Consultation on the proposed extension to bus route 415

Responses to the main issues raised February 2015

Consultation on the proposed extension to bus route 415

Responses to the main issues raised

TfL responses to the main issues raised This document summarises our response to the main issues raised. Set out below are the main points put to us during the consultation and our response to these.

Our proposals In January 2015, TfL launched a five week consultation to gain public and stakeholder feedback to an extension of bus route 415.

The route currently runs from Tulse Hill to Elephant & Castle station. We proposed to extend route 415 from Elephant & Castle station to , , as a response to stakeholder and customer feedback regarding crowding along New and Old Kent Road.

As part of the proposals, the route would no longer serve stops on .

Main issues raised and TfL's response

It will be inconvenient if buses no longer serve stops F and H at Newington Causeway as it will increase current journey times, making access to the Bakerloo Line and Southbank University difficult especially for wheelchair users The nearest stops are located approximately 200 metres from the existing first and last stops, around a 2½ minute walk. Whilst we appreciate this will cause inconvenience for some customers, extending the 415 provides new journey opportunities and ensures that we can provide capacity to meet demand between Old Kent Road and Elephant & Castle.

Will the extension have any negative impact on the reliability of the 415 service? Additional resources will be added into the schedule to ensure the route can operate reliability.

Will the extension have any negative impact on crowding on the service from Old Kent Road, Tesco? Extending the 415 will reduce crowding experienced between Old Kent Road, Tesco and Elephant & Castle.

Can the frequency of the 415 be increased, especially during rush hour? The frequency of the 415 is set to ensure that capacity is well matched to meet demand on the route.

This extension will cause traffic congestion along the New and Old Kent Roads. Given the current high traffic flows in the area it is considered that the five extra buses per hour in each direction would have a negligible impact on congestion.

These proposals do not take into consideration the future reconfiguration of the Elephant & Castle roundabout. As a result the 415 should be re- routed via Heygate Road. Routeing the 415 via Heygate Road would mean that buses could no longer directly serve Elephant & Castle resulting in longer walking times, especially for customers wanting to access Newington Causeway and would reduce interchange opportunities. In addition the existing road network would not allow the 415 to follow this routeing.

The proposals are to extend the 415 a short distance. Can the route be extended further from the proposed terminal at Old Kent Road, Tesco to Asda, Old Kent Road, New Cross or Peckham? Extending route 415 to Old Kent Road, Tesco, ensures that that there is sufficient capacity at the busiest section of Old Kent Road. We will continue to monitor demand on routes further to the east.

Would TfL consider the converting the 415 to a night bus service? There are no plans to introduce a night service on the 415. Existing night services provide many of the connections that a 24-hour service would provide. There are three night routes between Old Kent Road, Tesco and Elephant & Castle (53, 453 and N63) with good connections to routes to Brixton and Tulse Hill.

Why are TfL extending the 415 rather than increasing the frequency on existing routes along Old Kent Road and New Kent Road? There are already many buses that operate along these roads. It seems unnecessary to add another. Increasing frequencies of existing routes would result in the same number of buses serving Old Kent Road. Extending route 415 ensures that capacity is provided where it is most needed and also gives new journey opportunities.

If this proposal goes ahead, then the 415 should use the stop BC at . This would provide better access to the roundabout. It is a short walk between stops BB and BC at Bricklayers Arms of around 60 metres. Routes travelling south serve stop BB to allow it to enter the correct lane at Bricklayers Arms.

Under the proposals, any increase in congestion will lead to an increase in air pollution. Plans for extension of this route have been devised to minimise environmental impacts on residents. Drivers are instructed and trained to keep noise to a minimum and to keep engines switched off when buses are parked at bus stands.