TfL (Transport for London) is today launching a major consultation on proposals to make further improvements to the bus network in inner west London.

This consultation will ensure that the additional services meet the needs of the area

The changes take account of the western extension to the Congestion Charge zone, due to begin in 2007.

TfL proposes:

  • Increasing the frequency of 15 separate routes
    providing bigger buses on two routes
  • Extending or diverting seven routes to provide new, direct links for passengers
  • Introducing an entirely new north-south route through the extended charging area

The enhancements are in addition to ongoing improvements to bus services across the Capital, which include better accessibility, driver training, security, and reliability.

The changes made to bus services in support of the introduction of the original Congestion Charging zone successfully accommodated a shift from the car.

Beverley Hall, Head of Surface Transport Communications at TfL, said: "Bus services have improved dramatically over the past four years and passenger numbers continue to grow.

"The extension of the Congestion Charging scheme will bring further improvements to bus services in the area.

"This consultation with key stakeholders, including business representative groups and local residents' associations, will ensure that the additional services meet the needs of the area."

  • The consultation will end on 23 January
  • TfL is forecasting that the extension to the Congestion Charging zone, due to be introduced in February 2007, will lead to approximately 2,600-3,700 additional bus passengers travelling to the extended Congestion Charging zone during the busiest hour of the morning peak period from the south, west and north
  • The range reflects a spread of potential responses by drivers to the new charge
  • The proposals would result in extra capacity for 4,800 people during that hour
  • TfL is now providing the highest volume of bus services since 1957, and carrying the highest number of passengers since 1965
  • There are some six million passenger journeys made every weekday
  • The existing central London Congestion Charging zone has improved public transport
  • Buses are quicker and more reliable
  • Passengers spend less time waiting for buses that are held up in traffic
  • In its first two years Congestion Charging produced over £170m to invest in London's transport system
  • The consultation on the proposed changes to bus services runs until 23 January 2006
  • Changes to bus services that result would be introduced before the western extension begins to operate in February 2007