Strand and Aldwych Bus Changes Consultation Report

The Strand / Aldwych changes to bus stopping arrangements

Consultation Report August 2021

Contents

1. Summary of consultation responses ...... 1 1.1 Summary of responses to Question 1 ...... 1 1.2 Summary of Question 2 ...... 3 1.3 Summary of Question 3 ...... 4 1.4 Summary of Question 4 ...... 5 1.5 Summary of Question 5 ...... 6 1.6 Summary of Question 6 ...... 6 1.7 Stakeholder responses ...... 7 2. About the consultation ...... 7 2.1 Purpose ...... 7 2.2 Potential outcomes ...... 8 2.3 Consultation history ...... 8 2.4 Who we consulted ...... 9 2.5 Dates and duration ...... 9 2.6 What we asked ...... 10 2.7 Methods of responding ...... 10 2.8 Equalities Assessment ...... 10 2.9 Analysis of consultation responses ...... 10 3. About the respondents ...... 11 3.1 Number of respondents ...... 11 3.2 How respondents heard about the consultation ...... 11 3.3 Methods of responding ...... 11 3.4 Who responded ...... 12 3.6 Comments on the consultation process and material ...... 12 4. Next steps ...... 14 Appendix A: Detailed analysis of comments ...... 15 Appendix B: Consultation questions ...... 16 Appendix C: Consultation letter/leaflet ...... 21 Appendix D: Summary of Stakeholder replies ...... 23 Appendix E: List of stakeholders consulted with ...... 25 Appendix F: Response to issues raised ...... 29

Executive Summary As a result of the City of Westminster’s redevelopment of the Strand and Aldwych, we consulted on changes to bus routes and bus stops that needed to change as a result of the highway changes. The consultation was open between the 24 September and 5 November 2020. We received 145 to the consultation, 140 from members of the public and 5 from stakeholders. The majority of respondents told us that the proposals would not make any difference to their journeys. Also, that the changes would not prevent them from using the bus network. We are aware that the new location of bus stops will impact on some passenger journeys and we have mitigated these where possible. There will also be people who benefit from shorter walks to bus stops as a result of the changes. Next steps The works on the Strand and in the surrounding areas are well underway. We are reacting to the changes by re-routing and changing bus stop locations. Dates for these changes are dependent on the wider works taking place. We will monitor the impact of the changes on passenger journeys and keep under review bus stop locations and buses serving the stops.

1. Summary of consultation responses

We received 145 responses to consultation; 140 from members of the public and five from stakeholders. Chapter 3 summarises the demographic information about our respondents.

In order to more clearly show the numbers of people who had a view on the aspect of the proposal, the graphs and tables in the sections 1.1 to 1.6 do not include numbers for those who did not answer each question.

1.1 Summary of responses to Question 1 The first question asked respondents which of the bus routes passing through Aldwych they used and how often. The charts below show the responses to this question – day and night routes have been seperated out for ease of viewing.

Which of these bus routes do you use and how often - day routes? 100%

90%

38% 80% 41% 43% 44% 46% 45% 49% 53% 55% 70% 58% 63% 61% 62% 66% 66% 70% 76% 60%

Less 3-4 times a month 50% 27% 2-3 times a week 4-5 times a week 21% 23% 25% 33% Daily 40% 31% 19% 32% 21% 21% 30% 16% 15% 11% 20% 17% 19% 21% 16% 10% 13% 8% 20% 13% 8% 20% 11% 16% 7% 11% 13% 15% 9% 12% 7% 15% 2% 9% 13% 10% 13% 10% 8% 5% 4% 0% 4% 2% 4% 13% 2% 4% 5% 9% 9% 7% 7% 6% 7% 6% 6% 7% 3% 4% 4% 5% 5% 4% 3% 0% 0% 0% 1 6 9 11 15 59 68 76 87 91 168 172 188 243 341 521 X68

Figure 1a – Question 1: Which of these bus routes do you use and how often – day routes?

