Question by Steve O'Connell

There are currently severe overcrowding problems on the 464 bus route from Parkway in New Addington to Tatsfield, used by pupils from Charles Darwin School in Biggin Hill.

Intake at the school from New Addington & Croydon postcodes has increased to 48%. Currently one school bus (with a capacity of 83) is struggling to provide transport for nearly 500 Croydon postcodes. The only alternative is a 45 seater single-decker bus (the 464 bus route).

Two children (aged 6 & 7) have had items thrown at them on the bus, been sworn at by teenagers and have even been pushed to the floor by pupils from Charles Darwin School when travelling to and from school.

In light of the serious public disorder events which have been occurring on this route, I would therefore urge you to agree to an enhanced service being provided on the 464 bus route as a matter of urgency.

Answer by Boris Johnson

TfL is considering the best way of dealing with this capacity issue for the autumn term and will write to update you when the results are available, which is expected to be in the next three weeks.