343 bus route consultation - frequency increase proposed

Transport for London is currently conducting a consultation about the future of the 343 and N343 bus routes, which runs from New Cross Gate to London Bridge via Brockley and Telegraph Hill. A new franchise will be awarded in 2011 and a small increase in frequency is proposed.

The Telegraph Hill Society Chairman Malcom Bacchus sets out their feedback on TheHill forum:

We have questioned whether Pepys and Jerningham Road are even appropriate as a double-decker bus route given the social and environmental impact on residents. We have made proposals to change the 343 route (or stop it earlier) to avoid the Hill and replace the service across the Hill with a modification to one of the single decker routes.

We have also suggested that a number of the buses are turned at an earlier point to reduce the frequency on this part of the route, which is under-utilised. Lewisham Council has tried to support us in dealing with the antisocial issues of speeding and the bus stand. We have tried to have meetings with TfL to show them the vibration problems and the issues with the bus stand.

If you'd like to have your say on the route, the xontact email address is STEngagement@tfl.gov.uk and the subject ref is MH/T335/Stage2/R/0110. The deadline is February 26th.

With thanks to Emily.