Freedom of Information request - Removal of bus lanes in London
Request ID: FOI-2456-2122 Date published: 17 February 2022
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
How many miles (or kilometres) of bus lane have been removed from TfL travel zones in London since 2010? I presume planning permission is required so this figure must be available.
Also, how many bus routes have been shortened or abolished in part of in whole over the same period?
We answered
TfL Ref: 2456-2122
Thank you for your email received by us on 24 January 2022 asking for information about the removal of bus lanes in London since 2010 and changes to or withdrawal of bus routes over the same period.
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 that we hold some of the information you require.
You asked:
How many miles (or kilometres) of bus lane have been removed from TfL travel zones in London since 2010? I presume planning permission is required so this figure must be available.
Please see the attached spreadsheet showing the change in bus lane lengths in metres by local authority between October 2014 and September 2021. This is the closest data we hold in accordance with your request. As the statistics show, in the majority of boroughs the length of bus lanes has increased across London.
Also, how many bus routes have been shortened or abolished in part of in whole over the same period?
Please see the attached data providing the route, borough, date of implementation and description of bus services that have been withdrawn or curtailed since 2012, which is the closest information we hold. As mentioned in the descriptions given, many changes are part of a wider package of change whereby a route or sections of the route have been replaced by other services in the vicinity. Additionally, there are several changes to school routes due to the relocation of a school, for example.
This information is based on our historical records of changes that we consulted upon and subsequently undertook. Whilst temporary changes are not included in this data, it should also be noted that the bus network is under continuous review and change to service provision. . 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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
