Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark will receive funding through the Better Bus Partnerships programme, following a competitive bidding process open to all London boroughs.
The initiative aims to support borough-led schemes that improve bus journey times, reliability and overall customer experience.
Each of the three successful boroughs will receive up to 10 million GBP over an expected four-year period. Funding will be released in stages, linked to progress on individual programmes.
The selected proposals include a combination of infrastructure and operational measures, such as new bus priority schemes, more coordinated roadworks management, improvements to bus stops, and changes to local streets to make walking routes to stops and stations safer and more convenient.
London boroughs manage around 95 percent of the capital’s streets, giving them a central role in shaping conditions for bus travel. TfL plans to work with Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark through 2026 on detailed design and planning. Delivery is expected to begin in 2027, subject to engagement and consultation led by the boroughs.
Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses said:Thank you to everyone who took the time to put bids forward. It is encouraging to see boroughs putting bus services at the heart of their communities to support sustainable transport for all and a safer, cleaner, greener London. I am delighted that we can work together with London boroughs to invest in bus priority and bus infrastructure. We now look forward to working closely with Haringey, Lewisham and Southwark over the coming years to deliver their bus schemes as part of the Better Bus Partnerships programme.
In Southwark, the council has linked the funding to its wider work to support walking, cycling and public transport use. It will work with residents, TfL and neighbouring authorities to improve local bus services as part of its Streets for People initiative.
Lewisham Council has highlighted the importance of bus services for households without access to a car, particularly in areas with fewer rail connections. The funding will help the borough improve priority on key corridors and make the interchange between buses and other modes more straightforward. Planned work will focus on north–south routes through Grove Park to Greenwich and east–west routes through Sydenham towards Bromley and Southwark, alongside upgrades to stops and improvements to walking and cycling links.
Haringey Council has also emphasised the role of buses for residents on lower incomes and in parts of the borough with limited car ownership. The funding will support ongoing efforts to make bus travel safer and more reliable, and will contribute to regeneration plans in Wood Green, Tottenham and Green Lanes.
TfL launched the Better Bus Partnerships programme in July 2024, inviting boroughs to bid for a share of 30 million GBP to support schemes aimed at improving journey times, accessibility and environmental performance. Eighteen boroughs submitted Expressions of Interest, with eight shortlisted for detailed bids. Funding will be allocated in stages as schemes demonstrate progress and value for money.
