TfL bus route changes threaten direct links for 149 passengers

Passengers on the 149 bus route between London Bridge and Edmonton Green could lose direct stops in Stamford Hill under Transport for London proposals. The changes, part of a wider review of routes 67, 106, 253 and 254, would divert the 149 towards Wood Green instead. TfL says the plans aim to align services with passenger demand, but Hackney councillors and residents warn the moves will force longer journeys and increase overcrowding.

What the changes mean for Hackney residents

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The 149 currently runs from London Bridge to Edmonton Green, serving Stamford Hill along the way. Under the new proposals, the route would bypass Stamford Hill, instead taking a longer path via Wood Green. TfL states this would maintain connections previously provided by the 67 route, which would be withdrawn between Wood Green and Dalston Junction. However, passengers would no longer have direct access to Dalston Junction Bus Station (Stop N).

The 254 route, which runs from Aldgate to Holloway, would be scrapped entirely. The 106 would extend to Aldgate, while the 253 would continue to operate but with potential frequency adjustments. TfL argues the changes would reduce duplication and improve reliability, citing surplus capacity between Edmonton Green and Stamford Hill. The consultation documents do not specify new bus frequencies, a point criticised by Hackney’s opposition leader.

In a borough like ours, with people struggling with the cost of living, a reduction in the bus service will hit people who rely on the bus network for work and other use.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Hackney Labour opposition leader

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Councillors challenge TfL’s rationale

Hackney Labour councillors have questioned the logic behind the proposals. In a letter to TfL, opposition leader Cllr Anntoinette Bramble argued the changes would worsen overcrowding on remaining routes. She pointed to contradictions in TfL’s consultation documents, which state that frequency adjustments would accommodate the loss of the 254 but also that frequency changes fall outside the scope of the consultation.

Bramble noted that during peak hours, the 254, 253 and 106 buses are often full. Removing the 254, she said, would increase pressure on the remaining services. She called on TfL to clarify the new frequencies and to hold additional public meetings along the affected routes. Hackney Council, now led by the Green Party, has not yet issued a formal response to the proposals.

How residents can respond

TfL’s consultations on the proposed changes remain open until 20 September 2026. Residents can submit feedback via two separate pages: one for routes 67 and 149, and another for routes 106, 253 and 254. Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s Director of Public Transport Service Planning, said the feedback would help shape any final decisions. He emphasised that the proposals aim to match services with current demand while maintaining capacity across the affected areas.

An e-petition opposing the changes has gathered support from passengers who describe the 149 as a vital link. The petition warns that the rerouting would force travellers to change buses multiple times, increasing journey times. Enfield and Haringey councils have also raised concerns, with Labour leaders writing to City Hall to criticise the proposals.