Operator Tower Transit Peak vehicle requirement 31 | Garage Westbourne Park (X) Night-time 24-hour service | |
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Vehicle Alexander Dennis Enviro400H 10.2m
Alexander Dennis Enviro400 10.2m Start Westbourne Park station | ||
London Buses route 23 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England. Running between Westbourne Park station and Liverpool Street bus station, it is operated by Tower Transit (London).
Contents
History
In January 2009, the route's peak frequency was reduced from twelve buses per hour to ten, as part of Transport for London's policy of reducing the number of buses using Oxford Street in order to reduce congestion and pollution by 10% in 2009 and a further 10% in 2010. The off-peak service already operated at this frequency. On 5 January 2009, a bus operating on the route crashed into a shop in Westbourne Grove after swerving to avoid a van, injuring ten people.
Later in 2009, Transport for London decided not to proceed with a possible change of the eastbound route in the Elgin Crescent area, following a consultation with residents and local interest groups. The proposal would have routed the eastbound 23 along Ladbroke Gardens instead of Elgin Crescent, while routes 52 and 452 would continue to run along Elgin Crescent in both directions. The most common benefit stated amongst supporters was fewer buses along the overcrowded Elgin Crescent; those opposing the change were concerned about safety at the junction of Ladbroke Grove and Ladbroke Gardens, and the suitability of Ladbroke Gardens to accommodate a bus service.
First London had successfully retained route 23 with a new contract starting on 13 November 2010 and was included in the sale of First London's Westbourne Park garage to Tower Transit on 22 June 2013.
Tower Transit has successfully retained route 23 with a new contract starting on 14 November 2015.
In popular culture
Radio presenter Geoff Lloyd featured the route in the show Boring? The number 23 bus? Never! at the Boring Conference in December 2010.
Current route
Route 23 operates via these primary locations: