Transport for London (TfL) has launched a public consultation on a series of proposed changes designed to make ten key bus routes across the capital faster and more reliable. The plans, which could significantly alter journeys for thousands of passengers, focus on simplifying the network and adapting to major new housing developments.
Major Changes for Meridian Water
The most concentrated set of proposals centres on the vast Meridian Water redevelopment in Edmonton. This former brownfield site, situated next to the North Circular Road, is being transformed with plans for up to 10,000 new homes over the next two decades. With hundreds of residents already moved in, TfL is acting to improve transport links for areas currently up to 400 metres from the nearest bus stop.
Key changes for this zone include extending the 476 bus from its current terminus at Northumberland Park to Meridian Water's Harbet Road. Meanwhile, the W8 route will be restructured to serve the new community instead of the 192, a move that will provide greater capacity as the W8 uses double-decker buses. The 444 will also divert off the North Circular to travel through Meridian Water before rejoining the main road.
To balance these extensions, the 341 route will be shortened to terminate at Northumberland Park, with its night service, the N341, extended to mirror the new 476 endpoint. The 192 bus will be rerouted to finish at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.
Streamlining North and Central London Routes
Beyond Meridian Water, TfL is looking to simplify other parts of the network to reduce delays and duplication. A significant proposal is to withdraw the 349 service between Ponders End and Stamford Hill, citing overlap with newly configured routes.
The 259 bus would be altered to run between Ponders End and Holloway instead of its current Edmonton Green to King's Cross route. Similarly, the 279 is proposed to terminate at Stamford Hill rather than Manor House Station. TfL states these changes will better match demand, though some passengers will lose direct links to King's Cross, Manor House, and Seven Sisters Road.
To tackle congestion in the heart of the city, two major central London routes are set to be shortened. The 19 bus would terminate at Victoria station instead of Battersea, diverting at Hyde Park Corner. The 38 route would end at Holborn rather than continuing to Victoria from Clapton, with its Monday-Friday endpoint moving to Clapton Pond.
Return of a Classic Route
As part of this network reshuffle, TfL is also proposing to reintroduce the former number 10 bus route. This service would run between Battersea Bridge and Mildmay in Islington, effectively replacing the section of the 19 route that would be cut back.
The public consultation for all these changes is open throughout January and February 2026. TfL is actively encouraging all affected passengers and residents to share their views on the proposals via its official website. The authority emphasises that the goal is to create a more efficient and resilient bus network for London's future.
