Transport for London (TfL) should deliver a “compelling programme” to make bus services better that is implemented at pace, London TravelWatch (LTW) has said.
The transport user watchdog has used a report, The next stop: Making London’s buses better, to outline what it wants from TfL around the mode based on passenger research. That centres on a strengthening of TfL’s Bus Action Plan and the setting out what LTW says is a “comprehensive package of measures to make bus services better.”
A core part of that wish list is improvement to bus journey times via priority measures and better coordination of roadworks. Further expansion of the Superloop express network is also sought.
Passenger information and communications are part of LTW’s call via an increase in the number of real-time stop displays, better information on buses (particularly during disruption), and more tailored communication with service users.
Improvement to the overall bus experience captures a hoped-for delivery of better stops, signage and cleaning, and protection of bus users in the capital from fare increases. LTW also want better collaboration between TfL and London boroughs, and for promotion of innovation by TfL to continue.
LTW says that if TfL is to meet its target that 80% of all trips in London will be made by foot, cycle or public transport by 2041, bus patronage there will need to rise significantly.
The watchdog has highlighted declining bus average speeds as a problem. Services in every borough were slower in 2023/24 than 10 years previously, although its data shows that the extent of that decline varies significantly. In the City of London it was less than 1%, whereas in Merton it was 10%.
Despite the challenges that face bus services in the capital, LTW says that significant opportunity exists to boost provision and ridership.
It believes that there is “a strong potential demand for buses, provided they can offer the service people want and need.” The research has shown that two-thirds of bus passengers in London are satisfied, although significant dissatisfaction with journey times, provision of information and the onboard experience was found.
London TravelWatch Chief Executive Michael Roberts says that the research on bus “offers a tantalising glimpse of what might be possible if services can be improved.”
Full report here.
