Transport for London (TfL) will work with the boroughs of Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark to improve bus speeds by “up to 30%” using funding that has been awarded via the Better Bus Partnerships programme.
Each of those boroughs will receive up to £10 million from TfL over an expected four-year period, with that money to be released in stages based on the progress of each partnership.
Such approaches will seek the 30% acceleration of journey times that TfL says will make buses more attractive, increase ridership, and position the mode as a preferred alternative to car travel in the boroughs concerned.
Investment proposals include:
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- New bus priority measures
- Better management of roadworks
- Bus stop improvements to benefit the waiting environment
- Street improvements to make it easier and safer to walk to stops and stations.
The decision by TfL to award Better Bus Partnerships funding to Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark follows a competitive tendering exercise that was open to all 32 boroughs. It commenced in July 2024 with an allocation of £30 million. Expressions of Interest were made by 18 boroughs; eight were shortlisted, including one tri-borough bid.
TfL notes how boroughs are responsible for around 95% of the capital’s streets and play a key role in ensuring that the capital’s bus services are easy to use with attractive journey times.
Bus speeds in London have come under the microscope in recent years. TfL says it will now work with the three boroughs on design and planning of the measures through 2026, with delivery expected to start in 2027.
Lewisham Council Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Transport and Environment Cllr Louise Krupski describes the Better Bus Partnerships funding from TfL as “a gamechanger,”
She adds: “It will allow us to improve bus priority on key routes and make changing between buses and other transport easier.” Lewisham Council will focus on two “vital corridors,” one of which is north-south and the other east-west.
“We are upgrading bus stops, connecting better with stations, and also improving walking and cycling routes where we need to make them safer and more pleasant while reducing delays on roads.”
TfL Director of Buses Lorna Miller has thanked those boroughs that made bids to the Better Bus Partnerships scheme.
“It is encouraging to see boroughs putting bus services at the heart of their communities to support sustainable transport for all and a safer, cleaner, greener London,” she says.
“I am delighted that we can work together with London boroughs to invest in bus priority and bus infrastructure. We now look forward to working closely with Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark over the coming years to deliver their bus schemes as part of the Better Bus Partnerships programme.”
