The Passenger Transport Liaison Group met on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, to discuss public transport safety, ongoing improvements to several train stations, and the performance of various bus routes. Key decisions included agreeing on a new schedule for public transport safety discussions and noting updates on station accessibility projects.

Passenger Transport Public Safety

The Group received an update on efforts to prevent crime on public transport and around stations. David Hewson, representing the British Transport Police (BTP), provided year-on-year crime data for several stations. Clapham Junction saw a 14% decrease in crime, attributed to preventative work. Tooting Broadway experienced a 120% increase, and Balham saw a 30% rise, both attributed to increased public reporting and earlier detection by the BTP. The BTP's focus is on preventative work, utilising the Text Service and the Railway Guardian application for incident reporting. The Group agreed to a new scheduling approach for Public Transport Passenger Safety Discussion and Q&A meetings, with these forums to be held alternately before the main Group meetings.

Trains and Overground

Wandsworth Town Station

Network Rail (NR) provided an update on the 'Access for All' programme and the new second entrance for Wandsworth Town Station. Victoria Greenwood from NR explained that detailed designs for both schemes, which include three new lifts and the second entrance, are complete. NR is working with stakeholders, including South Western Railway (SWR), utility companies, and developers of nearby residential projects, to minimise disruption during construction. The financial pricing programme and delivery schedule are expected to be finalised in February or March 2025. The potential impact on station operations, including possible amended accessibility, operating hours, or full closure, will be determined through consultation.

Queenstown Road Station

Jack Wharton of Network Rail reported that delays had occurred on the project for a new second entrance at Queenstown Road Station due to a change in the programme. Discussions are ongoing with the contractor, and the project is expected to take several months to complete.

Battersea Park Station

Sidonie Forrest-Brown, Senior Transport Planner for Wandsworth Borough Council, outlined the proposed improvement scheme for Battersea Park Station. Developer funding of approximately £17 million has been secured, with an estimated total project cost of £35 million, including a 40% contingency. The scheme includes a new entrance on the north side near Prince Wales Drive. While the station is ineligible for 'Access for All' funding, NR Enhancement Programme funding will be sought. The next phase of work is expected to take seven months and cost around £500,000.

Waterloo Station Redevelopment

A representative from Network Rail provided an update on the proposed redevelopment of Waterloo Station, a project involving NR, Lambeth Council, and rail operators. The focus is on breaking down aspirations into short and long-term feasible improvements, such as installing artwork and expanding green infrastructure. The project aims to be comparable in scope to those at London Bridge and King's Cross St Pancras. Discussions also covered enhancing connectivity between Waterloo Station and Waterloo East Station, potentially through a direct walkway or improved train connections. The ongoing development of The Sidings near the former Eurostar terminal was also mentioned.

Underground

Step Free Access: Wandsworth Underground Stations

Transport for London (TfL) is conducting feasibility studies for step-free access at Colliers Wood and Tooting Broadway stations as part of the Mayor of London's target for 50% of stations to be step-free by 2030. TfL anticipates being able to progress with only one of these two stations due to budgetary constraints, with the decision based on technical factors, costs, engineering complexities, and land acquisition. Stakeholder support and local authority contributions will also influence the choice. The TfL representative committed to providing the current percentage of step-free stations in the borough after the meeting.

Other Matters

The Group discussed flooding at Balham Station, with TfL agreeing to investigate and provide an update. Recent disruptions on the District Line were also addressed, with NR confirming that a track failure, which occurred on part of the track managed by NR near a heavily used freight line, had been fixed.

Buses

Extension of the Bus Route 315 into the Springfield Hospital Development

TfL confirmed that the extension of bus route 315 into the Springfield Hospital Development is progressing. The lease agreement and works on the junction on Glenburnie Road are complete. A bus route test is scheduled for completion within the month, with the G1 bus route expected to be introduced to the area around February 2025. The locations of the new bus stops are yet to be confirmed.

Monitoring of Bus Routes 14, 430, and 436

Latest performance data for these routes was unavailable due to the ongoing impact of a cyberattack on TfL. The last available data, from June 2024, showed wait time statistics of 1.31 for route 14, 1.56 for route 430, and 0.89 for route 436. These figures pre-dated roadworks in Putney, which were expected to negatively impact service reliability. Go-Ahead London noted that access to the bus from the bus stand also presented accessibility limitations. A request was made for the 85-bus route to run to and from the Green Man bus stop, which TfL agreed to forward.

Monitoring of Bus Routes 39, 93, and 493

Similar to the other bus routes, the latest performance data for routes 39, 93, and 493 was unavailable due to the cyberattack. The last available data from June 2024 showed wait time statistics of 1.52 for route 39, 0.78 for route 93, and 0.97 for route 493.

Longley Road Bus Stand

TfL reported ongoing discussions with Go-Ahead to address issues such as drivers leaving engines running, overcrowding, and buses parking outside designated bays. A Service Controller has been deployed, and some improvements have been noted. Sidonie Forrest-Brown, Senior Transport Planner, confirmed that complaints had reduced, indicating progress. Compliance checks and communications with drivers are being conducted by Go-Ahead.

Next Meeting Dates

The date for the next meeting of the Group, originally scheduled for 13 March 2025, will be rescheduled due to the unavailability of some members. A presentation on the proposed long-term plan for the enhanced development of Waterloo Station is planned for the next meeting.