Richmond Council's leader has demanded Transport for London scrap "damaging" bus service changes in Barnes that could leave elderly and disabled residents cut off from essential services.
Councillor Gareth Roberts called for the immediate halt to proposed alterations affecting routes 33 and 419, warning the changes would reduce accessibility for those most reliant on public transport to reach shops, medical appointments and community hubs.
The changes form part of TfL's broader bus network review, but Roberts argued they would disrupt established travel patterns and risk isolating parts of the Barnes community. He stressed that public transport serves as a vital lifeline for many residents, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues.
"These changes would be detrimental to residents' quality of life and their ability to participate fully in local society," Roberts said, highlighting concerns that any reduction in service or complex rerouting would increase journey times and difficulty.
The intervention follows the conclusion of TfL's public consultation period, during which residents and local groups submitted feedback on the proposals. Roberts's public opposition signals continued strong local resistance to the plans despite the formal consultation process ending.
The row highlights the ongoing tension between TfL's drive to optimise its network and manage costs against communities' demands for accessible, reliable public transport. Bus route decisions frequently spark fierce local debate as they directly impact thousands of Londoners' daily lives.