The 349 connects Ponders End with Stamford Hill, via Edmonton and Tottenham, and is used for 4.2 million journeys annually

A bus route connecting eastern Enfield with Tottenham looks set to be axed by Transport for London (TfL) amid a raft of changes to routes in North London.

The 349 runs between Ponders End and Stamford Hill via Edmonton, serving passengers along Hertford Road, Fore Street and Tottenham High Road. The latest data show 4.2 million passenger journeys being made on the route annually.

However, TfL argues the 349 is “duplicated” for much of its route by the 259 and 279, with the 259 now proposed to be extended from Edmonton Green to Ponders End to help make up for the loss of the 349, while the 279 which currently follows the 349 route up until Seven Sisters is now proposed to terminate at Stamford Hill instead of Manor House to ensure that bus link still remains.

The axe to the 349 would nonetheless mean a cut to bus frequency for anyone travelling between Tottenham and Ponders End or Edmonton, with TfL admitting in its equality impact assessment for the changes that “some passengers may have to wait longer at stops as the proposals result in a lower frequency of service for some journeys”.

TfL is now running a public consultation on its proposed changes, which also includes terminating the 259 at Holloway instead of King’s Cross. The consultation ends on Friday, 23rd January.

Explaining the decision to axe the 349, TfL states: “Route 349 overlaps significantly with other services. Withdrawing the route simplifies the network by reducing duplication with other routes and better matches levels of service with passenger demand.”

A TfL spokesperson added: “Feedback is hugely important to us and we encourage everyone to respond to the consultations that are currently open.

“This will help inform future decisions, and enable us to create bus services that benefit everyone, where the right service levels are provided to support areas of growing demand.”

The move comes after Enfield North MP Feryal Clark recently launched a campaign for a new express bus route to link eastern Enfield with Tottenham Hale.

Take part in the TfL consultation on bus routes 259, 279 and 349:
Visit https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/routes-259-279-349

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