TfL set to axe 118 bus and alter other services to plug the gap

Transport for London is holding a drop-in session to allow bus passengers to hear its proposals to scrap a route through South London and merge it with another to ‘simplify’ services for passengers.

A public consultation opened last month, asking Londoners for their views on three routes that travel between Elephant & Castle, Camberwell, Brixton, Clapham Park, Streatham and Morden. The routes affected are the 45, 59 and 118 with the latter set for the chop.

A drop-in session is taking place today so people can questions officials on the plans and give their feedback in person.

Under the proposals, the 118 from Brixton to Morden would merge with the longer 45 from Elephant and Castle to Clapham Park. This merger would see the 118 service withdrawn, and the 45 route altered to link Denmark Hill/Camberwell Green and Morden.

TfL also proposes to change the 59 route, which currently links Smithfield/Bartholomew’s Hospital and Streatham Hill/Telford Avenue.

Under the changes, TfL proposes to keep the same route from Smithfield to Brixton Hill, but instead of terminating at Streatham Hill/Telford Avenue, it would now end at Clapham Park/Atkins Road.

If these changes were to go ahead, bus stops between Streatham Hill/Christchurch Road and Streatham Hill/Telford Avenue would no longer be served by the 59 but would instead be served by the rejigged route 45.

TfL said: “Our continual review of the London bus network would include ongoing monitoring of bus routes 45 and 59. Monitoring is designed to ensure there is enough space on buses for customers, and that service levels are maintained.”

Londoners have until Sunday, October 13, to give their views on the consultation page, found on TfL’s website. TfL is holding the public drop-in session at Kings College Hospital between midday and 4pm today

Pictured top: Morden Station (Picture: Google Street View)