Transport for London (TfL) is making a number of changes to the bus network in central London, including a 40% reduction in the number of buses on Oxford Street.
The changes to 23 routes in central London follow a wide-ranging consultation and TfL claims it will ensure services are more closely matched to changing demand.
It said that bus demand on Oxford Street is shifting, as people choose different travel options, including cycling and walking. With the opening of the Elizabeth Line in late 2018, how people travel across central London will further change.
Buses will be re-routed away from Oxford Street, moving the termini for some routes to Park Lane, Trafalgar Square and Tottenham Court Road, while extending other routes to maintain connections. TfL will begin to implement the changes in the summer.
Once all of the changes are in place, there will be 40% fewer buses running on Oxford Street.
Leon Daniels, TfL’s Director of Surface Transport, said: “As our city changes around us, we need to ensure the bus network changes too.
“Making sure we have the right level of buses in central London is key to keeping our city moving.”
Jace Tyrrell, CEO of New West End Company, commented: “We welcome TfL’s proposal to reduce the number of buses across the West End, which will greatly help reduce congestion and improve air quality in London’s retail heartland.”
