Routes 289 and 455 Consultation Report July 2017

Consultation on proposed changes to bus routes 289 and 455 Consultation Report July 2017

Contents

Executive summary ...... 4 Summary of issues raised during consultation ...... 4 Next steps ...... 4 1. About the proposals ...... 5 1.1 Introduction ...... 5 1.2 Purpose ...... 5 1.3 Detailed description ...... 5 2. About the consultation ...... 7 2.1 Purpose ...... 7 2.2 Potential outcomes ...... 7 2.4 Who we consulted ...... 7 2.5 Dates and duration ...... 7 2.6 What we asked ...... 7 2.7 Methods of responding ...... 8 2.8 Consultation materials and publicity ...... 8 2.10 Analysis of consultation responses ...... 9 3. About the respondents ...... 10 3.1 Number of respondents ...... 10 3.2 How respondents heard about the consultation (public respondents) ...... 10 3.3 Methods of responding (public respondents) ...... 10 4. Summary of all consultation responses ...... 11 4.1 Summary of responses to Question 1 and 2 ...... 11 4.2 Summary of responses to Question 3 ...... 11 4.3 Summary of responses to Question 4 ...... 12 4.4 Summary of responses to Question 5 ...... 12 4.5 Issues commonly raised ...... 13 4.6 Summary of stakeholder responses ...... 13 4.7 Comments on the consultation ...... 16 5. Next steps ...... 16 Appendix A: Consultation materials ...... 17

Appendix B: Main issues raised ...... 23 Appendix C: List of stakeholders consulted ...... 25

Executive summary

Between 24 January and 7 March 2017, we consulted on proposals to remove the double run in both directions for routes 289 and 455 at Waddon Marsh, and the double run southbound for route 289 into Croydon Colonnades.

We received 267 responses to the consultation (including seven responses from stakeholders). Of the 260 public responses:  45 per cent supported or strongly supported the proposed removal of the double run for route 289 at Croydon Colonnades, 23 per cent neither supported nor opposed the change, while 30 per cent opposed or strongly opposed the proposal. Three per cent didn’t answer  37 per cent supported or strongly supported the proposed removal of the double run for route 289 at Waddon Marsh, nine per cent neither supported nor opposed the change, while 52 per cent opposed or strongly opposed the proposal. Three per cent didn’t answer  31 per cent supported or strongly supported the proposed removal of the double run for route 455 at Waddon Marsh, 26 per cent neither supported nor opposed the change, while 40 per cent opposed or strongly opposed the proposal. Three per cent didn’t answer

Summary of issues raised during consultation  Concerned that the removal of the double run at Waddon Marsh would be inconvenient for customers, especially those with reduced mobility, wishing to use the shops at the Purley Centre, the Waddon Marsh tram stop, as well as for residents of New South Quarter  Concerned that there were no safe crossing facilities at Waddon Marsh to allow customers to cross Purley Way  Felt that the time savings made did not justify the inconvenience for customers  Felt that proposed changes were sensible and generally supported proposals  Commented that routes 289 and 455 are both unreliable and should have an increase in frequency

Next steps After considering all of the responses, we have decided to go ahead with the scheme as proposed. In addition, route 455 will serve stop H northbound on Purley Way.

1. About the proposals

1.1 Introduction The London bus network is kept under regular review. As part of this, we develop proposals for changes to services. Consultation was undertaken on proposals to make some changes to route 289 at Waddon Marsh and Croydon Colonnades, and route 455 at Waddon Marsh.

1.2 Purpose We proposed the changes in order to reduce journey times and increase reliability on routes 289 and 455.

1.3 Detailed description Route 289 operates between Elmers End station and Purley station. Route 455 runs between Purley and Wallington station. At Waddon Marsh, routes 289 and 455 currently run in a loop via Trafalgar Way and Drury Crescent in both directions. In addition, route 289 runs into Croydon Colonnades in the southbound direction only. To reduce journey times and improve reliability, we proposed removing both of these ‘double runs’ so that routes 289 and 455 would run directly along Purley Way at these locations instead.

We estimate that the changes at Waddon Marsh would save about three minutes of journey time each for routes 289 and 455, and altering route 289 at Croydon Colonnades would save around one minute. At busy times, the time savings could be greater, as buses attempting to access Purley Way from both Waddon Marsh and Croydon Colonnades can experience long delays due to congestion.

Avoiding Waddon Marsh would mean that routes 289 and 455 no longer serve two bus stops – Waddon Marsh Tram Stop and The Purley Way Centre – in both directions. Passengers would have to walk about 200 metres to existing stops on Purley Way.

