TfL Planning Enhanced Timetable on Bus Route 14

Plans for local services could see the number 414 scrapped

A 14 bus at its terminus on Putney Heath

September 17, 2024

TfL is proposing an enhanced service on the number 14 bus route as part of a reorganisation of local services.

The route, which has been running through since 1949, would be boosted under the plans, with buses running every eight minutes instead of the current ten and ten minutes instead of 12 on Sundays.

However, this would be to offset the scrapping of route 414. The plan is currently subject to public consultation.

The two services run along an identical route within Fulham, on Fulham High Street and Fulham Road in both directions. This is part of the 14’s overall route from The Green Man pub on Putney Heath to Russell Square, and the 414’s shorter overall route from Putney Bridge Station to Marble Arch.

Now however, TfL is aiming to merge the routes and axe the 414, which has been running since 2002. It says, "Much of routes 14 and 414 use the same roads. Both routes currently operate at a high frequency of five or more buses per hour, and are routes where passengers tend not to look at the timetable before arriving at the stop.

“Most journeys currently made on the 414, would instead be made on route 14.”

It is understood that one of the reasons is to give Putney residents more transport options when they need to cross the river to compensate for the ongoing closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

TfL acknowledges this would mean passengers having to change buses at Hyde Park Corner to continue to Marble Arch, but says this area is well served by other bus routes, including the 74 and the 137.

The 414 bus heading to Putney Bridge

TfL says, “ If route 414 no longer ran, route 14 would be enhanced to help ensure there is sufficient bus space for customers that need it, including at the busiest points along the route and at the busiest times of the day.

“Route 14 would continue to operate between Putney Heath/Green Man and Russell Square, however it would run approximately every eight minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes, instead of every ten minutes. On Sundays and all evenings, it would run approximately every ten minutes, instead of every twelve minutes.”

Map showing the two routes in parallel. Picture: TfL

Tfl is now holding a six week long consultation on its plans and is urging passengers to have their say before the closing date of 13 October. You can find out more details and air your views on this link.