Southwark’s Greens are the latest political party to lend their voices against Sadiq Khan’s proposed bus cuts in south London.
The Greens said in a statement that the loss of the 78 and 12 would have “a terrible impact” on the people and businesses of Southwark. Party activists argued that cuts would weaken social links and make it harder for people to get to work, as well as undermining mayor Khan’s environmental credentials.
The 78, 12 and 45 are among the sixteen bus routes that Transport for London (TfL) and Khan plan to shutter in response to cost-cutting pressures from central government.
Southwark’s Labour Party and Liberal Democrats have also spoken out against the planned cuts, with the Labour Party launching a petition online. The News has also reported on 78 bus drivers and Nunhead residents urging TfL to rethink.
‘A kick below the belt’: passengers and drivers react to possible Nunhead bus cut
A spokesperson for the Greens said: “If these cuts go ahead, it will harm many residents of Southwark who can least afford to lose these services. Many of us will find it harder to get to work, see family and friends, or get to essential services. During a climate emergency we need to be encouraging and expanding these vital public transport options, not cutting them.
“The loss of the 12 and 78 and further route changes will have a terrible impact on areas such as Peckham, Dulwich and Nunhead. In part due to the lack of tubes and an overground regularly out of service these routes are some of the only direct routes into Central London for these areas and form the only links to the new Elizabeth Line.
Bus drivers ‘first heard they could lose route from rival company’
“While the Conservative Government has been playing politics with London’s finances, starving Transport for London of much-needed money, the Mayor’s proposal to cut these services is not the answer. These cuts disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our community who rely on these services every day.”
TfL’s consultation runs until July 12. Have your say here.
Sign the petition against the cuts here.
The cheep jibe about the Conservatives was totally unnecessary.
The reality is that Khan and his fares freeze policy, has starved TfL of income. HIs failure to deliver Crossrail on time cost TfL many billions more. Sadiq Khan is now destroying London’s bus networks.
People made a massive mistake in re-electing this financially illiterate fool to City Hall. Now, they’re gonna pay for it!
Sorry for “typo”, it should have been “cheap”.