Opposition Grows To Bus Cuts in Hammersmith & Fulham


Council criticises plan to scrap routes in the borough

The number 74 bus is one of the routes that could be axed
The number 74 bus is one of the routes that could be axed

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has joined calls from local people for planned reductions in local bus services to be reconsidered.

A number of local routes are under threat including the C3 72, 14, 31 and 74 and night buses N27 and N74 will be scrapped, with the N72 will no longer serving Hammersmith. The 23, 27, 211, 272, 283, 328 and 430 will operate a reduced timetable or be re-routed.

TfL says that it is being forced to scrap routes and reduce service levels overall by the government's insistence on spending reductions as a condition of getting continued funding.

The issue was discussed at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 13 July. Cllr Ben Coleman, Deputy Leader of H&F Council, told the meeting: “Other governments from New York to Paris are funding public transport after the pandemic to maintain services and keep fares low. This is even more important in the Cost-of-Living crisis.”

The council is now urging TfL to maintain the essential routes that local residents depend on. It is also calling on the government to provide the investment that it says London’s transport network needs as it recovers from the Covid pandemic.

Local people waiting at the bus stop outside the Lillie Road recreation centre in Fulham the day after the meeting were vehemently opposed to the cuts.

Mrs Young said, “It’s a terrible idea – especially for 74 and number 11. I think it's just all wrong and messed up. I think that we’ll all be waiting a lot longer.

Mr Young added, “The 72s will be missed because that takes you right to Hammersmith Hospital and the 283 no good as goes all round the houses. I hope they don’t stop the 424s.”

Jemma commented, “I just think we’ll be waiting longer, because if you come now and you're only waiting for a 430 – it doesn't come very quickly. They have got to make it more reliable. If they change it, they’ve got to increase the number of buses to match.”

Victor Ramsy, was equally adamant that the service should be maintained at current levels saying, “I rely on the buses to get to school and into town. Especially the 74 – my journey would be way longer if the bus was to disappear for good.”

Mr and Mrs Young at a 74 bus stop on Lillie Road
Mr and Mrs Young at a 74 bus stop on Lillie Road

To have your say about TfL’s proposed bus route changes or for more details, visit TfL’s Central London Bus Review consultation website.

The deadline is 7 August.

 

 

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Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter

July 18, 2022