Richmond Sets Out Ambitious Vision for Better Public Transport Links

Richmond Council has unveiled a wide-ranging programme of transport improvements aimed at enhancing public transport connectivity across the borough, with proposals including expanded rail services, upgraded bus routes and the extension of London's Night Tube network.

The plans form part of a new public transport strategy that will guide the council's engagement with Transport for London (TfL), South Western Railway and other transport providers over the coming years.

Developed following a comprehensive review of local transport needs, the strategy identifies a series of priorities designed to improve accessibility, support economic growth and encourage greater use of sustainable travel options.

Council officers say strong public transport links are essential to supporting local high streets, reducing congestion and enabling future development across the borough.

On the rail network, Richmond is seeking increased service frequencies at a number of stations. Among its objectives are securing at least four off-peak trains per hour between Barnes and Hounslow via Richmond, alongside improved services at Fulwell and Hampton.

Accessibility improvements also feature prominently within the strategy. The council wants to see step-free access introduced at Kew Gardens, North Sheen and Hampton Wick stations, while station environments could benefit from enhanced waiting facilities, better passenger information and stronger connections to nearby town centres and bus services.

The London Underground also forms part of the council's long-term ambitions. Richmond is calling for the extension of Night Tube services to the District line and is seeking further investment in signalling and infrastructure upgrades to improve reliability and capacity across the network.

Bus services are another key focus area. The strategy identifies several communities where public transport accessibility could be improved, including Heathfield, Hampton and Ham, and calls for better service frequencies and greater reliability throughout the borough.

The council is also seeking solutions to ongoing transport challenges in Barnes, where bus operations have been affected by the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge to general traffic.

Among the proposals is support for replacing a number of single-deck routes with double-deck vehicles where increasing service frequency may not be practical. Routes identified include the 110, 490, H22 and R70.

Looking further ahead, Richmond has also expressed support for a direct bus connection between Twickenham and Kingston, although the council acknowledges this would be a longer-term aspiration rather than an immediate priority.

Environmental objectives are woven throughout the strategy. The authority wants London's bus fleet to transition fully to electric vehicles by 2030, four years ahead of the current target date.

In addition, council officers are undertaking a borough-wide review of bus stop infrastructure to identify locations requiring upgrades and accessibility improvements.

The transport plan will be reviewed annually once formally adopted, providing a framework for ongoing discussions with transport operators and helping shape future investment in public transport across Richmond.