VICTORY FOR LOCAL BUS CAMPAIGNERS

12.00.00am GMT Fri 22nd Feb 2008

In a victory for local residents, Transport for London has decided to withdraw the underused East London Line replacement bus (ELP) and instead run additional services on the 381 route.

The move follows a successful campaign to tackle overcrowding on buses serving the Rotherhithe peninsula by Simon Hughes MP, local Surrey Docks councillors Paul Noblet, David Hubber and Lisa Rajan, and Lib Dem GLA candidate Councillor Caroline Pidgeon.

From 3rd March an extra three buses an hour will run at peak times - a 50% increase in service.

Commenting on the news, Simon Hughes said:

"I'm glad that TfL have listened to local residents and our campaign.

"This will be a real boost for local residents. The overcrowding on both the C10 and the 381 over recent months has been completely unacceptable and was in danger of driving people out of the area.

"This move will allow the majority of commuters to board the first bus that goes past rather than standing frustrated at the stop and arriving late for work."

ENDS