Our Ref: FOI-4678-1718

Thank you for your request received on 22 February 2018 asking for information about the proposals to the X26 bus route.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You asked:

Please supply figures to support the absence of planning to increase the frequency of service X26.

We endeavour to make our bus routes as reliable for customers as possible, and monitor usage data to ensure that capacity continues to meet demand.

Our area planning team reviewed the X26 route in February 2016 in advance of a new contract which began in April 2017. Our data showed that the busiest point in the morning peak was at Sutton, Carshalton Road, travelling towards West Croydon. At this location, the average loads were 50-55 passengers per bus. The busiest point in the afternoon peak was at Kingston, Cromwell Road, also travelling towards West Croydon. At this location, the average loads were also 50-55 passengers per bus. This review concluded that converting the route from single-deck to double-deck operation was the most effective means of ensuring the route continued to have sufficient capacity.

Prior to the start of the new contract in April 2017, with the route using 70-capacity single-deck buses, there were occasional instances of crowding on buses during peak times. This was mainly connected with longer than scheduled gaps in the service. Since April 2017, the introduction of 87-capacity double-deck buses should have relieved most instances of crowding and our latest ridership data supports this.

We always seek to use all resources across our entire transport network in the best way possible and we have no current plans to add any further capacity on this route; however, we will keep your feedback in mind for future planning.

If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me. Please note that the rest of your query will be responded to by our Customer Services team.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]