Bus services in central and inner London have been handed a lifeline, through extra funding from the Mayor of London. Due to the government’s Covid-19 funding deal, Transport for London were required to make savings equivalent to four per cent off the bus network.
In order to try and ensure that the services on offer to the people on London weren’t harmed too badly, and to provide the level of service that was required by the many people who live and work in the city, a consultation was organised, allowing the opinion of the public to be heard.
The response to the consultation saw more than 21,500 people give their feedback on the matter, helping TfL to work the changes that they must make around the needs of the people, saving the buses thar the people were the most concerned about losing.
Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said;
“It is great news that the Mayor of London and TfL have listened to the case we have been making to them. We’ve been able to secure a significant number off the main bus routes serving Westminster.
“Buses are a vital lifeline for so many of the people who live and work here – whether getting to the office, hospital, or other appointments, they make our lives work. We urged local people to make their views known during the consultation and it’s clear that our collective voice has been clearly heard – so a big thanks to everyone who got involved.”
The consultation also led to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, taking matters into his own hands. Funding averaging around £25 million per year has been identified, as well as a £500 million City Hall financing facility that will be required to ensure that TfL are able to balance their budgets.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“I was furious on behalf of Londoners that TfL was having to consider reducing the bus network due to conditions attached by the Government to the funding deal. The strength of feeling across the capital was clear to me, and I was adamant that I would explore every avenue available to me to save as many buses as possible.
“This will mean tough decisions elsewhere, but I am very pleased that the vast majority of bus routes proposed to be cut due to the Government’s funding conditions can now be saved. TfL has looked carefully at the small amount of routes still affected in order to reduce the impact on passengers as much as possible.
“Buses have a vital role to play in a sustainable and growing London. We have been able to protect investment in our zero emissions bus fleet, ensuring we are supporting the capital’s economic recovery and encouraging people to make environmentally friendly travel choices.”
