Richmond Council member urges TfL to halt ‘damaging’ Barnes bus changes

Richmond Council’s Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee is calling on Transport for London (TfL) to pause its ‘poorly thought through’ plans to alter Barnes bus services, warning they risk isolating residents and worsening already strained transport links.

TfL’s proposals would alter routes 209, 378 and 485, and withdraw the 533, which currently helps connect Barnes with Hammersmith. The changes follow a recent consultation, but Councillor Alexander Ehmann says community opposition has been overwhelmingly clear.

“These plans fail the people of Barnes,” said Councillor Ehmann.

“Residents have told us loud and clear that TfL’s proposals would make everyday journeys harder – especially for older people, those with mobility issues, and families who rely on buses to reach schools, shops and healthcare. TfL must stop, listen, and rethink. We are urging them to pause this process immediately and work with the community on a plan that genuinely improves connectivity.”

Throughout the consultation, residents highlighted concerns over proposals, saying they would increase travel hardship in an area already suffering the ongoing closure of Hammersmith Bridge – and noted:

• Longer journey times from reduced frequency, traffic congestion and the loss of direct connections
• More complicated journeys, often requiring multiple bus changes or longer walks without shelter
• Fewer viable options for essential trips, including to hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists and schools

Community feedback from the consultation also made clear that the proposals could cut off access for many vulnerable residents, particularly those unable to walk longer distances or manage multiple bus transfers.

TfL’s scheme would see the withdrawal of the 533 and the extension of route 209 to cover parts of it, while route 485 would be diverted away from Castelnau and route 378 extended to the London Wetlands Centre – changes many residents see as reducing, rather than improving, local coverage.

Councillor Ehmann added: “TfL’s own consultation showed strong local opposition. It’s unacceptable to push ahead with a plan that makes life harder for residents who already face some of London’s toughest transport barriers. Our message to TfL is simple: go back to the drawing board and work with Richmond Council to deliver a fairer, more accessible plan for Barnes.”