Lewisham to Receive £10m TfL Funding to Improve Bus Services

Lewisham Borough has been awarded £10 million from Transport for London (TfL) to enhance local bus services, with the funding set to be spread over four years. Neighbouring Southwark and Haringey have also received £10 million each as part of the initiative.

The investment forms part of TfL’s Better Bus Partnerships programme, which aims to deliver infrastructure and operational improvements designed to boost journey times, reliability, and overall passenger experience. The programme targets reductions in journey times of up to 30%, alongside improvements to the comfort and safety of bus travel.

Key measures planned under the programme include:

• Implementation of bus priority measures to reduce delays and improve journey speeds.

• Improved coordination of roadworks to minimise disruption to bus services.

• Upgraded bus stops to create safer, more comfortable waiting areas and facilitate easier transfers between transport modes.

• Street enhancements to improve pedestrian access and safety on routes to bus stops and stations.

  
  

While detailed project plans have not yet been finalised, Lewisham Council has highlighted two key corridors as priorities: Grove Park to Greenwich and Sydenham to Bromley and Southwark. All boroughs were invited to bid for the funding, with three successful applicants chosen.

Councillor Louise Krupski, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Transport and Environment, said:

“We are thrilled to receive this crucial funding support from Transport for London. We are committed to making bus travel quicker, easier, and more reliable for everyone. Almost half of our households do not own a car, so buses are a lifeline for many residents, particularly in the south of the borough where train connections are limited and levels of deprivation are higher.

“This funding is a gamechanger. It will allow us to enhance bus priority on key routes, improve connections between buses and other transport, and make journeys faster and more comfortable. By focusing on our Grove Park to Greenwich and Sydenham to Bromley and Southwark corridors, we can upgrade bus stops, strengthen links to stations, and improve walking and cycling routes to make travel safer, more pleasant, and less prone to delays.”