Canonbury residents have expressed concern over Transport for London’s (TfL) proposals to cut bus routes, in a move which the operator says will make the network “more efficient.”
The 19 bus, which currently runs from Finsbury Park to Battersea, will terminate at Holborn if the changes go ahead, while the 271 night bus, which runs from Finsbury Square to Moorgate, would be axed entirely.
“I don’t understand why they [TfL] are stopping the 19 at Holborn. I sometimes use a walking aid and it will be inconvenient having to change buses,” said Andrew, who works at Union Chapel.
Islington Labour has already written to the Deputy Mayor for Transport expressing its concerns. “We’re concerned these proposed changes to routes will have a serious negative impact on local people and our communities,” Claudia Webbe, an Islington councillor and executive member for environment and transport, said. “I am working with ward councillors from across the borough to gather information on the negative impact these proposed changes could have.”
TfL acknowledged the crucial role buses play in boosting the number of people using public transport, but says it cannot do this without reflecting on how London has changed.
“Ultimately these changes, which are predominately minor route restructures or timetable adjustments, would create an efficient modern network with buses in the right places at the right times,” a TfL spokesperson said.
There are plans to make changes to more than 30 bus routes, with the introduction of a new route, as well as cuts to existing ones.
 proposals to cut bus routes, in a move which the operator says will make the network “more efficient.”){kind=link}