Consultation deadline extended as opposition grows to central London ser vice cuts
Opposition is growing to Transport for London’s proposed cuts to central and inner London bus routes (Look in on London last month). These will see 16 daytime routes withdrawn and over 40 others changed in some way. The consultation has been extended to August 7. Some of the supporting documentation, which was initially confusing to any readers, has been clarified.
In a tersely worded letter to the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, has asserted that the proposed cuts are not necessary and would not save much money.
Residents of Cricklewood have complained that the proposals, which will see route 16 (Victoria – Cricklewood) withdrawn and the 189 (Brent Cross – Marble Arch) altered to run between Brent Cross and Camden Town will deprive them of direct bus links to central London.
Other changes will see route 56 (Whipps Cross – St Bartholomew’s Hospital) diverted to Blackfriars and the 53 (Plumstead – Lambeth North) curtailed at Elephant & Castle. Both will reduce access to hospitals. Route 388 (Stratford City – London Bridge), which must hold the title of most altered London bus route, will be extended to Peckham as a partial replacement for route 78 (Shoreditch – Nunhead) which is to be withdrawn.
