TfL Proposes to Cut Addington to Orpington School Bus Route 654
Transport for London is considering scrapping the 654 school bus route. This decision comes after low usage numbers were reported for the service.
Addington, Orpington, London, Bus Route 654, Harris Academy, Ravens Wood School, St Olave’s Grammar School
London: Route 654 runs twice daily, mainly for Harris Academy Orpington. It also passes Ravens Wood School and St Olave’s Grammar School.
But here’s the thing: TfL found that only about 40 people use it in the morning and 60 in the afternoon. At Harris Academy, just six kids ride in the morning and ten in the afternoon.
The 654 route is pretty similar to routes 353 and 664, which also connect Addington Village to Harris Academy. TfL thinks cutting this route will help them use their resources better.
They said, “This change will allow us to better use our limited resources.” They want to save money to improve other bus services in London.
If the 654 goes away, most folks can still take routes 664 or 353. But those traveling between Chelsfield and Harris Academy will need to switch buses at Orpington High Street.
This means no more direct school bus for those areas. TfL is asking for feedback on these changes until March 9, so there’s still time to weigh in.