Three London boroughs win TfL funding to transform local bus networks

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed the next major step in improving bus performance across the capital with the announcement of funding for Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark, as part of the Better Bus Partnerships programme. The aim of the programme is for TfL to work in partnership with boroughs to transform the bus network by investing in a range of infrastructure and operational interventions that will improve journey times, reliability and customer experience.

Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark have been chosen following a competitive bidding process, which was open to all boroughs. The successful boroughs will each receive up to £10million over an expected four-year period, with funding released in stages based on the progress of each programme.

The selected schemes aim to cut bus journey times by up to 30 per cent – which will make bus travel more attractive, increase overall bus ridership and offer the bus as a preferred alternative to travel by private car. Investment proposals include:

• new bus priority measures to improve journey times

• better management of roadworks to reduce delays to buses

• bus stop improvements to make them more pleasant places where it’s safer to wait and easier to change modes of transport

• street improvements to make it easier and safer to walk to bus stops and stations  

London boroughs are responsible for around 95 per cent of streets across the capital and are vital partners in making them safer, accessible and reliable for all. They play a key role in helping to ensure that the capital's bus service is comfortable and easy for everyone to use, offering attractive journey times and providing the connections people need.

TfL will now work closely with the successful boroughs throughout 2026 on design and planning, with delivery expected to commence in 2027. Full details of the schemes will be shared by the boroughs in the coming months, subject to consultation and engagement.

Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, said: "Thank you to everyone who took the time to put bids forward. It is encouraging to see boroughs putting bus services at the heart of their communities to support sustainable transport for all and a safer, cleaner, greener London. I am delighted that we can work together with London boroughs to invest in bus priority and bus infrastructure. We now look forward to working closely with Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark over the coming years to deliver their bus schemes as part of the Better Bus Partnerships programme."

Councillor James McAsh, Southwark Council's Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets & Waste, said: “We’re creating a cleaner, greener Southwark where it’s easier for people to walk, cycle, and use public transport. Good bus services are vital in our borough where most households don’t have a car, and we’re excited to be part of the Better Bus Partnership. We look forward to working closely with our local community, Transport for London and neighbours to transform bus journeys in Southwark, as part of our wider Streets for People work to reclaim street space for community benefit.”

Councillor Louise Krupski, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Transport and Environment, said: “We are thrilled to receive this crucial funding support from Transport for London. We are committed to making bus travel quicker, easier and more reliable for everyone. Almost half of our households do not own a car, so buses are a lifeline for many residents, especially in the south of the borough where there are fewer train connections and higher levels of deprivation.

“This really is a gamechanger. It will allow us to improve bus priority on key routes and make changing between buses and other transport easier. This means people can get where they need to go faster and more comfortably. We’re focusing on two vital corridors – north to south through Grove Park to Greenwich and east to west through Sydenham towards Bromley and Southwark to ensure our bus network works well for everyone. We are upgrading bus stops, connecting better with stations and also improving walking and cycling routes where we can to make them safer and more pleasant, whilst reducing delays on roads.”

Councillor Mike Hakata, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, said: "Buses are essential for Haringey residents, especially those on the lowest incomes, with over 50 per cent of borough residents not owning a car - rising even higher the further east you go. Optimising these services in collaboration with TfL must be one of our priorities to ensure access to jobs, education, healthcare and community hubs, particularly in more deprived areas including Tottenham and Wood Green.

"We are delighted to have secured this major funding, which provides a significant opportunity to expand on the bold measures we're already taking to make bus travel safer, quicker and more reliable. This isn't just about moving from A to B - this programme will support the comprehensive regeneration of Wood Green, Tottenham and Green Lanes as thriving metropolitan centres and sustainable, safe, attractive neighbourhoods that will enable growth in jobs, services and affordable housing.

"We'll engage with our communities to see how they'd like to improve bus travel in their area."