Hackney calls on TfL to rethink bus cuts affecting the most vulnerable

Hackney Council has told TfL to rethink proposed changes affecting routes 42, 67, 149, 106, 253 and 254, raising concerns about the impact of ongoing reductions to bus services across Hackney. 

The Council says the cumulative effect of cuts creates a significant decline in service quality, and that the proposals would disproportionately affect lower-income households, women, and Global Majority communities. 

The Council is particularly concerned about the proposed withdrawal of route 254, which it says would leave the 106 as the only direct service on parts of the Whitechapel to Hackney route. 

As an alternative, the Council is proposing that route 254 should become the first inner London Superloop route which would provide a faster express bus service in Hackney, with fewer stops. 

TfL is consulting on the following changes: 

• Route 42: changes which would see the route terminate south of Tower Bridge, severing its existing north-south link between Shoreditch and south London
• Routes 67 and 149: the withdrawal of route 67 and restructuring of route 149, which would provide some replacement links but reduce frequency on parts of the existing 149 route
• Routes 106, 253 and 254: the withdrawal of route 254, changes to route 106 to extend it to Aldgate and increased frequencies on routes 106 and 253 (not including the 253 night bus)

“We are calling on TfL to protect our vital bus network from further cuts. This council is pushing for a reliable, high-quality bus network, that supports the borough's growth and ensures people can get around easily and affordably. 

“We have introduced measures across Hackney to support and improve bus services, like our bus gates in Church Street, Stoke Newington, and Amhurst Road, and we maintain the highest coverage of bus lanes in London to help buses move efficiently. 

“We encourage residents to join us in telling TfL what they think about the proposed cuts.”

Cllr Jacob Cable, Cabinet Member for Climate, Clean Air, Energy and Transport

TfL’s public consultations are open until Sunday 20 September.

Residents can have their say through the individual consultation pages for changes to routes 67 and 149, route 42, and changes to routes 106, 253 and 254 on the TfL website.