306 and 218 services introduced with changes the 440

Bus users in the Acton area are having to get used to revised routes which were introduced this Saturday (7 December) by TfL.

The 306 runs from Acton to West Kensington and Fulham Broadway stations, and the 218 connecting North Acton, Acton High Street and Hammersmith.

The 218 uses single decker buses operated by Tower Transit. It is scheduled to run every 10 minutes during Monday to Saturday day time, and every 15 minutes during Sundays and all evenings using single-deck buses. It follows the former alignment of route 440 between North Acton, Gypsy Corner and Acton High Street via West Acton. It takes the previous alignment of route 266 between Acton High Street and Hammersmith via Askew Road.

Route 306 runs between Acton Vale, Bromyard Avenue and Fulham, Sand’s End running every 12 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytime and every 15 minutes during Sunday and all evenings using double-deck vehicles. It follows the previous alignment of route 266 between Acton Vale and Hammersmith Bus Station via Askew Road. Then carries on along the previous alignment of route 391 between Hammersmith town centre and Fulham, Sand’s End.

Three routes have also been extended. The H9 and H10 now serve more of Northwick Park Hospital in Brent, and the 440 reaches more of Wembley although it has been rerouted away from other areas leading to complaints from some residents.

The changes follow a 2017 consultation, which aimed to create better transport links in outer London.

Responses showed that 40% of residents supported the 218 and 31 per cent of respondents backed the new 306 service.

In addition a new route 278 runs from Heathrow to Hayes and Harlington station and Ickenham and West Ruislip Tube stops, while the X140 is an express service linking Harrow to the airport.

TfL say these new routes are part of a major programme of improvements to outer London bus services in what they describe as the biggest investment in over a decade. However, the regularity of some buses in the area such as the E3 has been reduced.

Geoff Hobbs, director of public service planning at TfL said, “We are pleased to implement these changes to improve the bus network in outer London, with new bus routes and extensions to existing routes making bus services a convenient option for even more Londoners.

“The changes to the bus network will improve access for thousands of commuters to Tube and TfL Rail Services, and improve links to key services like local hospitals.”

TfL say these new routes are part of a major programme of improvements to outer London bus services in what they describe as the biggest investment in over a decade. Alongside the 218 and 306, TfL intends to introduce five new routes in outer London before the end of the year.

The new routes aim to help achieve the Mayor’s ambition of 80 per cent of trips made by bicycle, on foot or by public transport by 2041.

Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “This boost to outer London routes, together with more frequent, direct services, is all part of the Mayor’s commitment to provide a good public transport experience for all Londoners.”

Reallocating resources from central London can take time, so the Mayor says he is providing additional funding from London's business rates to speed up investment in outer London.

Written with contributions from Jessie Matthewson - Local Democracy Reporter

December 11, 2019