Kingston, Richmond, and Sutton councils have jointly submitted a £10 million bid to Transport for London (TfL) to enhance bus routes connecting their town centres. If approved, work on the programme of proposed schemes will commence in April 2026.
The Better Bus Partnerships (BBP) bid aims to deliver transformational bus infrastructure, including bus priority measures, improvements to public transport interchanges and walking environments. The key outcomes are to improve bus journey times, reduce journey time variability, increase bus ridership, and support Vision Zero and net carbon zero targets by reducing traffic congestion.
The BBP bid supports the Kingston Town Centre Vision, Sutton Town Centre Masterplan, and Richmond Town Centre Strategy, focusing on transforming and prioritising bus operations within these town centres and along the strategic bus corridor linking the boroughs.
Up to £10 million will be allocated to successful bids by TfL, and the outcome is expected soon.
The Kingston upon Thames Place Committee approved the submission at their meeting on 20 November 2025. The committee approved the proposed schemes listed in Annex 1 of the Proposed Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Programme 2026/27 for submission to TfL. The committee also delegated authority to the Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to approve any necessary adjustments or prioritisation of the proposed schemes if TfL amends the funding levels.
TfL provides funding to London boroughs to support local transport improvements that align with the Mayor's Transport Strategy (MTS). The LIP outlines the borough's strategic transport policy and demonstrates how each scheme supports the MTS goals. These goals broadly aim to transform London's streets, improve public transport, and create opportunities for new homes and jobs.
