indicated in my previous response to Mayor’s Question 2024/3248, TfL is currently on track to achieve the 25km target by the end of March 2025.
Bus Lanes contributing to the 25km target are listed below:
| Location | Highway Authority |
|---|---|
| Bromley Road | TfL |
| Camden Road | TfL |
| Camden Street | TfL |
| Lee High Road | TfL |
| St Helier Avenue | TfL |
| New Kent Road | TfL |
| A11 Mile End Road | TfL |
| Vauxhall Bridge Road | TfL |
| Bayswater | City of Westminster |
| Kensington Road | City of Westminster |
| Longbridge Road | LB Barking and Dagenham |
| Whalebone Lane | LB Barking and Dagenham |
| London Road | LB Barking and Dagenham |
| Rainham Road South | LB Barking and Dagenham |
| High Road | LB Barking and Dagenham |
| Wood Lane | LB Barking and Dagenham |
| Ballards Lane | LB Barnet |
| Barnet High Street | LB Barnet |
| Regents Park Road | LB Barnet |
| Brecknock Road | LB Camden |
| Camden Street | LB Camden |
| Kentish Town Road | LB Camden |
| Parkway | LB Camden |
| Ruislip Park | LB Ealing |
| Broadmead Road | LB Ealing |
| Ruislip Road | LB Ealing |
| Lee Valley Road | LB Enfield |
| Church Street | LB Enfield |
| High Road | LB Hackney |
| Colney Hatch Lane | LB Haringey |
| Amhurst Park | LB Haringey |
| Sheepcote Road | LB Harrow |
| Kenton Road | LB Harrow |
| London Road | LB Harrow |
| City Road | LB Islington |
| Southend Lane | LB Lewisham |
| Cranbrook Road | LB Redbridge |
| Ley Street | LB Redbridge |
| Peckham Rye | LB Southwark |
16 Bus route
Reference: 2024/3851
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
In April 2023, route 16, which operated between Cricklewood Bus Garage and Victoria, was re-structured to operate between Brent Park Superstores and Paddington, as part of a broader package of route changes in central London. An analysis of detailed usage data, collected in November 2023, was completed and this showed no evidence of crowding. More recent usage data also does not indicate demand higher than what was observed in November 2023, and when detailed November 2024 data is available a further review will be undertaken.
Future Superloop Options (Public Transport Links in Hillingdon)
Reference: 2024/3889
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Transport for London did consider this corridor when identifying potential routes to be evaluated as part of the Superloop 2 programme. However, it was not taken forward for a number of reasons. This includes: there is already a relatively fast route, the A10, between Uxbridge and Heathrow; routes 350 and U3 provide a direct service between Heathrow and the southern end of this corridor; and route 222 links Uxbridge, Cowley and West Drayton to the north side of the Heathrow campus. There are also long sections of the route where bus priority measures would be difficult to install.
Electric Buses
Reference: 2024/3823
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Transport for London (TfL) is not aware of the issues described. There are over 1,700 zero emission buses in the London fleet. All zero-emission buses have a range suitable to meet the length requirements for each route, and London’s bus operating companies are responsible for ensuring services can be operated. As battery technology improves over time, TfL anticipates electric buses will have a greater range to operate longer distances. TfL are undertaking trials in opportunity charging (remote charging) and hydrogen fuel cell technology to explore options for longer routes.
School Buses (1)
Reference: 2024/3785
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
All children aged 17 and under, and those attending school aged 18 or over and who live in Greater London can apply for free travel on all Transport for London (TfL) buses. In 2023/24 there were 307 million free child bus trips made. In the same year, more than 40 per cent of secondary school children (aged 11-16), and 17-18 year olds travelling for education purposes in London, travelled by bus.
In general, TfL plans for school children to travel on the mainstream bus network, and more than 90 per cent of school children using the bus do so. As a result, TfL adds frequency and capacity where it is cost-effective to operate on non-school days as well to benefit the travelling public in general.
40 routes on the main bus network have additional school day capacity to meet the school travel needs and there are currently 70 “600 series” routes to meet specific school travel needs. Taken together there are over 200 additional buses on the bus network each school day. School routes are provided either where a school is remote from the main network or where it is the most effective and efficient means of providing the necessary capacity. These routes typically serve a specific school and their start and/or end times and are generally planned with the input of the school’s administration. Schools are asked to provide information to TfL when they believe there will be a significant change to their demand pattern. Often this is done through liaison with the bus operator.
The bus network is under continuous review and TfL seeks to adapt the network to meet the needs of London, including school travel. TfL always plans to provide the required capacity. Schools travel patterns change with each academic year and TfL monitors usage by conducting various school travel specific surveys through the first half term of the academic year. More than 100 surveys of this kind have taken place so far this academic year. Like the rest of the bus network, performance and therefore day-to-day capacity can be affected by the reliability of the highway network.
School Buses (2)
Reference: 2024/3786
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
In May 2016 there were 77 school bus routes under the 600 number series that were operated on behalf of Transport for London. In October 2024 there were 70 routes. Please refer to the attached spreadsheet which provides details on the individual route numbers.
Between May 2016 and October 2024 11 school routes were withdrawn, and four new routes were introduced. The reasons for these changes are as follows:
Withdrawn routes
• Route 609: Withdrawn following the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, with changes made to route 209 to accommodate affected passengers.
• Route 611: Withdrawn and replaced by the extension of route 112 from Brent Cross Shopping Centre to North Finchley.
• Routes 618 and 619: Withdrawn following the permanent relocation of Avanti House School.
• Route 636: Withdrawn due to declining usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 314 and 638 for affected passengers.
• Route 637: As per route 636.
• Route 641: Withdrawn due to low usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 281, 285 and 411 for affected passengers.
• Route 647: Withdrawn due to low usage and available capacity on route 174 for affected passengers.
• Route 648: Withdrawn due to low usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 248 and 346 for affected passengers.
• Route 691: Withdrawn due to low usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 65, 281, 406 and 418 for affected passengers.
• Route 692: Re-routed away from Potters Bar and incorporated into existing route 699.
New routes
• Route 618: Introduced to provide additional capacity and cater to the growing school population at Bolder Academy and Nishkam School.
• Route 645: Takes over the previously numbered route 405D.
• Route 677: Introduced as part of the restructuring of route 167, which was curtailed to Loughton Station from Debden Station.
• Route 684: Introduced as a replacement of the school day only journeys which previously operated on route R8.
Where possible, Transport for London will accommodate school travel on the regular day route network in the first instance. Dedicated 600-series routes aim to complement the day network where a particular school is remote from the rest of the bus network, or where school travel results in an increase in peak capacity requirements. Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2024/3785 for more information.
Stale Vintage of TfL's Framework Bus Service Contract
Reference: 2024/3679
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
While Transport for London’s framework bus service contract has changed little since 2016, each issued route contract refers to an up-to-date version of the Bus Vehicle Specification that must be used. This incorporates the latest version of the Bus Safety Standard. Each iteration places greater evidence-based safety requirements on the standard of vehicle to be used. These requirements are developed alongside industry, academia and bus operators in specialist working groups and carefully consider feedback from drivers. Examples include Camera Monitoring Systems and Intelligent Speed Assistance.
Range of Available London Taxi Models
Reference: 2024/3536
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
London is unique. It has a complex road network with many tight spaces, narrow roads and streets. The London taxi’s turning circle means it can easily manoeuvre in this environment, can quickly change direction and easily pick up passengers even when they are on the opposite side of the road.
Taxis provide a vital door-to-door service that many people rely on, in particular those with accessibility needs.
My response to Mayor’s Question 2023/2742 explains why the turning circle remains integral to the overall design of the London taxi. In addition, a number of taxi ranks across London have been introduced with the turning circle in mind. Removing the turning circle requirement may require these ranks to be significantly changed or removed.
The turning circle and the accessibility requirements are important aspects of the Conditions of Fitness for taxis and Transport for London has no plans to alter them.
Renaming of London Overground Lines
Reference: 2024/3850
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Transport for London (TfL) started to introduce the new London Overground line names and colours on 20 November, taking a phased approach across the London Overground network and TfL customer information channels.
A range of customer information will be updated, including around 6,000 station wayfinding signs, Tube maps, station digital screens, onboard train information, Journey Planner and TfL Go. Audio and visual announcements on trains and stations will also be updated too as part of this phased introduction.
Throughout the summer, TfL has engaged with customers through a number of activities all designed to help people become familiar with the new London Overground line name and colours, including a series of press releases and a marketing campaign.
Tube Noise
Reference: 2024/3528
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Tackling Tube noise for colleagues, customers and neighbours remains a priority for myself and Transport for London (TfL).
Rail grinding is TfL’s primary tool for managing noise and vibration. TfL is currently undergoing an extensive grinding programme on the Victoria line, which involves grinding over 60 sites between October 2024 and February 2025. This work is expected to significantly reduce in-carriage noise levels.
