List of shortened bus routes grows longer

Dear Ed, TRANSPORT for London is getting a 50 per rise in fares with the 8 bus route now terminating at Oxford Circus instead of Victoria, because passengers must now pay again when changing buses. But this is nothing new

Dear Ed,

TRANSPORT for London is getting a 50 per rise in fares with the 8 bus route now terminating at Oxford Circus instead of Victoria, because passengers must now pay again when changing buses (Advertiser Website).

But this is nothing new. When public transport was privatised in the 1980s, all bus routes were cut in half, so vast profits could be made by the new bus companies.

Passengers got value for money before all the changes. The No 8 ran from Old Ford to Willesden, the 8a from Old Ford to London Bridge, while the 6 went from Hackney Wick to Kensal Rise and the 6a from Hackney Wick to London Bridge.

Other routes serving East London that have been cut short include the 38 from Chingford Mount to Victoria, the 149 Victoria to Ponders End, the 22 Homerton to Putney and the 30 Hackney Wick to Roehampton.

The list is longer, while the routes are now shorter.

Bill Tomlinson

Queensbridge Road, Dalston