London buses in decline? Why public transport in global cities is slowing to a crawl – visualised
London's bus network is experiencing significant decline as services become slower due to urban congestion, creating reliability problems that deter passengers. The issue is particularly acute on major routes like the 22 to Oxford Circus, which has slowed by 16% over a decade and now averages just under 6mph—slower than a beginner cyclist. This trend threatens London's public transport system for the millions of people who depend on buses, especially those with fewer alternatives.
The scale of the problem is substantial: 578 of London's 700 bus routes have experienced speed reductions in the past decade, whilst average network speed has fallen to 9.18mph—the lowest since records began in 2013-14. Passenger journeys have dropped by over 300 million annually since 2013, a 16% decrease, despite London's population growing by almost a million people. Experts warn of a "vicious circle of decline" where slower buses drive away passengers, leading to reduced service frequencies and routes, and the problem extends beyond London to cities including Paris, Brussels and Lisbon.
- London buses average 9.18mph, lowest since records began in 2013-14.
- 578 of 700 routes have slowed; passenger journeys fell 16% since 2013.
- Problem creates "vicious circle": slower buses lead to fewer passengers and service cuts.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Slower and less reliable buses can reduce access to work, education and essential services, particularly for people without cars or convenient rail alternatives. The scale and persistence of the decline suggest that congestion and inadequate priority measures risk creating a self-reinforcing fall in passengers, revenue and service quality. Supporters of intervention would argue that protecting bus lanes, improving traffic enforcement and investing in reliability are essential to maintaining an equitable public transport system.
The case against
The figures may reflect wider pressures, including roadworks, post-pandemic travel changes, rising car and delivery traffic, and competition from walking, cycling and other services, rather than a simple failure of the bus network. Measures that give buses more road space can improve journeys for passengers but may impose costs on motorists, businesses and other road users, especially where street space is limited. A cautious approach could therefore prioritise targeted improvements and better evidence before committing to extensive restrictions or spending.