Hundreds sign petition to save Edmonton bus service

Transport for London is proposing to terminate the 149 at Wood Green instead of Edmonton Green

The 149 bus in Edmonton Green (credit Google)

Transport for London (TfL) is facing a backlash from Edmonton bus passengers over its plans to terminate the 149 at Wood Green instead.

A petition was launched last month after TfL revealed its latest changes to bus routes in North London, which would see the busy 149 stop serving Edmonton entirely.

With around twelve million journeys annually, the 149 between Edmonton Green and London Bridge is currently the second busiest service in London, but TfL argues the move would “reduce duplication”.

Seven buses currently run along Fore Street to/from Edmonton Green, while four buses run through the centre of Angel Edmonton. However, TfL has already agreed to axe the 349 bus from Ponders End through Edmonton.

A Change.org petition, now signed by more than 400 people, states: “Losing this vital link to Edmonton Green will mean passengers will have to forcefully change on multiple buses to complete their journey, considering 349 is getting withdrawn soon, this means routes 259 and 279 will be the only routes travelling through the A1010 corridor [in Angel Edmonton] if the changes were to proceed.

TfL’s public consultation on its changes to the 149 bus, as well as its plans to axe the 67 between Wood Green and Stamford Hill, launched last week and runs until Sunday, 20th September.

A TfL spokesperson said: “We want to know how it may impact you, positively or negatively, if there is anything you do not agree with, and to understand the reasons why you feel this way.

“You can reply by completing our survey, which should take no more than 10 minutes to complete or if you are short on time, you can submit a quick response.”

In response to the petition one bus user, John, wrote: “Every time I have ever used the 149 it has been busy. What about events at Spurs? That bus is always rammed. I was shocked when I heard this proposal, as it would completely make the lives of those who use it regularly a burden without it.

“It’s unbelievable tbh [to be honest]. Whoever is making these decisions has obviously never used it in their life. It’s an iconic London bus route.”

In a joint letter to TfL, Labour group leader Ergin Erbil and London Assembly member Joanne McCartney wrote: “These proposed changes would remove capacity connecting communities between Edmonton Green and South Tottenham, and leave bus users between Wood Green and South Tottenham at risk of buses traveling from Central London getting delayed in congestion. Given the new developments around the St Ann’s Hospital site, we would argue that a shorter, more reliable service like the 67 currently provides is needed.

“Furthermore, these proposed changes do not appear to take into account the already planned reduction in capacity between Ponders End and Stamford Hill with the withdrawal of the 349 route.”

To take part in TfL’s consultation:
Call 020 3054 6037
Email [email protected]
Visit haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/67-149-proposals
Write FREEPOST TfL Have Your Say

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