Three London boroughs have been awarded up to £10m from Transport for London (TfL) to reduce bus journey times by 30% through ‘infrastructure and operational interventions', following a competitive bidding process involving all 32 boroughs. 

Haringey, Lewisham, and Southwark are set to receive the Better Bus Partnerships programme cash incrementally over a four-year period, with TfL releasing the funding based on the progress of each programme.

Some of the proposed improvements include:

  • New bus priority measures
  • Better management of roadworks to reduce delays
  • Bus stop improvements to improve the safety of passengers whilst waiting
  • Street improvements to make it easier and safer to walk to bus stops and stations

While the funding has been awarded, there are no concrete plans currently. The next step is for the boroughs to develop a plan in collaboration with TfL by consulting with residents and stakeholders over the next year, before implementation is expected to start in 2027.

Highways understands that Lewisham's proposals include introducing new bus lanes, signal priority at junctions and improved bus stop layouts, as well as looking at behaviour change strategies to shift residents from private cars to public transport by improving passenger experience and making bus travel more attractive.

Lorna Murphy, TfL's director of buses, said: ‘We now look forward to working closely with Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark over the coming years to deliver their bus schemes as part of the Better Bus Partnerships programme.'

Councillor Louise Krupski, Lewisham Council's cabinet member for climate action, transport and environment, said: ‘Almost half of our households do not own a car, so buses are a lifeline for many residents, especially in the south of the borough where there are fewer train connections and higher levels of deprivation.

‘We're focusing on two vital corridors – north to south through Grove Park to Greenwich and east to west through Sydenham towards Bromley and Southwark to ensure our bus network works well for everyone. We are upgrading bus stops, connecting better with stations and also improving walking and cycling routes where we can to make them safer and more pleasant, whilst reducing delays on roads.'

London boroughs manage roughly 95% of streets across the city.