Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) are concerned by Southwark Council’s proposals to make Rye Lane one-way.
Southwark Council is consulting the public on whether to make the high street one-way, reducing bus services but increasing pedestrian space.
The consultations have already sparked fears among local residents about the impact that removing bus stops could have on people with mobility issues.
Network Rail, which is undertaking the Peckham Rye Station Upgrade, a multi-million refurbishment, has now said that “two-way bus traffic is too important to lose”. It says that removing bus stops would mean people having to walk 600 metres to get a bus from the station.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We have concerns about the plan as we know from our research that Peckham Rye is a really important bus interchange.
“Making the road one-way will extend bus interchange times and be less convenient for bus passengers wanting to catch the train into the city… we think having two-way bus traffic is too important to lose.”
The alternative to the proposal is to retain the current situation where buses, taxis and bicycles are permitted in both directions.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates trains running through the station were also critical of the proposal.
A spokesperson said: “We have concerns about this proposal, particularly the plan to move the very popular bus stops a considerable distance away from the station.
“This would be highly inconvenient for our customers, especially people with restricted mobility, and could discourage sustainable travel.”
GTR also said that the changes would limit the benefits of the station upgrade. These include accessibility improvements such as new lifts, accessible toilets, wider platforms and enhanced integration with the surrounding area.
Eileen Conn, founder of campaign group Peckham Vision said: “I am very glad to hear that Network Rail has explained how important it is to keep two-way buses in Rye Lane to support the interchange with Peckham Rye station.
“It is also important that the Council works with local people to develop ways to make Rye Lane a safe, clean and pleasant environment for all those using it. We look forward to discussing with the Council how to work collaboratively together on this.”
Concerned local resident Iain Johncock said: “We feel vindicated by the fact that Network Rail has said that they support our position that the two-way use is key to the success of the station project and the revitalisation of Rye Lane, which the rebuilt station is key to.
“Plans to improve access from the platform to the street in the station project would be undermined if there wasn’t access from the streets onto the buses – especially for people with limited mobility.”