Which of these bus routes do you use and how often - night routes? 100%

90%

80%

70%

60% 85% 88% Less 90% 89% 92% 93% 94% 95% 95% 3-4 times a month 97% 97% 97% 97% 97% 50% 100% 2-3 times a week 4-5 times a week Daily 40%

30%

20%

5% 10% 7% 2% 5% 5% 0% 5% 0% 0% 5% 3% 2% 3% 3% 7% 6% 0% 5% 0% 0% 0% 2% 3% 3% 2% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% N1 N9 N11 N15 N21 N26 N44 N68 N87 N89 N91 N155N199N550N551

Figure 2b – Question 1: Which of these bus routes do you use and how often – night routes?

1.2 Summary of Question 2 Question 2 asked respondents what type of journey they made through the area. 136 people answered this question – they could choose more than one option.

What is your journey type in the area? 80

0 Travel through the Change to another Start and finish Change buses area on the same transport choice bus Total 77 55 18 51

Figure 2 – Question 2: What is your journey type in the area?

1.3 Summary of Question 3 The third question asked respondents about the impact the changes would have on their journey. 137 people answered this question. The largest number of people (32%) thought the changes would make no difference, whereas 30% thought it would make their journey slower and 25% didn’t know.

Will the changes make your journey... 50

0 Slower Faster Make no difference Don’t know. Total 41 18 44 34 % 30% 13% 32% 25%

Figure 3 – Question 3: What effect will the changes have on your journey?

1.4 Summary of Question 4 Question 4 asked if the changes would prevent respondents from using the bus network. 137 people answered this question. Most people (69%) felt they wouldn’t be prevented from using the network.

Will the changes prevent you from using the bus network? 100

0 Yes No Don't know Total 19 95 23 % 14% 69% 17%

Figure 3 – Question 4: Will the changes prevent you from using the bus network?

The question went on to ask if those who felt the changes would prevent them from using the bis network would consider walking or cycling instead. The responses were as follows:

If yes, would you consider using other transport options such as Total Walking 18 Cycling 6 Table 1 – Question 4: If yes, would you consider using other transport options?

1.4.1 Issues commonly raised Respondents could go on to give details as to why they would not be able to use the buses in the area. The main issues raised are listed below.

Concern Concern about increased walking distances to stops 10 Concern that things will be more difficult for disabled/less mobile passengers 7 Concern that new road layout will increase congestion/bus journey times 5

Concern that changes will make commuting into London less viable 2 Other comment Comments about the wider WCC proposals 3 Bus frequency/reliability comment 2 Table 2 – Question 4: If yes, why would you not be able to use buses in the area?

1.5 Summary of Question 5 The fifth question asked respondents what ticket or payment method they used for their bus journeys. 137 people answered this question. Most respondents (62%) used an Oyster card with the next largest group (23%) using contactless payment.

Do you currently use: 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 A disabled persons An oyster card A senior freedom pass Contactless card freedom pass Total 85 16 4 32 % 62% 12% 3% 23%

Figure 5 – Question 5: What ticket/payment method do you use for your bus journeys?

1.6 Summary of Question 6 The sixth question gave respondents the opportunity to let us know their views on the proposals. 99 people responded to this question

1.6.1 Issues commonly raised The top comments, concerns and suggestions (ie. those where 5 or more people responded) are listed in the table below. 45 respondents left comments on the wider Westminster City Council scheme to change the road layout at Aldwych rather than our proposals for changing bus stopping arrangements in the area. The full code frame of responses is shown in Appendix A.

Support proposals Support bus stop moves 17 Oppose or concern about proposals Will be more difficult for disabled/less mobile passengers to access buses 9 Longer walk to bus stops 8 Concern that there won’t be sufficient room for standing/turning buses on Aldwych/suggestion to terminate buses at other locations 7 Comments/suggestions about proposals Request for additional southbound bus stop on Lancaster Place/Access to Somerset House will be more difficult 5 Other Comments about the wider WCC proposals 45 Out of scope comment 11 Will not affect my journey 4 Stop locations/map not clear 4 Table 3 – Question 6: Let us have your views on the proposals

1.7 Stakeholder responses Five stakeholders replied to the consultation. The Northbank BID, High Commission of India, Friends of Capital Transport Campaign, London TravelWatch and JLL.

