Londoners Mourn the Loss of Iconic 118 Bus Route After 88 Years
The 118 bus route, a staple for Londoners since 1936, has been discontinued, leaving many residents feeling nostalgic and concerned about transport changes.
Local
London, Bus Route, 118, Transport for London, Morden, Brixton
London: The 118 bus route has officially ended after 88 years of service. It took its last trip early Saturday morning. This bus ran from Morden to Brixton and was a favorite among locals.
Transport for London (TfL) decided to cut the 118 as part of a service reshuffle. They aimed to reduce overlapping routes and better meet passenger needs. The 118 was known for its unique blue lighting inside.
Many residents are sad about the change. A new 45 bus will cover much of the 118’s route, running between Camberwell Green and Morden. However, some locals worry this will lead to overcrowding and longer wait times.
Philomena Kilroy, a long-time rider, expressed her sadness. She used the 118 for fifty years. Another local, Marie Pembridge, shared her memories of taking the bus to school in the 80s. The 118 was a part of their daily lives.
Originally, the 118 ran between Mitcham Common and Clapham Common. It was one of London’s oldest routes, second only to the 24 bus, which has been in service since 1912. The 118’s vibrant blue lights made it stand out among other buses.
TfL held a public consultation last year about the 118 and other routes. While some residents opposed the changes, TfL stated they are adapting to changing customer needs. They believe these adjustments will improve bus connections in the area.
Despite the loss of the 118, TfL aims to provide reliable services where they are most needed. They noted that bus demand has decreased in inner London over the past few years. This change is part of their effort to match bus capacity with passenger demand.