TfL Ref: FOI-0126-2122 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 19 April 2021, asking about proposals and plans for public transport via Silvertown Tunnel. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm TfL does hold the information you require. One of the principal objectives of the Silvertown Tunnel scheme is to provide improved cross-river transport links in east and south-east London. The tunnel will include dedicated lanes for buses and large vehicles in both directions, and the scheme presents an opportunity to make a step-change to the cross-river bus network in this part of London. As part of TfL’s application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the scheme a number of options for changing the bus network were considered. These included a scenario of 37.5 buses per hour per direction running through both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels during peak times (known as the Assessed Case), and two scenarios of 20 buses per hour. Details of these scenarios can be found here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/TR010021/TR010021-001547-TfL%208.103%20Buses%20Minimum%20Opening%20Year%20Scenario%20Analysis.pdf Under the DCO that was granted in May 2018 (Silvertown Tunnel Order 2018) TfL is required to operate a minimum of 20 buses per hour through the tunnels during peak times (Requirement 14). Work has commenced to plan the optimal future bus network and this will be done in accordance with the Silvertown Tunnel Bus Strategy which is available here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/TR010021/TR010021-001724-8.82%20Bus%20Strategy%20R2_%20.pdf In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere. Options for providing cross-river crossing facilities for cyclists are also being considered (in accordance with Requirement 15 of the DCO). No bus trials have yet been undertaken in connection with the scheme. The existing height restriction at the Blackwall Tunnel means it can only be used by single-deck buses, and the height and width restrictions at the Rotherhithe Tunnel mean that it cannot be used by buses. The existing 108 bus service that operates through the Blackwall Tunnel is subject to regular review, in common with the rest of London’s bus network and in accordance with TfL’s statutory duties. I have also attached an earlier report which sets out our initial thinking on changes to the bus network, dated 2014. However this report has been superseded by the 2017 reports and the information on costs and benefits is now out of date. If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. Yours sincerely Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London