Transport for London (TfL) is facing a political backlash over its proposal to scrap or re-route several bus services across East and North London, with councillors warning of overcrowding and communities becoming 'cut-off'. The changes, currently under consultation until September 20, would affect routes 67, 106, 149, 253, and 254, which serve areas with limited Tube access.
Key routes under threat
The 149 bus, which currently runs between London Bridge and Edmonton Green, would be diverted from Stamford Hill towards Wood Green, removing direct links for passengers. The 67 route between Wood Green and Dalston Junction would be axed entirely, while the 254 from Aldgate to Holloway would be scrapped. The 106 would be extended to Aldgate as part of the restructure.
TfL argues the changes are necessary to 'match capacity with passenger demand' and provide a 'clear and reliable service', citing 'surplus capacity' between Edmonton Green and Stamford Hill. However, critics point out that the affected corridors are in a 'Tube dead zone', where buses are a lifeline for many residents.
Political opposition grows
Labour councillors in Hackney have joined council leaders in Enfield and Haringey in opposing the plans. Hackney's opposition leader, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, wrote to TfL questioning the rationale behind the proposals. 'It is not clear how this would reduce duplication, or why,' she said. 'We have always held that the more buses residents have in a non-tube borough like Hackney, the better, as at least one in four Hackney residents rely on buses to get them to work and elsewhere.'
Cllr Bramble also criticised the impact on remaining services. 'In rush hours, the 254, 253 and 106 buses are usually filled with passengers. To take away one whole bus route will result in further pressure on passenger space for the remaining buses,' she added, calling on TfL to clarify new frequencies and hold public meetings along the affected routes.
Passenger concerns and petition
An e-petition launched after the consultation began stresses that the 149 link between London Bridge and Edmonton Green is 'vital', and that passengers would face multiple changes as other routes are also cut, such as the 349. The petition has gained traction among local residents who fear being isolated from key destinations.
TfL's Geoff Hobbs, Director of Public Transport Service Planning, defended the proposals: 'We are committed to providing the best bus network possible for Londoners and regularly review our services to ensure they continue to meet customer demand and make the best use of available resources. As part of this work, we are consulting on proposed changes to routes 67, 106, 149, 253 and 254. We believe these proposals would better match services to current customer demand while maintaining the capacity needed across the affected corridors.'
Consultation details
The consultations for routes 67 and 149, and for routes 106, 253 and 254, are open until Sunday, September 20. TfL encourages residents, businesses, and stakeholders to submit feedback through the official channels. The outcome will inform final decisions, but the growing opposition suggests a contentious battle ahead for the future of bus services in North London.
