Request ID: FOI-2515-2122 Date published: 01 March 2022
You asked
F/O from 2210-2122
I would also like to enquire whether consideration was made with respect to the potential impact of closuring the Northern line between Moorgate and Kennington during Spring/Summer 2022?
I have noted anecdotally that during the weekly morning peak since Christmas, there is a far greater incidence of overcrowding and instances of buses passing full stops without stopping during my use of the 133 service.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2515-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3 February 2022 asking for information about bus route 133. 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 the information you require. You asked: I would also like to enquire whether consideration was made with respect to the potential impact of closuring the Northern line between Moorgate and Kennington during Spring/Summer 2022? I have noted anecdotally that during the weekly morning peak since Christmas, there is a far greater incidence of overcrowding and instances of buses passing full stops without stopping during my use of the 133 service.
We did consider the impacts of the Northern Line closure and we introduced route 733 to provide extra capacity between Oval and Moorgate. However there has been an uplift in demand on routes into the City that we are monitoring.
According to data from period 9 in 2021, capacity is well matched to demand, with very few instances of crowding and we have had no reports via Customer Services on the subject. Since the Bank Blockade started on 15 January there have been instances of crowding on the 133, as well as some other routes into the City, partly due to the closure of the Northern Line. Once the blockade is finished we will review capacity on these routes and ensure sufficient capacity is provided to match demand.
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
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
