Bus priority programme

We're working with London's boroughs to create new and improved bus priority on their roads to support these improvements.

Why we're doing the work

Key to our plans for a faster, more reliable and efficient bus network is to make journey times 10% quicker than in 2015. Find out more about the Bus Action Plan on the Mayor's Transport Strategy page.

Improving bus journey times benefits existing customers, attracts new ones, and generates operating savings that can be reinvested to provide better connections, vehicles, stops and shelters.

Changes in bus speeds have a direct influence over ridership, with research showing that a 1% improvement in bus journey times leads to a 0.6% increase in demand.

Bus priority programme

Other plans that make up our bus priority programme range from adding more continuous bus lanes to upgrading traffic signals to prioritise buses.

What we're planning

We're aiming to create 10km of new bus lane on London's road network by spring 2024. Our scheme maps include road layout changes and changes to existing kerbside provision.

Loading bays and disability parking will not be affected as part of these schemes, which include:

A23 Brighton Road, Croydon - works now complete

A new bus lane will be introduced on sections of the northbound carriageway:

  • Outside number 72 Brighton Road to the junction with Purley Rise
  • From the junction with Purley Rise up to the existing bus lane

A new southbound bus lane will be introduced:

  • From outside number 83 Brighton Road (opposite Screwfix) to outside Reedham station car park

Other changes include:

  • Bus routes that would benefit from improved journey times routes include 60, 166, 405, 455, 466, N68
  • The existing parking bay next to the entrance to Grovesland Road will be removed and replaced with double red lines

Bromley Road, Lewisham - works now complete

A new bus lane will be introduced on sections of the northbound carriageway:

  • From the junction with Bellingham Road to just before the junction with Crantock Road
  • After Newquay Road Bus Stop BC (outside Bromley Road retail park) to the junction with Aitken Road
  • From the junction with Aitken Road to the junction with Charlsey Road
  • From the junction with Charlsey Road to the junction with Barmeston Road
  • From the junction with Barmeston Road up to the junction with Canadian Avenue
  • Just after the junction with Canadian Avenue to outside 70 Bromley Road, where it will connect with the existing bus lane

A new bus lane will also be introduced on sections of the southbound carriageway:

  • Outside number 39 Bromley Road to the junction of Penerly Road.  
  • From the junction with Penerly Road to the junction with Bargery Road.  
  • Just after the junction with Crantock Road to Bellingham Road Bus stop BQ

Other changes include:

  • Bus routes that would benefit from improved journey times include 136, 171, 199, 208, 320, 47, 54, 660, N136, N199 and 181
  • Existing parking bays removed and replaced with double red lines 

A201 New Kent Road - works now complete

A new bus lane will be introduced on sections of the eastbound carriageway from the intersection with Elephant Road until the intersection with Harper Road. There will also be a number of other changes, including:

  • Relocated cycle stands and taxi bay on the eastbound carriageway, to the west of the intersection with Elephant Road
  • Some changed restrictions from single red to double red lines (no stopping at any time)
  • The island to the east of the intersection with Falmouth Road will be extended
  • Footway opposite the intersection with Rodney Place will be reworked to prevent a bus or other large vehicles colliding with trees

Stamford Hill, Hackney/Haringey - works now complete

A new bus lane will be introduced on sections of the northbound carriageway:

  • Just before the junction with Colberg Place to the junction with Linthorpe Road
  • From the junction with Linthorpe Road to the junction with Northfield Road
  • From the junction with Northfield Road to the junction with A107 Amhurst Park
  • Just after the junction with Lewis Gardens to the junction with Hillside Road
  • From the junction with Hillside Road to outside St Ignatius Catholic Church

A new bus lane will be introduced on sections of the southbound carriageway:

  • Just after the junction with Norfolk Avenue to Craven Park Road
  • From the junction with Craven Park Road to the junction with Olinda Road

Woodford Avenue, Redbridge - works now complete

A new bus lane will be introduced on sections of the northbound carriageway:

  • Just after the junction with Brantwood Gardens to Keswick Gardens
  • From the junction of Keswick Gardens to the junction with Lodge Hill
  • From the junction with Lodge Hill to the junction with Beacon Academy
  • After the junction with Beacon Academy to just before the junction with Clayhall Avenue

A new bus lane will also be introduced on sections of the southbound carriageway:

  • After Claybury Broadway Bus Stop (WB) to the junction with Herent Drive
  • From the junction with Herent Drive to the junction with Lord Avenue
  • From the junction with Lord Avenue to just before the junction with Longwood Gardens roundabout

Other changes include:

  • Bus routes that would benefit from improved journey times include 123, 679 and 179
  • The proposed Superloop route between Walthamstow Central and the Royal Docks could also benefit

Other bus improvement plans

Buses are critical to meeting the Mayor's sustainable transport, safety and environmental targets. They have a huge role to play in reducing congestion and making sustainable travel more attractive to everyone.

Our other plans for improving bus services include:

  • The Superloop, a new express bus network in outer London
  • New zero-emission buses
  • Improved customer information including new real-time information signs at bus stops

Find out more about how we're improving buses.

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