The Public Transport Liaison Forum met on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to discuss updates from various transport providers, address resident concerns through a question and answer session, and consider any other business. Key discussions included rail performance improvements and upcoming service changes, the transition to electric buses, challenges with micro-mobility parking, and the safety of cycling infrastructure.

Rail Service Updates

Martin Darby from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) reported improvements in cancellations on Thameslink services through the borough, with a significant reduction on both the Deptford and Catford lines. This improvement is largely attributed to a decrease in train-related cancellations, particularly those due to a lack of available drivers. However, Southern services through Forest Hill have faced more challenges due to network incidents such as points and signal failures. GTR is implementing measures to address these, including the use of drones and improved trespass response protocols.

Timetable adjustments were made over the summer for Southern and Thameslink services, with further changes planned for the half-term holiday to match demand. Looking ahead to December, the Luton to Raynham Thameslink service will be rerouted to run between Kentish Town and Raynham to improve punctuality and reliability, though direct services to Luton will cease. GTR also announced plans for a significant upgrade to customer experience on Thameslink trains, including new, more comfortable seating and improved backrests, expected to begin next year.

George Patterson from Southeastern Railway provided an update on performance, noting it was slightly below target in the last period due to challenges arising from the hot summer. Southeastern remains above the industry average for performance and prides itself on low cancellation rates. The company is addressing issues caused by soil moisture deficit, a result of the drought and heat, which has led to speed restrictions on embankments, particularly on the Hastings line. This has impacted punctuality, but teams are working to re-stabilise these embankments. Southeastern is also preparing for potential severe weather in November, with contingency plans including improved drainage and extra inspections. A successful closure of Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations for track replacement and refurbishment was highlighted, with new track now in place. Timetable improvements are planned for December, with four trains per hour on most metro routes and increased services on Sundays.

Bus Service Updates and Electrification

Angeline Verillo and Nick from Go Ahead, along with representatives from Stagecoach, provided updates on bus services. They confirmed ongoing communication with drivers regarding wellbeing during extreme heat and adherence to anti-idling policies. The transition to electric fleets was discussed, with Go Ahead electrifying routes as contracts are renewed and upgrading fleets on specific routes. Stagecoach is also improving its electric fleet, with a focus on infrastructure at bus garages being the main challenge. Transport for London (TfL) noted that approximately one-third of London's bus fleet is now electric, with plans to introduce more zero-emission buses. TfL also announced the creation of Buses for London, a new publicly owned bus operator set to launch in late 2027.

Councillor Corinne Ashwell raised concerns about the infrastructure and logistics required for electric bus charging, particularly the time needed for charging compared to refuelling diesel buses. She also inquired about potential support for running additional cabling to the New Cross Gate bus garage for faster chargers. Go Ahead welcomed any support from the borough council in this transition.

A written question from Councillor Olleroo Homes regarding the 171 bus being unable to pick up passengers while travelling out of service from Catford Bus Garage to Downham was noted, with TfL and Go Ahead agreeing to investigate and provide a response outside the meeting.

Micro-mobility and Parking

Dim Hanney from Lime reported significant growth in e-bike usage in Lewisham, with a 30% increase in rides in September compared to the previous year. Lime is working with the council on creating new designated parking bays, funded by their Lime Infrastructure Fund, and is analysing high-demand locations. They are also focusing on rider education regarding compliant parking and safe riding practices, and would welcome opportunities for pop-ups with the Met Police in Lewisham.

Councillor Ashwell noted a recent improvement in parking compliance following a memorandum of understanding between the council and Lime, but observed a slight dip recently. Dim Hanney acknowledged this and stated that Lime is refocusing efforts on key areas and improving data sharing. Discussions also covered the density of parking bays, with Lime suggesting a prime density of around 200 meters in dense locations, and the effectiveness of geofencing.

Robert McIntosh from the Forest Hill Society raised concerns about the practical effectiveness of geofencing, particularly around Forest Hill station, where parking bays are frequently overcrowded. He highlighted issues with bikes being parked on pavements and the need for better coordination between operators and the council regarding bay locations. Councillor Ashwell stated that bays on footways are being reviewed for relocation to carriageways where possible.

Discussions also touched on the speed of e-bikes, with Councillor Esther Lee suggesting a reduction in speed, and the challenge of preventing underage riders. Lime is exploring technological solutions, such as AI-powered age verification, and bans accounts for underage riders reported by the public.

Cycling Infrastructure and Safety

Councillor Esther Lee raised concerns about the safety of cycling infrastructure, particularly at the junction of Brockley Rise and Stanstead Road, noting the lack of advanced stop lines on all arms of the junction. TfL confirmed they are in the early stages of a road danger reduction investigation at this location and will pass on the feedback.

Councillor Lee also inquired about increasing the time for pedestrians to cross at crossings and whether the Waldron Crescent crossing was being investigated. TfL stated they would investigate specific locations if provided with details.

Robert McIntosh also raised concerns about the lack of cycling infrastructure in Forest Hill, particularly around the station, and the need for more bays. Councillor Ashwell indicated a willingness to work with operators to redirect riders to nearby bays and consider interventions such as dropped kerbs.

Councillor Corinne Ashwell, representing Wheels for Wellbeing, inquired about making cycle hire schemes more accessible. TfL noted that Disabled Person's Freedom Pass holders receive a discount on Santander Cycles subscriptions and are exploring options for more accessible bike variants, including discussions with Lime about potential future offerings.

Rail Infrastructure and Station Access

TfL provided an update on the proposed Surrey Canal station, with detailed design expected over the next 18 months and simultaneous development of a funding proposal. Councillor Kate Anderson also raised concerns about recurring Thames Water leaks and road surface failures impacting bus services, and how TfL, Lewisham Council, and Thames Water are working together to address underlying causes. TfL highlighted the importance of early communication and coordination with utility companies and the council to minimise disruption.

Regarding Forest Hill station, TfL acknowledged concerns about access from London Road and the relocation of planters, stating that they are working with London Overground and will provide an update. Councillor Wills raised concerns about late-night cancellations of Windrush trains and the timing of engineering works, with TfL explaining the challenges of balancing engineering windows with service provision and the impact of train crew shortages.

Robert McIntosh also raised issues regarding unsafe walls and fencing at Forest Hill station, and the relocation of planters. TfL provided an update on the ongoing work and stated that the layout and potential improvement opportunities will be revisited.

Other Matters

Councillor Robin McGhee, Chair of the meeting, proposed moving future meetings from 7:00 pm to 6:00 pm to allow attendees more of their evenings back. The next meeting is scheduled for January.