TfL confirms 118 bus route cut despite public backlash

From February 2025, the 118 bus route, which runs from Brixton to Morden via Streatham, will be withdrawn entirely. This news comes after a public consultation where, by TfL’s own admission, feedback was overwhelmingly against the proposal.

What’s happening?

The scrapping of the 118 is part of a reshuffle of several bus routes in the area. Here’s what the changes look like:

• The 118: Will no longer operate.
• The 45: Will be extended to run between Denmark Hill/Camberwell Green and Morden, instead of Clapham Park/Atkins Road and Elephant and Castle.
• The 59: Will no longer serve Streatham. It’ll run between Smithfield (St Bartholomew’s Hospital) and Clapham Park/Atkins Road, replacing part of the 45 route.

TfL says the changes are intended to simplify the bus network and create new journey options, like better connectivity to King’s College Hospital and Maudsley Hospital in Camberwell. But many locals think it’s a raw deal.

Public opinion: Ignored?

The consultation process didn’t exactly go smoothly. TfL’s own report revealed that the public was largely unsupportive of the proposals. Among the main concerns were:

• The extension of the 45 could make it less reliable due to the longer route.
• South London already has limited transport options, and losing a route could reduce accessibility further.
• Worries about overcrowding, longer journey times, and increased waiting times—especially along the busy Brixton Hill to Streatham Hill corridor.

Despite this, TfL has decided to forge ahead with the changes, saying:

“Following careful consideration of the feedback received, and a further review of what was proposed we have decided to proceed with the route changes as set out in the consultation.”

Not exactly what you’d call listening to the people.

Why the change?

TfL argues the changes will make the network more efficient and better connected, particularly for hospital access in Camberwell. But for many passengers, these benefits don’t outweigh the negatives—especially when it means losing a reliable route like the 118.

What happens next?

The changes will come into effect in February 2025, although an exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet. For those who rely on the 118 or the affected parts of the 45 and 59 routes, it’s time to start planning alternate travel options—or bracing for potential disruption.

The loss of the 118 highlights a bigger issue for south London: the ongoing struggle to improve transport links in an area already underserved by public transport. For many, it feels like yet another hit to accessibility and reliability.

Whether these changes will actually deliver the benefits TfL promises remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—this decision isn’t winning any popularity contests.