Protect our bus routes
Bus routes across Merton under threat as operator pulls the plug
Bus Operator Go-Ahead has given notice to terminate operating several bus routes across Merton to Transport for London (TfL) in an unprecedented mid-contract exit move.
Go-Ahead has given notice to quit operating the following routes in Merton - 93, 163, 164, 80, 154 & 470 citing delays to traffic and National Insurance increases from the government making them no longer profitable.
Go-Ahead’s decision was unexpected and allows the contracts to be re-negotiated and could lead to changes like reduced bus frequencies or changes in the routes, or in the worst case - and unlikely - scenario routes being cut completely if no operator can be found to run them. These types of changes would make it less expensive for bus companies to operate the routes.
Merton Liberal Democrats are urgently contacting TfL for more information.
Merton Lib Dems are concerned that whoever operates these routes will face the same financial pressures. If TfL cannot find an operator to run these services at a cost it can afford TfL may decide to cut services entirely, reduce frequency or service hours or shorten routes. Doing so would have a severe impact on local residents travelling to work, school and for leisure purposes and on local businesses with fewer bus journeys putting even more pressure on local roads.
You can read more about the impacts of this decision here in The Times newspaper and here.
There's an FAQ here addressing the various questions around this situation and why it does matter for us to work together now to ensure TfL don't cut our local bus services.
Protect our bus routes
Join the Merton Lib Dems campaign calling on Transport for London to ensure no reduction in frequency, route length or service hours on all routes affected by the decision of Go-Ahead to cease operating routes 93, 163, 164, 80, 154 & 470.
