The TfL bus station has received a makeover to improve facilities and its environmental credentials
The refurbished Cromwell Road bus station in Kingston, London, re-opened on Saturday 16 November following a transformation which included the addition of toilet facilities, CCTV and measures to improve the building’s efficiency. The work was started by Transport for London (TfL) last summer and now it is complete, users will also benefit from improved real-time travel information screens and enhanced LED lighting. A wider passenger island has been provided, as has a new PA system. There are also improved welfare facilities for bus drivers and staff, as well as a new retail unit.
TfL says the bus station has also been made more energy-efficient, with a new canopy over the waiting area, whilst the pavements have been resurfaced and drainage improved to prevent the increasing risk of flooding. TfL says the changes to the bus station are part of its Bus Action Plan to make the city’s bus network better, improve the customer experience and safety, and enable more people to use sustainable modes of transport.
The station will serve a total of 32 bus routes, including Superloop service SL7, several night buses and a school and university bus.
London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said: “When the Mayor was elected for a third term he committed to strengthening public transport options in outer London to help build a better and fairer city for all Londoners. The transformation of Kingston bus station will be a game changer, with improved customer waiting areas, a toilet and new safety features to improve the customer experience and help people feel more confident when travelling by public transport.”
TfL’s Director of Buses Lorna Murphy added: “We’re determined to make it even easier to use public transport in the capital and our work to transform Cromwell Road bus station has been a key part of our plans to strengthen the network in Kingston. The new bus station has been designed with customers in mind and we hope customers will be able to take advantage of the new and improved station and encourage more people to use local bus services. We thank the local community for their patience during the works and hope they enjoy their new station.”
Councillor Nicola Nardelli, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways at Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, said: “We are delighted to see the opening of our new state-of-the-art bus station in Kingston. Cromwell Road is a key piece of infrastructure in our transport network and the new bus station will make journeys easier, safer, more comfortable and more attractive for travellers.
“Buses remain the most affordable, accessible, and available form of public transport in Kingston, providing vital mobility for our residents and enhancing our connections across London. We are especially delighted that it delivers on so many of the priorities important to our borough, with leading sustainable design that incorporates safety, accessibility, energy efficiency and flood prevention during heavy rain.”
