Proposals to radically cut the number of buses using Oxford Street have been unveiled by Transport for London today.
The capital’s transport agency is consulting on changes to 23 central London bus routes which it says would “better match” services with passenger behaviour, including shifts from buses to the Tube.
Reducing the number of routes using Oxford Street could help improve air quality while boosting safety on the street and cutting congestion.
TfL has stressed that total bus mileage would be maintained under the plans which it says are focused on adjusting services to reflect usage and are not aimed at cutting services or reducing the overall number of bus miles served.
According to the agency, demand for buses outside central London has increased far more than in zone one where people are often choosing to use the Tube instead.
This shift away from buses is likely to increase with the start of Night Tube services and the opening of the Elizabeth line in 2018.
Gareth Powell, TfL’s Director of Strategy and Contracted Services, said: “These proposals respond to the changing way people travel across central London and will do in the future.
“When the Elizabeth line services begin many more people will choose rail rather than road to get to and through the West End.
“By making these changes to bus services we can provide the right level of service and in the process we can make Oxford Street a safer and healthier place.”
Image: Songquan Deng / Shutterstock.com
