Busy bus route serving Elizabeth line stations to see double-deckers
Last week an old B11 bus trundled past me at Abbey Wood showing it’s age at 15 years.
I went to check to see if any replacements are on the way and they are, but what I also discovered of more relevance to many is that the busy 244 bus is to switch from single deckers to double deckers.
Now, this is hardly breaking news as TfL revealed the tender result back in May but it passed me by yet it’s an issue I’ve touched on before. The 244 can get very busy.
It’s a key link to Abbey Wood Elizabeth line and Woolwich stations from Thamesmead as well as offering direct links to Queen Elizabeth hospital in Woolwich.
Aside from being a busy route peak and off-peak, it passes a substantial number of new developments at or around completion including 333 homes at a former care home beside Broadwater canal.
Other new developments served by the route include Southmere Village stage two where 329 homes are underway. Being Peabody that site is running someway behind schedule but finally rising.
Then there’s 294 homes at the old Woolwich/Greenwich college site which includes a new college building with the first homes looking near complete.
Recent past
Back in 2017 TfL proposed a wide ranging number of changes for what was then Crossrail due to open in 2018.
The 244 was down for conversion to double decker but when the results of consultation announced in 2018, the plan was dropped.
Since then it’s struggled with low capacity and now TfL plan to cut many stops it duplicates with the existing 472 bus in line to be cut and replaced with the SL11, which would add further pressure.
While the rest of London has seen reduced services on existing routes when a Superloop route commences but not complete removal, the 472 would be axed entirely.
That would see many stops in growth areas lose buses at their immediate bus stops. This may be one way of TfL trying to mitigate – but increased capacity won’t make up for frequency reductions from the 472 being axed and replaced.
Add in additional custom from many new homes and it could still be tight squeeze if TfL do confirm the 472 cut.
This is excellent news John. The 244 will be getting new electric double deckers. The 244 is a very busy route as you mention I have often seen it packed with passengers standing during the peak hours. To be honest I do not know why TFL did not double deck the 244 at the same time they converted the 291 to double deck buses when the Elizabeth Line Station opened.
TFL have also announced routes routes 51 99 178 and 291 Will be getting new electric buses in the Wookwich area when there new contracts start.
In Bexleyheath area routes 269 401 486 B11 B12 B14 B15 B16 and SL3 will be operated by electric buses. With new electric buses have already tarted to appear on route B16 between Kidbrooke and Bexleyheath via Eltham and Welling and route SL3 between Bromley and Thamesmead via Sidcup Bexleyheath and Abbey Wood.
But due to the high demand for new electric buses across the UK. Ii could take 1 to 2 tears for the new electric buses to be delivered and enter service on some routes.
I was on a fully electric 99 last week.
Good news about the 244 getting converted to double deckers. There has not been enough investment in building new electric buses in the UK. Along with a lack of investment in transport Infrastructure, including electric charging points and new battery technology to make batteries safer and have a longer range and lifespan in the UK. These are industries the Government need to invest more in here in the UK
New buses being ordered now could be delivered in late 2026 or 2027.
Bear in mind that all the chassis and battery driven motors are imported from China. It’s only the bodies which are built in the UK
That’s true Greg.
But with the Government going on about jobs for the future in engery and technology etc. Rather than having to keep relying on importing batteries etc from abroad. The Government should be investing in Improving industry and creating jobs here in the UK so we can develop and build our own batteries electrical components and technology.
Route 244 is due to be converted to double decker operation when the new contact starts next year. If the new electric double deckers are not ready which is highly likely as many routes across London have been waiting for their new electric buses for over a year. Then route 244 could operate with existing double decker buses from within the Go Ahead London fleet until the new electric buses arrive.
If spare double deckers become available from.another route before the new contract starts route 244 may be able to convert to double decker operation earlier which would benefit the passengers on route 244 which is a busy bus route.
is the any updates on the 472 and SL11 consultation. Personally I think the 472 should continue between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich Station.