TfL to scrap London bus route but promises 'better service' where Superloop 2 won't reach

Transport for London (TfL) has said that passengers can expect better bus services in South East London, despite a route being scrapped. The authority plans to get rid of the R6 between Orpington bus station and St Mary Cray / Station Approach.

This, officials say, will save more than £160,000. At the same time, it is claimed that bus services in the area will be improved as another route is extended.

Currently, the B14 travels between Bexleyheath Library and Orpington station. But it is set to call at more stops. TfL says these will be Sandway Road, Wotten Green, Burrfield Drive, St Mary Cray and Orpington (Lower Road).

READ MORE: London bus route labelled 'awful' as 6 out of 7 single deckers taken off road

A Freedom of Information case officer said: "The scheme that withdraws R6 will include an extension of the route B14.

"As it increases the efficiency of the network there will be an increase in service provision of about 25,000 scheduled bus kilometres per year.

"Overall, we estimate it would save about £166,000 after revenue is taken into account."

Bus services 'better matched to demand'

TfL explained during a public consultation last year: "We want to better match bus services to customer demand on routes R6 and B14. These proposals are designed to help us operate a more efficient bus service in the area that better reflects the number of customers using the service, without the need to reduce the number of buses per hour.

"We also aim to improve local bus connections with the creation of some new journey links and improved timetables. The maps below include route R11 to demonstrate how the local bus network would be maintained if the R6 were to no longer run."

Express Superloop services also run between Bexleyheath and Bromley North station. But the B14 travels slightly further out into the South East of the city.

Sadiq Khan has announced more speedier bus services that stop fewer times, known as the Superloop 2. This, however, will not reach Orpington under current plans. These will be consulted on by TfL.

MyLondon spoke to residents about this decision. You can read what they think here.

Get the latest travel news from London's roads, trains and buses with our new London Traffic and Travel newsletter. You can sign up HERE.