228 Gets Go-Ahead |
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TfL announce their decisions on local bus routes
Transport for London have confirmed that they will be introducing a new local bus route and extending another following a consultation earlier in the year. The 228, which will come into service early next year, will run from Central Middlesex Hospital to Maida Hill via Shepherd’s Bush. But, following a campaign by local residents, who were concerned about the bus running down their streets, the route that was initially proposed has been altered: “We intend to implement route 228 as proposed from January 2009 but with a variation to the route: in the White City area between East Acton and Wood Lane, buses will go along Old Oak Road, Uxbridge Road, Bloemfontein Road and South Africa Road in both directions, instead of Steventon Road, Bryony Road and Westway,” says a TfL announcement. The extension to the 316 will begin next month, so that the route will run from Cricklewood to St Charles Hospital and then on to White City. “From late November 2008, we intend to implement the extension of this route from St Charles Hospital to White City Bus Station via St Mark’s Road, St Ann’s Road and Holland Park Avenue,” the TfL announcement says. TfL say they received 1737 responses to the consultation, of which 68% of respondents said they would use the 228 while 56% said they would make use of the 316. A report on the consultation results says those who were in favour of the 228 had commented that it would make it easier for people to get to their destinations without having to change buses, that it would increase accessibility for the elderly and disabled and that the new service would encourage people to use their cars less.
However, there were also a number of negative comments and concerns: “Respondents complained of the potential for increases in traffic (78 comments) and pollution (91 comments). In addition to this there were a significant number of responses that considered new routes to be unnecessary since the area was already well served by public transport (59 comments). A number of individuals believed that the bus route would place pedestrian and cyclist safety at risk (19 comments). We received some complaints that the route was designed solely to serve the Westfield shopping centre (27 comments),” the report says.
More specific concerns were expressed by some residents of Steventon Road, Bryony Road and the surrounding area who argued that, as the area was currently served by the 283, it was unnecessary to run more buses there.
“Residents were concerned that if Steventon Road were altered to accommodate buses, it would result in an increase in traffic and the transformation of the road into a rat-run. There is concern that the placement of a bus route will disturb the residential nature of the road. The area is considered to be well served by public transport and six bus routes are named as being within convenient walking distance,” the report continues.
The revised route, which avoids Steventon and Bryony Roads, was suggested by the residents themselves who felt that an Old Oak Road – Uxbridge Road – Bloemfontein Road route would provide for the areas of low car ownership in the White City Estate without affecting the areas of concern.
On the extension of the 316 route, the consultation showed that more than half of all those who responded said they would use it. “The primary reason that was given as to why a respondent would use the extended 316 service is that it would provide greater reliability along the 295 route (51 comments).” People also commented that it would make areas such a Shepherd’s Bush and White City more accessible.
The report continues: “The main focus of opposition to the extension of route 316 concerned the negative impact that it could have. A number of respondents thought that the route extension would lead to an increase in congestion in the area (36 comments). It was also considered that the extension would raise levels of noise and air pollution (43 comments). The danger that buses are considered to pose to cyclists and pedestrians was also raised in a number of replies (14 comments). A number of respondents also argued that the extension was for the sole benefit of the Westfield shopping complex (10 comments).”
In response to some of the consultation comments, TfL say: “A well-used bus network generally has a positive effect on congestion and pollution, increasing overall amenity in London by increasing the range of transport options available.”
Responding to specific concerns about pollution, TfL say: “All buses operating on TfL services comply with or exceed the latest emissions standards.” They say they plan to gradually introduce diesel hybrid buses across the city.
TfL say they anticipate 5400 trips per weekday on route 228 while around 1400 extra trips per day are anticipated into the Shepherd’s Bush area from the 316 extension. The 228 service will start in January 2009 and the extension to the 316 is scheduled to begin on 22 November 2008.
9 October 2008 |