London Bus Services Face Uncertainty as Mayor Declines to Guarantee Current Levels
The future of London's bus network has been thrown into doubt after Mayor Sadiq Khan refused to commit to maintaining current service frequencies, raising concerns that routes could be slashed and overcrowding could increase across the capital.
Operators Warn of Unsustainable Routes
This development follows warnings from bus operators that some routes have become economically unsustainable. Andy Edwards, chief executive of Go Ahead - London's largest bus firm - stated recently that recent National Insurance increases have pushed certain services to the brink, with the company unwilling to maintain them at a loss.
Operators are reportedly hoping for improved terms when contracts are re-tendered with Transport for London, as they face a perfect storm of falling passenger numbers, reduced revenue, and missed bonus payments for mileage targets.
Mayor's Evasive Response Raises Concerns
When questioned directly by the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee about whether Londoners should expect routes to be shortened or made less frequent, Mayor Khan offered an evasive response.
"Accepting the full premise of the question, we always look at bus routes, frequency and so forth," he told committee members, while highlighting his administration's focus on improving outer London services where transport alternatives are limited.
Despite repeated challenges from committee chair Neil Garratt, the Mayor would not provide a definitive answer about whether all current bus routes would be maintained in coming years.
Political Criticism and Passenger Impact
Following the meeting, Mr Garratt delivered a scathing assessment of the situation, describing it as "a Labour one-two punch for London's iconic buses."
He criticised what he called "Labour's jobs tax" pushing up costs and suggested that without mayoral intervention, bus users would soon face service reductions.
"I expect the routes will continue, but buses will be less frequent and more crowded," Mr Garratt warned. "That's Labour's bus bombshell."
Complex Factors Behind Bus Decline
The Mayor pointed to changing work patterns post-pandemic as a potential factor in declining bus passenger numbers, noting that while other transport modes have seen increased usage, buses continue to struggle.
He explained that Transport for London has identified approximately twenty different factors affecting bus demand, with two-thirds being outside TfL's direct control - including economic activity levels and home working trends.
Factors within TfL's influence include fare structures and alternative services, with the Mayor acknowledging that some passengers have switched from buses to newer transport options like the Elizabeth Line.
Searching for Solutions
Mayor Khan admitted there are multiple factors affecting bus speed and reliability, but suggested that TfL's new 'London on the Move' strategy - aimed at reducing bus congestion - could help reverse current trends.
Despite the challenges, the Mayor defended his record on bus services, highlighting fare freezes and the introduction of the Hopper Fare as evidence of his commitment to public transport users.
The situation leaves London's bus network at a critical juncture, with operators seeking better financial terms, politicians divided on solutions, and passengers potentially facing reduced services and increased crowding in the years ahead.
