A proposal for Transport for London (TfL) to provide, install, maintain, and clean the new bus shelters across Croydon is being submitted to the council’s cabinet for a decision later this month.
Proposals to install new bus shelters across the borough replacing those removed in 2021, have been outlined in a report to the council’s scrutiny streets and environment sub-committee ahead of being discussed at cabinet on 24 July 2024. This is a top priority for the Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry.
Buses are the most used sustainable mode of transport in the borough. Bus stops and shelters are a vital part of the public transport network and the proposal would enable the borough to work with TfL to provide the best possible public transport experience for residents. The new agreement would encourage even more people in the borough to use London’s iconic bus network, providing a boost to the economy as well as making the transport network cleaner and more sustainable.
If agreed at cabinet, under the new proposal with TfL, the shelters will be installed without capital or ongoing costs to the council. Should the proposal be agreed by cabinet and TfL, it is anticipated that the roll out will commence this financial year.
TfL provide a similar service and operate bus shelters across London, so along with their partners they have the skills, experience, and capability to deliver the shelters that the residents of Croydon need.
The shelters were previously planned to be delivered under a concession contract awarded to Valo Smart City UK. Despite the council taking every available action, Valo Smart City UK failed to meet their contractual obligations and none of the planned infrastructure was ever delivered leaving residents without bus shelters in affected areas. This resulted in the council terminating the Valo Smart City UK contract in 2023 and pursuing damages from them.
Following the Valo Smart City UK termination, the council reviewed options to get the bus shelters back on our streets as soon as possible and believe the TfL option provides both the most timely and effective solution that will not increase financial obligations on the council.
“When I became Mayor, I promised I would resolve this issue for our residents and get the much-needed bus shelters back on the streets of Croydon.
“Unfortunately, it has taken longer than I would have liked owing to contractual consideration.
“Our residents have been massively let down by this failed Valo contract, leaving them without shelters for the past four years. We will continue to pursue all options, including taking legal action against Valo to recover losses.
“This potential partnership with TfL, who have the expertise in this area, will make sure the bus shelters are returned to our streets in a much speedier fashion.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
