bus route proposal: route r2 - tfl consultations...we are proposing to introduce 11 new bus stops...
TRANSCRIPT
Bus Route Proposal: Route R2 Consultation Report March 2017
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Contents
Executive summary ..................................................................................................... 3
Summary of issues raised during consultation ......................................................... 3
Next steps ................................................................................................................ 3
1. About the proposals ............................................................................................ 4
1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Purpose .......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Detailed Description ....................................................................................... 5
2. About the consultation ............................................................................................. 6
2.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Potential outcomes ......................................................................................... 6
2.3 Who we consulted .......................................................................................... 6
2.4 Dates and duration ......................................................................................... 7
2.5 What we asked ............................................................................................... 7
2.6 Methods of responding ................................................................................... 7
2.7 Consultation materials and publicity ............................................................... 7
3. About the respondents ........................................................................................ 9
3.1 Number of respondents .................................................................................. 9
3.2 How respondents heard about the consultation ............................................. 9
3.3 Methods of responding ................................................................................. 10
4. Summary of all consultation responses ............................................................ 11
4.1 Summary of public responses ...................................................................... 11
4.2 Summary of stakeholder responses ............................................................. 17
5. Next Steps ........................................................................................................ 18
Appendix A: Consultation questions .......................................................................... 19
Appendix B: All public comments received ................................................................ 20
Appendix C: Consultation materials .......................................................................... 22
Appendix D – List of Stakeholders Consulted ........................................................... 27
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Executive summary
This document explains the processes, responses and outcomes of the consultation
on the following scheme: Bus Route Proposal: R2.
Between 8 November and 20 December 2016, we consulted stakeholders and the
public about a proposal to remove the Hail and Ride facility on route R2 in Biggin Hill
Valley and introduce fixed stops. We received 65 responses from stakeholders and
the public to the consultation. Thirty-four per cent of the public responses supported
or strongly supported our proposals and 41 per cent were opposed or strongly
opposed.
The main themes are highlighted below, with detailed analysis on p11.
Summary of issues raised during consultation
Positive comments, supporting the principle include
Hail and Ride is confusing
Fixed stops would reduce the walking distance for people living in the Upper
Norheads Lane area
Reinstate Stop 1 in Kings Road
Comments made that were not in support of the proposals include:
The loss of parking space
Fixed stops will lead to more congestion
Hail and Ride works well so no need for fixed stops
Safety concerns about the positions of the proposed bus stops
Next steps
We have reviewed comments made during the consultation and have set out our
responses to the main issues raised.
After considering all the responses, we plan to proceed with bus service changes to
route R2 as originally proposed.
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1. About the proposals
1.1 Introduction
Route R2 operates between Petts Wood station and Biggin Hill Valley, Mondays to
Saturdays only. The entire route runs within the London Borough of Bromley. Most of
the R2 has fixed bus stops, but there are two sections of Hail and Ride, where
people can request the bus stop at any point where it is safe to do so.
One of these sections is in Biggin Hill Valley. This section of Hail and Ride operates
towards Biggin Hill Valley on part of Kings Road, Spring Gardens, Melody Road and
East Hill. It operates towards Petts Wood station on East Hill, the full length of Kings
Road and Norheads Lane.
We want to improve bus accessibility and information on these roads by introducing
fixed bus stops.
From 1 April 2017 route R2 will no longer serve Petts Wood and will run between
Orpington Town Centre and Biggin Hill Valley. This is part of our wider scheme of
changes for bus services in Orpington, which we consulted on early in 2016.
1.2 Purpose
Our proposal to introduce to fixed bus stops is designed to provide the following
benefits:
Improved accessibility and comfort
While Hail and Ride can be very convenient for some customers, drivers on
the R2 sometimes find it difficult to stop at all the locations requested. Also, to
fully use their accessibility features, buses need access to kerbs and hard
surfaces of an appropriate height and size. In this area parked vehicles,
driveways and grass verges can often prevent this, making it difficult for some
customers to get on and off buses.
Fixed bus stops would enable buses to take full advantage of their low floors,
‘kneeling’ feature and wheelchair ramps. They would make getting on and off
much easier for older and disabled people and for parents with buggies and
young children.
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Clear information
Hail and Ride can be confusing for visually impaired customers, those with
learning difficulties, and anyone unfamiliar with the area, as there is no clear
indication of where buses will and will not stop.
