Taxi and private hire access links key to Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans, Mayor of London confirms
- Perry Richardson
- 37 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Transport for London (TfL) is examining how buses, taxis and private hire vehicles can continue to provide access close to Oxford Street under proposed pedestrianisation plans, the Mayor of London has said, responding to concerns about excluding bus-reliant passengers.
In a written response to a Mayor’s Question from Labour Assembly Member Sem Moema, the Mayor confirmed that buses remain central to London’s transport network and that their role is being factored into the redesign of Oxford Street, which is expected to undergo a major transformation.
The Mayor said TfL’s project team is assessing how buses could continue serving destinations near a pedestrianised Oxford Street, rather than removing bus access from the wider area altogether. Specific proposals, including route changes and traffic management measures, are expected to be set out in a forthcoming public consultation on highway and traffic alterations.
Oxford Street has long been one of the capital’s most heavily used bus corridors, carrying dozens of routes and providing direct access for shoppers, workers and visitors, including many older and disabled passengers who rely on buses rather than the Underground.
TfL considering revised bus routing and designated taxi and private hire drop off points ahead of public consultation
Alongside revised bus access, TfL is also considering designated drop off and pick up points for taxis and private hire vehicles to support accessibility once general traffic is removed from the street itself. The response indicates that these facilities are intended to maintain step-free, surface-level access to the retail district.
The Mayor also pointed to the opening of the Elizabeth Line in May 2022 as a key part of the access strategy, noting that both Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street stations now offer step-free access. TfL views the line as a significant capacity upgrade for the West End, although it does not fully replace the role of buses for shorter or direct journeys.
Taxi and private hire access is likely to remain a sensitive issue as plans progress, with industry groups previously warning that poorly located drop off points could disadvantage passengers with reduced mobility and undermine the trade’s ability to serve the area effectively.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “Buses in London play a crucial role in how millions of Londoners get around. The team leading on plans for the transformation of Oxford Street is carefully considering how buses could continue to serve destinations close to a pedestrianised Oxford Street. Detailed information will be included within the materials supporting the forthcoming public consultation on the proposed traffic and highways changes to support pedestrianisation.
“The opening of the Elizabeth Line in May 2022 introduced new step-free access at Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street station, and Transport for London is also considering other options for accessing the area including drop off and pick up points for taxis and private hire vehicles.”
