Major London coach hub to remain at Victoria location say TfL
Passengers can expect improved facilities and more efficient coach travel say TfL
London's major coach hub in Victoria will continue to be located at its historic home, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed. TfL plans to work with coach operators to improve customer facilities at the 87-year-old Grade-II listed station as small sections of the Victoria Coach Station lease expire in the early 2020s. This could include changes to the layout of the station to make the customer experience easier, as well as renovated facilities.
The transport regulators say retaining a coach station in Victoria ensures that services remain well-connected to London's public transport network, and keeps large coaches in a safe site that separates drop-off and pick-up from people walking and cycling around central London. It also enables people to reach the centre of London without using a private car. TfL is prioritising sustainable operations which reduce harmful vehicle emissions, and from next year, every coach that serves Victoria Coach Station will be required to have some of the cleanest engines available. Helen Lee, Head of Coach Operations at TfL, said: “Coaches play a critical role driving the economy of the capital and beyond, boosting tourism to London and providing affordable travel options with cities across the UK. “Without Victoria Coach Station, coaches would still travel to the centre of the city but drop off and pick up on-street. This would increase noise, congestion and pollution for people living, working and visiting central London. It would also deprive the 14 million passengers who use this affordable long-distance travel every year of vital welfare facilities and ease of access to onward connections.” TfL is identifying sites for enhanced coach facilities across the capital to complement the facilities at Victoria Coach Station. TfL will work with industry, transport operators, London's boroughs and passenger groups, to identify appropriate locations for the supporting sites over the coming months.
Coach image credit: Pixabay
