Deadline Looms to Comment on Putney Bus Cuts

TfL’s package of service reductions includes loss of routes 14 and 74

Protest again bus cuts in Putney

The deadline to make a comment on Transport for London’s (TfL) Central London Bus Review consultation is this weekend.

Reduced funding from the government has meant that a package of service reductions across London is being undertaken and, if you have a view on the proposals, you need to submit them by Sunday 7 August.

Hundreds of local people, campaigners and local bus drivers have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the proposed cuts to the 14 and 74 bus routes. People from the Putney area also joined a protest at Waterloo this Wednesday.

If the cuts proceed, they are likely to result in significant job losses at Putney Bus Garage.

Local bus driver Joanne Harris, who is campaigning to stop the closures, said, “We need as many people from Putney and Fulham as possible to get on board with this, get on to the consultation and have your say. It’s not good enough: we need our buses.

“Losing the buses could leave the whole area of Putney and Fulham in disarray. There will be far fewer buses to choose and without those buses, how are disabled and elderly people going to get around?”

Fleur Anderson MP for Putney said, “These bus routes are well used and essential, and there is huge opposition to these cuts which will halve the number of buses out of Putney Bus Garage. There is strong support for our second protest on Wednesday 27th July at 11am, outside the Green Man Pub in Putney. Encourage everyone to have their say in the TfL consultation, which will close on 7th August.

“Cutting the 14 and 74 routes won’t just mean fewer buses, but also more over-crowded buses and much longer journeys with several changes. TfL need to listen to what bus users are saying and keep the bus routes. I have met with local bus drivers in Parliament and at Putney Bus Garage to discuss these proposals, and they have concerns about residents with disabilities and the safety of those travelling at night if buses are cut. So many people have told me about the real problems that they will have getting to work, hospital appointments and visiting friends.”

"These services are crucial for our most vulnerable residents. Travelling by bus is cheaper and given the steep stairs at East Putney and Putney Bridge tube stations, it is often the only option for residents with access needs or mobility difficulties. Given the climate crisis, pollution on our High Street and cost of living crisis, now is the worst possible time to be reducing our bus services. "

London TravelWatch, the official watchdog representing the interests of London transport users, is calling on proposed reductions in night bus services to be scrapped including those affecting Putney. It says TfL’s proposals would involve one in five night bus passengers having to change buses in the middle of the night – in some cases, at a completely different bus stop. According to its figures 50% of people using the night bus are travelling to and from work, including hospital workers and people working in hospitality. But, London TravelWatch research carried out this year showed that the principle concern of people travelling after 10pm was safety.

London TravelWatch‘s Chief Executive, Emma Gibson, said, “Some night buses only run every 30 minutes; so, if you have to change buses, in some cases at a completely different bus stop, it raises huge concerns around personal safety. Many of the bus stops that we visited didn’t have a shelter or a countdown screen telling you when your next bus will be coming, which only increases feelings of vulnerability in the middle of the night.

“Women and girls, older and disabled people and people of colour told us that they feel especially vulnerable when travelling at night. And, with Londoners on lower incomes relying on the bus the most, taking an Uber instead just isn’t an option.”

The watchdog is proposing that the Hopper fare window of one hour should be extended during the day and not apply at all at nighttime.

The original deadline for consultation responses was extended after a huge number of people submitted comments.

Responses to the consultation can be submitted online or by emailing Haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk. You can reply via post to the address ‘FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY (CLBR)’, or telephone TfL on 020 3054 6037 to leave your name and contact number, quoting ‘Bus Review’ when leaving your message.

August 5, 2022