A petition has been launched to save the RV1 bus route, after TfL proposed scrapping the service in a review of central London bus services.
The RV1 connects Covent Garden, the London Eye, South Bank, Tate Modern, the Globe, Borough Market, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, and was reduced from six buses an hour to three in February.
The petition, launched by Southwark Liberal Democrats, had garnered 109 signatures at the time of writing.
Victor Chamberlain, ward councillor for Borough and Bankside, said: “The Mayor of London made much of him being the son of a bus driver, yet here we see cuts to a much-loved bus service that services a rapidly growing part of inner London and is used by residents, workers and tourists alike.
“Liberal Democrats believe the RV1 needs to be saved, not scrapped.
“This is a wrong move by the Mayor, and for all those who agree with us, we urge them to tell TfL and to sign the new petition to keep the RV1.”
In its review of the service, TfL said: “The total cost of operating the RV1 is about £3.3 million per year.
“Fares revenue is about £650,000 per year, meaning there is a subsidy of £2.6 million a year for the route, about £3.23 for each customer journey.
“The review of Central London bus services recommends that given its relatively poor value for money, low use, and the coverage of other routes in the area it would be worthwhile to withdraw the RV1.”
Neil Coyle, Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, has also launched a survey on the proposed route changes.
Other routes affected by the proposals include Route 48 from Walhamstow Central to London Bridge, which is due to be scrapped and Route 343 which will be extended from Tower Bridge.
TfL is now consulting on the changes until November 9th.