Conservative Party leaders have warned that antisocial behaviour and personal safety concerns are deterring Londoners from using buses, urging Transport for London (TfL) to install CCTV at every bus stop and increase patrols.
Bus demand declines sharply
Data from TfL shows bus demand in the capital fell 1.5% last year and remains 22.8% below its 2015 peak. While fares have risen only 25p over the past decade—far below inflation—ridership has not recovered. Factors such as slow speeds due to road congestion are often cited, but the Tories now highlight safety as a key, addressable issue.
Shadow Transport Secretary outlines concerns
In an essay for the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden wrote that doubts about taking the bus are "compounded by the everyday reality of antisocial behaviour." He stressed that passengers must be able to rely on "genuine enforcement" both at stops and on board. His proposals include expanding CCTV at bus stops and on vehicles, as well as "visible staff patrols" and enhanced powers for enforcement, similar to those on some rail networks.
"Our buses clearly need a turnaround, moving away from the problems that have kept people from getting on board and towards a service people can choose with pride and confidence," Holden stated.
Survey highlights passenger fears
Last year, a TfL survey found that nearly four in 10 people using London's transport network have "felt worried," and almost a tenth were deterred from travelling due to a worrying incident. On buses, the most common incidents included youth-related antisocial behaviour, threatening language, and passengers pushing and shoving.
Safety measures already in place
Crime levels remain high on some routes, prompting the London Assembly to pass a motion calling for bleed control kits at bus stations and along high-risk routes. Bus driver safety is also a concern, with hundreds of assaults reported annually.
Isabel Goodwin, Head of Outreach for CEN, said: "To connect communities and cut air pollution in London, buses need to remain affordable, comfortable, and safe. However, antisocial behaviour continues to be a major barrier for Londoners who want to utilise this vital, clean form of transport." She added that Holden's essay "provides a clear roadmap to restore public confidence in London's buses," including expanding CCTV and increasing uniformed staff.
TfL responds
Siwan Hayward, TfL's Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, said: "We're determined to ensure that everyone in the capital can travel safely and a safe and secure bus network is a key part of this. All of London's buses and bus stations are fully equipped with extensive CCTV to ensure customer and staff safety, with ongoing trials of CCTV at selected bus stops across the capital."
She noted that TfL's 300-strong Transport Support and Enforcement Operational Officers patrol the bus network, providing a visible presence and tackling fare evasion and antisocial behaviour. An additional 100 officers are being recruited this year to keep the night bus network safe. "We'll continue to work closely with the police and our other partners to ensure all Londoners can continue to rely on a safe, low-crime bus network around the clock," Hayward added.
