Safety concerns spark renewed debate over declining London bus patronage

Growing concerns over antisocial behaviour and passenger safety are contributing to declining bus use in London, according to Conservative politicians who are calling for expanded CCTV coverage and a greater uniformed security presence across the capital's bus network.

The calls come as new figures show bus patronage continues to lag behind previous highs, despite fares remaining comparatively low over the past decade.

Transport for London (TfL) data indicates that bus demand fell by 1.5 per cent during the past year and remains 22.8 per cent below its 2015 peak, prompting renewed discussion about the factors discouraging passengers from using the network.

Safety placed at centre of debate

The Conservative Party argues that while congestion and slower journey times have affected bus usage, concerns about personal security are becoming an increasingly significant barrier.

Writing for the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden said passengers must have greater confidence that antisocial behaviour will be tackled both at bus stops and onboard vehicles.

He called for wider deployment of CCTV, increased visible staff patrols and stronger enforcement powers to deter criminal and antisocial behaviour across London's bus network.

"To raise standards and renew public faith in the safe, comfortable journeys on which bus users should be able to rely, there must be genuine enforcement both at bus stops and on board."

Survey highlights passenger concerns

Concerns over safety are reflected in recent passenger research commissioned by TfL.

A survey published last year found that almost four in ten people using London's public transport network had felt worried while travelling, while around one in ten said previous incidents had discouraged them from making journeys altogether.

Among bus passengers, the most commonly reported issues included:

• Youth-related antisocial behaviour.

• Aggressive or threatening language.

• Passengers pushing or intimidating others.

The issue has also attracted attention at City Hall, where the London Assembly previously backed proposals supporting the installation of emergency bleed control kits at selected bus stations and high-risk routes.

Driver assaults remain a concern

Safety concerns extend beyond passengers, with hundreds of assaults on London bus drivers reported each year.

Campaigners argue that improving security would benefit both frontline staff and passengers while helping restore confidence in one of the capital's most important public transport services.

Isabel Goodwin, Head of Outreach at the Conservative Environment Network, said improving perceptions of safety should form part of efforts to encourage greater use of buses.

She argued that expanding CCTV coverage and increasing the number of uniformed staff would help reduce antisocial behaviour while making passengers feel more secure.

TfL highlights existing security measures

Transport for London says significant investment has already been made in improving security across the bus network.

According to Siwan Hayward, TfL's Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, all London buses and bus stations are already equipped with CCTV, while trials are underway to install cameras at selected bus stops.

TfL also highlighted its existing 300-strong Transport Support and Enforcement team, which patrols the network to tackle fare evasion, antisocial behaviour and other offences.

A further 100 officers are currently being recruited to strengthen security across the capital's night bus network.

Hayward said:

"We're determined to ensure that everyone in the capital can travel safely and a safe and secure bus network is a key part of this.

"All of London's buses and bus stations are fully equipped with extensive CCTV to ensure customer and staff safety, with ongoing trials of CCTV at selected bus stops across the capital.

"We'll continue to work closely with the police and our other partners to ensure all Londoners can continue to rely on a safe, low-crime bus network around the clock."

Balancing confidence with ridership

The debate comes as TfL continues efforts to encourage greater use of public transport while tackling wider challenges including congestion, reliability and changing travel patterns following the pandemic.

While passenger numbers have recovered across many transport modes, restoring long-term growth on London's bus network is likely to depend not only on journey times and affordability, but also on ensuring passengers and staff feel safe throughout every stage of their journey.