London bus cuts are drawing fresh criticism from Labour MPs concerned about service reductions. Transport for London announced that more than 20 bus routes will see lower frequencies due to falling passenger numbers. Consequently, local communities worry about disrupted travel.
Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor and TfL chair, has faced ongoing criticism over changes to the 19 and 38 bus routes. MPs have increasingly voiced their concern about the impact on residents. Most recently, Ellie Reeves and Vicky Foxcroft wrote to TfL commissioner Andy Lord. They described the reduction of route 484 as “deeply concerning.”
The 484 links Lewisham station to Camberwell Green, serving patients and staff traveling to King’s College Hospital. Reeves emphasized that many local residents cannot access the Underground, making buses essential. She tweeted that the route remains “vital” and urged TfL to reconsider the changes.
TfL reduced the 484’s frequency to one bus every 15 minutes last Saturday. This adjustment reflects broader challenges in the capital’s bus network. Passenger numbers have fallen nearly four per cent year-on-year between April and January. That represents 64 million fewer journeys over ten months.
In response, TfL is reducing buses in central and inner London while focusing on attracting passengers in outer areas. Several routes, including the 76, 201, 204, 206, 260, and E7, have already seen reductions. Other routes, such as the 70, 148, C3, and 484, have also been affected.
Meanwhile, the closure of the A40 Marylebone flyover has cut buses on routes 16, 18, 23, 27, 28, 49, 94, 95, 139, 220, 295, 306, and 390. TfL has restored some frequencies, including routes 111, 172, 188, 238, 285, and 366.
Further reductions will take effect from March 28. For example, route 13 will operate every 10 minutes, and the 32 every 11 minutes. Routes 60, 278, 320, and 372 will see fewer buses, while the 493, E6, E7, and E10 will have no more than four buses per hour. The D3 will run every 17 minutes, and from April 4, the 207 will operate every seven to eight minutes during the day.
TfL has prioritised Superloop routes like the SL8 between Uxbridge and White City. Buses on the SL8 will run more frequently, leaving parallel routes reduced or axed.
Passenger income is down £112m for 2025/26, leaving TfL predicting an operating surplus of only £5m. While the decline in bus usage has slowed to two per cent in January, outer London sees a rise in “unique” passengers.
London bus cuts highlight the ongoing tension between financial pressures and the needs of commuters. MPs and communities continue to push for reconsideration of TfL’s plans.
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