Local Lib Dems demand action from TfL over Rotherhithe bus overcrowding (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Local Lib Dems demand action from TfL over Rotherhithe bus overcrowding

January 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Local Liberal Democrats are campaigning to reduce overcrowding on the 381 and C10 bus services in Rotherhithe.

Surrey Docks Lib Dem councillors last year campaigned for TfL to introduce a rail replacement bus service between Canada Water and Rotherhithe stations that would stop to pick up passengers along the route. TfL agreed to the replacement bus, but have angered local residents by refusing to collect passengers between the two stations.

Local Lib Dem MP Simon Hughes has raised the issue with TfL commissioner Peter Hendy and has secured TfL's commitment to carry out a survey of bus transport needs on the peninsula. To assist TfL local Lib Dem councillors Paul Noblet, David Hubber and Lisa Rajan, and GLA candidate Cllr Caroline Pidgeon will be carrying out their own survey of local people during coming weeks.

Simon Hughes is also asking bus users to register their experiences of delays and overcrowded buses on his website www.simonhughes.org.uk/surveys/1/

Simon Hughes said:

"The overcrowding in the morning rush hour on the C10 and 381 routes is unacceptable.

"What makes matters worse is that local residents are then being forced to watch an empty double decker bus drive straight past them without stopping on its way between Canada Water and Rotherhithe stations.

"In the coming weeks I will be working with local councillors, our GLA candidate and residents to convince TfL not only to put more buses on during the morning rush hour, but also to make much better use of the rail replacement bus service."

Cllr Caroline Pidgeon added:

"When we spoke to one of the rail replacement bus drivers he said that he had picked up only 8 people in three trips round the peninsular.. Meanwhile opposite Rotherhithe Station there were a dozen people who could not board a C10 or 381 because they were too crowded."