London Transport Updates: November Bus Fare Rise, Tube Escalator Closure and Oxford Street Plans

Passengers using public transport across London are facing a series of updates affecting fares, bus routes and station access. Shortlist reported that London bus and tram fares will increase this November. Alongside the upcoming fare change, London Now reported that Londoners could qualify for free or discounted travel with Transport for London (TfL) and encouraged residents to check their eligibility. Bus passengers could also see significant service adjustments. Southwark News reported that a popular South London bus route is under threat as TfL proposes major changes. In central London, schedules and routes are also set to shift under plans for Oxford Street pedestrianisation, with the BBC reporting on what residents need to know and My London detailing the dates, routes and changes to London bus routes.

On the Underground network, travellers could face extended disruption at a busy London Tube station. According to reports from both Metro.co.uk and Time Out Worldwide, the station could be forced to close for a whole year in order to fix its escalators. Behind the scenes on the network, Rail Business UK reported that a pilot scheme is looking at bringing Transport for London cleaning services in-house. Meanwhile, TfL announced in a news release that it is celebrating 40 years of its Poems on the Underground programme with an autumn collection, an update also reported by ianVisits.

Enforcement of rules governing passenger conduct on London public transport has also come under scrutiny. The London Evening Standard reported that the government has admitted that so-called bus police will not enforce new £100 public transport phone fines. That admission comes after The Times reported that just four fines for loud music on London's public transport have been issued in five years.

On the capital's roads, legal rulings and campaigns are shaping taxi, autonomous vehicle and cycling services. The BBC reported that Uber won a bid to throw out £200m in black cab claims. At the same time, Silicon UK reported that protesters have called for limits on London robotaxis, while the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia reported that London is looking to end what it termed Wild West e-Bike wars.