Transport MQs Jan 18

New bus service Mill Hill

Question No: 2018/0247

Andrew Dismore

In light of your decision on the planning application for the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) site, Mill Hill, will you introduce transport improvements, including a new bus route to “useful” destinations and linking up local schools. For example, a bus running along The Ridgeway that turns left at the Rising Sun, passing Mill Hill County school and heading to Barnet via Apex and Sterling Corners which would give a direct route to Barnet General and schools such as QE and (fairly close to) Totteridge Academy?

Written response from the Mayor

 

As part of the planning application for the National Institute for Medical Research, the developer produced a transport assessment (TA) indicating that a maximum of around 30 additional bus passenger journeys per hour would be generated by the site. The TA concluded that this increased usage could be accommodated on the current local public transport network.

No changes to bus services have therefore been proposed at this stage, though the developer is funding the relocation of bus stops outside the development. TfL will monitor usage, as it does with all London’s bus services, and will review bus routes as necessary.

 

Stirling Corner

Question No: 2018/0248

Andrew Dismore

In response to previous questions, you indicated that traffic modelling for the crossing is underway and with an outcome due in January 2018, after which a public consultation is planned. Will the proposals also look at the exit from Morrisons, which is unsafe, for example by phasing the traffic lights to allow time to exit from Morrisons?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

Buses on Finchley Road

Question No: 2018/0250

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2017/4558 on the changes to buses on Finchley Road, and the ending of the original route 13; you said that  ‘capacity was increased on route 113, the other main route serving this area’. However route 113 does not go to Golders Green or Finchley, which are high demand areas for passengers on these routes.

Also, you did not respond to the following in the original question concerning the renumbered route 13, about which I continue to receive regular complaints:

·       Buses are so crowded, especially on rainy days and in the rush hours, that it is difficult to get on a bus, resulting waiting a long time before being able to get on a bus.

·       Buses come in bunches.

Will you now do so?

Written response from the Mayor

 

Transport for London (TfL) is aware of the customer complaints reported and recognises that the current level of service is not good enough. While TfL has made a number of improvements to this route through a new contract in April 2017 and revised bus schedules in August 2017, TfL acknowledges there is still more to do.

TfL will work with the operator to improve reliability and capacity at the two busiest points of the route – Finchley Road Station and Baker Street.

 

Mill Hill Circus

Question No: 2018/0249

Andrew Dismore

Further to previous answers, has TfL now concluded its agreements with the London Borough of Barnet on the section of land required for the design of the junction; and if not, please say for how long the negotiations have been going on for, and when they are likely to conclude?

Written response from the Mayor

 

Transport for London started land negotiations with the London Borough of Barnet in August 2017, and expects negotiations to conclude in April 2018.

C11 bus

Question No: 2018/0252

Andrew Dismore

I continue to receive complaints about the reduction in frequency of the C11 bus you have introduced, such as this one:

“I had to wait, at Cricklewood Lane (heading towards Archway) for 28 minutes in the freezing cold.  Needless to say, when the bus finally arrived, it was overcrowded.  There have been many occasions when the wait has exceeded 15 minutes. For a number of areas, this is the only form of public transport available, and it is not fair on those of us who deliberately do not drive (for our own fitness, and for the sake of the environment).”

Will you look again at restoring the frequency of the C11 route?

Written response from the Mayor

 

In November 2017 reliability on the C11 bus declined due to Thames Water works in Broadhurst Gardens, resulting in higher than usual levels of traffic congestion. The service has now returned to normal performance, and TfL’s assessments indicate that the current frequency provides enough capacity to meet demand.

Air pollution in Golders Green Road NW11

Question No: 2018/0253

Andrew Dismore

Do you share my concern about air pollution around Golders Green Road NW11 and the northern end of North End Road? There are now so many buses and coaches that there is no room for them all in the bus station. Some bus drivers, both in and out of the bus station still run their engines while parked.  When snow stopped the 268 and 210 from going up North End Road, they were immobile, with engines running. The south bound bus stop in Golders Green Road already serves several bus lines. National Express coaches en-route for central London, now stop at this bus stop to drop off passengers, leaving their engines running whilst luggage is unloaded. This fills the bus shelter with fumes. Will you take steps to remind bus companies that engines should not be left running when the bus is stopped?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

 

 

 

Transfer of commuter lines to TfL

Question No: 2018/0254

Andrew Dismore

As a new poll has revealed that more than half of Londoners believe commuter trains have deteriorated over the past year and that the capital’s private railway lines should be taken over by Transport for London, will you redouble your efforts to persuade the Government to honour their pre London election promise to transfer commuter lines to TfL?

Written response from the Mayor

 

Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question. 2018/0219.

 

FacebookTwitterLinkedInShare