Removing the southbound double run for route 289 at Croydon Colonnades would mean that the route would no longer serve The Colonnades/Croydon Airport bus stop. Passengers would need to walk 90 metres to Purley Way, where a new southbound bus stop would be provided.

There would be no changes to the frequency of either route as a result of these proposals.

2. About the consultation

2.1 Purpose The objectives of the consultation were:  To give stakeholders and the public easily-understandable information about the proposals and allow them to respond  To understand the level of support or opposition for the proposals  To understand any issues that might affect the proposal of which we were not previously aware  To understand concerns and objections  To allow respondents to make suggestions

2.2 Potential outcomes The potential outcomes of the consultation were:  Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we decide to proceed with the scheme as set out in the consultation  Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we modify the proposals in response to issues raised and proceed with a revised scheme  Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we decide not to proceed with the scheme

Our conclusion and next steps are set out in Section 5.

2.4 Who we consulted We sought the views of customers currently using route 289 and 455, as well as local businesses in the Waddon Marsh and Croydon Colonnades areas. We also consulted stakeholders including the London Boroughs of Croydon and Sutton, London TravelWatch, local politicians, and local resident and community groups. A full list of the stakeholders consulted can be found in Appendix C.

2.5 Dates and duration This was a six week consultation which ran between 24 January and 7 March 2017.

2.6 What we asked The questionnaire asked six generic questions relating to name, email address, postcode, organisation name (if responding on behalf of a business/stakeholder/organisation), how they had heard about the consultation, and

views on the quality of the consultation (respondents were asked two questions on the quality: to rate in a scale from very good to very poor; and to provide any comments).

There were six questions specific to the consultation:  How often do you use route 289? (Respondents were given a choice of six answers: Daily, 2-3 days a week, once a week, 1-2 times a month, rarely, never)  How often do you use route 455? (Respondents were given a choice of six answers: Daily, 2-3 days a week, once a week, 1-2 times a month, rarely, never)  What do you think about our proposal to remove the double run at Croydon Colonnades for route 289? (The choices for respondents were strongly support/support/neither support or oppose/oppose/strongly oppose)  What do you think about our proposal to remove the double run at Waddon Marsh for route 289? (The choices for respondents were strongly support/support/neither support or oppose/oppose/strongly oppose)  What do you think about our proposal to remove the double run at Waddon Marsh for route 455? (The choices for respondents were strongly support/support/neither support or oppose/oppose/strongly oppose)  Do you have any other comments about our overall proposals for routes 289 and 455? (there was a free text box for respondents to provide comments)

2.7 Methods of responding People were invited to respond to the consultation using a variety of methods. They could respond by accessing the online questionnaire; by using our freepost address at FREEPOST TFL CONSULTATIONS; or by emailing [email protected]

2.8 Consultation materials and publicity We sent out emails to registered customers who use routes 289 and 455. We also consulted stakeholders including the London Borough of Croydon, London TravelWatch, local politicians, local businesses, and other groups. Notices were displayed at bus stops along the routes and displayed at local libraries, medical and leisure centres.

2.8.1 Website The consultation was published online via the TfL consultation website at consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/routes-112-and-455

2.8.2 Letters and/or leaflets A letter was sent to local businesses at Waddon Marsh and Croydon Colonnades, as well as local community groups, churches, and schools. A copy of the letter can be found at Appendix A.

2.8.3 Emails to public We sent an email with a link to the online consultation to registered users of routes 289 and 455. In total, 7,062 emails were sent out. A copy of the email that was sent to customers can be found in Appendix A.

2.8.4 Emails to stakeholders An email about the consultation was sent to stakeholders including the London Borough of Croydon, London TravelWatch, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, ward councillors, traffic police, and local interest groups. A list of the stakeholders we consulted is shown in Appendix C and a summary of their responses is given in Section 4.6.

2.8.5 Press and media activity We did not issue a press release. However, the consultaiton was reported on by the Croydon Advertiser and the Croydon Guardian, as well as the Inside Croydon website.

2.8.6 On-site advertising Posters about the proposals were placed at bus stops along routes 289 and 455, and were also sent to local libraries, medical and leisure centres to be displayed. A copy of the poster can be found in Appendix A.

2.10 Analysis of consultation responses Analysis of the consultation responses was carried out in-house.

There were two “open” questions (one seeking comments about the proposals and one on the quality of the consultation). One person conducted the tagging exercise; a draft coding frame was developed for responses to these questions, which was finalised following review by another member of the team.

