Norwood Forum is engaging with Transport for London (TfL) and local political representatives to raise long-standing concerns about the performance and future of bus services in the Norwood area.
The current situation
Bus travel remains the most widely used form of public transport in London. However, in Norwood, many residents and commuters have noticed a decline in the quality and reliability of bus services in recent years. The main issues include:
- Declining average bus speeds
- Poor service reliability and increased delays
- Overcrowding, especially at peak times
- Limited access to real-time information, with few stops offering countdown displays
- Concerns about vehicle cleanliness
- Reports of drivers pulling away before passengers are safely seated
With several routes terminating at West Norwood Bus Garage, our area is a significant node in the wider bus network. Yet the services we receive often fall short of what is needed.
Norwood Forum is calling for targeted improvements to make local bus services safer, more reliable and more accessible:
Improve frequency and reliability
Buses should run frequently and on time to support everyday travel and reduce dependency on cars, especially for shorter, local journeys.
Route optimisation and extensions
TfL should explore ways to improve orbital connectivity - between Norwood and neighbouring areas - through better routing and possible route extensions.
More real-time information
Installing countdown displays at more local stops would greatly improve the passenger experience and confidence in the system.
Better driver training
Passengers should be given time to sit or steady themselves before the vehicle moves off. We are calling for this to be better emphasised in driver training.
Safer roads: Tulse Hill Gyratory
We support proposed changes to the Tulse Hill Gyratory to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users - and to ease congestion and delays for buses.
Looking ahead
We are also asking whether TfL has conducted any modelling to estimate the potential increase in bus usage if services in Norwood were made more frequent, reliable, and better optimised. A well-functioning, responsive bus network is essential for supporting sustainable travel and a healthier local environment.
If you would like to get involved, share your experiences, or support this work, please contact us at info@NorwoodForum.org.
Read our letter here.