Free bus services launching in Roehampton

Starting 23 September, two new Roehampton bus services are launching as part of council efforts to improve transport links between Roehampton and the rest of the borough. This forms a key part of the Alton Renewal Plan which sets out how the council will invest in the estate, working together with residents to help this part of Wandsworth to thrive.

The Alton Renewal Plan, launched in July 2024, prioritises better transport connections, and is designed to improve accessibility for residents, workers, and visitors in Roehampton.

The council’s pledge to enhance local transport options has led to the introduction of two new and free bus services for the public: one in partnership with the University of Roehampton, and another which extends the existing relationship with Wandsworth Community Transport.  

Cllr Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “These new services will provide more transport options for anyone travelling to and from Roehampton, and are designed to improve the quality of life for those who live and work there. 

“We’ve been listening carefully to feedback from residents, community organisations, businesses and local stakeholders, and your priorities have been crucial in shaping the Alton Renewal Plan.  

“We’ve also listened carefully to all the Roehampton residents who’ve been in touch with us about the problems with the bus services, including all the residents at Putney Vale who depend on the buses. We hope these new services will help, particularly the new link the University bus provides with Putney Bridge Station, while we continue to work with TfL to improve the services for Roehampton.” 

The university shuttle bus operates between Roehampton Vale Asda, Barnes Station, and Putney Bridge Station during term time only, and will be free for the public to board at designated TfL bus stops.

The new Roehampton Transport Club minibus (operated by Wandsworth Community Transport) must be booked in advance and provides a door-to-door service around the borough to designated locations for those who find it difficult to use public transport. 

Community welcome the improvements

Community members welcomed the transport improvements within Roehampton and beyond, noting the benefits of the extra services. 

Juan Umanzor, 34, of Putney Heath, said the local transport links could help him with reaching the community hub at 166 Roehampton Lane. 

“As the service is free it would help me save money and with the cost of living, that would help,” he explained. “I think it will be a big improvement and I would take the bus every day because I have to bring my son from Putney to nursery here in Roehampton.” 

For former joiner Derek Hammond, 65, who lives in Roehampton Vale, additional bus links would help him stay connected with his daughter in the Alton Estate. “I think it’s a good idea because it’s very helpful for all the people living in the estate, as well as the elderly. It would be good to improve the transport links to Roehampton,” he said. “My daughter lives in one of the blocks and she could use it to get about, and to come to see me.” 

And 76-year-old Suzett Agard agreed that the new transport links would benefit her day-to-day. “I’m over the moon about it,” said the former home carer, who lives in Laverstoke Gardens."If I can get to Asda on the bus, I’ll use it and if they do Putney runs, I’ll do that as well,” she said.

Partnership with the university

Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, the University of Roehampton’s Vice Chancellor said: “The University is proud to be partnering with Wandsworth Borough Council to provide such an important service to our community. Our bus links Roehampton with the wider transport network, providing improved connectivity for everyone.” 

Better buses

The council is not only funding the new RTC service, and part-funding the university shuttle, but is also continuing to lobby Transport for London (TfL) for further improvements to local bus routes. 

Find out more about the university shuttle bus timetable and routes and booking information for the new community minibus.