BCA responds to TfL’s consultation on buses in Barnes
Many residents will be aware of the recent TfL bus consultation and the planned network changes are due to be implemented this August 2025. The current Route 209 proposal would involve a bus stand being located on Church Road, adjacent to Barnes Pond, with buses turning around the island outside Essex House and Barnes Pond in order to complete their journey.
Complete our 209 Community Poll
We are keen to gauge residents' views and reactions to the proposed 209 Route changes.
Please complete our POLL
The Barnes Community Association has been engaging directly with TfL and with the Transport Committee at Richmond Council regarding this change.
The BCA has raised several concerns, including:
The potential impact on pedestrian safety in an area frequently used by residents accessing Essex House and Barns Pond and the surrounding amenities.
The High volume of pedestrian activity, particularly at weekends and when the Barnes Farmers' Market is operating.
Existing traffic pressures , especially at weekends, when the junction and surrounding roads can be particularly busy.
The visual and detremental impact on the environment of Barnes Pond, the Barnes Green Conservation Area, and the historic core of Barnes.
Although the formal TfL consultation has now closed, the BCA, supported by Richmond Council, has held an initial discussion with TfL asking for potential alternatives ti be considered to this planned turning facility for the 209. The BCA will continue discussions with TfL following the implementation of the August service changes.
We are keen to gauge residents' views and reactions to the proposed Route 209 changes.
Please complete our POLL
Read More Detail on the TfL’s Proposed Changes
Earlier this year TfL conducted a major consultation into the future of buses in Barnes. The Travel Barnes Ponder team responded on behalf of the BCA and last month TfL published their consultation findings. There was some good news – TfL has agreed to the team’s request to significantly reduce the dead running of buses on Howsman Road and to extend route 378 to Putney Bridge Underground station. But the Travel Barnes team has some major concerns a couple of TfL’s proposals which we believe will impact negatively on Barnes and on its residents. These proposals include turning buses around the island on Barnes High Street and standing buses by the pond and the frequency of the new 533 which will replace the 209. We are in discussion with TfL about both of these points. The 419 and 33 were not part of the consultation and these routes remain unchanged.
Key Changes to Bus Services
1. Removal of 533
Route 533 will be withdrawn completely.
Its function is replaced by a restructured 209
2. Changes to 209
Route 209 is extended and restructured to cover most of the 533 links.
Continue to connect Barnes / Hammersmith
Serve Castelnau, Lonsdale Road, Barnes Pond
Include a bus stand at Barnes Pond (to improve reliability)
3. Changes to 378
Route 378 is modified
Continues key links (Barnes, Putney, Mortlake)
Will serve the Wetlands Centre (with some time restrictions)
Will now terminate at Putney Bridge Bus Station this was driven by the BCA Travel Group response.
4. Changes to Route 485
Route 485 is adjusted (shortened and re-routed).
Provides new journey opportunities (e.g. links toward Putney)
TfL may investigate new bus stops (e.g. near Station Road/Barnes High Street). This was driven by the BCA Travel Group response.
5. Routes That Stay the Same
Routes 33 and 419 remain unchanged and continue serving Castelnau.
Once these changes come into force, the Howsman loop roads of Kilmington Road, Howsman Road and Verdun Road will only be used by the 33 route.
You can find a full summary of the proposed changes on TfL’s website: haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/barnes-bus-services