Please can you tell us how bus operators can instruct a bus to hold the bus for more than two minutes? Legislation states: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3113/schedule/19/part/I/made Buses not to exceed over 2 minutes. So what law gives bus operators to hold buses for over 2 minutes?

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TfL Ref: FOI-1997-1819

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 31 October 2018 asking for information about holding of buses on the carriageway.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

Bus operators can instruct drivers to lose time to improve the regular intervals at which buses arrive at stops but this does not require them to hold a vehicle in one location for more than two minutes. Buses can lose time at stops without dwelling there for that length of time, spend more time at signals and junctions, and drive more slowly between stops for instance to avoid catching up a bus in front. These practices together help avoid customers having to wait excessively for their next service to attend. Operators are in communication with drivers to moderate services this way. If you are aware of different practices being followed on a clearway and can provide details, we can follow these up.

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.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Sara Thomas

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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