LONDON'S transport commissioner has sidestepped questions on whether free travel on the capital's buses for teenagers is fuelling anti-social behaviour.

News Shopper got exclusive access to Peter Hendy when he visited the borough to discuss the state of public transport in Bexley with councillors.

We were able to quiz him on some aspects of services and possible future developments.

There are concerns the introduction of free travel has enabled young people to travel to and escape from large-scale street disorder.

Evidence has been given in several court cases and at licensing hearings it has made it much easier for tearaways to move around the borough and indulge in underage drinking and disorder.

But Mr Hendy only talked about crimes committed on buses and what was being done to combat it.

We asked about problems caused at the end of the school day when large numbers of children converge on bus stops, particularly in Bexleyheath Broadway, intimidating other members of the public.

Mr Hendy said Transport for London (TfL) is in discussion with the council about the problem.

It had already routed buses to Thamesmead from Townley Grammar School, Bexleyheath, and to Erith from Cleeve Park School, Sidcup, away from the Broadway.

It is now looking at a new service for St Columba's Catholic Boys' School, Bexleyheath.

Mr Hendy said: "We will always look at requests for additional school services but regular buses must play their part too.

"It would be unrealistic to expect TfL to provide dedicated school services for every need so schoolchildren avoid the regular bus network entirely."

Mr Hendy said talks were also under way about the possibility of extending the Greenwich Waterfront Transit (GWT) into Erith.

The GWT will run from Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Woolwich and provide a link to the DLR, the Underground and the national rail network.

A report is due this summer identifying any viable options.

The redevelopment of the former Pirelli site in Church Manorway, Belvedere, recently approved by Bexley Council, has safeguarded land for a possible extension to the scheme.

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