Fixed bus stops would clearly indicate that a bus service is available. They
would have frames containing timetables, and information about diversions
when needed. They would also allow us to provide more precise real time
information to customers with mobile devices, ‘next stop’ information on the
buses, and more detailed information for journey planning
1.3 Detailed Description
We are proposing to introduce 11 new bus stops along Norheads Lane, Kings Road,
Spring Gardens, Melody Road and East Hill. We are not proposing to place any bus
shelters at any of these locations.
As well as the 11 new bus stops,
Stop C in Norheads Lane would be
moved approximately 25 metres
away from Stock Hill roundabout,
while the road markings at Stop A
in Kings Road would be extended
to safely accommodate two buses.
The map shows the proposed
locations for the new bus stops as
well as existing stops.
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2. About the consultation
2.1 Purpose
The objectives of the consultation were:
To give stakeholders and the public easily-understandable information about the proposals and allow them to respond
To understand the level of support or opposition for the change/s for the proposals
To understand any issues that might affect the proposal of which we were not previously aware
To understand concerns and objections
To allow respondents to make suggestions
2.2 Potential outcomes
The potential outcomes of the consultation were:
Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we decide to proceed with the scheme as set out in the consultation
Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we modify the proposals in response to issues raised and proceed with a revised scheme
Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, we decide not to proceed with the scheme
Our conclusion and next steps are set out in Chapter 5.
2.3 Who we consulted
The public consultation intended to seek the views of local residents and current
users of bus route R2. We also consulted stakeholders including the affected
Council, London TravelWatch, Members of Parliament, London Assembly members
and ward councillors.
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2.4 Dates and duration
The consultation took place for a period of six weeks from Tuesday 8 November to
Tuesday 20 December 2016.
2.5 What we asked
We asked specific questions about the proposals for route R2. We also asked for
comments in general and for the respondents’ views on the quality of our
consultation.
A copy of these questions can be found in Appendix A: Consultation Questions.
2.6 Methods of responding
People were invited to respond to our consultation by completion of an online survey,
by email, by telephone or in writing via the use of our Freepost address.
2.7 Consultation materials and publicity
We publicised the consultation online and at timetable frames along route R2 in
Biggin Hill Valley where space permitted as well as at some lamp posts near the
locations of proposed bus stops. We also emailed customers and relevant
stakeholders. Copies of consultation materials can be found in Appendix C:
Consultation Materials
2.7.1 Website
We created a dedicated webpage to host the consultation on our website at
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/route-r2/. This was available throughout the
consultation period. The webpage included an overview of the proposal followed by
detailed maps showing the proposed stop locations.
2.7.2 Letters
We sent letters to 1898 properties within a 400 metre radius of the affected section
of route R2.
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2.7.3 Emails to public
We sent 923 emails to registered Oyster card users whose travel patterns indicated
they travel on route R2 regularly.
2.7.4 Emails and letters to stakeholders
We sent 94 emails and 5 letters to stakeholders, including the affected Council,
London TravelWatch, Members of Parliament, London Assembly members, ward
councillors and local community groups. A list of the stakeholders we consulted is
shown in Appendix D: List of stakeholders consulted.
2.7.5 On-site advertising
We posted around 12 posters in timetable frames on route R2 where space
permitted and on lamp posts near the location of some of the proposed bus stops.
2.7.6 Meetings with stakeholders
Local authorities & statutory bodies
London Borough of Bromley: regular liaison has taken place with regard to
this consultation
2.8 Ensuring the consulation was accessible to all
We considered how best to provide information to the people likely to be affected by
these proposed changes. We put details of the proposals online as well as
distributing letters and sending emails. We were also able to (and did) provide further
information on the telephone or by email.
Printed materials could have been provided in another language if requested.
2.9 Analysis of consultation responses
The responses have been examined internally by our Consultation Specialists and
Officers. Respondents could provide comments on the scheme overall. These have
been reviewed and divided into themes.
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3. About the respondents
3.1 Number of respondents
In total we received 65 responses. Of these 61 responses (94 per cent) were from
members of the public and four (six per cent) were from Stakeholders. Table 1
shows the breakdown with percentages of the respondents.
Table 1
Respondents Total %
Public responses 61 94
Stakeholder responses 4 6
Total 65 100
3.2 How respondents heard about the consultation
We asked members of the public how they found out about the consultation. The
majority, 11 respondents (18 per cent) stated that they found out through social
media, nine (15 per cent) received an email from TfL, 7 respondents (11 per cent)
received a letter from TfL while another 7 (11 per cent) saw it on the TfL website.
