There isn’t long left to have your say about potential changes to several bus services in Orpington.

The suggested changes are intended to better match bus services with passenger demand and include alterations to routes R1, R2, R3, R6, and B14.

The deadline for submitting comments on TfL’s proposal is Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Routes R2, which currently runs from Gravel Pit Way to East Hill, and R6, which currently runs from St Mary Cray/Station Approach to Orpington Station, are proposed to be scrapped.

The R2 route is proposed to be replaced by alterations to the R1 route, which will no longer make stops between Orpington Rail Station and Green Street Green.

Instead, it will continue to Biggin Hill Valley via Locksbottom and Keston.

If the proposed replacement of the R2 by the R1 is approved, there will be the introduction of a Sunday service between Biggin Hill Valley and Orpington bus station.

During the Monday to Saturday daytime hours, the service frequency would increase to three buses per hour from the current two buses per hour.

Timetables will be developed following the consultation, once a decision has been reached.

Meanwhile, the R3 route will be rerouted via Towncourt Lane in Petts Wood and extended from Orpington Rail Station to Green Street Green.

There are two proposed new bus stops for the R3 in Petts Wood on Queensway and Towncourt Lane.

R6, which is planned to be discontinued, will be incorporated into proposed changes to the B14 route, which will no longer follow Cray Avenue.

Instead, it will travel via Sandway Road and St Mary Cray High Street before proceeding along Lower Road and Orpington High Street to Orpington Rail Station.

If TfL decide to move forward with the alterations to routes R1, R2, R3, R6, and B14, the adjustments are expected to be put in place in early 2025.

A spokesperson for TfL said: “Our proposals aim to provide some new and improved local bus connections in Orpington.

“These could help encourage more use of public transport, while continuing to provide regular bus services to popular destinations in the area.

“These include, between:

• The Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) and Petts Wood rail station

• Petts Wood and Green Street Green

• Biggin Hill Valley and Orpington rail station

• Biggin Hill Valley and St Mary Cray rail station

• Areas east of Orpington High Street, north towards Bexleyheath and Sidcup”

To find out more on the changes and give your input in the consultation, go to haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/orpington-bus-proposals.

Alternatively, you have the option to send an email to haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk or contact them by phone at 020 3054 6037, leaving your name and contact number with the reference 'Orpington bus proposals' for a callback.