Post by snoggle on Feb 26, 2016 14:23:47 GMT
A range of bus and rail related Mayor's Answers that may be of interest. As there are quite a few I'll add them one by one so keep looking back to see if there's been an update.
Transport in Harrow
Question No:2016/0545
Navin Shah
I have been contacted by residents regarding bus route 52, which has currently being rerouted from Willesden Garage along the Harrow Road. Kensal Green residents have informed me that they would like a new bus route to North Kensington. There is the route 18, but it runs parallel to the Bakerloo line and residents need to change bus at Ladbroke Grove junction to go to North Kensington. Will you look in to adding providing an additional route?
I understand that Brent Council are also keen to have better bus connections at Kensal Green with the Bakerloo Line to reduce pressure on the grossly overcrowded 18 route along the Harrow Road.
Written response from the Mayor
TfL will consider this suggestion as it reviews the network.
TfL has not been aware of any recent overcrowding on route 18 but will investigate further. Please provide details on specific locations if you have them.
Question No:2016/0545
Navin Shah
I have been contacted by residents regarding bus route 52, which has currently being rerouted from Willesden Garage along the Harrow Road. Kensal Green residents have informed me that they would like a new bus route to North Kensington. There is the route 18, but it runs parallel to the Bakerloo line and residents need to change bus at Ladbroke Grove junction to go to North Kensington. Will you look in to adding providing an additional route?
I understand that Brent Council are also keen to have better bus connections at Kensal Green with the Bakerloo Line to reduce pressure on the grossly overcrowded 18 route along the Harrow Road.
Written response from the Mayor
TfL will consider this suggestion as it reviews the network.
TfL has not been aware of any recent overcrowding on route 18 but will investigate further. Please provide details on specific locations if you have them.
Crossrail 2 station at Imperial Wharf
Question No:2016/0546
Murad Qureshi
Given the amount of local opposition to locating a Crossrail2 station on the Kings Road, what is the possibility of moving it to Imperial Wharf just inside of the boundaries of Hammersmith and Fulham (in Sands End Ward)? l understand the move would be welcomed by the borough.
Written response from the Mayor
All of TfL’s feasibility work has shown that the King’s Road option is preferable to other station options that have been considered between Victoria and Clapham Junction, including a station at Imperial Wharf. TfL is currently analysing thousands of consultation responses received. They will be considered alongside further planning and engineering work before a single preferred option is developed later in the summer.
Question No:2016/0546
Murad Qureshi
Given the amount of local opposition to locating a Crossrail2 station on the Kings Road, what is the possibility of moving it to Imperial Wharf just inside of the boundaries of Hammersmith and Fulham (in Sands End Ward)? l understand the move would be welcomed by the borough.
Written response from the Mayor
All of TfL’s feasibility work has shown that the King’s Road option is preferable to other station options that have been considered between Victoria and Clapham Junction, including a station at Imperial Wharf. TfL is currently analysing thousands of consultation responses received. They will be considered alongside further planning and engineering work before a single preferred option is developed later in the summer.
New Routemasters (1)
Question No:2016/0550
Caroline Pidgeon
In September last year Leon Daniels told the Budget and Performance Committee that TfL had no plans to order any more New Routemasters "partly because the opportunity for high-capacity, long, three-door double-deckers has its limitations. There is not an infinite supply of routes that these particular types of vehicles could go on".
Why did the TfL Board at its last meeting ignore the professional advice and approve the purchase of 195 more of these buses? Why was the decision made in secret?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has identified other suitable routes that are appropriate for operation with New Routemaster vehicles and is also considering an option for some of the 195 to be slightly shorter in vehicle length. The additional 195 vehicles will serve around 7 routes and be deployed by summer 2017.
The discussion on purchasing additional New Routemaster vehicles was held in the private session of the TfL board due to commercial reasons. Negotiations about the final unit price and other commercial aspects with the manufacturer were, and are still, underway.
Question No:2016/0550
Caroline Pidgeon
In September last year Leon Daniels told the Budget and Performance Committee that TfL had no plans to order any more New Routemasters "partly because the opportunity for high-capacity, long, three-door double-deckers has its limitations. There is not an infinite supply of routes that these particular types of vehicles could go on".
Why did the TfL Board at its last meeting ignore the professional advice and approve the purchase of 195 more of these buses? Why was the decision made in secret?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has identified other suitable routes that are appropriate for operation with New Routemaster vehicles and is also considering an option for some of the 195 to be slightly shorter in vehicle length. The additional 195 vehicles will serve around 7 routes and be deployed by summer 2017.
The discussion on purchasing additional New Routemaster vehicles was held in the private session of the TfL board due to commercial reasons. Negotiations about the final unit price and other commercial aspects with the manufacturer were, and are still, underway.
New Routemasters (2)
Question No:2016/0551
Caroline Pidgeon
How much per unit will the recently - ordered 195 New Routemasters cost?
