Transport for London has confirmed the next major step in improving bus performance across the capital with funding awards to Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark as part of the Better Bus Partnerships programme.
The three boroughs were selected through a competitive bidding process open to all London boroughs and will each receive up to £10 million over an expected four-year period, with funding released in stages based on the progress of each programme.
Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said it was 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,” she said.
The selected schemes aim to cut bus journey times by up to 30%, 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, and street improvements to make it easier and safer to walk to bus stops and stations.
London boroughs are responsible for around 95% 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.
Murphy thanked everyone who took the time to put bids forward, adding: “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.”
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.
