The Public Transport Liaison Forum was scheduled to receive updates from transport providers, address questions and responses regarding public transport, and discuss public transport performance. The meeting agenda also included the review of minutes from the previous meeting and declarations of interest.

Updates by Transport Providers

Transport providers were scheduled to provide updates on their services and operations. Stagecoach indicated a commitment to transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles by 2030 and requested a minimum of 12 weeks' notice from the council for road schemes to allow for mitigation planning. They also highlighted frequent access issues along Thurston Road due to parking, requesting a review by the Parking service. GoAhead, operating the Sydenham and New Cross bus garages, reported ongoing electrification works at the New Cross site and echoed Stagecoach's request for advance notice of council works.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) reported that services had been significantly affected by a signalling fault between Blackfriars and the City between 1st and 12th December, leading to a reduced Thameslink service. Councillor Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Environment, Transport and Climate Action, enquired about the resolution of this persistent fault. GTR confirmed that Network Rail had fixed the faulty signalling parts and installed additional monitoring equipment. A proposal for a backup system between Blackfriars and St Pancras is being developed with Network Rail to improve service reliability within two years. GTR also noted the introduction of extra peak services on the Southern route via Forest Hill, with four additional morning services to London Bridge and three evening services from London Bridge over the past year.

Transport for London (TfL) was expected to report on Lewisham Council's successful bid for the Better Bus Partnerships fund, with proposals for two key corridors: the A2212 and A2218. TfL also conducted a consultation for a new bus route, SL15, between Clapham Junction and Eltham, via Tulse Hill and Catford, with responses being analysed. A particular point of feedback being considered was the potential for an additional stop at the Horniman Museum. Councillor Liam Curran and Councillor James-J Walsh welcomed the possibility of a new east-west bus route across South London due to current connectivity limitations, with Councillor Walsh requesting consideration of the night-time economy in new service timetables.

Southeastern (SER) reported that Southeastern railway has merged with Network Rail as part of the move to Great British Railway. Performance was noted as slightly above average for the year, with cancellations at less than half the industry average. SER planned infrastructure work in 2026, including £90 million of resignalling work in Lewisham. Investments in new structures include the upgrade and reopening of Blackheath station in summer 2025, a new Mill Road bridge in Lewisham, upgraded retail facilities at Ladywell station, and minor works at New Cross and Hither Green stations. Work at Lewisham station to move a gate on Platform 1 was scheduled for completion by Spring 2026 to improve space and reduce congestion. SER also planned to announce the procurement process for a new train fleet in 2026. Councillor Krupski welcomed the rail service returning to public ownership and requested that SER consider relocating electronic information signs at Lewisham station, which were creating a pinch point and health and safety risk on staircases. She also enquired if new rolling stock would address issues of large gaps between trains and curved platforms, such as at Lewisham Station. George Paterson from SER noted that this had been flagged during the procurement process and would be reiterated internally. Councillor Walsh requested a review of the performance of the 09:27 service from Ladywell Station, which was reportedly on time 65% of the time.

Transport Questions and Responses

The agenda included a section for Transport Questions and Responses. In October, there were no further questions. In December, Councillor James Rathbone noted a lack of connectivity to Bromley, Charlton, or Greenwich along the SL4 route and requested a review by TfL. Councillor Krupski agreed and mentioned discussions with the Cabinet lead at Bromley Council regarding bus stop weighting and connectivity along this route. Josh Freestone from TfL confirmed that the SL4 route design had been received and would be reviewed. Councillor Rathbone also raised concerns about buses parking and idling at the curtailment point in Lee Green, causing visibility issues for drivers and blocking access. Nick Hill from Stagecoach explained that curtailment points are necessary and must meet specific criteria, noting that Lee Green lacks stand space, requiring drivers to complete paperwork and safety checks at the nearest safe location. An education campaign for drivers was underway, and this feedback would be used to explain the process. Councillor Hillary Moore welcomed trains with more onboard toilets, a feature included in the procurement criteria for new rolling stock, with existing fleets to be retrofitted. Councillor Sian Eiles queried the response regarding the accessible entrance to Platform 5 at New Cross Gate station, noting that some stations have open entrances with minimal security.

Further questions included a request for the 386 bus route in Blackheath to be converted from a hail-and-ride service to one with physical bus stops, shelters, and seating along Wat Tyler Road. TfL requested further clarification from Councillor Dall and required additional response time. Regarding the junction of Lewis Grove, Belmont Hill, and Lee High Road, Councillor Sheikh highlighted the absence of a formal pedestrian crossing on Lewis Grove, making it unsafe for vulnerable users. TfL indicated that this would require detailed traffic modelling due to the significant changes involved. The issue of speeding e-bikes, their lack of clear guidance, regulations, and number plates, was also raised. TfL stated they are working with various agencies to encourage legal and safe e-bike use and are aware of illegal e-mopeds and e-bikes on the network. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Cycle Safety Team has seized and destroyed over 1,000 illegally modified e-bikes in 2024. TfL and London Councils have raised concerns about the availability of unsafe conversion kits and non-compliant e-bikes with central government, advocating for tighter restrictions. A fact sheet and web content explaining the risks have been published and distributed to London boroughs and food delivery companies.

Councillor Curran enquired about the provision of a shelter at Bus Stop G, Newlands Park, Sydenham, which serves as the main stop for passengers exiting Sydenham Station. TfL confirmed plans to install a shelter by summer 2026, funded from a limited allocation due to high boarding numbers and the lack of an existing shelter. Alan Hall, a resident, asked about extending the 63 bus route to Honor Oak Park station. TfL stated that such an extension would require three additional buses, costing up to £1 million per annum, and that there would not be sufficient patronage to justify this expenditure, especially as the P12 route already connects the two areas.

Public Transport Performance

Under Any other business, Councillor Moore noted the disappearance of the physical bus stop for Winn Road along the 273 bus route. Councillor Walsh raised concerns about consistent pavement parking on red routes within Catford and a lack of enforcement by TfL. He and Councillor Krupski suggested that council officers could undertake enforcement. Josh Freestone from TfL acknowledged this as a frequent issue and stated that recent enforcement had occurred, requesting councillors to report specific days and times of highest occurrence for targeted visits. Councillor Walsh requested that operator Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) be shared at each meeting, rotating between buses and rail.

The report pack also included information on declarations of interest, outlining the types of personal interests members must declare, including disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests. It detailed the procedures for declaring interests and the potential consequences of failing to do so, including prosecution and fines.

The meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at 7.00 pm in the Civic Suite, Catford Road, London SE6 4RU. Enquiries were to be directed to Martha Lauchlan. Attendees included Councillor Louise Krupski (Deputy Mayor and Environment, Transport and Climate Action), Councillor Sian Eiles, and Councillor Liam Curran.