Written response from the Mayor
Negotiations with the manufacturer are still ongoing regarding the final terms for the additional vehicles. TfL has secured a discount over the price paid for the first 800 vehicles and will publicise the final unit price once these negotiations are complete.
Question No:2016/0551
Caroline Pidgeon
How much per unit will the recently - ordered 195 New Routemasters cost?
Written response from the Mayor
Negotiations with the manufacturer are still ongoing regarding the final terms for the additional vehicles. TfL has secured a discount over the price paid for the first 800 vehicles and will publicise the final unit price once these negotiations are complete.
New Routemasters (3)
Question No:2016/0552
Caroline Pidgeon
In January 2016 TfL's Finance and Policy Committee recommended the TfL Board purchase 30 new Routemasters to enable Wrightbus to keep its production lines going, in case TfL decided to purchase more in the future.
Please explain the thinking of the TfL Board in rejecting the recommendation and opting to purchase even more buses instead.
Written response from the Mayor
The request to the Finance and Policy Committee in January was an interim position to enable the manufacturer to keep its production lines going. In addition to recommending the purchase of 30 more New Routemasters the Committee also requested that an option for the purchase of a further 165 New Routemasters be submitted to the Board as well. Further negotiations with the manufacturer were therefore undertaken, and a lower unit price was secured
Question No:2016/0552
Caroline Pidgeon
In January 2016 TfL's Finance and Policy Committee recommended the TfL Board purchase 30 new Routemasters to enable Wrightbus to keep its production lines going, in case TfL decided to purchase more in the future.
Please explain the thinking of the TfL Board in rejecting the recommendation and opting to purchase even more buses instead.
Written response from the Mayor
The request to the Finance and Policy Committee in January was an interim position to enable the manufacturer to keep its production lines going. In addition to recommending the purchase of 30 more New Routemasters the Committee also requested that an option for the purchase of a further 165 New Routemasters be submitted to the Board as well. Further negotiations with the manufacturer were therefore undertaken, and a lower unit price was secured
Bus route 251
Question No:2016/0553
Caroline Pidgeon
The 251 bus route that runs from Edgware to Arnos Grove gets very crowded at peak times when the buses are often full by the time they reach Mill Hill. Many people are often left stranded along the route as far as Oakleigh.
What plans do you have to increase capacity on this very busy service?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is aware this service is well used and has increased peak hour capacity by 60 per cent since 2010. The next step would normally be to convert to double deck, but this would require the trimming of numerous significant trees in the Mill Hill area. While capacity is generally sufficient for levels of demand, effective capacity can be reduced if buses are delayed. TfL is working with the operator to address this.
Question No:2016/0553
Caroline Pidgeon
The 251 bus route that runs from Edgware to Arnos Grove gets very crowded at peak times when the buses are often full by the time they reach Mill Hill. Many people are often left stranded along the route as far as Oakleigh.
What plans do you have to increase capacity on this very busy service?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is aware this service is well used and has increased peak hour capacity by 60 per cent since 2010. The next step would normally be to convert to double deck, but this would require the trimming of numerous significant trees in the Mill Hill area. While capacity is generally sufficient for levels of demand, effective capacity can be reduced if buses are delayed. TfL is working with the operator to address this.
Fares policy
Question No:2016/0629
Darren Johnson
Since 2014 you have increased public transport fares in line with RPI. What would the additional income have been to TfL since 2014 if you had increased fares by RPI+1?
Written response from the Mayor
Increasing fares by RPI+1 rather than RPI would have yielded around an additional £40 million in 2014, £80 million in 2015 and £120 million in 2016, a total of £240 million over the three years.
Question No:2016/0629
Darren Johnson
Since 2014 you have increased public transport fares in line with RPI. What would the additional income have been to TfL since 2014 if you had increased fares by RPI+1?
Written response from the Mayor
Increasing fares by RPI+1 rather than RPI would have yielded around an additional £40 million in 2014, £80 million in 2015 and £120 million in 2016, a total of £240 million over the three years.
Millbrook Park [1]
Question No:2016/0417
Andrew Dismore
Other than extending the 382 bus into Inglis Way, what else will you do to provide more public transport services to the future residents of Millbrook Park?
Written response from the Mayor
At present, over 160 passengers per day use the route 382 service north of Mill Hill. TfL will continue to monitor demand on this service, including liaising with Barnet Council over the progress of the Millbrook Park development, to understand the scale of future demand in the area.
Question No:2016/0417
Andrew Dismore
Other than extending the 382 bus into Inglis Way, what else will you do to provide more public transport services to the future residents of Millbrook Park?
Written response from the Mayor
At present, over 160 passengers per day use the route 382 service north of Mill Hill. TfL will continue to monitor demand on this service, including liaising with Barnet Council over the progress of the Millbrook Park development, to understand the scale of future demand in the area.
