Public transport grinds to a halt at 6.6mph in Westminster
- MailOnline's report highlighted that average bus speeds in Westminster have dropped to as low as 6.6mph.
- In tests conducted over one mile on various bus routes, walking often proved to be faster than taking the bus.
- The findings suggest that during busy hours, walking may be a more efficient option compared to relying on public transport.
In a report analyzing the efficiency of public transport in central London, it was found that bus speeds have drastically slowed down, particularly in the borough of Westminster. On a freezing morning, reporters tested a mile-long journey on bus routes 14, 394, and 72 to compare the time taken to walk against the time taken to travel by bus. The first stretch from Russell Square to Piccadilly Circus saw the walker winning as the bus faced delays at traffic lights and from passengers asking questions, leading to the decision to walk again in the future. The next leg, from Liverpool Road, Angel to Hoxton via the 394, also ended in a walking victory against the bus, largely due to additional traffic and a substantial wait for the bus to arrive. Although the bus was slightly quicker by 9 minutes in the quiet afternoon on the third route, busy morning and evening traffic could extend bus travel times significantly. These comparisons highlight concerns about London’s public transport effectiveness and its ability to maintain a reliable schedule amid growing traffic congestion.