TfL Publishes Consultation Outcome For Central London Bus Review With The Majority Of Routes Retained, But Some Restructured!

This is a follow-up to my previous article back in June 2022 regarding TfL’s proposal on reshaping Central London bus routes.

From TfL press release

Substantial cuts to the central and inner London bus network were proposed due to the government's Covid funding deal 

Additional funding provided by the Mayor has allowed Transport for London (TfL) to reassess its proposals for the bus network and cancel the changes Londoners were most concerned about.

The pandemic's effect on TfL's finances meant that it had to rely on a series of short-term government funding deals, which had a series of conditions and requirements. The government required TfL to make savings equivalent to four per cent of the bus network, and the package of changes were proposed to help achieve this.

Improvement work begins for Ashford International platforms to increase international services

Network Rail has announced work to improve Ashford International to enable more international services to serve the station.

From Network Rail

Work has begun to prepare Ashford International’s high-speed platforms for new international trains, including e320 Eurostar trains, which will safeguard direct high-speed international services from Ashford.

TfL consultation on re-routing route 96 via the Fastrack busway

TfL is proposing a change on route 96 to reroute the section between Dartford and Bluewater to serve Darent Valley Hospital and to use the Fastrack busways to reduce journey times.

From TfL consultations

We’ve been working with Kent County Council to improve bus services to Darent Valley Hospital, whilst also improving the journey time and reliability of route 96. We are now proposing improvements to route 96 between Dartford and Bluewater shopping centre, and would welcome any comments you may have on the proposals.

Bus service maps of London and the Home Counties

Since there are loads of cross boundary bus services bordering the Greater London area, many of those cross boundary routes are part of London Buses.

The North West, North East, South East and South West London bus maps also show cross boundary services. The routes that are in green are not part of the London Buses network and so different fares apply.

Fastrack: Kent Thameside’s bus rapid transit

Fastrack is a bus rapid transit scheme in the Thames Gateway area of Kent which consists of two routes. It was first founded on 26th March 2006.

Their routes are as follows:

·         Route A serves Bluewater, Greenhithe, Temple Hill and Dartford

·         Route B serves Gravesend, Ebbsfleet International Railway station, Swanscombe, Ingress Park, Greenhithe, Bluewater, Dartford and Temple Hill

Both of these services are operated by Arriva Kent Thameside on behalf of Kent County Council.