80 Per cent of stakeholders supported the new stopping arrangements. One stakeholder, 20 per cent, did not. The reason for not supporting the proposals is the location of the bus stop.

40 per cent of stakeholders (two), stated that the new locations of the bus stops were better for passengers and less confusing as they would all be on the same road.

A summary of each stakeholder response can be found in Appendix D.

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 impacts on journeys for the changes • To understand any issues that might affect the proposal of which we were not previously aware and mitigate them if possible • To understand concerns and objections • To allow respondents to make suggestion

2.2 Potential outcomes The potential outcomes of the consultation were: (delete amend as per your consultation plan)

• 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 Our conclusion and next steps are set out in Chapter 4.

2.3 Consultation history The local community have taken part in several consultations about the wider project of changes in the area. The Westminster City Council (WCC) consultation has not mentioned any changes to bus routes, bus stop and stand location changes in the area that are needed to facilitate there project.

WCC consider the area is an iconic gateway to the West End, the area is home to a number of cultural, educational, creative institutions and many businesses with established residential neighbourhoods nearby. However, the area also suffers from significant challenges – poor public spaces and safety, traffic congestion and air quality issues which means those who live, work or visit get a poor experience.

The changes to the area that WCC are going to start building are;

• Making it easier and safer to get around by removing the gyratory, introducing two-way traffic in Aldwych and removing it from part of the Strand. • Improving public spaces across the whole area with an amazing new plaza proposed around St Mary Le Strand Church. • Improving connections to South Bank, Covent Garden and the West End. • Creating a cultural and learning quarter by joining up the world-renowned organisations and institutions in the area and supporting them to showcase their amazing offer. • Tackling air quality issues as well as improving facilities for walking and cycling.

These proposals have been consulted on by WCC and the project partner, WSP. The proposals received support and WCC are planning on starting construction in early 2021.

As a result of the proposed road changes, the bus network must change. there are many day and night services in this area and our proposals are a result of the WCC wider project. Our proposed changes are;

• Re-route the N/1, 59, N/68, 168, N/171, 188, 243, 521 and X68 via Aldwych west arm towards Waterloo • Re-route the 4, N/26, 76, 172 and 341 via Aldwych east and west arms towards Waterloo • Re-route the 6, N/9, N/87, N44 and N155 to stand at new stands on Aldwych, east side and Melbourne Place and run via Melbourne Place and Aldwych west arm • Re-route the N/11, N/15, N21, N26, N89, N550 and N551 via Aldwych east and west arms towards Trafalgar Square • Re-route the N/91 via Kingsway and Strand via Aldwych western arm towards Trafalgar Square • Re-route the RV1 via Drury Lane, Russell Street and Catherine Street to stand and return via Aldwych west arm • Routes 139, 176, N199 and N343 would continue to run between Lancaster Place and Strand in both directions

The changes listed, need to go ahead as a result of local road changes. We did not consult on these changes as we cannot change them. What we sought views on the impact of the changes to passengers in and around the area, plus those who travel through it on the bus.

2.4 Who we consulted We sought the views of people who use public transport in the area. We did this by sending an email to all registered users of public transport in the area. The email was sent to over 162,000 email addresses. A copy of the email can be found in Appendix B

We also contacted local stakeholders including local councillors, the local MP plus local user groups. A copy of this email can be found in Appendix C A list of all of the stakeholders contacted can be found in Appendix E

2.5 Dates and duration The consultation was open between the 24 September and 5 November 2020.

2.6 What we asked As we wanted to understand the impact that the proposals would have rather than gather support or opposition for them, we asked whether the proposals would impact people’s journeys. Would the journey be longer or quicker? What bus routes they used? We also asked for additional comments around the changes. A full list of the questions we asked can be found in Appendix B

2.7 Methods of responding People were able to respond to the consultation through several ways. They could complete our online survey on the consultation website. Respondents could also email or write to us when responding to the consultation.

2.8 Equalities Assessment When the Equalities impact assessment was produced, it highlighted that people who have limited mobility may be disadvantaged as they could have longer journeys getting to or from relocated bus stops. The Assessment also highlighted that people with limited mobility may benefit from the proposals as they could have shorter journeys to and from relocated bus stops.

