Walthamstow gyratory bus changes

Response to issues raised October 2018

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Consultation Summary

Background Between 22 June and 3 August 2018, we consulted on proposals to change some bus routes around the Walthamstow gyratory.

The consultation proposed two changes to bus services in the Walthamstow area. The changes would remove bus stop AP outside Walthamstow Central station on Selborne Road. Buses that currently serve bus stop AP would instead run directly into Walthamstow bus station to set down and pick up customers.

Buses on routes 97 and 357 would not use Selborne Road or Walthamstow bus station and instead run via Hoe Street in both directions, stopping at new northbound and southbound stops on Hoe Street. This would help to reduce delay between the Hoe Street/Selborne Road and Walthamstow bus station junctions.

Conclusion and next steps We received 554 responses to the consultation, of which 53.3% supported the removal of bus stop AP and 52.5% supported the relocation of the north and southbound 97 and 357 bus stops from the bus station to Hoe Street.

After considering all responses, we plan to proceed with the scheme as proposed.

Response to issues commonly raised

Below are our responses to the key issues raised:

Concern about loss of connection with other bus services We note that some respondents were concerned that they would be unable to interchange with other buses directly at Walthamstow bus station.

There will be some loss of interchange for customers wanting to board or alight from the 97 and 357 at Walthamstow bus station. However, customers will still have same-stop interchange between route 97 and other routes at stops on Hoe Street between Walthamstow and Leyton.

The time savings made by removing these routes from the station are significant and the proposed scheme overall will ease congestion for all bus routes and general traffic in and around the town centre.

Concern about loss of direct access to LU/LO stations It was noted that some respondents were concerned by the loss of direct access to the London Underground/Overground station.

We believe however, that customers will benefit from the road safety and public realm improvements being undertaken by London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF). These changes will make walking from Hoe Street bridge and surrounding areas more pleasant for bus customers.

Safety Concerns Some respondents raised safety concerns. Most of these concerns related to the fact under the proposals, the 97 and 357 buses would no longer be within the bus station and cited potential concerns to their personal safety waiting at the new bus stops on Hoe Street.

Both new bus stops on Hoe Street will have dedicated and widened areas of footway and new shelters for customers boarding and alighting these buses.

The new bus stops will be located in the newly regenerated area on the existing southbound and new northbound bridge. LBWF will introduce new lighting and CCTV coverage to monitor this area and Selborne Road as part of the scheme. Further details on these improvements can be found here: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/WalthamstowPublicSpaces.

Worried about crossing the road Some respondents noted concerns about crossing the road. These mostly talked about the fact that the crossing points are staggered two stage controlled crossings rather than full length crossings.

We believe however, that customers will benefit from the road safety and public realm improvements being undertaken by LBWF. These changes will make walking from Hoe Street bridge and surrounding areas more pleasant for bus customers.

Concerns over extra walking time Some respondents mentioned concerns over the extra time it would take for them to walk between Hoe Street and the bus/train station, causing delay to their journey.

We note that some passengers will need to walk. We believe however, that customers will benefit from the road safety and public realm improvements being undertaken by LBWF. These changes will make walking from Hoe Street bridge and surrounding areas more pleasant for bus customers.

The time savings made by removing these routes from the station are significant and the proposed scheme overall will ease congestion for all bus services and general traffic in and around the town centre.

Concerns for those less able to walk Some respondents raised concerns for those with mobility impairments who will find it difficult getting to the new stops.

We again believe that customers will benefit from the road safety and public realm improvements being undertaken by LBWF. All walking routes are accessible and a marked improvement on the existing layout.

Overcrowding concerns Some respondents noted concerns about overcrowding in the bus station.

Work has already taken place to widen the bus station exit with bus journey times and bus congestion within the station already reduced.

We believe that bus congestion in the bus station will be further reduced as there will be fewer bus movements due to the removal of routes 97 and 357. The configuration of bus stops and stands will be kept under review to ensure that congestion is avoided.