FAQs
What’s happened to the plan for a ‘bus transit’ system? Is this it?
The bus transit concept means bringing together a package of complementary improvements along a corridor to the bus priority, the bus stops, and delivering an express or limited-stop service, so that all of these changes working together add up to a step change in service for bus passengers. TfL has already brought forward and consulted on the plans for a limited-stop service along the corridor, which will commence in 2026 as Superloop route SL11. This consultation focusses on the highway changes to complement the new bus service, to ensure that bus services remain reliable, and that the bus stops are upgraded and improved to improve accessibility, capacity and quality for passengers.
The proposals include bus stop by-pass facilities. Is this safe?
Where potential cycle routes run along bus routes, TfL reviews all the route options including parallel streets without buses travelling on them. Where bus routes and cycle routes need to co-exist, bus stop bypasses are an integral feature of protected cycle networks.
We have published our Bus Stop Bypass review report which concluded that there is a very low risk of a pedestrian being injured by someone cycling at a bus stop bypass in London. Cycle routes are planned strategically across London, taking into consideration factors such as proximity to schools and workplaces. We use various criteria, including volume and speed of motor traffic on streets, to decide whether protected cycle routes (e.g. segregated tracks) are needed.
We introduce protected cycle routes, which may include bus stop bypasses because research shows that when we provide kerb-separated cycle tracks it reduces casualties. Making cycling safer and more comfortable is shown to broad the demographic of cyclists to include more women, children and elderly people, as well as those with disabilities who find cycling improves their mobility. These groups are currently under-represented among London cyclists, and they have a stronger preference for protection from motor traffic.
Would you replace the bus shelters?
We would review the bus shelters along the route involved, and replacing or upgrading shelters where appropriate.
Would Countdown information be provided at the bus stops?
It’s our aspiration to provide real time bus information at bus stops along this corridor. The technology available to deliver this continues to evolve. Should this project go ahead we would assess the feasibility of all the options available at that time with our customer information colleagues to identify the most appropriate solution for the relevant bus stops.
How would this be funded?
Funding has been allocated by Homes England and TfL, but the project will only go ahead once more is known about public opinion, the outcome of the planning process, and the outcome of the detailed surveys and design work which will establish the costs more accurately. At this point we are seeking the public’s views before concrete decisions are made.
When would these changes take place if they go ahead?
The earliest these proposals could be completed would be 2029, but that is dependent on the outcome of the consultation, the design process, and funding.
