In 2016 the funding arrangements for TfL were changed so that services would be funded entirely from fares - unlike all other major capital cities in the world.

The pandemic has and continues to reduce passenger numbers and so there has been a major reduction in the level of fares collected. TfL has had to seek emergency financial support to keep services running. As part of the latest emergency funding package, the government required significant financial savings. TfL is now proposing reductions in some bus services through central London.

Locally the number 3 would be subject to a shorter route in central London. Other reductions in bus routes in central London and the scrapping of some routes (e.g. N12) may reduce transfer options and increase passenger numbers on apparently unaffected buses, further increasing travel times for local passengers.

The TfL consultation provides clear maps on the affected existing bus routes and proposed routes. Comments are invited by way of a questionnaire or direct response. TfL says:

"TfL’s reliance on passenger fares for the majority of its income, means the effect of the pandemic on TfL’s finances has been devastating, requiring Government support to keep public transport in London operating. The Government set a number of conditions before it would provide emergency funding to keep TfL operating, including requiring a plan to set out how we would achieve significant financial savings. 

We have had to undertake a detailed review of London's bus network in order to achieve these significant financial savings required by the Government.

As part of this work, we’ve reviewed key bus corridors from the north, south, east, and west into the centre of the city. This is because demand has reduced over the years on some roads leading into central and inner London due to changing travel patterns which have been accelerated by the pandemic. 

Today we have launched a public consultation that proposes a number of changes to bus routes into central London and would like to hear your views. The changes being consulted on are intended to cause as little disruption to passengers as possible, while making the savings required by the Government.

For further information, to see which bus routes are included in our proposals and to complete our online survey, please visit https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/busreview

Alternatively you can submit your response to us by email or in writing (no stamp needed) to:

•           haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk; or

•           FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY (CLBR):

Update: TfL advised (28 June 2022) that the deadline for comments has been extended due to the high level of interest in the consultation. The new deadline for comments is now 23:59 on Sunday 7 August 2022.