Over 11,000 Daily Commuters Impacted by Oxford Street Bus Route Reductions Ahead of Pedestrianisation
More than 11,000 passengers will face daily disruptions as plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street lead to the shortening of two key bus routes. Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has confirmed that the 7 and 94 bus routes will be significantly altered, requiring thousands of commuters to switch buses to complete their journeys.
Major Changes to Bus Routes 7 and 94
Currently, both the 7 and N7 buses terminate at Oxford Circus, but this endpoint will be moved to Marble Arch once pedestrianisation takes effect by the end of summer. Similarly, the 94 route will also terminate at Marble Arch, shortening its current stretch to Piccadilly Circus.
This adjustment means that 2,843 daily passengers on the 7 route will need to switch to the 98 bus at Edgware Road. Meanwhile, 8,875 daily passengers on the 94 route will have to change onto the 98 or 390 buses at stop K on Oxford Street.
Concerns Over Journey Times and Accessibility
The changes have sparked concerns about significantly longer journey times and increased crowding on remaining bus routes. These issues could particularly affect individuals with disabilities and parents using pushchairs, raising questions about the accessibility of the new transport arrangements.
In response to these concerns, Mayor Khan emphasized that Transport for London (TfL) will keep arrangements under review to ensure services meet demand. He also noted that the Hopper Fare will prevent additional costs for passengers who need to change buses.
Fifteen Bus Routes Affected by Pedestrianisation
The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street will impact a total of 15 bus routes. Routes currently running on Oxford Street include:
- 7, 94, 98, 139, 390
- N7, N98, N113, N137, N207
TfL plans to divert the 98, 139, 390, N98, and N207 via Wigmore Street. The N137 will terminate at Marble Arch instead of Oxford Street, while the N113 will be redirected from Trafalgar Square. Additional changes include:
- The N15 terminating at John Prince’s Street rather than Oxford Circus
- The 73 and N73 terminating at Great Portland Street instead of Oxford Circus
- The 22 and N22 terminating at Hanover Square rather than Oxford Circus
Mayor’s Vision for a World-Class West End
Sir Sadiq Khan has defended the pedestrianisation plans, stating they will transform the West End into a pedestrian-friendly, world-class retail destination. He believes this move will help London compete more effectively with global cities like Paris and New York.
However, the plans have faced opposition from local residents and disability campaigners who worry about the practical implications for daily commuters. The mayor’s response to London Assembly Member James Small-Edwards confirmed the significant passenger impact while reiterating the long-term benefits of creating a more attractive and competitive retail environment.
As London prepares for these substantial changes, TfL continues to monitor and adjust plans to balance the goals of pedestrianisation with the needs of the city’s bus passengers.
