Enfield student launches petition to restore axed bus service

The 349 used to run between Ponders End and Stamford Hill but was axed by Transport for London this summer, reports Alice Ashcroft

The 349 bus in Ponders End, which has now been axed

A sixth-form student has launched a petition calling for an axed bus service to be reinstated.

Agah Aydin, a year twelve student at Ark John Keats Academy in Enfield Wash, insists that “young people like us deserve to have a say” over the impact of recent changes to bus services in the east of the borough.

He has launched a petition that calls for the restoration of the axed 349 bus route and to return the 259 and 279 services to their original routes.

Transport for London (TfL) implemented changes to several bus routes this summer, following a public consultation held at the start of the year. It has seen the 349 route between Ponders End and Stamford Hill removed entirely, while the 259 has been extended from Edmonton Green to Ponders End and the 279 now terminates at Stamford Hill instead of Manor House.

However, the new arrangement has proved unsuitable for many users, Agah claims. Commuters between the two areas now often have to change buses.

“It doesn’t seem like they really care,” the student said, claiming that the changes have resulted in increased traffic congestion on other routes, while the 349 sticker on bus stops had still not been removed, adding to the confusion for passengers.

Agah especially notes the negative impact on more vulnerable commuters, such as elderly, disabled and pregnant people and those with young children.

“If the 349 was there it would be a much simpler, easier route,” he told the Dispatch.

He is also worried about other school students getting stranded during the winter, when it gets dark earlier. “Having them stranded at bus stops is not really beneficial for them,” said Agah.

The axe to the 349 was made by TfL despite 66% of people who responded to a consultation question earlier this year saying they were opposed to the plan.

Agah contacted TfL at the beginning of this month to raise the issue, but as of yet has only received a message saying his complaint would be forwarded on.

“As somebody who commutes frequently, these changes feel very off,” he added.

Agah also claims that buses on the new route extensions are often empty, while other services such as the 279 are now heavily overcrowded.

Announcing the changes in June, Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director of public transport service planning, said: “Our aim is to provide a reliable, attractive and sustainable bus network that meets the needs of both existing communities and future residents.

“As with all changes, we will continue to monitor the bus network so that it meets the needs of our customers.”

To sign Agah’s petition calling for the 349 bus to be reinstated:
Visit change.org/p/restore-349-reroute-259-279

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