More bad news for users of the number 53 bus – the service, which usually runs to Whitehall, is being cut back to Lambeth North again from Monday, as a result of roadworks at Parliament Square.
The cut to the service, which is the only bus from Plumstead, Woolwich, Charlton and Blackheath to central London, is due to last four months.
However, it’s worth being vigilant about this – in January 2015, a similar temporary cut lasted 18 months.
While the new “hopper” fare – which enables people to take two buses within an hour for the price of one fare – reduces the impact of the latest truncation of the route, it will still inconvenience many passengers. Indeed, recent figures obtained by London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon show the 53 is the 10th most popular route for hopper fare users – these passengers won’t be able to take a third bus to finish their journey. (It’s worth asking the bus driver for a transfer ticket if this affects you.)
Two years ago, Greenwich councillors bound a motion calling for the restoration of the 53 service up with criticism of Boris Johnson’s stewardship of the bus network. Hopefully there won’t need to be a new motion this time…
The Charlton Champion 
in 1986, when we were 14, we used to be able to get the 53 from the top of our road all the way to Camden…. kept us trendy! Sad to see the route is getting shorter, the Old Kent Road doesn’t have as much appeal as Camden Lock.
How long does it take to get from Plumstead to Whitehall?! Must be some journey
Another reason to be watchful is that similar ‘temporary’ cuts to other routes (for example, the 15) are being made permanent.. A little pressure from local representatives to ensure the full route is resumed would be welcome.
Riverside SPD suggests Tfl want to reroute the 180 so it terminates at North Greenwich. Add that to proposals to cut direct rail services to central London so they only run into one terminal, and there’s a recipe for congestion and stress. All this when Charlton is due for 5000+ homes on Riverside and 375 at 40 Victoria Way. Is someone trying to kill off our community?