Request ID: FOI-3376-2324 Date published: 03 January 2024
You asked
Driver curtailed the route short and terminated at Downe Road with no prior announcement or notification - just setting the iBus “this bus terminates here announcement” upon arrival, and then proceeding to stand at the bus stop. Since the route was taken over by Abellio these curtailments have become more and more common, and every time no notification is given that the bus will be curtailed short.Please can you confirm the actions you will take as a result of this, and furthermore pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA 2000) please provide me with;1) any and all policy documents and operational guidance given to drivers and operators as to the actions necessary in instances where bus routes are curtailed short, or where destinations are changed mid-journey2) the latest list of approved curtailment points and stands for the route 2703) Approved bus stands in the Mitcham Town Centre area, and any restrictions imposed upon themI expect the necessary responses and disclosures to be provided in accordance with the requirements set out in the FOIA 2000.Best wishes
We answered
TfL Ref: 3376-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 December 2023 asking for information about curtailments to bus services.
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 for:
any and all policy documents and operational guidance given to drivers and operators as to the actions necessary in instances where bus routes are curtailed short, or where destinations are changed mid-journey
The causes of curtailments can vary, with factors such as road traffic accidents, roadworks, driver sickness and traffic congestion meaning curtailment is required to help regulate a service. The Big Red Book, issued to all bus drivers, provides guidance on what drivers should do if their bus is curtailed and is available via the disabled group’s Transport for all website here: https://www.transportforall.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pub19006thebigredbookupdate2019aw.pdf
Additionally, the introduction of the Hopper fare allows customers who have used a card for a single journey, to make two or more bus journeys within the space of an hour from the first validation on the bus card reader. Anyone using a One Day ticket (or longer) or a pass can also make unlimited journeys during the validity of their ticket/pass.
the latest list of approved curtailment points and stands for the route 2703) Approved bus stands in the Mitcham Town Centre area, and any restrictions imposed upon them I expect the necessary responses and disclosures to be provided in accordance with the requirements set out in the FOIA 2000.Best
Please find attached a copy of the route record for the number 270 bus; these are the contractually agreed locations which can be used for curtailments.
We can also advise that this route has been impacted by the Putney Bridge works and more recently traffic issues in the Putney area that have led to the service being pulled back to protect the core of the route. In the meantime, we work with operators to regularly review the services provided.
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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
