Labour MPs Raise Concerns Over Changes to London Bus Services

Sir Sadiq Khan is facing renewed criticism from Labour MPs following a series of changes to bus services across London.

Transport for London (TfL) has announced adjustments to more than 20 routes, with some services seeing reduced frequencies due to declining passenger numbers and ongoing traffic congestion. Among the changes, route 13 between North Finchley and Victoria will run less frequently.

The mayor, who oversees TfL, had already been under pressure over proposed alterations to routes including the 19 and 38. Now, further concerns have been raised by south London MPs Ellie Reeves and Vicky Foxcroft regarding changes to route 484, which connects Lewisham station with Camberwell Green.

The MPs described the service as essential, particularly for patients and staff travelling to King’s College Hospital. They highlighted that many residents in the area rely heavily on bus services due to limited access to the Underground network.

From March 21, the frequency of the 484 route was reduced to one bus every 15 minutes. In response, Reeves said she was “deeply concerned” and confirmed that she and Foxcroft had written to TfL requesting discussions on the impact of the changes, with a view to reversing them.

TfL has defended the adjustments, explaining that they form part of a broader review of the bus network in response to falling usage. Data shows bus journeys declined by nearly 4% over the past year, equating to around 64 million fewer trips. At the same time, slower bus speeds caused by congestion have made services less efficient.

A TfL spokesperson said the changes are intended to improve reliability and ensure value for money, noting that services are regularly reviewed based on demand. The organisation also confirmed it would continue to monitor feedback from local communities.

The transport authority is increasingly focusing on outer London routes, where demand is growing, while making reductions in central areas. At the same time, investment continues in initiatives such as the Superloop network, which provides faster, limited-stop services.

Despite some reductions, several routes have seen frequency increases or restorations, reflecting shifting travel patterns across the capital.

Further timetable changes are expected in the coming weeks as TfL continues to rebalance services across its network.