There were nine people (15 per cent) who selected Other as an option. The most
common response in this category was “word of mouth” with seven instances (11 per
cent), 18 people (30 per cent) did not answer this question. Figure 1 gives a
breakdown of the responses.
Figure 1
Receivedan emailfrom TfL
Receiveda letter
from TfL
Readabout inthe press
Saw it onthe TfLwebsite
Socialmedia
Other(pleasespecify)
NotAnswered
Number of responses 9 7 0 7 11 9 18
% 15% 11% 0% 11% 18% 15% 30%
02468
101214161820
How did you hear about this consultation
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3.3 Methods of responding
In total we received 61 responses from member of the public. Of those 49 (80 per
cent) were received via our online portal, 11 (18 per cent) were received via email
and one person (2 per cent) responded by letter. Figure 2 shows the breakdown of
responses.
Figure 2
Online Email Letter
Number of responses 49 11 1
% 80% 18% 2%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Public Responses
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4. Summary of all consultation responses
4.1 Summary of public responses
Q1. Do you live on any of the roads affected?
A total of 53 people (87 per cent) responded to this question with 26 people (43
percent) responding yes. A breakdown of the responses is in Figure 3.
Figure 3
Yes No Not Answered
Number of responses 26 27 8
% 43% 44% 13%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Do you live on any of the roads affected
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Q2. If so which roads?
Of those 26 people, the majority, 14 people (54 percent) lived on Kings Road, five
(19 percent) lived on Melody Road and three (12 percent) lived on Norheads Lane.
One person (four percent) lived on each of the roads, Highfield Road, Sherborne
Road, East Hill and Jail Lane.
Figure 4 shows the breakdown of responses.
Figure 4
Yes,Highfield
Road
Yes,Norheads
Lane
Yes,KingsRoad
Yes,MelodyRoad
Yes,Sherborne
road
Yes, EastHill
Yes, JailLane
Number of responses 1 3 14 5 1 1 1
% 4% 12% 54% 19% 4% 4% 4%
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Do you live on any of the roads affected? - Yes only
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Q3. How often do you use route R2/buses in the area?
A total of 51 people (84 per cent) responded to this question. The majority of
respondents 14 (23 per cent) stated that they used route R2 two to three times a
week, this was followed by 9 people (15 per cent) who stated that they used it one to
two times a month. There were 8 respondents (13 per cent) who used it once a
week, 7 people (11 per cent) said they used it daily, while a further 7 (11 per cent)
said they rarely used it. There were 6 respondents (10 per cent) who stated that they
never use the bus and 10 respondents (16 per cent) did not answer this question.
Figure 5 shows the breakdown of responses.
Figure 5
Daily2-3 timesa week
Once aweek
1-2 timesa month
Rarely NeverNot
Answered
Number of responses 7 14 8 9 7 6 10
% 11% 23% 13% 15% 11% 10% 16%
0
5
10
15
20
How often do you use buses in the area
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Q4 – To what extent do you support or oppose our proposals to convert the
Hail and Ride section of the R2 bus route to fixed stops in Biggin Hill?
We received a total of 51 responses (84 per cent) to this question, of these 20 (33
per cent) stated that they strongly opposed the proposals, while 16 (26 per cent)
strongly supported the proposals. There were 5 people (8 per cent) who supported, 5
(8 percent) who opposed the proposals, while a further 5 (8 per cent) neither
supported nor opposed the proposals. There were 10 people (16 per cent) who did
not answer this question.
Figure 6 shows the breakdown of responses.
Figure 6
Stronglysupport
SupportNeither
support oroppose
OpposeStronglyoppose
Not sureNot
Answered
Number of responses 16 5 5 5 20 0 10
% 26% 8% 8% 8% 33% 0% 16%
0
5
10
15
20
25
To what extent do you support or oppose our proposals
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Q5. Please let us know your views about our proposals
Of the 61 people who responded to this consultation, 52 (87 per cent) provided a
comment in the open text box for the scheme. The most frequently raised issues
were the loss of parking space, the impact of fixed stops on congestion and safety of
the locations for the proposed bus stops. A full list of comments is available in
Appendix B: All public comments received
Table 2 shows the top five issues.
Table 2
Q5 – General comments – Top 5 issues Number of comments
Will cause parking problems 13
Bus Stops will cause more congestion 12
Position of bus stops – concerns about safety 12
Hail and Ride works well so no need for fixed stops 8
Bus stops will focus pollution outside specific houses 6
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Q11 What do you think about the quality of this consultation (for example, the
information we have provided, any printed material you have received, any
maps or plans, the website and questionnaire etc.)?
