MQT Transport questions
20 minute waiting times for buses [1]
Question No: 2016/3916
Andrew Dismore
How many times in the last 6 months were there gaps of 20 minutes or more between buses for the following routes at the following stops:
- A) 234 at bus stop E, East Finchley
- B) 221 at bus stop J, North Finchley
- C) 251 at bus stop A, Totteridge
- D) 382 at bus stop C, Finchley Central?
Written response from the Mayor
I am aware of the frustration that Londoners experience when their bus is running late or their journey takes longer than it should, and I have tasked TfL with improving bus journey time reliability to tackle this problem. However, a 20 minute interval between services on low-frequency routes is acceptable if the service is keeping to its schedule and passengers can plan their journeys with confidence.
Around 80 per cent of bus passengers travel on high-frequency routes operating up to every 12 minutes. The remaining 20 per cent of bus passengers travel on low-frequency routes that operate five buses per hour or fewer, based on demand.
Mandating a 20 minute maximum interval between services on all bus routes is not practical and would involve moving buses from high-frequency to low-frequency routes, without consideration of passenger demand. The frequency of service on specific bus routes varies by location and passenger demand, with consideration of available resources. Wait times therefore vary based on the frequency scheduled. TfL’s Journey Planner and the many travel apps that are powered by TfL data mean that customers can plan journeys in advance.
I am concerned about the overall decline in bus reliability and journey times and I have asked TfL to put together a comprehensive plan to improve this. TfL is already making timetabling changes, introducing new bus priority initiatives and adjusting traffic signal phasing to improve bus speeds. In outer London specifically, TfL has been working with boroughs to develop new bus priority schemes, including new bus lanes and other initiatives. For example, the bus gate at Neasden in the London Borough of Brent enables quicker journeys on cross-borough route 206, linking Kilburn and Harlesden with Brent Park and Wembley, and the scheme at Erith in the London Borough of Bexley enables faster journeys on route 89, which links Lewisham, Bexleyheath and Erith.
TfL is also focussing on improving links and capacity in outer London. A recent example of an enhancement is the major scheme in North West London implemented in October 2016 to create new links to and from Northwick Park and Ealing hospitals and to create extra capacity for the growing Wembley area (route 83 and new route 483). In North East London route 158 (Chingford Mount – Stratford) was increased in frequency by 25 percent in September to provide extra capacity in the growing Blackhorse Road area. These types of initiatives are critical to improving transport links in outer London. I would envisage buses playing an even more pivotal role in densifying the public transport network, unlocking growth and reducing car dependency in outer London in the future as part of my Mayor’s Transport Strategy, which will be published in draft in the spring.
While TfL does not retain records for every bus arrival at specific stops, it continuously monitors whole-of-route performance against minimum standards and publishes this data for all bus routes each quarter. Performance reports for the four bus routes you ask about are available at: https://tfl.gov.uk/forms/14144.aspx?borough=Barnet&nameid=barnet&boroughid=2.
Three of the bus routes you mention (Routes 221, 234 and 251) are high-frequency routes. TfL’s most recent analysis of these routes found that:
Route 221 and Route 234 both met their minimum performance standard for Excess Waiting Time (EWT) (of 1.20 minutes and 0.90 minutes respectively) in the latest quarter, both showing an improvement from the previous quarter.
Route 251 did not meet its minimum performance standard for EWT (0.90 minutes) in the latest quarter, recording an EWT of 0.95 minutes, showing a decline from the previous quarter (0.81 minutes). The bus operator noted delays along Totteridge Common/Lane in the peak periods and TfL is keeping this under review.
Route 382 is a low-frequency route. While this route has met its minimum performance standard of 82.0 per cent for on-time departures in the past two quarters, TfL has observed a small decline between quarters (from 83.0 per cent to 82.2 per cent). Where bus routes fail to meet the minimum standards, TfL works with bus operators to understand the causes and find solutions. TfL also continuously works with all bus operating companies to maintain a reliable service on all routes.
In addition to these measures, TfL is reviewing the bus network to improve reliability, and ensure it is responsive to demand and wider changes across London. TfL will continue to develop proposals for consultations on bus routes to inform this review and I would encourage you to contribute to this process.
20 minute waiting times for buses [2]
Question No: 2016/3917
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree that waiting 20 minutes for a bus is unacceptable? If so how do you intend to remedy this across London?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ2016/3916.