Following our review of the assessment, we chose to try and understand what bus stops would be of difficulty for passenger, by asking them specifically about their journey and how it would be impacted. Results of this question can be found in chapter 1.

2.9 Analysis of consultation responses Development of a codeframe which summarises and counts the number of comments for the two open questions and analysis of the consultation responses was carried out in-house for this consultation as the number of people responding was low. This was anticipated as we were not seeking responses about the wider WCC scheme or actual changes to the bus routes.

3. About the respondents

We received 145 responses to consultation; 140 were from members of the public and five were from Stakeholders.

3.1 Number of respondents Most responses were received from the general public.

Respondents Total % Public responses 140 97% Stakeholder responses 5 3% Total 145 100% Table 4: Number and type of respondents?

3.2 How respondents heard about the consultation Most members of the public who responded heard about the consultation by an email from TfL.

How respondents heard Total % Received an email from TfL 104 74% Social media 10 7% Other (please specify) 5 4% Read about in the press 2 1%

Received a letter from TfL 0 0%

Saw it on the TfL website 11 8% Not Answered 8 6% Total 140 100%

Table 5: How did you hear about the consultation?

3.3 Methods of responding Most responses from the public were received via our online consultation portal.

Methods of responding Total % Website 137 98% Email/letter 3 2%

Total 140 100% Table 6: How the public responded to the consultation

3.4 Who responded Respondents were able to choose more than one option when responding to this question. The largest group of respondents identified themselves as commuters to the area.

Respondent type Total

A local resident 33 A local business owner 2 Employed locally 35 A visitor to the area 36 A commuter to the area 63 Not local but interested in the scheme 23 A taxi/private hire vehicle driver 0 Other (please specify) 13 Total 205 Table 7: How would you identify yourself?

3.6 Comments on the consultation process and material We asked respondents to let us know what they thought about the following seven aspects of the consultation process:

• Website structure & ease of finding what you needed • Written information • Maps, images & related diagrams • Online survey format • Website accessibility • Events & drop-in sessions • Promotional material The graph below shows the responses to these questions. This does not include numbers for those who did not answer the question, in order to show the numbers of people who had a view on each of these aspects of the quality of the consultation

What do you think about the quality of this consultation? 100% 6% 8%

90% 10% 30% 28% 33% 32% 31% 17% 80% 6% 3% 4% 70% 8% 4% 60% 3% 32% 34% 50% 32% 41% 43%

40% 72% 30% 19% 60%

24% 22% 20% 21% 19% 12% 10% 4% 8% 3% 3% 3% 7% 3% 1% 3% 0% 3% 3% 2% 1% 3% Website structure & Maps, Online Website Events & ease of Written images & Promotion survey accessibilit drop-in finding information related al material format y sessions what you diagrams needed Very good 40 36 34 38 37 7 10 Good 38 41 39 49 51 11 20 Adequate 29 26 23 25 22 7 9 Poor 5 9 15 4 3 3 5 Very poor 4 4 8 3 1 4 3 Not applicable 4 3 2 1 4 82 71

Figure 6: Public responses to question 13 - What do you think about the quality of this consultation?

Most respondents felt the quality of the consultation was generally either good or very good.

Respondents were also able to give us their comments about the quality of the consultation, and 21 people left feedback. The main concern raised was that respondents felt maps could have been clearer and given more detail about the bus stop locations.

4. Next steps

The works on the Strand and in the surrounding areas are well underway. We are reacting to the changes by re-routing and changing bus stop locations. Dates for these changes are dependent on the wider works taking place.

We will monitor the impact of the changes on passenger journeys and keep under review bus stop locations and buses serving the stops.

Appendix A: Detailed analysis of comments

The analysis of the consultation responses has been carried out by one of our in- house Consultation Analysts.

A draft coding framework of the same or similar themed comments was developed by the Analyst for responses to the two ‘open’ questions. This was finalised following validation by an internal expert, allowing the responses to be reviewed and grouped into themes – these are listed in the tables below, along with the number of comments we received for each theme.