E9 Bus Route
Question No:2016/0482
Onkar Sahota
What is being done by TfL to address the issues of the E9 bus getting stuck along the route, particularly in Ayles Road?
Written response from the Mayor
As this is a borough road, TfL will work with the London Borough of Hillingdon to try to mitigate impacts of parking affecting the E9 in Ayles Road.
Question No:2016/0482
Onkar Sahota
What is being done by TfL to address the issues of the E9 bus getting stuck along the route, particularly in Ayles Road?
Written response from the Mayor
As this is a borough road, TfL will work with the London Borough of Hillingdon to try to mitigate impacts of parking affecting the E9 in Ayles Road.
Bus Stop JJ on Rockware Avenue
Question No:2016/0483
Onkar Sahota
What is being done by TfL to address the issues of overcrowding of passengers at the bus stop on Rockware Avenue near to Greenford Station, which forces pedestrians to walk in the road, facing danger from busy traffic?
Written response from the Mayor
This is a very important stop for both Greenford Station and the Westway Cross Retail Park and is used by over 4,600 passengers a day. TfL has recognised that the current bus stop conditions are not ideal and are investigating ways to improve the situation.
Question No:2016/0483
Onkar Sahota
What is being done by TfL to address the issues of overcrowding of passengers at the bus stop on Rockware Avenue near to Greenford Station, which forces pedestrians to walk in the road, facing danger from busy traffic?
Written response from the Mayor
This is a very important stop for both Greenford Station and the Westway Cross Retail Park and is used by over 4,600 passengers a day. TfL has recognised that the current bus stop conditions are not ideal and are investigating ways to improve the situation.
Bus overcrowding on Old Kent Road
Question No:2016/0495
Valerie Shawcross
Despite the very welcome extension of route 415 to Old Kent Road Tesco, I have received further complaints about overcrowded bus services (namely the 453) along the Old Kent Road. Please could you ask TfL for their further views?
Written response from the Mayor
Reliability on the 453 has been affected by roadworks in Elephant & Castle.
TfL has introduced an additional bus on route 453 to improve reliability and help ease overcrowding along the route. TfL will continue to keep routes in this area under review to ensure there is sufficient reliability and capcacity along the Old Kent Road.
Question No:2016/0495
Valerie Shawcross
Despite the very welcome extension of route 415 to Old Kent Road Tesco, I have received further complaints about overcrowded bus services (namely the 453) along the Old Kent Road. Please could you ask TfL for their further views?
Written response from the Mayor
Reliability on the 453 has been affected by roadworks in Elephant & Castle.
TfL has introduced an additional bus on route 453 to improve reliability and help ease overcrowding along the route. TfL will continue to keep routes in this area under review to ensure there is sufficient reliability and capcacity along the Old Kent Road.
Future of Tramlink
Question No:2016/0493
Valerie Shawcross
Please give an update on TfL's plans for the future expansion of the Tramlink network, specifically to Crystal Palace and Sutton.
Written response from the Mayor
I have been a huge supporter of the tram and I remain keen for the network to be extended to improve access to public transport in south London. In order to be taken forward, extensions need to unlock new housing and other development, be affordable and be value for money.
The Crystal Palace extension remains a potential future opportunity once the nature of the proposals for the local area become clear. I believe the Sutton extension has real potential to unlock new housing along the whole corridor through Morden to Sutton. TfL is committed to doing whatever they can to move this scheme forward and is working very actively with the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton to progress this.
Question No:2016/0493
Valerie Shawcross
Please give an update on TfL's plans for the future expansion of the Tramlink network, specifically to Crystal Palace and Sutton.
Written response from the Mayor
I have been a huge supporter of the tram and I remain keen for the network to be extended to improve access to public transport in south London. In order to be taken forward, extensions need to unlock new housing and other development, be affordable and be value for money.
The Crystal Palace extension remains a potential future opportunity once the nature of the proposals for the local area become clear. I believe the Sutton extension has real potential to unlock new housing along the whole corridor through Morden to Sutton. TfL is committed to doing whatever they can to move this scheme forward and is working very actively with the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton to progress this.
Defective Bells on the New Bus for London
Question No:2016/0496
Valerie Shawcross
I have had more than one complaint about the bells to alert the driver to stop at bus stops have not been working on some New Bus for London vehicles, which, at busy times, has led to passengers missing their stop. Please could this be investigated?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is aware of the failure of a small number of wireless bell pushers on some of the New Routemasters and is working with both the manufacturer and the operators to ensure these are replaced as quickly as possible.
Question No:2016/0496
Valerie Shawcross
I have had more than one complaint about the bells to alert the driver to stop at bus stops have not been working on some New Bus for London vehicles, which, at busy times, has led to passengers missing their stop. Please could this be investigated?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is aware of the failure of a small number of wireless bell pushers on some of the New Routemasters and is working with both the manufacturer and the operators to ensure these are replaced as quickly as possible.
