At weekends and bank holidays we know engineering works must sometimes take place. However, they should be planned to ensure that these affect only one service or station in our area at a time leaving other options still available. Replacement bus services should be provided to run to the same timetable and be easy to find (at present they are not). All changes due to engineering works should be well advertised – in places people will see them - but also with clarity for the passenger not just an expert.

We often experience last minute cancellations, long delays, early termination and/or stations being missed out.

Train stations
Tulse Hill is our busiest station with interchange between Southern and Thameslink services and rail and bus as well as those who walk or cycle to and from the station. It’s not a sleepy suburban station which few people use or even think of using. Yet there is no step free access and the nearest bus stops are scattered around the main roads distant from the station. Whilst the station is the responsibility of Network Rail and Southern what are Lambeth and the Mayor of London doing to progress improvements? Could they help fund these? Would an imaginative strategic public transport hub to replace the existing hotchpotch be worth exploring with housing, especially affordable development above and around it? Phase 2 of the Streetworks project would have removed the Tulse Hill gyratory and facilitated better bus/train interchange facilities. You can read more about the current position here. 

Train planning and operations
If our stations and services were transferred to the Mayor this would enable better integration of provision at the least and hopefully better funding.

Bus services
Generally, this area needs more orbital services to connect us east and west and compliment the rail links which all run north south.  This need would be met by both more frequent and reliable services where routes currently exist, and new routes and extensions so we can travel directly, quickly and reliably to places like Dulwich Village, Forest Hill, Lewisham, Crystal Palace, Clapham, Balham and Tooting.

We are concerned that the existing services such as P13, 322 and 315 along with all others going into town on 'boundary' roads might get delayed by the impact of the West Dulwich Street Improvements and likewise if the Streatham Wells LTN is reinstated without more bus priority.

These orbital services also are infrequent especially outside peak times and are prone to delays and cancellations. They are cinderella services.

Whilst welcoming the direct link to St George’s Hospital and Tooting town centre to be provided by the extension of the 315, we worry that the service will become even more unreliable.

There are some other missing links such as a connection along Leigham Court Road to Brixton for the southwest of our area and a direct route to Crystal Palace for the same people.

Whilst we recognise it's difficult operationally given the hills and other barriers to walking and cycling better permeability of residential areas by bus would help get people out of their cars.

Too often bus services are curtailed early due to delays en-route presenting passengers with the double whammy of a delayed journey and having to complete it by other means. Better warning and explanation and clearer reasons for the curtailment would help.

Delays are often caused by unauthorised parking and loading. More stringent enforcement would help alongside a review as to the acceptability of on street parking and now other uses such as cycle lanes, cycle and scooter parking and parklets which narrow roads used by buses.

Bus stops
We would ask that all stops have a shelter and all but the quietest Countdown signage or equivalent as some people do not have mobiles or cannot afford to use them to check bus times. Countdown is also quicker.

The arrangements of stops on Norwood Road in the town centre is confusing as some stops serve all routes and others not. Can they all serve all routes?

The Tulse Hill gyratory is also confusing and there is a long walk between the station and other services and the 415.

Other buses
Private schools should be encouraged to run (more) minibuses and coaches to replace trips by car. The option of shared services as exists in Dulwich already should be explored.

All schools should have travel plans promoting active and sustainable travel.

The issues of efficient and reliable transport for SEND pupils who cannot use public transport arising from School Streets, LTNs and the like and congestion due to these and other improvements for those who can travel actively must be addressed. No child should spend more than an hour on a bus nor suffer the stress of unreliable services. Exemptions should apply to people not vehicle and within every area they travel to, through and from.

A direct link to Dulwich Village and East Dulwich (Lordship Lane) is needed. Can the 59 to Euston be reinstated as not everyone lives close to 68 or SL6.

Super Loop (SL) 6 is great but can get delayed in traffic jams. Could its last stop into London and first back out be at Tulse Hill station to enable more people to use a cheap and easier form of public transport (compared to trains) and a quicker route into town compared to other bus routes.

Could another SL run along the South Circular providing a fast orbital service? Or via Streatham, Crown Point and Crystal Palace and beyond west and east?

Fares
There should be no time restriction on use of 60 plus and Freedom passes and if there are any it’s important that all public transport can be used from 9 am. In this area many people rely on trains which cannot be used with a pass till 9.30am.