Agenda item

Verbal report from Mashud Muhammed (TfL)

a)    TfL Bus Review 2018

b)    Update on bus route matters

·         Routes 289 and 455 – impact of changes to services at Trafalgar Way and Drury Crescent

·         Route 367 - improving frequency and reliability in Shirley

·         Route 466 - overcrowding and bus stop locations at Coulsdon College/Oasis Academy Coulsdon

·         Route 166 – continuation of services to Epsom

·         Route X26 - Connectivity to Heathrow Airport

a) TfL Bus Review 2018

Muhammed Mashud (TfL) informed the panel that the review was still in the

process of being finalised.            

A member of the panel stated that buses 109, 157, 353, 367 had been reduced in frequency and no consultation was publicly announced.

The TfL representative replied, stating that it was not a legal requirement for TfL to do this but we will continue to work with the borough. He intended to enquire about these buses to find out the full details.

The panel was also informed that a shutdown schedule for the Easter period was being prioritised and closure of Cherry Orchard Road where buses cross over the tram tracks.

The proposal of a review which assesses transport improvement and shows whether public needs are being met was discussed. TfL’s representative agreed stating performance reviews needed to be continuous in order to be progressive. TfL were expanding their options of ways to mitigate the high demand for buses and educating students on different methods of travel was being implemented to further this. Previous consultations relating to buses could be found on the TfL webpage.

The Chair stated that the reallocation of resources were vital considering TfL was under financial pressure and Croydon is a rapidly growing borough, thorough consultation should be carried out.

Action: TfL update for June meeting  

b) Update on bus route matters

·         Routes 289 and 455 - Impact of changes to services at

Trafalgar Way and Drury Crescent

The panel heard that an FOI request was submitted by the Chair in October 2017 and this was chased in January for additional information. The removal of bus stops on these bus routes had resulted in many having to walk far distances to reach the nearest bus stop. The Chair had been informed by TfL that the walking distance limit for public transport stops was 400 metres. This was considered to be too far for those with mobility issues. It was not made clear by TfL what the rationale behind this limit was and the Chair had emailed TfL for a response. He stated that he would make a formal complaint if he did not hear back in the next 15 working days.

The TfL representative responded by stating the performance of bus 289 had improved by 5.4% and bus 455 by 7.5%.

The panel expressed the view that these figures needed to be converted into minutes in order for the panel to understand how frequency times had changed.

The Chair explained that TfL’s consultation highlighted the convenience of bus reliability rather than needs of the public. It was said that those with disabilities are at a disadvantage and may have to cross 6 lanes to reach where they are going. The Chair agreed with this and stated that the local councillors Community ward budget could be utilised to launch a legal challenge to TfL for not complying with the Equalities Act. If TfL did not reconsider its decision it was recommended that the bus routes 289 and 455 needed to go round the Drury Crescent loop when travelling northbound and continue down Purley Way when travelling southbound.

·         Route 367 - improving frequency and reliability in Shirley

Members of the panel were informed by a resident that bus route 367 service was not frequent. It arrived every 25 minutes and was usually late. Due to the infrequency of this bus when it did arrive some could not board because of so much overcrowding and had to wait for the next bus. It was said that people have had to wait up to 40 minutes before boarding.

This problem had been ongoing for years according to the resident and despite route 689 being introduced to relieve this, it was still an issue for school children. The panel heard that residents of Shirley were concerned and wanted this to be resolved.

The TfL representative stated that he had not received any formal complaints about this route but would present what was said to his team and investigate this situation.

·         Route 466 - overcrowding and bus stop locations at Coulsdon

College/Oasis Academy Coulsdon

Cllr Wright was supposed to speak to this item but was unable to attend due to falling ill.

The Panel was informed that two buses were being considered to stop on Coulsdon College grounds. TfL were also contacting schools to review performance of local bus services. The Chair asked that a survey be conducted by TfL to assess school overcrowding. The TfL representative explained that this would have to be supported by schools because they record student statistics.

·         Route 166 – continuation of services to Epsom

The panel was informed that this bus was now running through to Epsom Hospital. This was welcomed by the panel.

·         Route X26 - Connectivity to Heathrow Airport

Members of the panel were told that this Route was quite busy. Stopping the X26 close to Waddon Station was considered to be a viable option due to the Fiveways improvements that TfL was finalising which will shorten journey times in this location. A member of the panel noted that there was little to support that this would improve the service.

The TfL representative stated that there was no business case to suggest that this would improve the service, this was raised before.

Members of the panel NOTED these updates.