Major changes to bus services in Orpington will include new routes, low-floor buses and better services.

Following a review of services in the area by London Buses, there will be new links to St Mary Cray railway station and Farnborough Hospital.

There will also be better services in the early mornings, evenings and Sundays, and new accessible low-floor buses on many routes.

The revamp begins on December 1, when staff will man a special information bus in Orpington High Street to explain the changes.

Chairman of Orpington and District Travel Association Dave Daters said: "We are particularly pleased the St John's Road/Crofton Lane area of Petts Wood is to retain a bus service."

He added: "London Buses has promised us greater involvement in the future.

"This will give us the opportunity to seek more improvements for the benefit of bus passengers and residents, including more links between residential areas, railway stations and town centres."

Changes to bus services include more frequent services on the 51. 61, 261 and R2, while the R1, R3, R4, R5 and R11 will be re-routed. New routes include the R6 and the school service 625.

Leaflets for each route and a booklet for all the service changes will be available from local libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Bromley Travel Information Centre or by calling 020 7222 1234.

November 26, 2001 16:30