The Transport Users' Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of transport-related issues, including updates on rail services and Transport for London (TfL) services, as well as various road maintenance and safety matters. Key topics included planned engineering works on the Dartford line, the performance of bus routes, and proposals for new cycle routes and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Rail Issues

The meeting was scheduled to receive updates on various rail matters, including actions from previous meetings concerning lift reliability at Bexley station and plans for the subway at the same station, which was reported to be filled in. Southeastern Railway was expected to provide information on timetable changes, including increased evening services on the Bexleyheath Line and longer Saturday and Sunday services between Victoria and Dartford/Gravesend.

A significant item was the London Bridge Kent Metro Strategic Study, a collaborative effort between Network Rail, TfL, and Southeastern, aiming to review long-term demand and requirements for metro services up to 2055. This study aims to balance the needs of metro services with mainline passenger and freight services across a shared network. The report highlighted several strategic challenges and opportunities, including the potential devolution of Southeastern metro routes to TfL, improved connections to the Elizabeth Line, and the impact of planned housing development in areas like Thamesmead.

Planned engineering works for February 2026 were also on the agenda, with a £10 million upgrade at Dartford Junction involving the renewal of track and improvements to station accessibility. This would necessitate accessible bus replacements for Southeastern and Thameslink trains between Gravesend and Dartford.

Transport for London (TfL) Updates

Updates from TfL were scheduled to cover bus service performance monitoring, with detailed reports on high and low frequency routes within the borough. The performance data, presented for the second quarter of 2025-26, included metrics such as Excess Waiting Time (EWT) and the percentage of buses departing on time. The report noted that Quarter 2 performance for most metrics was worse than the equivalent quarter in the previous year and worse than the pre-pandemic Q2 in 2019-20, with factors such as industrial action, roadworks, and mechanical issues contributing to the decline.

Consultations on the Central London Congestion Charging Scheme and the closure of the Capital Call service were also to be discussed. Changes to bus services were on the agenda, including the introduction of the Superloop Route SL11, earlier Sunday services on Route 96, and frequency adjustments for Routes 229 and 469. Previous outstanding issues regarding bus operator meetings were also to be addressed.

Road Issues

The Road Issues section of the report pack covered several key areas.

Cycling

Updates on the development of the cycle route between Bexleyheath and Erith were scheduled. The report detailed a comparison between two potential alignments: one via Church Road and another via Arnsberg Way and Long Lane. The alternative alignment via Long Lane was recommended due to its shorter distance and more natural cyclist desire line, despite challenges with the Long Lane bridge not meeting TfL's Cycle Route Quality Criteria (CRQC). Discussions with TfL were ongoing regarding the preferred alignment. Residential cycle parking units were being installed, and child and adult cycle training continued.

Electric Vehicle Charging

The council's efforts to provide electric vehicle (EV) charge points on the highway were to be discussed. The report outlined the provision of lamp column-based units and in-ground units, as well as charge points in council car parks. Bexley had successfully bid for government funding under the LEVI bidding system for residential-based charge point provision.

Highway Maintenance and Improvement Schemes

The report detailed the council's approach to highway maintenance, including reactive works for potholes and planned resurfacing programmes. It highlighted the progress of the current year's resurfacing programme and a list of highway improvement schemes under consideration, such as pedestrian crossings at various locations including Bexley Road and Slade Green Road. The report also noted the receipt of Department for Transport (DfT) Block Funding for highway maintenance for the upcoming years.

Road Safety

An update on road safety was to be provided, including analysis of injury collisions and the council's duties under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to prevent accidents. Data on road casualty levels from TfL was presented, showing a decrease in total casualties and child casualties in the latest year compared to the preceding two-year average.

Street Works

Information on utility works on the public highway, coordinated through the council's Street Works Team, was to be presented. This included details of Thames Water's mains replacement projects in the Northumberland Heath and Erith area, and in Sidcup. The council's own culvert replacement project alongside Bronze Age Way was also mentioned.

Winter Maintenance (Gritting)

The commencement of the council's winter maintenance season, from late October to April 2026, was noted. The report indicated that grit reserves were considered good and the borough was prepared for changing weather conditions.