TfL also uses ‘coasting’ on the Victoria line (where trains don’t run at top speed for a short duration, without impacting journey times), which can help to reduce rail roughness and manage noise levels.
Bakerloo Line Extension (1)
Reference: 2024/3572
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
The Bakerloo line extension would transform access to public transport in southeast London, significantly reducing journey times, increasing sustainable travel options and connecting some of London’s most deprived communities to employment and services.
Estimates show that the scheme would bring an estimated £4.6bn total net national economic benefit once operational. The benefit-cost-ratio is very high value for money. £1.5bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) per annum would be generated because of new jobs at unlocked sites and across the supply-chain, supporting the London and UK economies. Estimates also show that eight years of construction from 2030 would generate 7,500 construction jobs, 775 apprenticeships and £840 million GVA per year. The scheme could also support jobs at the Siemens factory in Goole as new trains are required.
Old Kent Road’s role as a strategic corridor means it is one of the worst areas in London for air pollution, with an estimated 30 per cent of carbon emissions along the Bakerloo line extension corridor contributed by cars. The extension would bring a reduction in emissions and car dependency by enabling over 150,000 additional public transport trips and 20,800 fewer car trips per day.
The extension would support over 50,000 new homes along the proposed route in southeast London, with 20,400 of these homes dependent on the scheme coming forward.
Bakerloo Line Extension (2)
Reference: 2024/3573
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
The economic environment since 2020 is challenging with rising interest rates and inflation putting pressure on London’s finances.
Funding the Bakerloo line extension would require a combination of private and public funding. Transport for London (TfL), and the London Boroughs of Southwark (LBS) and Lewisham are currently working with technical advisers on a deliverable funding package for the extension. Analysis suggests that London generated funding sources could contribute a significant amount to the delivery of the Bakerloo line extension. TfL is also working with the boroughs to maximise funding from development that would be unlocked by the project. LBS has already committed 50 per cent of its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to the development of the Bakerloo line extension.
Central Government support would also be needed to deliver the scheme which will enable over 20,000 homes and over 9,000 local jobs.
Driverless Tubes
Reference: 2024/3526
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
You may recall that, as part of the extraordinary funding settlements provided to Transport for London (TfL) by the previous Government as a result of the pandemic, one of the conditions was to consider the feasibility and business case for driverless trains. Led by the Department for Transport, with TfL technical input, the work concluded that the introduction of driverless trains would cost billions of pounds on each line. Learning from other metros around the world, particularly Paris which provided input into the work, the most practicable way of conversion would be for it to coincide with the introduction of new rolling stock, signalling and platform edge doors at the same time as part of a line upgrade, This would be needed to justify the high costs. On that basis it was agreed the work shouldn’t be progressed any further.
Reference: 2024/3851
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
In April 2023, route 16, which operated between Cricklewood Bus Garage and Victoria, was re-structured to operate between Brent Park Superstores and Paddington, as part of a broader package of route changes in central London. An analysis of detailed usage data, collected in November 2023, was completed and this showed no evidence of crowding. More recent usage data also does not indicate demand higher than what was observed in November 2023, and when detailed November 2024 data is available a further review will be undertaken.
Future Superloop Options (Public Transport Links in Hillingdon)
Reference: 2024/3889
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Transport for London did consider this corridor when identifying potential routes to be evaluated as part of the Superloop 2 programme. However, it was not taken forward for a number of reasons. This includes: there is already a relatively fast route, the A10, between Uxbridge and Heathrow; routes 350 and U3 provide a direct service between Heathrow and the southern end of this corridor; and route 222 links Uxbridge, Cowley and West Drayton to the north side of the Heathrow campus. There are also long sections of the route where bus priority measures would be difficult to install.
Electric Buses
Reference: 2024/3823
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Transport for London (TfL) is not aware of the issues described. There are over 1,700 zero emission buses in the London fleet. All zero-emission buses have a range suitable to meet the length requirements for each route, and London’s bus operating companies are responsible for ensuring services can be operated. As battery technology improves over time, TfL anticipates electric buses will have a greater range to operate longer distances. TfL are undertaking trials in opportunity charging (remote charging) and hydrogen fuel cell technology to explore options for longer routes.