Question 4: Will the changes prevent you from using the bus network? If yes please can you give details as to why you would not be able to use the buses in the area? Comment The changes will not prevent me from using the bus network 1 Concern Concern about increased walking distances to stops 10 Concern that things will be more difficult for disabled/less mobile 7 Concern that new road layout will increase congestion/bus journey times 5 Concern that changes will make commuting into London less viable 2 Concern that new bus stops towards Waterloo will be overcrowded 1 Concern about safety on Aldwych at night 1 Other comment Comments about the wider Westminster City Council proposals 3 Bus frequency/reliability comment 2 Out of scope comment 2 Consultation map confusing/not clear which routes are going where 1

Question 6: Please let us know your views on the proposals in the space below Support proposals Support bus stop moves 17 New bus stop locations will make things simpler 3 Quicker journey times around Aldwych 2 Closure of stop K will improve safety 1 Oppose or concern about proposals Will be more difficult for disabled/less mobile passengers to access buses 9 Longer walk to bus stops 8 Concern that there won’t sufficient room for standing/turning buses on Aldwych/suggestion to terminate buses at other locations 7 Concern that new bus stops towards Waterloo will be overcrowded 3

Concern about having to cross Aldwych to interchange to southbound routes/request for additional crossings 3 Oppose bus stop moves 2 Slower journey times for westbound buses 2 More difficult interchange 1 Concern about more pollution from standing buses on Kingsway 1 Comments/suggestions about proposals Request for additional southbound bus stop on Lancaster Place/Access to Somerset House will be more difficult 5 Why are four new westbound stops necessary? Two would be sufficient 3 Route 172 should serve the same stops westbound as the 26, 76 and 341 2 Merge stops L and M for ease of interchange 2 Bus stop T should be closed (causes congestion for cars and pedestrians) 1 The junction of Aldwych/Kingsway will need to be signalised 1 The new west/southbound stops near the Indian High Commission should be swapped 1 Bus stops should not be placed where they detract from businesses or building architecture 1 Other Comments about the wider Westminster City Council proposals 45 Out of scope comment 11 Will not affect my journey 4 Stop locations/map not clear 4 Request for Countdown 1 What will happen to the taxi rank on Aldwych? 1

Appendix B: Consultation questions

We asked what route people took, to, from or through the area?

1, N1, 6, 9, N9, 11, N11, 15, N15, N21, N26, N44, 59, 68, N68, 76, 87, N87, N89, 91, N91, N155, 168, 172, 188, N199, 243, 341, 521, N550, N551 and X68?

Also, how often they made the journey, daily, 4-5 times a week, 2-3 times a week, 3- 4 times a month or, less?

What is your journey type in the area, start and finish - change buses - change to another transport choice or travel through the area on the same bus?

What is the impact the changes would have on the journey, would they make it slower - faster - make no difference or don’t know?

Will the changes prevent you from using the bus network?

Yes - No - Don't know If yes, would you consider using other transport options such as: Walking or Cycling

Do you currently use:

An oyster card - A senior freedom pass - A disabled persons freedom pass - Contactless card?

A free text box was supplied for any comments regarding the scheme.

Privacy notice: TfL, its subsidiaries and service providers will use your personal information for the purpose of administering this consultation and assessing the responses. If you provide your email address, TfL may send you updates about this consultation and the proposed scheme. Your personal information will be properly safeguarded and processed in accordance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.

Responses to the consultation may be made publicly available, but any personal information will be kept confidential. You do not have to provide any personal information, but this information may help TfL to understand the range of responses. For example, responses may be analysed by postcode to help identify local issues.

Please note: Cookies are essential for this survey (for more information on cookies, please click on the following link: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cookie_policy)

What is your name? ______

What is your email address?______

This is optional, but if you enter your email address then you will be able to return to edit your response at any time until you submit it. You will also receive an acknowledgement email when you complete the consultation.

We will contact you to let you know when the results of the consultation are published and may use your details to update you on any future developments with the proposals.

Please provide us with your postcode:______You do not have to provide your postcode, but it is useful for analysis purposes. All personal details will be kept confidential.