20 minute waiting times for buses [3]
Question No: 2016/3918
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree that key to improving transport links in outer London is to improve the frequency of bus routes? If so, will you make 20 minute waits for cross-borough bus services a thing of the past?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ2016/3916.
Night tube and public convenience for Chalk Farm
Question No: 2016/3925
Andrew Dismore
At the most recent ward Safer Neighbourhood meeting in Haverstock, concerns were raised about the impact of the night tube and in particular that it would result in more people who have had too much to drink relieving themselves in doorways on the way to or from Chalk Farm station. How do you plan to mitigate against this, and will you consider reopening the public toilet at Chalk Farm station?
Written response from the Mayor
Since the successful launch of Night Tube on the Central, Victoria and Jubilee lines, I am pleased to say there has been no reported increase in this kind of anti-social behaviour around Night Tube stations. TfL will continue to work closely with the police to ensure there is a strong police presence both inside stations and on the streets nearby to deter anti-social behaviour.
Chalk Farm station has had no public toilets for over 25 years. The toilets at this Tube station have been converted into a station staff control point and into a small shop so it would not be possible to re-open them.
I do appreciate that access to toilet facilities is an important issue. TfL has published a map to show toilets on the Tube network at: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/toilets-map.pdf. All toilets on the Night Tube lines will remain open through the night.
Noise pollution through the night on the Northern Line
Question No: 2016/3391
Andrew Dismore
For many months, there has been a seriously noisy bit of track on the Northern Line, northbound between West Finchley and Woodside Park stations, approximately 100 metres before the track goes over Holden Road. Every time a train goes over this portion of track there is a pronounced clanking noise which is very disturbing for residents living nearby. Will you arrange for this to be investigated and remedial action taken promptly?
Written response from the Mayor
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. TfL’s team of noise experts have now investigated this location and will endeavour to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. I understand that LU’s maintenance team will remove the rail joint responsible for causing the noise experienced by your constituents, and weld in a short section of rail to replace it.
I encourage anyone disturbed by Tube noise to contact TfL’s 24/7 Customer Service Centre on 0343 222 1234. Everyone is guaranteed a personal response and an effective, speedy investigation. This often involves visits to residents’ homes to get more information and to keep them up to date with the action being taken.
CS11 (3)
Question No: 2016/3899
Andrew Dismore
How many people objected to TfL’s plans for CS11 and how many supported them, if those signing petitions are counted individually and not en bloc?
Written response from the Mayor
The published factual consultation report provides a summary of the responses to the public consultation undertaken earlier this year. The report is available on the TfL website at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/cs-11.
TfL does not count individual petition signatories in the overall figures of supporters or opponents of a scheme as part of its consultation. This is because TfL need to be certain that all respondents have had the opportunity to read and understand the detail of TfL’s consultation documents, which can be difficult to verity in the case of petition signatories.
However, a full breakdown of the number and nature of the petitions submitted is provided in the consultation report. TfL and I would urge anyone with strong views on any proposal being consulted on by TfL to ensure they complete an individual consultation response.
Heathrow
Question No: 2016/4373
Andrew Dismore
As the Government has now decided on the Heathrow option for further airport capacity, what action do you now propose to take; and will you participate in the legal action being considered by a number of local authorities against the scheme?
Written response from the Mayor
I am clear that this is the wrong decision for London and for the country as a whole. I will continue to challenge the decision and seek to hold Government to account.
As I announced at last week’s Mayor’s Question Time, I have now directed TfL to undertake further analysis of the surface access, air quality and noise implications of the Government’s decision.
I am exploring the merits of the various legal options. TfL will be ready to provide its expertise to inform any legal proceedings brought by the local authorities against the scheme.
Impact of HS2 on Euston
Question No: 2016/4380
Andrew Dismore
In August you wrote a very welcome letter to the Secretary of State for Transport about the impact of HS2 on Euston setting out your concerns on behalf of residents after you met with local representatives. Details of this appeared in the Evening Standard last month. Have you received a reply yet; and if so, will you publish it; and if not what are you doing to press for a reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Highgate hoppa bus service
Question No: 2016/4381
Andrew Dismore
Highgate Neighbourhood Forum is campaigning for a hoppa bus service with suggested routes (worked out in collaboration with Crouch End and Hampstead Neighbourhood Forums) linking them to neighbouring communities and hospitals. Are you and TfL looking at their proposals favourably?