We asked respondents to tell us their thoughts regarding the quality of the
consultation process itself. In addition to a selection of pre-set answers, respondents
had the provision to give us comments in their own words. A full list of comments can
be found in Appendix B: All public comments received.
Figure 7 shows the breakdown of responses and Table 3 shows the top three
comments received.
Figure 7
Table 3
Q11 – Quality of the consultation – Top 3 comments Number of comments
Consultation was not publicised widely enough 14
Consultation materials were not detailed enough 4
You have already made your decision 2
Very good Good Acceptable Poor Very poorNot
Answered
Number of responses 14 3 12 6 11 15
% 23% 5% 20% 10% 18% 25%
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
What do you think of the quality of this consultation
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4.2 Summary of stakeholder responses
This section provides summaries of the feedback we received from stakeholders. We
sometimes have to condense detailed responses into brief summaries. The full
stakeholder responses are always used for analysis purposes. Where these were
completed, stakeholder answers to our consultation survey questions are shown
after a summary of the comments made.
Local authorities & statutory bodies
London Borough of Bromley: supported these proposals for the following reasons
will greatly assist users’ ability to access the local bus services
will improve the journey experience, particularly those with mobility issues
will encourage increased bus usage including parents with pushchairs
Cllr Julian Benington commented that route R2 would be withdrawn between Petts
Wood and Orpington Town Centre as part of our earlier scheme to make changes to
bus services in Orpington.
Local Interest Groups
Biggin Hill Residents’ Association: strongly supported the proposals. Supported the
reinstatement of stop 1 which it stated will have positive effects for the large part of
the community laying to the north of Norheads Lane going as far as Norheads Farm.
Recognised the proposals as being a necessary result of the curb adjustments that
would be required if Hail & Ride were to be retained.
Completed the survey as follows
Do you live on any of the affected Roads?
Yes
How often do you use buses in the area?
Once a week
Do you agree with converting the Hail and Ride section of the R2 bus route to fixed stops?
Strongly Support
What do you think about the quality of this consultation?
Very good
Other Stakeholders
Kent Association for the Blind: requested fixed stops on route R4
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5. Next Steps
We have now reviewed the comments made during the consultation and have
decided to proceed with the proposal to remove Hail and Ride and introduce fixed
stops as originally proposed. We plan to implement these changes in spring 2017
We understand that some people raised concerns and objections to the proposals.
We have categorised these and responded to the most commonly raised points in
our Responses to issues raised document.
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Appendix A: Consultation questions
Questions about our proposals
Do you live on any of the roads affected?
If yes, which road?
Do you currently use the R2 route – how often do you use buses in the area?
Daily, two – three times a week, once a week, one – two times a month, rarely, never, not answered
To what extent do you support or oppose our proposals to convert the Hail and Ride section of R2 bus route to fixed stops in Biggin Hill?
Strongly support, support, neither support nor oppose, oppose, strongly oppose, not sur, not answered
Please let us know your views about the proposals
Questions about the respondent
What is your name?
What is your email address?
What is your postcode?
If responding on behalf of an organisation, business or campaign group, please provide us with the name:
How did you hear about this consultation?
Email from TfL, Letter from TfL, Press, Saw it on the website, social media, Other, Not answered
Do you have any comments about this consultation (e.g. printed materials, website, events etc.)?
