TfL 'reviewing' London bus routes after West London beauty spot 'too popular'

Close up of a window on the top deck of a London bus
-Credit: (Image: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)


Transport for London (TfL) is reviewing its bus services after demand for a lido in the west of the city reportedly during the summer caused traffic and parking issues. Ruislip Lido is a 60-acre lake with sandy beaches and a narrow gauge railway around it.

It is located on the edge of Ruislip Woods. It is very popular during periods of sunny weather.

Reform UK London Assembly Member Alex Wilson raised the huge number of visitors to the spot with Sadiq Khan. The politician mentioned that residents were turning to car use because of 'limited' bus services.

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Lots of people enjoy the sunshine in the water and on the beach at Ruislip Lido
Ruislip Lido is a popular spot during the summer -Credit:JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

AM Wilson said: "Ruislip Lido in the Borough of Hillingdon is a beauty spot that attracts large crowds in the summer from all over London and beyond. Parking spaces are limited to 300 and yet the H13 and 331 buses run only limited services on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

"This inevitably becomes overcrowded, stimulating greater car use and local problems with parking and traffic." He then asked: "What action can TfL take to improve the availability of bus transport serving the Lido?"

The Mayor - who is also Chair of TfL - said: "Route H13 runs every 20 minutes for most of the day Mondays to Sundays (every 30 minutes early mornings and evenings). Route 331 runs every 20 minutes Monday to Saturdays and every 30 minutes evenings and Sundays.

"Data from summer Sundays in 2023 showed that on most days there was sufficient capacity. However, there are indications that on three occasions demand exceeded the capacity.

"A review of usage in summer 2024 is planned and if this also shows crowding then Transport for London will investigate whether there is a cost-effective way of providing additional capacity."

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