Two duplicate responses were removed.

3. About the respondents

3.1 Number of respondents

Respondents Total % Public responses 260 97 Stakeholder responses 7 3 Total 267 100%

3.2 How respondents heard about the consultation (public respondents)

How respondents heard Total % Letter 2 1% Email 140 54% Press 18 7% TfL website 17 6%

Social media 36 14%

Other 23 9% Did not answer 24 9% Total 260 100%

Of those who answered ‘Other’, the most common responses were: heard about the consultation through word of mouth (nine respondents), saw a poster at a bus stop (seven respondents), and saw it on the Inside Croydon website (three respondents).

3.3 Methods of responding (public respondents)

Methods of responding Total % Online 249 96% Email/letter 11 4% Total 260 100%

4. Summary of all consultation responses

We received 260 responses from members of the public. Their responses are set out in sections 4.1 to 4.5. The seven responses from stakeholders are included in section 4.6.

4.1 Summary of responses to Question 1 and 2 We asked respondents how often they used these bus routes. 2-3 times a 1-2 times a Not Daily Once a week Rarely Never week month answered

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

Route 53 20% 47 18% 35 13% 50 19% 43 17% 19 7% 13 5% 289

Route 22 8% 41 16% 23 9% 43 17% 63 24% 57 22% 11 4% 455

4.2 Summary of responses to Question 3 We asked respondents to tell us what they think about our proposal to remove the double run at Croydon Colonnades for route 289. 253 respondents answered this question.

Q3. What do you think about our proposal to remove the double run

80 at Croydon Colonnades for route 289?

0 Neither Strongly Strongly Not Support support or Oppose Total support Oppose Answered oppose Number of replies 75 41 60 23 54 7 260 % of total 29% 16% 23% 9% 21% 3% 100%

4.3 Summary of responses to Question 4 We asked respondents to tell us what they think about our proposal to remove the double run at Wasson Marsh for route 289. 251 respondents answered this question Q4. What do you think about our proposal to remove the double run at Waddon Marsh for route 289? 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Neither Strongly Strongly Not Support support or Oppose Total support Oppose Answered oppose Number of replies 64 30 23 30 104 9 260 % of total 25% 12% 9% 12% 40% 3% 100% 4.4 Summary of responses to Question 5 We asked respondents to tell us what they think about our proposal to remove the double run at Waddon Marsh for route 455. 251 respondents answered this question Q5. What do you think about our proposal to remove the double run at Waddon Marsh for route 455? 80

0 Neither Strongly Strongly Not Support support or Oppose Total support Oppose Answered oppose Number of replies 59 22 67 28 75 9 260 % of total 23% 8% 26% 11% 29% 3% 100% 12

4.5 Issues commonly raised Question 6 asked respondents if they had any other comments about our proposals. 169 respondents raised additional issues (positive and negative) and suggestions in response to this question. The table below lists the top 10 issues commonly raised. A summary of the main issues raised can be found in Appendix B and a separate document will respond to the main points raised by respondents. Top ten themes Number of comments The bus stops at Waddon Marsh are convenient for shops - if 59 the changes go ahead it will be too far to walk to Purley Way with shopping Disabled/older/less mobile customers or those with children 39 would struggle to walk from shops at Waddon Marsh to stops on Purley Way Crossing Purley Way is dangerous 33

The bus stops at Waddon Marsh are convenient to link with tram 27 services The time savings are not enough to warrant the change/it will 24 take longer to walk to Purley Way Proposals are sensible/generally support 17

Generally oppose the proposed changes to route 289 15

Increase the frequency of route 289 13

Generally oppose the proposed changes to route 455 9

Support measures if it will improve service on route 289 8

4.6 Summary of stakeholder responses This section provides summaries of the feedback we received from stakeholders. We sometimes have to condense detailed responses into brief summaries. The full stakeholder responses are always used for analysis purposes.

Local authorities & statutory bodies London Borough of Croydon: Opposed the proposals.

Concerned about the inconvenience that would be caused to bus and tram users by removing the Waddon Marsh loop for both routes. Felt it would be particularly difficult for those who had to cross Purley Way to reach bus stop H, and additionally

challenging for people with shopping, parents with buggies and those with mobility problems.

Also felt that removing route 289 from Croydon Colonnades would inconvenience bus users wishing to access the retail facilities or interchange with route 119.

London TravelWatch were also consulted but did not provide a response.

