Our Ref:         FOI-0465-2021

Thank you for your request received on 23 June 2020 asking for information about changes to buses.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require.

We continue to keep the bus network under review and any proposals for permanent changes to routes will be subject to usual consultation, including on the consultations area on our website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/.

However we have not consulted recently on any permanent changes to routes. We also report on the outcome of previous consultation on the above webpage.

From time to time we do make temporary changes to routes, mainly due to roadworks, and these are advertised locally and on our website (https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/bus-changes?intcmp=47904). These changes normally only last for a few weeks.

We are not able to confirm plans for vehicle use on specific bus routes until the contracting process is concluded.

The most recent changes were brought in to deter the use of public transport for all but essential travel during the lockdown, rather than in order to convert other services to New Routemasters.

These recent changes have seen bus trips reduce to around 15-20 per cent of normal levels. While keeping numbers of trips at this low level, we have been able to maintain relatively high capacity on the bus network to assist with social distancing and to provide a service for key workers and those making essential journeys.

Our approach to the regular retendering of bus routes remains the same as it was prior to the pandemic.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please feel free to contact me.

Please note, the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus. It is essential for London, that we continue to provide a safe transport network for essential journeys.
 
In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.
 
Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]