A crisis on London's roads is threatening the city's public transport system, with bus speeds at an all-time low and passenger numbers declining. But here's where it gets controversial: some argue that slower bus services are to blame for the drop in ridership.
According to the London Assembly, bus speeds have plummeted to an average of 9.17mph in the past year, down from 10.27mph four years ago. This slowdown has coincided with a fall in passenger numbers, which dropped for the first time since the pandemic, from 1.869 billion journeys to 1.842 billion.
Transport for London (TfL) acknowledges the issue and has proposed a Bus Action Plan to address it. The plan includes the addition of new bus lanes, prioritization of buses at traffic signals, and extending the hours of operation for existing lanes. However, the assembly's transport committee believes these measures may not be enough to reverse the trend.
Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach London, paints a dire picture, stating that conditions have worsened to the point where even experienced bus operators are finding it challenging. He attributes the decline in bus attractiveness and reliability to the slower services and endless traffic congestion.
Michael Roberts, chief executive of London TravelWatch, adds that slower journey times lead to reduced patronage and, consequently, reduced income for TfL. He emphasizes the impact of slower speeds on operating costs, stating that more buses are needed to maintain the same level of service.
London TravelWatch estimates that achieving the mayor's goal of 80% of trips made by walking, cycling, or public transport by 2041 would require a 40% increase in bus journeys. TfL analysis suggests daily trips must grow from 5.1 million to 9 million.
The situation varies across London's boroughs, with some experiencing significantly slower services than others. The City of London, Camden, and Westminster have average speeds under 7mph, while Bexley, Hillingdon, and Havering record average speeds above 11mph.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of declining bus use on London as a whole. Michael Roberts highlights that buses are an effective use of road space, and their declining use is bad for the city. He notes that for every 10% reduction in journey speeds, there's a 6% reduction in demand.
So, what's the solution? How can London improve its bus services and encourage more people to use public transport? These are questions that need answering, and we want to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with the proposed measures, or do you have alternative ideas? Let us know in the comments!