Political stakeholders

Waddon ward councillors: Opposed the proposals.

Welcomed efforts to improve service reliability on routes 289 and 455, but felt that the disadvantages of the proposals outweigh the benefits. All of the stops that would no longer be served are conveniently located and well used. If the stops were no longer served by routes 289 and 455, it would remove convenient links to shops and other bus/tram services. This may be an incentive to using the car rather than public transport. Also noted that northbound customers would need to cross the busy and congested Purley Way to reach a bus stop.

Felt that the stated journey time savings were not significant in relation to the overall journey times along both routes.

Suggested that the proposed changes at Croydon Colonnades would require a new bus stop on Purley Way, which is an unnecessary and avoidable expense. It would also mean that any southbound 289 bus that needed to turn around to maintain service regularity would require customers to alight at the Imperial Way bus stop, leaving them with a long walk, and a busy junction to cross, in order to reach the Colonnades.

Accessibility Groups Croydon Mobility Forum: Opposed the proposals.

Pointed out that Waddon Marsh is the only stop where route 289 has an easy connection with tram services. If the changes were to go ahead, those transferring from tram services and residents of New South Quarter would face a longer walk and need to cross the six lane Purley Way.

Suggested that route 455 should serve stop H in Purley Way, as route 289 does.

Commented that removing the double run at Croydon Colonnades would remove the common stop between routes 289 and 119, and require customers to walk further.

from Purley Way. Also felt that the Colonnades stop is more sheltered than a new stop on Purley Way would be.

Transport and road user groups East Surrey Transport Committee: Opposed the proposals.

Felt that removing the double run at Waddon Marsh would cause considerable inconvenience as it is the only direct connection between route 289 and tram services, and the local bus link for residents of New South Quarter. There would also be a longer walk for northbound passengers, necessitating crossing the dangerous, six lane Purley Way.

Stated that removing the route 289 loop at Croydon Colonnades would remove the common stop with route 119, as well as increasing the time and distance required to reach the premises in the Colonnades.

Campaign for Better Transport: Opposed the proposals.

Thought that both routes 289 and 455 should continue to serve Waddon Marsh tram stop to keep the interchange between buses and trams.

Local interest groups Broad Green Residents Association

Felt that both routes should be left as they are as they provide a useful service for shoppers using the Purley Way Centre and residents who live nearby. Commented that a three minute saving on journey time is irrelevant, but understood that there could be greater time savings whern there is traffic.

Cherry Tree Residents Association: Opposed the proposals.

Stated that removing these double runs would remove direct links to retail/entertainment facilities and transport interchange with trams and other buses, which in many cases are the purpose of the journey being made. This would cause inconvenience and delays to customers and, because they would need to cross Purley Way, could lead to greater risk of serious injury or death. Felt that other customers would decide not to make the journeys and thus no longer visit these locations.

Suggested that there were many locations along each route which are likely to experience heavy traffic and delays than Croydon Colonnades and Waddon Marsh. Felt that the proposals are at odds with TfL’s aim of providing conneceted public transport options.

4.7 Comments on the consultation 240 respondents provided a comment on the quality of the consultation and associated materials. 172 respondents (66 per cent) felt the consultation was good or very good, 49 (19 per cent) thought it was acceptable, and 18 (7 per cent) felt it was poor or very poor.

Of the 36 further comments about the consultation, the main topic – raised by 13 respondents – was that the consultation was poorly publicised. Suggestions to remedy this including sending a letter or leaflet to everyone along the route corridors, having staff at bus stops to notify customers of the proposals, having notices on the buses themselves and running press advertisements.

5. Next steps

After considering all responses, we have concluded that there have not been any major issues raised that were not considered in the planning of the proposal.

We acknowledge that some customers do not support these changes, in particular the withdrawal of the double runs at Waddon Marsh. In order to continue to reliably operate the double runs on each route at the current frequency, the bus operators would need to utilise an additional vehicle at a cost of £250,000 per annum.

Although customers will face a longer walk to catch their bus, it will still be less than 400 metres to a bus stop – we will be altering route 455 so that it serves bus stop H on Purley Way. For northbound passengers accessing stops H and J, safe pedestrian crossings across Purley Way are provided at the junctions with Drury Crescent and Commerce Way, and Beddington Farm Road.

Whilst some people using the stops at Waddon Marsh and Croydon Colonnades will be put off by the extra journey distance to Purley Way, our assessment is that this will be outweighed by benefits of faster journey times for through passengers and improved reliability for other passengers on the routes.

