Conversion from single-deck to double-deck buses plus increased service frequency will increase weekday capacity by about 90%
"We are always looking at ways to improve London's bus network, so that we can continue to offer the best possible service to our customers"
John Barry
Transport for London's Head of Network Development for Buses

A package of capacity and frequency increases on bus route 173 will deliver a significant service upgrade for passengers from this Saturday (17 October 2015).

Route 173, operated by Arriva, runs from Beckton Bus Station to King George Hospital via Beacontree Heath..

From Saturday the route's 55 capacity, single-deck buses will be replaced by double-deck buses that can carry 87 passengers.

Improved service

The conversion to double-deck buses will be further enhanced by increases in service frequency:

  • Monday to Saturday daytime frequencies will be increased to a bus every 10 minutes (previously every 12 minutes)
  • Sunday daytime frequencies will be increased to a bus every 15 minutes (previously every 20 minutes)
  • Monday to Sunday evening frequencies will be increased to a bus every 15 minutes (previously every 20 minutes)
  • Services to King George Hospital will start earlier Monday to Saturday improving access to hospital.

The conversion to double-deck buses and the improved service frequencies will increase capacity by about 90% from Mondays to Saturdays and more than doubles capacity on Sundays.

Growing demand

John Barry, Transport for London's Head of Network Development for Buses, said: 'We are always looking at ways to improve London's bus network, so that we can continue to offer the best possible service to our customers.

'The number of passengers using route 173 on weekdays has grown rapidly since 2009. Converting this route to higher capacity double-deck buses and increasing service frequencies means that we are able to meet this growing demand, and be prepared for the future regeneration of the Royal Docks in Newham. It will also improve access to healthcare services and the forthcoming Crossrail.'

2.4 billion passengers

 

This service change is part of TfL's management and development of a network that comprises of around 700 routes across Greater London, operated by 7,900 buses at peak times, carrying around 2.4 billion passengers every year.

TfL keeps the network under regular review, working with the London boroughs and other partners to help ensure that services can respond to London's changing travel needs.

 

Notes to Editors

  • Since TfL was formed in 2000 it has invested strongly in London's bus network - resulting in a 69% increase in passenger numbers. Half of all bus journeys in England are made on the TfL network
  • In recognition of the continued need to invest in bus services - with a increase in demand from the city's rapidly growing population - TfL's latest Business Plan has dedicated around £500m to improve the network over the period from 2015/16 to 2020/21. This will include funding for over 500 extra buses, which will create capacity for an extra 2.9 million customer journeys each week
  • There is also an additional £200m which will be invested in supporting the reliability of the bus network at a local level with bus priority schemes. A further £25m will be used to fund customer-focused bus driver training to improve customer service
  • Between 2009 and 2014, passenger numbers on bus route 173 increased by the following:
  1. Monday to Friday - 18%
  2. Saturdays - 23%
  3. Sundays - 28%