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London Buses Slow to a Crawl
23 Sep
Summary
- Average bus speed in London is at its lowest since 2013.
- Passenger journeys have fallen by 16% since 2013.
- Roadworks and reduced road space are primary causes of slowdown.
London's bus network is facing a critical challenge as average speeds have fallen to 9.18mph, the lowest recorded since 2013. This slowdown has contributed to a significant decrease in passenger journeys, with a 16% drop observed since 2013, despite population growth. Mayor Sadiq Khan acknowledges concerns about reliability being linked to bus speed.
The primary factors identified for this decline include increasing traffic congestion, a reduction in dedicated road space for buses, and a surge in roadworks. These issues create a cycle of slower services, fewer passengers, and potential service cuts, impacting the most vulnerable who rely on affordable bus transport.
Globally, cities like Paris and New York are experiencing similar trends, with reduced bus speeds often linked to traffic management changes and infrastructure projects. In London, TfL is implementing technology like traffic light optimization and a lane rental scheme to improve bus flow and reduce delays from roadworks.
