Bus frequency reductions in Central and Inner London
Request ID: FOI-1920-2122 Date published: 03 December 2021
You asked
I am requesting information relating to frequency reductions since the beginning of 2021. Furthermore, I request information detailing the reductions in peak vehicle requirement, which is not shown on the Upcoming Changes section of the TfL website. Also, the information only shows frequency reductions due to happen in the next month or so, whereas I am asking for it to include scheduled frequency cuts extending into 2022.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1920-2122
Thank you for your follow up request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 19 November 2021.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.
We keep the bus network under continuous review to ensure our services reflect changing demand and deliver value for money.
In central and inner London, increased rail capacity and improved active travel options have continued to change the way people travel. Demand on many routes was declining prior to the coronavirus pandemic, and while the long-term impacts remain unclear, ridership is not expected to fully return to pre-pandemic levels in the near future. Making some frequency changes at certain times to reflect projected usage will help rebuild our financial sustainability by reducing operating costs – ensuring we can continue to invest in the services that customers rely on. Londoners continue to experience an accessible, regular and reliable service.
As with all our service levels, we keep all frequency changes under close review. The flexible nature of the bus network means we can make adaptations at relatively short notice to reflect changing demand where required.
You asked:
I am requesting information relating to frequency reductions since the beginning of 2021.
Please find the attached list of changes. It only goes back as far as July 2021, we don’t hold anything before then.
Furthermore, I request information detailing the reductions in peak vehicle requirement, which is not shown on the Upcoming Changes section of the TfL website. Also, the information only shows frequency reductions due to happen in the next month or so, whereas I am asking for it to include scheduled frequency cuts extending into 2022.
In respect of future changes, it’s not information we hold since Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) is not confirmed until the final schedule comes in from the bus operator. However, we publish live schedules from which PVR can be derived. Please see our website at https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/live-bus-arrivals#on-this-page-0.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any 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
