Bus Route Proposal: Route R2 - TfL Consultations...by email, by telephone or in writing via the use of our Freepost address. 2.7 Consultation materials and publicity We publicised

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

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A copy of our consultation letter and map

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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