Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled significant proposed changes to two key London bus services, alongside plans for a potential new route, in a bid to improve reliability and better serve passenger demand across the capital.
Targeting Unreliable Services
The plans, which are now open for public consultation, directly affect route 19, which runs between Battersea and Finsbury Park, and route 38, currently operating between Victoria Station and Clapton. TfL stated that route 19 has been suffering from reliability issues, with the busiest section identified around Islington Green.
To address this, TfL intends to remove the section of route 19 between Battersea and Hyde Park Corner on Monday to Friday daytimes. The service would instead be rerouted to terminate at Victoria station. Additionally, TfL proposes to increase Sunday early morning frequencies on this route from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes.
Streamlining Route 38
Meanwhile, route 38 is set for a more substantial restructuring. TfL analysis indicates that the current two overlapping legs of the route do not align with passenger demand, with notably lower usage at Victoria and between Hackney and Essex Road.
The proposed solution is to create a new, streamlined route running from Clapton Pond to Holborn via New Oxford Street, completely removing the Victoria section. Furthermore, TfL plans to remove the section of the 38 that goes to Clapton bus garage during Monday to Friday daytimes.
A New Route and Improved Links
Alongside these changes, TfL is considering the introduction of a brand new route – numbered 10 – between Mildmay Park, Dove Road and Battersea Bridge.
The transport body believes the combined alterations will significantly enhance the reliability of both services. Shortening route 19 is expected to forge new direct links between Victoria and Upper Street/Highbury. The changes to route 38 address the issue of too many buses running on the common section between Hackney Town and Victoria, where demand is not desperately high. The revised schedules would allow both remaining services to run at least every 12 minutes.
TfL has confirmed that the night services N19 and N38 would not be affected by these daytime proposals.
A consultation portal is now live on the TfL website, inviting all Londoners to share their views on the planned bus changes. The public can submit feedback directly through the portal to help shape the final decision.
