Talk:343 bus/@comment-132.185.144.120-20101223110726/@comment-10.7.10.169-20110129200346

Evolution Quarter Residents Association has been doing a lot of work on transport issues since the announcement in 2008 that Cross River Tram was being killed off.

Although we are less than 3 miles from Central London, links to the city centre are poor - we're not close to any rail or tube stations so for public transport, this area relies entirely on buses. The 343 does provide useful links to Elephant and the London Bridge/Tooley Street area, but it doesn't link us to anywhere in the City or West End. This area is also one of the most densely-populated along the 343 route.

We're taking the line that instead of putting yet more buses onto the 343, we would like TfL to introduce a second bus route to Southampton Way and Wells Way, providing us with a direct link into Central London (in lieu of the tram) as well as taking pressure off the 343. We have stated this position both to TfL and in letters to the Mayor, and also recently attended a meeting with TfL convened by London Assembly members Valerie Shawcross and Caroline Pidgeon. There's more on our website (including the chain of correspondence with the Mayor) at: http://www.evolutionquarter.org/campaigns/transport/

In the meantime, we have scored one minor success - TfL are replacing the "Countdown" equipment at bus stops over the next year or so. When the new signs are installed, we understand the Sedgmoor Place and Cottage Green bus stops, for the 343 towards City Hall, will be equipped. These stops hadn't originally featured in the plans but, with support from Southwark Council, we have persuaded TfL to include them.

I would really like to look at whether, when it is appropriate to do so, EQRA can work alongside the Wells Way Triangle Association (and other local groups) on local issues which matter to you people as well as us. Please do get in touch by e-mail - malc (at) evolutionquarter.org - it would be great to hear from you!

Malc McDonald, Chair, EQRA