School Buses (1)
Reference: 2024/3785
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
All children aged 17 and under, and those attending school aged 18 or over and who live in Greater London can apply for free travel on all Transport for London (TfL) buses. In 2023/24 there were 307 million free child bus trips made. In the same year, more than 40 per cent of secondary school children (aged 11-16), and 17-18 year olds travelling for education purposes in London, travelled by bus.
In general, TfL plans for school children to travel on the mainstream bus network, and more than 90 per cent of school children using the bus do so. As a result, TfL adds frequency and capacity where it is cost-effective to operate on non-school days as well to benefit the travelling public in general.
40 routes on the main bus network have additional school day capacity to meet the school travel needs and there are currently 70 “600 series” routes to meet specific school travel needs. Taken together there are over 200 additional buses on the bus network each school day. School routes are provided either where a school is remote from the main network or where it is the most effective and efficient means of providing the necessary capacity. These routes typically serve a specific school and their start and/or end times and are generally planned with the input of the school’s administration. Schools are asked to provide information to TfL when they believe there will be a significant change to their demand pattern. Often this is done through liaison with the bus operator.
The bus network is under continuous review and TfL seeks to adapt the network to meet the needs of London, including school travel. TfL always plans to provide the required capacity. Schools travel patterns change with each academic year and TfL monitors usage by conducting various school travel specific surveys through the first half term of the academic year. More than 100 surveys of this kind have taken place so far this academic year. Like the rest of the bus network, performance and therefore day-to-day capacity can be affected by the reliability of the highway network.
School Buses (2)
Reference: 2024/3786
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
In May 2016 there were 77 school bus routes under the 600 number series that were operated on behalf of Transport for London. In October 2024 there were 70 routes. Please refer to the attached spreadsheet which provides details on the individual route numbers.
Between May 2016 and October 2024 11 school routes were withdrawn, and four new routes were introduced. The reasons for these changes are as follows:
Withdrawn routes
• Route 609: Withdrawn following the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, with changes made to route 209 to accommodate affected passengers.
• Route 611: Withdrawn and replaced by the extension of route 112 from Brent Cross Shopping Centre to North Finchley.
• Routes 618 and 619: Withdrawn following the permanent relocation of Avanti House School.
• Route 636: Withdrawn due to declining usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 314 and 638 for affected passengers.
• Route 637: As per route 636.
• Route 641: Withdrawn due to low usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 281, 285 and 411 for affected passengers.
• Route 647: Withdrawn due to low usage and available capacity on route 174 for affected passengers.
• Route 648: Withdrawn due to low usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 248 and 346 for affected passengers.
• Route 691: Withdrawn due to low usage, and available capacity and interchange opportunities on routes 65, 281, 406 and 418 for affected passengers.
• Route 692: Re-routed away from Potters Bar and incorporated into existing route 699.
New routes
• Route 618: Introduced to provide additional capacity and cater to the growing school population at Bolder Academy and Nishkam School.
• Route 645: Takes over the previously numbered route 405D.
• Route 677: Introduced as part of the restructuring of route 167, which was curtailed to Loughton Station from Debden Station.
• Route 684: Introduced as a replacement of the school day only journeys which previously operated on route R8.
Where possible, Transport for London will accommodate school travel on the regular day route network in the first instance. Dedicated 600-series routes aim to complement the day network where a particular school is remote from the rest of the bus network, or where school travel results in an increase in peak capacity requirements. Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2024/3785 for more information.
Stale Vintage of TfL's Framework Bus Service Contract
Reference: 2024/3679
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
While Transport for London’s framework bus service contract has changed little since 2016, each issued route contract refers to an up-to-date version of the Bus Vehicle Specification that must be used. This incorporates the latest version of the Bus Safety Standard. Each iteration places greater evidence-based safety requirements on the standard of vehicle to be used. These requirements are developed alongside industry, academia and bus operators in specialist working groups and carefully consider feedback from drivers. Examples include Camera Monitoring Systems and Intelligent Speed Assistance.
Range of Available London Taxi Models
Reference: 2024/3536
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
London is unique. It has a complex road network with many tight spaces, narrow roads and streets. The London taxi’s turning circle means it can easily manoeuvre in this environment, can quickly change direction and easily pick up passengers even when they are on the opposite side of the road.
Taxis provide a vital door-to-door service that many people rely on, in particular those with accessibility needs.
My response to Mayor’s Question 2023/2742 explains why the turning circle remains integral to the overall design of the London taxi. In addition, a number of taxi ranks across London have been introduced with the turning circle in mind. Removing the turning circle requirement may require these ranks to be significantly changed or removed.
