23 central London bus routes are to be re-routed as part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s efforts to cut congestion and boost air quality in and around Oxford Street.
The changes, which follow a public consultation, affect routes 3, 6, 8, 15, 22, 23, 25, 46, 73, 137, 172, 242, 332, 390, 425, 452, C2, N2, N3, N8, N15, N22 and N73.
Transport for London says buses will be redirected away from the capital’s busiest shopping street, with the termini for some routes relocated to Park Lane, Trafalgar Square and Tottenham Court Road. Some other routes will be extended to maintain connections.
City Hall and TfL claim the changes will better align services with demand which is falling as people increasingly opt to walk and cycle around the West End.
The changes will start to be rolled out from this summer and once completed will reduce the number of buses running on Oxford Street by 40 per cent.
Leon Daniels, Transport for London’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, said: “We welcome Transport for London’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.
“Ahead of the arrival of the Elizabeth line in 2018, which is expected to bring 60 million visits to the West End annually, it is essential that there is genuine traffic reduction to ensure the West End retains its position as a world class retail destination.”