Are you (please tick all boxes that apply):

A local resident  A local business  Someone who currently Walks in the area  Someone who currently cycles in the area  Someone who uses public transport in the area  Not local, but interested in the proposals  Other______

If responding on behalf of an organisation, business or campaign group, please provide us with the name: ______Please note: If you are responding on behalf of an organisation it should be in an official capacity. We reserve the right to verify this.

How did you find out about this consultation?

Received an  email from TfL Received a letter  from TfL Read about it in  the press Saw it on the TfL  website Social media  Other ______

Please tell us what you think about the quality of this consultation (for example, the information we have provided, any printed material you have received, any maps or plans, the website and questionnaire etc.) Please tick one box.

Website structure and ease of finding what you needed  Very good  Good  Acceptable

 Poor  Very poor

Written information  Very good  Good  Acceptable

 Poor  Very poor

Maps, images and written information  Very good  Good  Acceptable

 Poor  Very poor

Online survey format  Very good  Good  Acceptable

 Poor  Very poor Website accessibility  Very good  Good  Acceptable

 Poor  Very poor Events and exhibitions  Very good  Good  Acceptable

 Poor  Very poor

Promotional material  Very good  Good  Acceptable

 Poor  Very poor

Do you have any further comments about the quality of the consultation materials?

Equality Monitoring

Please tell us a bit about yourself in this section. All information will be kept confidential and used for analysis purposes only. We are asking these questions to ensure our consultations are open to all sections of the community and to improve the effectiveness of the way we communicate with our customers. You do not have to provide any personal information if you don’t want to.

Gender: Please tick one box.

 Male  Female  Trans female

 Trans male  Gender neutral  Prefer not to say

Ethnic Group: Please tick one box.

Asian or Asian British Black or Black British – Other Ethnic Group – Kurdish  – Bangladeshi  Other 

Asian or Asian British Other Ethnic Group – Latin Mixed – Other  – Chinese   American

Asian or Asian British Mixed – White and Asian Other Ethnic Group – Turkish  – Indian 

Asian or Asian British Mixed – White and Black Other Ethnic Group – Gypsy/  – Other  African  Irish Traveller

Asian or Asian British Mixed – White and  – Pakistani  Caribbean  White – British

Black or Black British Other Ethnic Group White – Irish  – African  

Black or Black British Other Ethnic Group – White - Other  – Caribbean  Arab 

 Prefer not to say

Age: Please tick one box.

Under 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45   16-20      15

56-60 61-65 66-70 71+ Prefer not  46-50  51-55      to say

Sexual Orientation: Please tick one box.

 Heterosexual  Bisexual  Gay Man  Lesbian

 Other  Prefer not to say

Faith: Please tick one box.

 Buddhist  Christian  Hindu  Muslim

 Sikh  Jewish  Other  No religion

 Prefer not to say

Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months? (Please include problems related to old age) Please tick one box.

 Yes, limited a lot  Yes, limited a little  No  Prefer not to say

If you answered yes to the above question, please tell us which category below best describes your disability or health problem. Please tick all that apply

 Hearing  Vision  Mobility Other (please specify)   Prefer not to say ______

Appendix C: Consultation letter/leaflet

Below is a copy of the email that was sent to public transport users in the area.

Proposed changes to bus routes in Can't see this email? View online Aldwych and Strand

Home Plan a journey Status updates

Buses

Dear Jon,

We would like to know your views on our proposed changes to bus routes in the Strand and Aldwych area.

Parts of the Strand will soon be closed to traffic, meaning that bus stop locations will need to be changed.

Visit our website to find out more about these proposals and log in to our portal to let us know what you think.

Yours sincerely,

Claire Mann Director of Bus Operations

Below is a copy of the stakeholder email.

