MP bids to save ‘London’s slowest bus’ from the axe

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

A minister has launched a bid to save London’s slowest bus after Transport for London (TfL) revealed plans to axe it.

The number 11 Hammersmith and Fulham MP Greg Hands is battling to protect can take up to 80 minutes to travel from Fulham to Central London.

Mr Hands, together with fellow Tory MP Nickie Aiken, who represents Cities of London and Westminster, have called on Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to protect the bus from being scrapped.

The number 11 travels from Fulham Broadway to Liverpool Street and has the title of London’s slowest bus, narrowly beating the number 14 to the spot earlier this year.

The route is also the only bus to go from Westminster into the City of London.

TfL’s bus speed figures show the average speed on the 11 was just 6.4mph – roughly a jogging pace. The bus arrives every seven to 10 minutes.

Both of the slowest buses are under threat if Transport for London if forced to make cuts.

The transport body could cut up to 20 per cent of bus services in Central London to help it balance its books amid negotiations with the government.

Mr Hands said the number 11 is “one of London’s most important routes that brings commuters from Chelsea and Fulham into Central London. It has been a key part of the fabric for more than 100 years.”

Transport for London has been contacted for comment.

Pictured top: The number 11 bus stuck in traffic (Picture: Jacob Phillips)