TfL confirms it will axe 118 bus route despite public opposition

From February, Transport for London will be withdrawing the 118 route, which runs from Brixton to Morden via Streatham, Streatham Park and Mitcham.

The decision has been made following a public consultation in which, even TfL admits, there was overwhelming public opposition to the proposals.

TfL’s proposals were for the 45 route to be extended to cover parts of the 118 service. Among the objections to the changes were that this longer route could prove less reliable. TfL did not include service frequencies in its consultation.

“The proposals aimed to simplify the bus network between Streatham, Brixton and Camberwell,” TfL’s consultation report, published yesterday, states.

“They were also designed to create new bus journey opportunities, without the need to change bus, for customers travelling to and from Kings College Hospital and Maudsley Hospital sites in Camberwell from Morden and Streatham.”

And TfL pretty much admits that it would be ignoring the passenger feedback that it received during the consultation: “Following careful consideration of the feedback received, and a further review of what was proposed we have decided to proceed with the route changes as set out in the consultation.”

They say: “While there was some general support for the proposed routes changes, the overall theme was not supportive.

“Some held the view south London was already deprived of local transport facilities and the removal of a bus route may have a negative impact with less access to bus services.

“There was concern related to the proposed removal of route 59 from Telford Avenue and the removal of route 45 between Camberwell Green and Elephant and Castle.

“There was also concern the proposals may lead to reliability issues and capacity to board buses due to increased journey and waiting times, and overcrowding. This was noted as a particular concern along the Streatham Hill – Brixton Hill – Brixton town centre bus corridor.”

The route changes are:

Route 45 to operate between Denmark Hill/Camberwell Green

and Morden, instead of between Clapham Park/Atkins Road and Elephant and Castle

Route 118 would no longer operate

Route 59 in Streatham – to operate between Smithfield, St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Clapham Park/Atkins Road, instead of between Smithfield, St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Streatham Hill/Telford Avenue. This change would replace the 45 between Clapham Park and Brixton Hill

TfL has yet to state when the route changes will be implemented, beyond that it will happen in February 2025.

Click here for the TfL consultation report in full

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