The changes, effective from Saturday, March 29, come after Croydon Council completed necessary works, allowing the bus to take its planned path between Purley Station and Kenley Station.
The bus route changes are as follows:
- Right turn into Higher Drive
- Continue onto Cullesden Road
- Continue onto Firs Road
- Right turn onto Wattendon Road
- Left turn onto Hayes Lane
- Continue onto Park Road
- Continue onto Hayes Lane
- Right turn onto Godstone Road
Transport operator TfL said the route will now cater to the ‘hard-to-reach’ hill areas above the Kenley valley, after addressing previous safety concerns.
As part of the new service, the bus will operate as a hail-and-ride service on the new section of the route.
This means there will be no fixed bus stops, and buses will stop where the driver deems it safe.
The current bus stops on Godstone Road between Purley Station and Kenley Station will no longer be served by route 434 but will remain part of route 407.
The 434 bus will continue to ply every 30 minutes between 7am and 8pm, seven days a week.
The route connects Caterham in Surrey and Coulsdon in Croydon, and also traverses the Kenley valley on the popular A22 road.
The updated route will now divert onto Higher Drive, travel along the valley’s ridge, and reconnect with Godstone Road at Whyteleafe.
The existing 407 will continue to service the main A22 road and the Kenley train station.
Neil Garratt, London Assembly Member for Croydon and Sutton, expressed his excitement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
He said: “It’s fantastic news for Kenley that the 434 is finally due.
“Navigating our steep, narrow roads presented real challenges, but thanks to hard work from so many people, it’s finally happening.
“This service will be especially valuable for those who’ve faced the daunting prospect of climbing Kenley’s hills without a car.”
The launch of this new route has been a collaborative effort between TfL and Croydon Council.
Alongside Mr Garratt, crucial supporters include local ward councillors, the Kenley Residents Association (KENDRA), Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment Cllr Scott Roche, and numerous residents who have been advocating for this service.
