TfL to introduce changes to Barnes bus services from 15 August

Transport for London (TfL) is pressing ahead with changes to several bus routes in the Barnes area from Saturday 15 August, despite local objections raised by residents during its consultation.

The changes, which affect routes 209, 378, 485 and 533, follow a review of services introduced after the closure of Hammersmith Bridge to motor traffic and will alter how passengers travel between Barnes, Mortlake, Castelnau, Hammersmith and Putney Bridge.

In March, Councillor Alexander Ehmann called on TfL to 'halt' their plans which some residents have told us will make everyday journeys harder – especially for older people, those with mobility issues, and families who rely on buses to reach schools, shops and healthcare.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council and Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: “It is disappointing that TfL has chosen to push ahead with these changes despite some reasonable requests for amendments. There is merit in some of the proposals, but TfL has ‘missed the bus’ for using local insight to better their plans.

“TfL’s consultation feedback included concerns about longer journey times, more complicated journeys and the loss for some of direct connections to essential services including hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists and schools.

"After Council and resident demands, TfL has now committed to review the changes later in the year – so we will hold them to that commitment.”

Service changes

Details of changes to specific services. 

Route 209

Route 209 will be extended to run between Hammersmith Bus Station and Barnes, replacing most of the current route 533, which will be withdrawn. The revised route will run in both directions through the Castelnau and Lonsdale Road area, serving Barnes Bridge Station and Barnes Pond. Buses will generally operate every 15 minutes.

Route 378

Route 378 will continue to run between Putney Bridge and Mortlake, with additional journeys via the London Wetland Centre during daytime hours. Buses will generally operate every 15 minutes.

Route 485

Route 485 will be rerouted to terminate at Mortlake Bus Station and will no longer serve Church Road and Castelnau. Instead, it will run via Barnes High Street, Barnes Bridge Station and Mortlake High Street. Passengers travelling between Barnes Pond and Castelnau will be able to use the revised route 209. Service frequency will remain unchanged at every 30 minutes.

Route 533

This service will be withdrawn.

Check before you travel

TfL will update bus stop information and network maps ahead of the changes taking effect. Residents are encouraged to check their journey before travelling.

The changes will come into effect on Saturday 15 August and TfL has said it will keep the new arrangements under review to ensure they continue to meet local demand.