When the idea of extending the 63 to Brockley Rise was put to TfL last, it was rejected on the grounds of cost and the problem turning the buses round at Brockely Rise. I seem to remember £1/2m per annum being mentioned.

If we accept that it will take a minimum of 20 minutes for a bus to make the journey to Brockley Rise and back from the present terminus, with a 5 minute service, they would need at least 4 extra buses on the route. I guess each bus needs at least 3 drivers to cover the shifts, plus holidays etc so perhaps 12-15 more drivers. It's easy to see how the route extension could cost at least £1/2m per annum. They would get a few more fares - but given how empty the 63 currently is by the time it reaches the terminus, probably not enough to seriously dent the cost.

In order to maintain a regular 5 minute service they would need to have 2 or 3 buses at Brockley Rise at any one time (there are typically 1-2 buses holding at Forest Hill Tavern). They don't have enough room for the present services to terminate at Brockley Rise, so its not difficult to see why this is a problem. Jammed traffic between the present terminus and Brockley Rise, especially during the peak hours, clearly makes this issue worse.

TfL probably need to do a major review of bus services in the area - and having more through services connecting to the Overground may well be a sensible objective. However, I don't see an extension to the 63 happening any time soon.