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Appendix B: All public comments received
General
Buses are too big 5
Buses are usually empty 4
Enforcement of parking restrictions will be required 3
Fixed stops already exist 3
Old buses constantly breaking down 1
Positive
Appreciate being consulted 2
Negative
Consultation not publicised widely enough 14
Consultation materials not detailed enough 4
Concerns
Consultation not publicised widely enough 14
Buses on route 320 waiting at stops with their engines running 2
You have already made your decision 2
Opposition
Loss of parking 13
Extra congestion 12
Hail and Ride works well so no need for fixed stops 8
Safety at stops 3 and 7 6
Bus stops will focus pollution outside specific properties 4
Bus stops will be an invasion of privacy 4
Proposed stops are dangerous due to sightlines at junctions 4
Fixed stops will restrict access to driveways 4
Worse for people with mobility problems who will have further to walk to a bus stop 2
Don’t move bus stop C in Norheads Lane 2
Proposed stops are on narrow pathways and at dropped kerbs 2
Fixed stops will have an adverse affect on property values 1
Hail and Ride spreads the pain between properties 1
Don’t put a bus stop outside my house 1
Proposed bus stops 3 and 5 are on steep hills 1
Proposed stop 11 is too close to Stock Hill roundabout 1
Reduces the choice of bus into Biggin Hill 1
Support
General support 9
Reinstate proposed stop 1 in Kings Road 5
Reduces the walk for people in the Upper Norheads Lane area 4
Hail and Ride is confusing 3
Fixed stops are better for people unfamiliar with the area 1
Fixed stops are better for people with disabilities 1
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Suggestions
Introduce a Sunday service 4
Increase the frequency
Introduce a later service
Outside scope of Consultation
Will the Orpington changes still go ahead in April? 2
What will replace the R2 when it is withdrawn between Petts Wood and Orpington? 1
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Appendix C: Consultation materials
A copy of our email to registered Oyster card customers
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A copy of the bus stop poster
24
A copy of our consultation letter and map
25
26
Letter distribution area
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Appendix D – List of Stakeholders Consulted
London TravelWatch
Elected Members
Caroline Pidgeon AM GLA
Gareth Bacon AM GLA
Nicky Gavron AM GLA
Andrew Boff AM GLA
Tom Copley AM GLA
Fiona Twycross AM GLA
Shaun Bailey AM GLA
Kemi Badenoch AM GLA
Sian Berry AM GLA
David Kurten AM GLA
Caroline Russell AM GLA
Peter Whittle AM GLA
Bob Stewart MP Member for Beckenham
Jo Johnson MP Member for Orpington
Robert Neill MP Member for Bromley and Chislehurst
Cllr Colin Smith Bickley, Bromley
Cllr Julian Benington Biggin Hill Ward, Bromley
Cllr Melanie Stevens Biggin Hill Ward, Bromley
Cllr Ruth Bennett Bromley Common and Keston Ward, Bromley
Cllr Stephen Carr Bromley Common and Keston Ward, Bromley
Cllr Alexa Michael Bromley Common and Keston Ward, Bromley
Cllr Robert Evans Farnborough and Crofton Ward, Bromley
Cllr Charles Joel Farnborough and Crofton Ward, Bromley
Cllr Tim Stevens Farnborough and Crofton Ward, Bromley
Cllr Kim Botting Orpington Ward, Bromley
Cllr William Huntington-
Thresher
Orpington Ward, Bromley
Cllr Pauline Tunnicliffe Orpington Ward, Bromley
Cllr Douglas Auld Petts Wood and Knoll Ward, Bromley
Cllr Simon Fawthrop Petts Wood and Knoll Ward, Bromley
Cllr Tony Owen Petts Wood and Knoll Ward, Bromley
Cllr Angela Page Cray Valley East Ward, Bromley
Cllr Chris Pierce Cray Valley East Ward, Bromley
Cllr Teresa Te Cray Valley East Ward, Bromley
Cllr Judi Ellis Cray Valley West Ward, Bromley
Cllr David Livett Cray Valley West Ward, Bromley
Cllr Terence Nathan Cray Valley West Ward, Bromley
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Local Authorities
GLA
London Borough of Bromley
Police & Healthcare
Metropolitan Police
Bromley Safer Transport Team
London Ambulance Service
NHS CCG Bromley
Princess Royal University Hospital
Norheads Lane surgery
Stock Hill Medical Centre
Transport Groups
Bromley Cyclists
Department for Transport
Eltham Public Transport Group
LOTS
Orpington District Public Transport Users’ Association
Local Interest Groups
Biggin Hill Residents’ Association
Biggin Hill & District Residents’ Association
Crofton Residents’ Association
Knoll Resident’s Association
Leaves Green & Keston Vale RA
Petts Wood & District Residents’ Association
London Borough of Bromley Residents’ Association
Local Schools
Biggin Hill Primary School
Hilltop pre-school
Honeys Nursery
Little Elms Day Care Nursery
Oaklands Primary School
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Other Stakeholders
Biggin Hill Airport
Biggin Hill Family Centre
Bromley & Lewisham MIND
Disability Rights UK
Disability Voice Bromley
Institution of Civil Engineers
Kings Road Vet Surgery
RNIB
Royal Mail
Sight Centre in Bromley
St George’s RAF Chapel
St Marks C of E Church
St Paul’s Church, Crofton
Orpington Baptist Church
Orpington Liberal Club
Orpington Village Hall
TPH for Heathrow Airport
Virtual Norwood Forum
Visit Chislehurst