New Free Bus Services Launching in Roehampton
Links university campus with local shops and transport links
Cllr Simon Hogg (front left) at the launch of one of the new services
September 27, 2024
From this Monday (23 September), two new free Roehampton bus services are operating to improve transport links between Roehampton and the rest of the borough.
One has been launched in partnership with the University of Roehampton, and another which extends the existing relationship with Wandsworth Community Transport.
The university shuttle bus operates between Roehampton Vale Asda, Barnes Station, and Putney Bridge Station during term time only, and will be free for the public to board at designated TFL bus stops.
The new Roehampton Transport Club minibus (operated by Wandsworth Community Transport) must be booked in advance and provides a door-to-door service around the borough to designated locations for those who find it difficult to use public transport.
This initiative is part of the council’s Alton Renewal Plan , launched in July 2024, which prioritises better transport connections, and is designed to improve accessibility for residents, workers, and visitors in Roehampton.
Cllr Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “These new services will provide more transport options for anyone travelling to and from Roehampton, and are designed to improve the quality of life for those who live and work there.
“We’ve been listening carefully to feedback from residents, community organisations, businesses and local stakeholders, and your priorities have been crucial in shaping the Alton Renewal Plan.
“We’ve also listened carefully to all the Roehampton residents who’ve been in touch with us about the problems with the bus services, including all the residents at Putney Vale who depend on the buses. We hope these new services will help, particularly the new link the University bus provides with Putney Bridge Station, while we continue to work with TfL to improve the services for Roehampton.”
The 849 runs from University of Roehampton to Putney Bridge Station
Juan Umanzor, 34, of Putney Heath, said the local transport links could help him with reaching the community hub at 166 Roehampton Lane.
“As the service is free it would help me save money and with the cost of living, that would help,” he explained. “I think it will be a big improvement and I would take the bus every day because I have to bring my son from Putney to nursery here in Roehampton.”
For former joiner Derek Hammond, 65, who lives in Roehampton Vale, additional bus links would help him stay connected with his daughter in the Alton Estate. “I think it’s a good idea because it’s very helpful for all the people living in the estate, as well as the elderly. It would be good to improve the transport links to Roehampton,” he said. “My daughter lives in one of the blocks and she could use it to get about, and to come to see me.”
And 76-year-old Suzett Agard agreed that the new transport links would benefit her day-to-day. “I’m over the moon about it,” said the former home carer, who lives in Laverstoke Gardens. If I can get to Asda on the bus, I’ll use it and if they do Putney runs, I’ll do that as well.”
Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, the University of Roehampton’s Vice Chancellor said, “The University is proud to be partnering with Wandsworth Borough Council to provide such an important service to our community. Our bus links Roehampton with the wider transport network, providing improved connectivity for everyone.”
The university shuttle bus timetable and routes and booking information for the new community minibus can be found on the council’s website.
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