The turning circle and the accessibility requirements are important aspects of the Conditions of Fitness for taxis and Transport for London has no plans to alter them.
Renaming of London Overground Lines
Reference: 2024/3850
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Transport for London (TfL) started to introduce the new London Overground line names and colours on 20 November, taking a phased approach across the London Overground network and TfL customer information channels.
A range of customer information will be updated, including around 6,000 station wayfinding signs, Tube maps, station digital screens, onboard train information, Journey Planner and TfL Go. Audio and visual announcements on trains and stations will also be updated too as part of this phased introduction.
Throughout the summer, TfL has engaged with customers through a number of activities all designed to help people become familiar with the new London Overground line name and colours, including a series of press releases and a marketing campaign.
Tube Noise
Reference: 2024/3528
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Tackling Tube noise for colleagues, customers and neighbours remains a priority for myself and Transport for London (TfL).
Rail grinding is TfL’s primary tool for managing noise and vibration. TfL is currently undergoing an extensive grinding programme on the Victoria line, which involves grinding over 60 sites between October 2024 and February 2025. This work is expected to significantly reduce in-carriage noise levels.
TfL also uses ‘coasting’ on the Victoria line (where trains don’t run at top speed for a short duration, without impacting journey times), which can help to reduce rail roughness and manage noise levels.
Bakerloo Line Extension (1)
Reference: 2024/3572
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
The Bakerloo line extension would transform access to public transport in southeast London, significantly reducing journey times, increasing sustainable travel options and connecting some of London’s most deprived communities to employment and services.
Estimates show that the scheme would bring an estimated £4.6bn total net national economic benefit once operational. The benefit-cost-ratio is very high value for money. £1.5bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) per annum would be generated because of new jobs at unlocked sites and across the supply-chain, supporting the London and UK economies. Estimates also show that eight years of construction from 2030 would generate 7,500 construction jobs, 775 apprenticeships and £840 million GVA per year. The scheme could also support jobs at the Siemens factory in Goole as new trains are required.
Old Kent Road’s role as a strategic corridor means it is one of the worst areas in London for air pollution, with an estimated 30 per cent of carbon emissions along the Bakerloo line extension corridor contributed by cars. The extension would bring a reduction in emissions and car dependency by enabling over 150,000 additional public transport trips and 20,800 fewer car trips per day.
The extension would support over 50,000 new homes along the proposed route in southeast London, with 20,400 of these homes dependent on the scheme coming forward.
Bakerloo Line Extension (2)
Reference: 2024/3573
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
The economic environment since 2020 is challenging with rising interest rates and inflation putting pressure on London’s finances.
Funding the Bakerloo line extension would require a combination of private and public funding. Transport for London (TfL), and the London Boroughs of Southwark (LBS) and Lewisham are currently working with technical advisers on a deliverable funding package for the extension. Analysis suggests that London generated funding sources could contribute a significant amount to the delivery of the Bakerloo line extension. TfL is also working with the boroughs to maximise funding from development that would be unlocked by the project. LBS has already committed 50 per cent of its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to the development of the Bakerloo line extension.
Central Government support would also be needed to deliver the scheme which will enable over 20,000 homes and over 9,000 local jobs.
Driverless Tubes
Reference: 2024/3526
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024
You may recall that, as part of the extraordinary funding settlements provided to Transport for London (TfL) by the previous Government as a result of the pandemic, one of the conditions was to consider the feasibility and business case for driverless trains. Led by the Department for Transport, with TfL technical input, the work concluded that the introduction of driverless trains would cost billions of pounds on each line. Learning from other metros around the world, particularly Paris which provided input into the work, the most practicable way of conversion would be for it to coincide with the introduction of new rolling stock, signalling and platform edge doors at the same time as part of a line upgrade, This would be needed to justify the high costs. On that basis it was agreed the work shouldn’t be progressed any further.
In conclusion, the updates from the London Mayor's Question Time highlight significant efforts to enhance the city’s transport infrastructure, including the expansion of bus lanes, the introduction of electric buses, and the consideration of driverless trains. These improvements are not only set to boost the economy by creating jobs and supporting supply chains but also aim to reduce emissions and improve accessibility across the city. While funding challenges remain, strategic investments like the Bakerloo line extension are expected to deliver long-term economic and social benefits for London.
I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.
Further reading
Transport for London Reveals Costs for Branding the Superloop Express Bus Routes
TfL Answers Questions About The New London Underground 2024 Tube Stock For The Piccadilly Line
