People who want to comment on possible cuts to London’s bus network will now have an extra three weeks to do so.
Transport for London (TfL) said it has extended the consultation period on the bus cuts – which would include three routes in Southwark – to August 7, from the previous end date of July 12, because of “exceptionally high” interest.
It is a minor u-turn for the transport agency, after a senior executive told the News earlier this month that there would be no extension. Southwark’s Lib Dems originally called for the consultation to be extended to give people more time to take part.
Calls for Khan to answer questions publicly on proposed Southwark bus cuts
Three routes connecting parts of Southwark with central London – the 12, the 45 and the 78, are all in danger of being scrapped under TfL’s proposals, which would see sixteen routes scrapped in total across London to save money. London mayor Sadiq Khan is under pressure from the government to cut TfL budgets, after the pandemic devastated the transport agency’s finances.
TfL said: “Interest in this consultation has remained exceptionally high after the first four weeks of consultation. We appreciate that customers, communities and stakeholders who are only now starting to review our consultation materials may need more time to review, understand and provide feedback on our proposed changes.
“For this reason, and to ensure people have adequate time to respond, the consultation, will now close at midnight on Sunday 7 August 2022.”
It comes as Southwark’s Lib Dem leader said Khan had still not replied to an invitation to discuss the proposed cuts at a council meeting early next month.
Relatedarticles
Southwark’s overview and scrutiny committee asked Khan to come to the meeting on July 6, so he still has a few days to respond. The News understands it would be more likely that the mayor’s deputy for transport Seb Dance would go to the meeting, rather than Khan himself.
Have your say here.
Isn’t strange how someone who kept banging on about being the son of a London bus driver to get the public vote can do this!