The Public Transport Liaison Forum met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to discuss a range of transport issues affecting Lewisham residents. Key topics included updates from various transport providers on service performance, electrification of bus fleets, and accessibility improvements. Discussions covered the ongoing review of bus route frequencies and the need for enhanced communication during service disruptions.

Bus Service Updates and Electrification

Discussions covered the ongoing electrification of bus fleets serving Lewisham. Go Ahead Buses confirmed they are progressing with electrification at their New Cross Gate bus garage, with a number of routes already transitioned. Stagecoach noted that while the technology for electric buses is still developing, they are improving their fleet and that every new tender requires an electric element. TfL stated that London has a fleet of approximately 7,000 buses, with one-third already electric, and that they are actively seeking opportunities to increase this through contract renewals.

Councillor Kate Anderson, Chair of the Public Transport Liaison Forum, raised concerns about the reduction in frequency for the 484 bus route, which serves Telegraph Hill and is a vital link for residents travelling to King's College Hospital. TfL explained that the timetable change followed a review of passenger data, indicating that demand could be met with a less frequent service. However, TfL acknowledged that the route remains under review and requested specific details of overcrowding instances from residents to inform future decisions.

The forum also addressed concerns about engine idling at bus terminuses. Stagecoach and Go Ahead confirmed that their policy is for engines to be switched off when buses are at terminuses, and that this is monitored.

Rail Service Improvements and Accessibility

Updates were provided on rail services, with Southeastern Railway highlighting significant investments in the southeast network, including re-signalling projects and the replacement of older train stock. George Paterson, Senior Stakeholder Manager at Southeastern, presented plans for new trains, noting that their current fleet includes some of the oldest on the network, designed in the 1980s. He emphasised the need for modern trains with improved accessibility, air conditioning, and comfort. Engineering works at Charing Cross station were also discussed, with a significant blockade planned from July to August 2026 to replace track and infrastructure.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) reported that they are now under public ownership and are implementing upgrades to their fleet, including internal refurbishments and extensive cleaning programmes. Martin Darby, a Senior Stakeholder Manager for GTR, highlighted the recruitment of new drivers to address cancellations and the installation of a secondary signalling system between Blackfriars and Farringdon to minimise disruption. GTR also proposed a new service pattern for St. John's station to rebalance train frequency and improve off-peak connectivity.

TfL provided an update on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London Overground. For the DLR, new trains are being introduced, featuring walk-through carriages, live travel information, and USB charging points. Plans are also underway to extend the DLR from Beckton to Thamesmead. For the London Overground, capacity improvements are being made to the Windrush line, with an increase in train frequency planned. Accessibility improvements are also a focus, including a new station entrance at Surrey Quays providing step-free access and an accessible customer toilet. A new station at New Bermondsey is also being planned, with construction anticipated to begin around 2030.

Councillor Anderson raised concerns about personal safety on the Overground, noting a slight fall in satisfaction scores. TfL outlined various campaigns and initiatives to address this, including White Ribbon Day, active bystander training, and the extensive use of CCTV on buses.

Micro-mobility and Parking Compliance

The forum heard about the significant uptake in e-bike usage in Lewisham, with Lime reporting 2.7 million e-bike trips in 2025. Both Lime and Forest, another e-bike operator, are working with council officers on managing parking compliance and addressing obstructive parking. Measures include foot patrollers, incentives for riders to relocate bikes from overcrowded bays, and a tiered penalty system for persistent non-compliance. Lewisham's high density of parking bays was noted as a factor in improving compliance.

Other Matters

Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, expressed thanks to all involved for their presentations and for addressing questions, acknowledging the technical difficulties experienced during the meeting.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of any other business, with Councillor Ashwell offering thanks and concluding the forum.