Written response from the Mayor
Thank you for bringing this campaign to my attention. TfL will make contact with local borough representatives to explore the ideas of the forum.
Naming of stations
Question No: 2016/4382
Andrew Dismore
Is it true that Tottenham Hotspur are asking TfL to rename White Hart Lane station after the club to coincide with the planned opening of its new stadium in 2018; if so what will they pay for the privilege; and what precedent is this setting for other commercial organisations who wish to rename stations near their premises?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL works with a wide range of organisations on sponsorship opportunities in line with its sponsorship policy. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club approached TfL to consider naming options for White Hart Lane station and they have since met.
TfL is currently reviewing this request and has not made any offers or decisions. There is no modern-day precedent for the renaming of a TfL station and I have asked TfL to ensure it takes into account the impact on its customers and stakeholders, and on any future commercial opportunities, in its discussions with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
Jubilee line night tube
Question No: 2016/4383
Andrew Dismore
A constituent has told me that as a Londoner and theatre goer, she looked forward to the Jubilee line night tube opening, but it has not been considered how she would get from the station to her house. In her case it would be from Kilburn station to the Railway Cottages in Cricklewood, which is a 25 min walk. What advice can you give her?
Written response from the Mayor
Bus routes 16 (every 20 minutes) and 189 (every 30 minutes) run through the night, linking Kilburn station with Cricklewood when the Night Tube is running.
Noise pollution through the night on the Northern Line [1]
Question No: 2016/4384
Andrew Dismore
A constituent wrote to TfL in September regarding the noise from the Southbound track entering the tunnel at East Finchley which directly affects them and many neighbours. TfL’s reply indicated the noise will abate and the track has been relaid. As this was more than ‘smoothing’ the track as TfL originally suggested was this relaid track intended to abate the noise?
Written response from the Mayor
As part of preparations for Night Tube services, TfL has carried out grinding work on this section of track to ensure that the rails are in good condition before services commence. The noise being reported at East Finchley is typical of trains passing over recently ground rails.
It is not uncommon for rail grinding to leave marks on the rail which can change the character of the noise but this should disappear after a few weeks.
TfL is investigating the unusual persistence of the noise in this area, including taking noise measurements inside neighbour’s properties. TfL will then decide what more can be done to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency. I have asked TfL to keep you and residents informed of when they expect this to be resolved.
Noise pollution through the night on the Northern Line [2]
Question No: 2016/4385
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3903
Further to Question No: 2016/3391
For many months, there has been a seriously noisy bit of track on the Northern Line, northbound between West Finchley and Woodside Park stations, approximately 100 metres before the track goes over Holden Road. Every time a train goes over this portion of track there is a pronounced clanking noise which is very disturbing for residents living nearby. Will you arrange for this to be investigated and remedial action taken promptly?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Your similar response being:
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
As this question has been outstanding for some time now, and as TfL promise a swift response to night tube noise issues, will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2016/ 3391.
Night tube and public conveniences for Chalk Farm
Question No: 2016/4386
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3925
At the most recent ward Safer Neighbourhood meeting in Haverstock, concerns were raised about the impact of the night tube and in particular that it would result in more people who have had too much to drink relieving themselves in doorways on the way to or from Chalk Farm station. How do you plan to mitigate against this, and will you consider reopening the public toilet at Chalk Farm station?
Your response being:
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2016/3925.
Request stops
Question No: 2016/4387
Andrew Dismore
Following a public consultation in 2007, request stops were abolished and drivers were instructed to stop at all stops where someone was waiting. TfL, despite the consultation, decided not to inform the public of this change. This has led to drivers tending to treat stops as request stops to the disadvantage of not only visually impaired passengers but others who fail to signal their intention to board. Will you ensure that TfL now run a public information campaign to update all TfL customers, including the millions of visitors to our city, of the correct way to use bus stops?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL requires drivers to stop at recognised bus stops. The requirement is placed on drivers because TfL recognises that some passengers may not know they need to put their hand out or they may have a disability that makes flagging down a bus difficult. Please let TfL know of any incidents where this instruction is not being followed and it will take appropriate action.