Dear Stakeholder Proposed changes to bus stops around the Strand and Aldwych

The Strand is being partly closed to all traffic as part of the City of Westminster’s plans for the area. This means that bus stops in the area will move as buses are diverted. We are asking for passengers to let us know what impact these changes will have on their journey so we can try to minimise any impact the changes may have. The following buses will be re-routed as follows;

• N/1, 59, N/68, 168, 188, 243, 521 and X68 via Aldwych west arm towards Waterloo

• N/26, 76, 172 and 341 via Aldwych east and west arms towards Waterloo • 6, N/9, N/87, N44 and N155 to stand at new stands on Aldwych, east side and Melbourne Place and run via Melbourne Place and Aldwych west arm

• N/11, N/15, N21, N26, N89, N199, N550 and N551 via Aldwych east and west arms towards Trafalgar Square

• N/91 via Kingsway and Strand via Aldwych western arm towards Trafalgar Square Routes 139, 176, and N343 would continue to run between Lancaster Place and Strand in both directions.

The detailed proposals can be found on our consultation https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/strand-bus-stop-changes/

The project and wider plans for the Strand and Aldwych area are available on the project’s web page.

People have until 5 November to submit their views.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the proposals or would like any further information by email, [email protected]

Yours faithfully Claire Mann

Appendix D: Summary of Stakeholder replies

The Northbank BID

They consider the Aldwych to be an important interchange for buses with 32 routes in the consultation area. They are keen to support changes and ensure the design and location of the bus stops is fitting for the local businesses and the people using them. They also support active travel from bus and underground services to encourage walking and cycling. The BID request more walking routes, wayfinding and cycling infrastructure are needed in the area.

Greening and air quality

They suggest that the new bus stops installed be prioritised locations for green bus stops with plants and innovative technology to mitigate the impact of local air pollution.

They would also like buses on the routes to be prioritised for Low Emission vehicles. They request a timescale for this which bring area benefits in the same timeframe as the construction and operation of the new street scheme.

They would like the area to be considered for a Low Emission Bus Zone as a priority.

Duplication of bus services

They note that many of their business members mention that many buses are often duplicating routes in the area. They consider that this means there are often empty or buses with very few passengers are going through the area. They would like to see how this could be reduced and to help reduce congestion, improve air quality and safety.

Vision Zero and safety

They would like to see suitable adaptations for the buses, stop design and locations to minimise accidents and ensure Vision Zero with police and TfL could also be enhanced with information for Business Improvement Districts, construction companies and fleet managers.

Overall, the Northbank BIDs is supportive of the bus changes and would like to see aligned projects reduce motor traffic, on enabling more people to walk and cycle more, mitigation to tackling poor air quality incorporated within bus stops. They consider that this will deliver TfL’s ‘Healthy Streets’ approach and the areas challenges that future for good growth with sustainable infrastructure which supports a thriving economy.

High Commission of India

The High commission noted concerns about the number of buses stopping outside of their building. They stated that they considered the number of buses would negatively impact on the running of the building.

Friends of Capital Transport Campaign

They are supportive of these changes, as they consider they do not in their view disadvantage bus users.

They would like to see the new stops currently shown roughly opposite stops D and E to be moved further south-west, to provide better links to Somerset House.

London TravelWatch

They are supportive of buses operating in both directions on Aldwych. They are also supportive that there are no plans to introduce bus stop bypasses in the proposals.

They are pleased to see the revised, in their opinion more consistent stopping arrangements for passengers at stops D, E and F so that route 341 would now stop with the other routes heading towards Fleet Street, and route 243 will now stop with the other routes heading towards Holborn.

They consider that it would be better for passengers if route 11 called at the stop with the other buses bound for the Strand (6, 9 and 87) especially as the 11 also covers a common section of road with the 87 to Westminster.

JLL

They would like to request that the building adjacent to Bush House on the east side which is 40 Aldwych, (the North East Wing of Bush House) with its own entrance from the street. if the precise location of the new bus stop was not immediately in front of this entrance to avoid any clash between the ingress and egress from 40 Aldwych and the people waiting at the bus stop.

