Fastbus proposals will be heard by Boris Johnson

Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat Assembly Transport spokesperson, has secured an agreement from Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, that he will meet a delegation of representatives from Brent and Ealing to hear the arguments in favour of ‘Fastbus’, the express bus service which would serve Wembley, Park Royal and Acton.

At a recent Plenary meeting of the London Assembly the Mayor faced questions from Caroline Pidgeon about his commitment to orbital bus routes in general. She then went on to question the Mayor about specific proposals for ‘Fastbus’. In response to her questioning Boris Johnson agreed to consider the proposal and offered to meet both Caroline Pidgeon and representatives of the proposed express bus service.

Caroline Pidgeon, commenting on the promises made by the Mayor, said:
“Last year Boris Johnson made election promises that he would introduce a number of fast orbital bus routes to serve communities around outer London. So far little progress has been made in fulfilling these promises so it is really encouraging that he is at least willing to consider the case for Fastbus. I hope that after the delegation has met him he will authorise TfL to seriously consider a pilot of this new bus route.

“The proposals for Fastbus already have the backing of Brent and Ealing Councils, the local NHS Trust and of course many businesses across West London. It is clear that the advocates of the service have certainly done their homework. In addition serious investment has already been in bus lanes which are just waiting to be properly used. I just hope that Boris Johnson listens carefully to the many reasons why a pilot scheme should now go ahead.”