TfL continues to work with bus operators to improve operating standards and a significant part of the new ‘Hello London’ bus driver training programme focuses on the correct procedure for serving bus stops.
Oyster card top up machine planned for Brent Cross centre
Question No: 2016/4388
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3919
When can we finally expect the bus station at Brent Cross to have the Oyster Card top-up machines to be operational?
Your response being:
‘This Oyster Card top-up machine is now expected to be up and running in the first few months of 2017. This is a little later than originally planned due to the more complex nature of the top-up machines at bus stations. The machines at bus stations are more complex than those found in Tube stations as they need to be able to regulate the cash and stock levels for a longer period of time without being ‘topped up’ by staff. This is because the machines are free-standing units, rather than wall-mounted machines which are easier from staff to access more frequently. In order to do this, the machines at bus stations need more internal moving parts, so it takes longer to ensure they are fully functioning.’
Will you review your answer and take action as the introduction of the long promised Oyster card top up machine planned for Brent Cross centre’s bus station has been delayed far too long as your answer suggests. Assurances had been given that it would come by the end of June, then it was delayed to November/December and it is delayed until at least January 2017 according to your answer. Will you ensure TfL deliver on these broken promises and in particular ensure installation of the machine before the busy Christmas shopping period? Just how long does it take to ensure a machine is ‘fully functioning?’
Written response from the Mayor
I appreciate the frustration experienced by you and your constituents.
The Brent Cross machine is the first in a number of top-up machines which TfL plans to install at key bus locations across London.
Developing and proving the reliability of the new machine has taken longer than TfL anticipated. However, I am assured by TfL that development work is on track and that the new machine will be installed and operational at Brent Cross by the end of February 2017.
Surface level tube stations’ lighting
Question No: 2016/4389
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question 2016/3389
Why, during 15 hours of bright sunshine do Burnt Oak, Colindale and Brent Cross stations, for example, have all their electric lights on like an airport runway 24 hours a day, when other open surface level stations switch the lights off during daylight hours. Do you agree that this is a waste of money and energy and, if so, will you issue guidance to TfL on when it is appropriate to turn lights off?
Your answer being:
‘Station staff are instructed to turn off lights during daylight hours where it is possible.
Unfortunately, a legacy of a number of London Underground stations, including the three listed above, is that lighting is controlled by Mini Circuit Breakers, which for safety reasons can only be operated by trained electricians.
There is a programme in place to convert station lights so that they are operated by sensors, allowing them to operate more efficiently. This work has been carried out at Boston Manor and Dollis Hill stations, and work at Stanmore, Willesden Green, Arnos Grove, South Ealing and South Harrow station is underway.
In addition, efficient lighting is often installed as part of station upgrades. Those recently delivered include Harrow-on-the-Hill, Earls Court, Paddington, Chancery Lane, Baker Street, Embankment, Moorgate, Tottenham Court Road, Blackhorse Road and Vauxhall stations. Such upgrades will continue and include Colindale, which is due to be delivered in 2020′
Don’t you consider this snail’s pace effort to deal with this problem which consumes energy and results in not insignificant cost to be unacceptable; how long do you intend for the whole programme across the network to take; and will you use your authority to ensure that this programme is dealt with far more swiftly?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is committed to improving the energy efficiency of its stations and will determine its priorities for future station lighting upgrades, beyond those set out in my answer to MQ 2016/3389, early next year.
CS11 [1]
Question No: 2016/4390
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3899
How many people objected to TfL’s plans for CS11 and how many supported them, if those signing petitions are counted individually and not en bloc?
Your response being:
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2016/3899.
CS11 [2]
Question No: 2016/4391
Andrew Dismore
TfL have had no stakeholder meetings in Camden Town concerning CS11 even though the proposals have an impact there as well as in Swiss Cottage, as there is an issue about diversionary traffic heading onto residential streets to the east of Regents Park when Albany Street and Prince Albert Road become the main alternative route to the outer circle for traffic in peak hours (because of the shutting of gates into the park for CS11). These two roads are also affected by HS2 major utility works and are the primary HGV routes for their lorry holding area in the zoo car park, which will then journey to the main site compound and work sites on Hampstead Road, bringing under present plans one HGV every three minutes for ten hours a day on Albany Street for several years. Will you now arrange for a stakeholder consultation meeting in Camden Town over CS11 as soon as possible?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