Appendix E: List of stakeholders consulted with

Abellio London Limited/ Abellio West London Limited Access in London

Action on Hearing Loss Age UK

Age UK Westminster

All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group Alzheimer's Society

Ann Frye Arriva London

Arriva London North Ltd,

Arun Access Group for the Disabled Australian High Commission

Auxins-Social Mobility Baker Street Quarter

BATS Better Transport

Beyond Barriers Blue Triangle Buses Limited

Buses4homeless C T Plus C I C

Camden People First Campaign for Better Transport

CCG Central London (WESTMINSTER) Central London CTC

Central London NHS Trust Centre for accessible environments

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Chiltern disability focus group City of London Police

Confederation of Passanger transport Connect

Covent Garden Community Association CT Plus

CVU Dbrief Monthly

DeafBlind UK Deloitte

Department for Transport (DfT) Design for London

Disability Alliance Disability Rights UK

Disabled Go Disabled Motoring

Dogs for Good DPTAC

East and South East London Thames Gateway Transport Partnership

East London Bus and Coach Company Ltd Ensignbus

Epsom Coaches / Quality Line

Fitzrovia West Neighbourhood Forum Friends of Capital Transport

GirlGuiding

GLA Strategy Access Panel members Golden Tours (Transport) Ltd,

Greater London Authority

Greater London Forum for the Elderly Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Harrowby and District Residents Association Hearing Dogs UK

Heart of London Business Alliance

Highams Park Planning Group Transport Group

Human Rights & Equalities Network In & Around Covent Garden

Indian High Commission Inter Faith Network

JLL

Joint Committee on Mobility for Disabled People (JCMD)

Joint Committee on Mobility of Blind and Partially Sighted People (JCMBPS)

Joint Mobility Unit

King's College, London Strand Campus Leonard Cheshire Disability

Living Streets

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

London Councils

London Cycling Campaign (Westminster) London First

London General London Living Streets

London Older People's Strategy Group London Omnibus Traction Society

London School of Economics London Strategic Health Authority

London United Busways Ltd, London Vision

London Visual Impairment Forum Marble Arch London BID

Marylebone Association

Metroline Travel Limited/ Metroline West Limited

Metropolitan Police

Metropolitan Police - Community Police National Autistic Society

National Express

National Federation of the Blind of the UK NCT- Westminster

Neighbourcare St John's Wood & Maida Vale Netmums

New West End Company Northbank BID

Office for Disability Issues (DWP) On Demand Transport

Our Choice Westminster Learning disabilty partnership board reps.

Parkinson’s UK

Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS)

Queen Mary University of London Refugee Action

Remploy Waterloo

Research Institute for Disabled Consumers

Residents Society of Mayfair and St James's RLSB

RNIB

Royal Association for Deaf people Royal Courts of Justice

Royal London Society for Blind People Royal Society of Blind Children

Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Runnymede Trust

Somerset House St Clement Danes Church

Stagecoach Stay Safe

Strategic Access Panel Stroke Association

Sullivan Bus and Coach The Big Bus Company Ltd,

The British Dyslexia Association The Children's Trust

The Delaunay The Original Tour

The Residents' Society of Mayfair & St. James's

The Soho Society The St Marylebone Society

Tour Guides Tower Transit Operations

Trailblazers, Muscular Dystrophy UK Transport Focus

Transport for All Transport Systems Catapult

Trekstock University College London

Universitybus Ltd / UNO

Victoria Business Improvement District Visually impaired pedallers

W9 Walk London

Waterloo Quarter West End Community Trust

Westminster City Council

Westminster City Council, Learning Disability Partnership

Westminster Public Realm Team Westminster Safer Transport Team

Westminster Society WestminsterAdult Social Care team

WestminsterWestminster learning disability partnership

Wheels for Wellbeing Whizz-Kidz

Appendix F: Response to issues raised

Most of the issues raised were about the wider Strand closure scheme, that we have not been able to address.

We received comments about bus stops and the number of buses at certain bus stops. Where possible, buses will share stops for the same destinations or direction of travel. Sometimes this is not possible if there are a lot of high frequency buses or there isn’t enough space for the predicted number of buses to fit in the bus stop cage.

Due to the number of bus stop changes and routes serving new stops in the area, stopping arrangements and passenger movements will be kept under review once the works are complete and changes made.

We received comments about people have longer journeys to and from bus stops in the area.

We acknowledge that this is the case for some passengers. There are some passengers who will benefit from shorter distances. The location of bus stops takes in to account the benefit for as many passengers as possible.