Proposals to move London's "major coach hub" have been scrapped.
It was revealed in January that Transport for London (TfL) was considering alternative locations to the current site in Victoria ahead of some of its leases on the land expiring in 2023.
But TfL announced on Friday (August 23) that Victoria Coach Station, which is used by 14 million passengers each year, will remain as the capital's "major coach hub".
Passenger watchdog London TravelWatch said the decision to would be particularly welcomed by elderly and disabled travellers.
TfL pledged to work with coach operators to improve customer facilities at Victoria Coach Station, which is 87 years old.
It is also identifying sites across London where coach facilities can be enhanced to complement Victoria.
Plans to open a coach station in Royal Oak were dropped in March following opposition from residents and Westminster City Council.
'Fantastic news'
TfL's head of coach operations, Helen Lee, said: "Without Victoria Coach Station, coaches would still travel to the centre of the city but drop off and pick up on-street.
"This would increase noise, congestion and pollution for people living, working and visiting Central London.
"It would also deprive the 14 million passengers who use this affordable long-distance travel every year of vital welfare facilities and ease of access to onward connections."
Tim Bellenger, director of policy and investigation at London TravelWatch, said: "The decision to retain Victoria Coach Station is fantastic news.
"Its loss would have been a terrible blow for coach services and their passengers across the UK.
Join the Mind The Gap group
We've created a Facebook group for people who travel on London's bus, rail, Underground, Overground and DLR services.
We will keep you informed about the latest news that affects your daily commute to work, as well as at the weekend.
We'll also let you know in advance if there are any roadworks, railworks or closures you should know about, or if there are any problems on the city's tube network.
Join the group here.
"It is a well-managed facility, in a good location which provides good connectivity. It also has excellent facilities.
"Our view was that there simply wasn't a viable alternative location for a comparable facility.
"This news will be welcomed by passengers, particularly the elderly and disabled who value the easy bus-to-bus interchange."
