Forum topic: Bus Travel and Cycle Enfield: TfL Freedom of Information Act responses

I have previously expressed concern about the effects of changes along the A105 on bus travel. This didn't seem to me to be being properly considered in what is still predominantly a debate between cyclists and those concerned about car parking.

It has taken some time to get a response from TfL to what seemed to be three key issues; the potential effects on bus journey times, getting on and off buses, and the removal of the bus stop outside the Fox.

Well here's the response. The sections in bold print are my emphasis.

Thank you for your email received by us on 15 July 2015 asking for information about the potential effects of the Cycle Enfield scheme on local bus services along the A105 Green Lanes Palmers Green. Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.

The first question of your request enquired about the following:
I want to know from that part of TfL dealing with bus services what has been discussed about the potential effects of the scheme on bus services along the A105 Green Lanes Palmers Green. I am particularly concerned about:- the effects on delays to journeys,

Transport for London (TfL) is working with the London Borough of Enfield to establish the bus impacts associated with the scheme and modelling, which is still ongoing. The base model, showing the existing operation of the A105 has been verified, however there are currently no figures available on the potential impacts on bus journeys on this corridor. This is because modelling of proposals for the junctions are yet to be submitted from Enfield’s consultants and audited in accordance with the TfL Model Audit Process (MAP). There are fortnightly meetings between Enfield and TfL which assesses the impact on bus services and passengers and TfL also undertook a review of the scheme, which was completed on 29 May 2015. Following this review, only one comment regarding bus services was sent back to Enfield and their consultants, which stated “Concerns over journey time delays for buses with the removal of the South Bound bus lane at Palmers Green and the use of the bus lane further north for cyclists (which is also a safety concern as buses run every 4 minutes at this section of the corridor). There may also be issues with the relocation of bus stops as there are quite high loadings. Please liaise with Network Development Bus Infrastructure to resolve.” We are currently working with Enfield on this issue whilst they refine the designs of the scheme.

You also asked about:
Issue of access to and from buses by less able or burdened passengers following the proposed new arrangements for cycle lanes and lowered pavements,

TfL has been in discussions with the relevant stakeholders regarding the scheme. Enfield and their consultants, Jacobs, presented a brief for the scheme, which informed TfL’s review. This meeting occurred on 11 May 2015 and included TfL’s Borough Projects and Programmes, London Buses Network Development, and a Principal Technical Specialist for Cycling. An Urban Design London surgery was also conducted on 27 May 2015, which allows an independent assessment of the designs by architects and other experts such as urban designers and planners. Once completed, the designs were amended by the consultants and then submitted as part of the formal review process. This review was completed on 29 May 2015. There were no comments regarding the proposed bus stop bypasses. Although TfL wishes to see cycling transformed across Enfield, any negative impact on bus passengers will be kept to an absolute minimum. All bus stops will be fully accessible, the design of the cycle tracks in the vicinity around the bus stops is currently underway.

After this process, the designs were further amended by Enfield’s consultants and, on 15 June 2015, an Enfield Partnership Board Meeting took place where the designs of the A105 were reviewed with Councillors, local community groups, businesses and resident associations. Jacobs, Enfield’s consultants, were also present and gave a presentation on the scheme. A concern was conveyed “that at some bus stop passengers would be required to cross cycle lanes which would prove difficult for many people.” This is highlighted in the attached meeting notes [Not with this - 15 June Partnership Board meeting minutes ]. TfL and Enfield Council are working closely together regarding the implementation of this scheme and the consultation will also help highlight any issues to be implemented in the detailed design for the scheme. If lowered pavements is brought up as part of the consultation then it will be considered.

The final point raised in your request was:
The removal of any bus stops (such as proposed outside the Fox Public House (northbound) on the distances passengers would now have to walk from the surrounding residential areas east and west of Green Lanes.

The A105 proposals are still out for consultation until 9 October 2015, therefore no final decisions regarding the removal or modification of bus stops have been made, however you can make your comments on the proposals here [the Cycle Enfiled consultation pages]. We continue to discuss this stop and all other areas within the Mini-Holland programme with Enfield’s consultants and this will form part of the detailed design process.