Transport for London (TfL) has recently initiated public consultations regarding proposed cuts to several bus routes in London.
The consultations include changes to routes 259, 279, and 349, as well as routes 19 and 38. TfL aims to gather feedback from Londoners before making any final decisions on reducing service frequencies or altering operational hours.
The proposed changes are part of TfL’s strategy to address ongoing revenue shortfalls, exacerbated by reduced ridership in the wake of the pandemic. Services such as route 259, which runs between South Ruislip and Eastcote, and route 349, connecting Stanmore to Edgware, are among those facing cuts. TfL is proposing to change the start and end of routes 259 and 279 and to withdraw route 349.
Central routes like 19 (Finsbury Park to Shoreditch) and 38 (Clapham to Victoria) are also under review. Route 19 would be extended to Victoria Station, but would no longer call at its current terminus at Battersea Bridge. Route 38 would run from Clapton Pond to Holborn, and would no longer serve Victoria Station or Clapton Garage. In addition, a new route, provisionally numbered Route 10, would be introduced between Mildmay Park and Battersea Bridge, operating every 10 minutes on weekdays. Frequency reductions are also proposed for weekends and evenings.
TfL has assured the public that all feedback will be considered before any changes are finalised and emphasised that some cuts could be temporary, with services potentially reinstated if demand rises.
The consultations remain open until Friday 23 January 2026.