We therefore plan to go ahead with our proposals. The service changes will be implemented on 2 September 2017.

Appendix A: Consultation materials

Email to users of routes 289 and 455

Email to stakeholders

Letter to local businesses

Bus stop poster

Appendix B: Main issues raised

Support the proposals Proposals are sensible/generally support 17 Support measures if it will improve service on route 289 8 Support the removal of the Croydon Colonnades double run 5 Support: this will speed up journey times 2

Oppose the proposals The bus stops at Waddon Marsh are convenient for shops - if the changes go ahead it will be too far to walk to Purley Way with shopping 59 Disabled/older/less mobile customers or those with children would struggle to walk from shops at Waddon Marsh to stops on Purley Way 39 Crossing Purley Way is dangerous 33 The bus stops at Waddon Marsh are convenient to link with tram services 27 The time savings are not enough to warrant the change/it will take longer to walk to Purley Way 24 Generally oppose the proposed changes to route 289 15 Generally oppose the proposed changes to route 455 9 The stops at Waddon Marsh are vital to those without cars 8 Both bus stops at Waddon Marsh are always busy with shoppers 7 Buses should provide links to where passengers wish to go 7 These changes will encourage more car use 6 Routes 289 and 455 are the only buses serving these areas 5 Changes will increase commuting time 4 Bus stops at Waddon Marsh convenient for New South Quarter residents 3 There are bigger delays at other parts of both routes/find other ways to improve reliability 2

Comments and Suggestions Increase the frequency of route 289 13 Route 289 is unreliable and often runs late 8 Route 455 needs attention as is unreliable/constantly late/doesn't show up 8 Route 455 is too long 7 Increase the frequency of route 455 7 Keep one stop at Waddon Marsh 7 Use double deck buses on route 289 6 Anything to help improve service on route 455 is welcomed 6 Could Purley bound buses on route 289 stop at one stop only on the Waddon Marsh loop and the Elmers End bound buses serve the other stop? 3 Improve pedestrian crossings on Purley Way 3 The northbound stop on Purley Way at Waddon Marsh should be opposite southbound stop 2 Bus stops on Purley Way need shelters and seating 2 Can Asda Beddington be cut out to save time too 2 More bus routes are required along Purley Way 2 Provide a new bus link between Old Lodge Lane and Purley/Croydon 2 Route 455 needs re-routing around Purley Tesco 2 Split route 455 into two routes to improve reliability 2

Appendix C: List of stakeholders consulted

London TravelWatch

Local Authorities

London Borough of Croydon London Borough of Sutton

Elected Members

Caroline Pidgeon Assembly Member Nicky Gavron Assembly Member Shaun Bailey Assembly Member Kemi Badenoch Assembly Member Sian Berry Assembly Member David Kurten Assembly Member Caroline Russell Assembly Member Peter Whittle Assembly Member Andrew Boff Assembly Member Tom Copley Assembly Member Peter Whittle Assembly Member Fiona Twycross Assembly Member Steve O’Connell Assembly Member Chris Philip MP Croydon South Steve Reed MP Croydon North Cllr Stuart Collins Broad Green, Croydon Cllr Mike Selva Broad Green, Croydon Cllr Manju Shahul-Hameed Broad Green, Croydon Cllr Simon Brew Purley, Croydon Cllr Badsha Quadir Purley, Croydon Cllr Donald Speakman Purley, Croydon Cllr Robert Canning Waddon, Croydon Cllr Joy Prince Waddon, Croydon Cllr Andrew Pelling Waddon, Croydon Cllr Bernadette Khan West Thornton, Croydon Cllr Stuart King West Thornton, Croydon Cllr Callton Young West Thornton, Croydon Cllr Pathumal Ali Beddington North, Sutton Cllr Nick Mattey Beddington North, Sutton Cllr Nighat Piracha Beddington North, Sutton

Police and Health Authorities

NHS Care Commissioning Group Croydon Croydon Safer Transport Team London Ambulance Service Metropolitan Police service

Transport Groups

Licenced Taxi Drivers Association London Cycling Campaign Cycling UK ICE -London ICE -London London Cab Drivers Club Campaign for Better Transport East Surrey Transport Committee

Accessibility Groups

RNIB Disability Rights UK Older Peoples’ Network Croydon Sutton Seniors Forum Croydon Accessible Transport Sutton Community Transport

Local Interest Groups

Broad Green and Waddon Neighbourhood Forum Croydon Transport Focus South Croydon Community Association Together in Waddon Croydon Transport Focus