Cuts to Hackney bus services

Saturday 16th October will see Transport for London imposing changes to the 149 bus running along Kingsland Road.

In order to fulfil Boris Johnson's election pledge, the buses used for the route will change from being articulated 'bendy' buses to conventional double-deckers. Although a few more buses will run in the weekday peak hours, at all other times the service will be less frequent. This will result in a lower passenger capacity on the new service.

Service on the 349 route from Ponders End through Seven Sisters is also being cut, with the service now ending at Stamford Hill rather than going on to serve Stoke Newington.

We'd like to assure you that Hackney Council has vigorously objected to this reduction in passenger capacity, and are fully aware that the 149 is already often overcrowded particularly at peak times. The cuts will mean a poorer quality service for residents and visitors using Dalston and Stoke Newington town centres, and will cause particular problems for people using buggies or wheelchairs.

Both of these retrograde changes fly in the face of our aim to have an attractive public transport service in the borough for residents and visitors alike.