259, 279 and 349 bus routes - proposed changes in North London

We’re proposing changes to bus routes 259, 279, and 349 to simplify the network and better match services to passenger demand in north and central London.

The consultation period has now closed. You can find updates on the proposals in the 'Latest news' section.

Proposals

We are proposing to change the start and end of routes 259 and 279 and to withdraw route 349. Below is a map showing the proposals for routes 259, 279 and 349. Underneath the map you can find more details about the proposed changes.

Click on map for larger image

Route 259 proposed restructure

Current Route: Operates between Edmonton Green and King's Cross.

Proposed Route: Re-structured to run between Ponders End and Holloway, Nag’s Head.

This introduces a new direct link between Ponders End and Holloway, providing new access between Enfield and Islington, and reduces duplication with other services on Caledonian Road.

Some passengers may lose direct links to King's Cross and Caledonian Road and need to interchange. There could be potential increase in demand on remaining services south of Holloway.

Route 279 proposed restructure

Current Route: Operates between Waltham Cross and Manor House Station.

Proposed Route: Re-structured to run between Waltham Cross and Stamford Hill.

This maintains strong north-south connectivity through Tottenham and Stamford Hill. It also reduces duplication with other routes on Seven Sisters Road and helps to better match levels of service with passenger demand.

Some passengers may lose direct access to Manor House and Seven Sisters Road, requiring interchange with other services for connections to and from these areas.

Route 349 proposed withdrawal

Current Route: Operates between Ponders End and Stamford Hill.

Proposal: Withdraw the route entirely.

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.

Some passengers will need to use alternative routes (e.g. revised 259 or 279) and may need to interchange.

The map below shows the proposed 259 and 279 routes.

Click on map for larger image

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CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

If you have any questions about the scheme, you can ask us here and we will get back to you.

Please note that any questions you ask may be visible to others and will be subject to moderation. Any personal information will be kept confidential but your user name will be displayed. Further details on moderation are available here and privacy here.

Share Will there be an increase of bus for 279 and 259 during peak hours? It’s hard getting on the bus during peak hour. Before Edmonton Green, all the bus skips majority of the stops. If the changes are happening. Will we get an increase? on Facebook Share Will there be an increase of bus for 279 and 259 during peak hours? It’s hard getting on the bus during peak hour. Before Edmonton Green, all the bus skips majority of the stops. If the changes are happening. Will we get an increase? on Twitter Share Will there be an increase of bus for 279 and 259 during peak hours? It’s hard getting on the bus during peak hour. Before Edmonton Green, all the bus skips majority of the stops. If the changes are happening. Will we get an increase? on Linkedin Email Will there be an increase of bus for 279 and 259 during peak hours? It’s hard getting on the bus during peak hour. Before Edmonton Green, all the bus skips majority of the stops. If the changes are happening. Will we get an increase? link

Will there be an increase of bus for 279 and 259 during peak hours? It’s hard getting on the bus during peak hour. Before Edmonton Green, all the bus skips majority of the stops. If the changes are happening. Will we get an increase?

sskr2011 asked about 1 month ago

Thank you for your question. At present, there are no plans to increase the frequency of these services, as the current level of service is expected to be sufficient to accommodate all passengers who wish to travel. However, we will continue to monitor demand and service levels closely to ensure there is enough capacity, particularly if any proposed changes go ahead.

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279 259 frequency
Share When would we find out the final results of the changes? on Facebook Share When would we find out the final results of the changes? on Twitter Share When would we find out the final results of the changes? on Linkedin Email When would we find out the final results of the changes? link

When would we find out the final results of the changes?

sskr2011 asked about 1 month ago

Once the consultation closes on 23 January 2026, we will review all the responses and prepare a consultation report. This report will outline outcomes from the feedback we receive. Recommendations will be published following this.
Share What impact will the proposed changes have on the frequency of services running between Seven Sisters underground and Tottenham Hotspur stadium? on Facebook Share What impact will the proposed changes have on the frequency of services running between Seven Sisters underground and Tottenham Hotspur stadium? on Twitter Share What impact will the proposed changes have on the frequency of services running between Seven Sisters underground and Tottenham Hotspur stadium? on Linkedin Email What impact will the proposed changes have on the frequency of services running between Seven Sisters underground and Tottenham Hotspur stadium? link

What impact will the proposed changes have on the frequency of services running between Seven Sisters underground and Tottenham Hotspur stadium?

Soleofdiscretion asked about 1 month ago

Tottenham High Road would continue to be well served by the bus network. Routes 149, 259, 279 would run between Seven Sisters Station and stops close to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium providing a combined frequency of approximately 24 buses per hour at peak times.
Share Will the frequency of the 17 (which is always packed) and the reliability of the 91 (which you can often wait more than 30 minutes for at Trafalgar Sq) be improved in order to take the large amount of passengers who would previously have used the 259? on Facebook Share Will the frequency of the 17 (which is always packed) and the reliability of the 91 (which you can often wait more than 30 minutes for at Trafalgar Sq) be improved in order to take the large amount of passengers who would previously have used the 259? on Twitter Share Will the frequency of the 17 (which is always packed) and the reliability of the 91 (which you can often wait more than 30 minutes for at Trafalgar Sq) be improved in order to take the large amount of passengers who would previously have used the 259? on Linkedin Email Will the frequency of the 17 (which is always packed) and the reliability of the 91 (which you can often wait more than 30 minutes for at Trafalgar Sq) be improved in order to take the large amount of passengers who would previously have used the 259? link

Will the frequency of the 17 (which is always packed) and the reliability of the 91 (which you can often wait more than 30 minutes for at Trafalgar Sq) be improved in order to take the large amount of passengers who would previously have used the 259?

GillyUK1013 asked about 1 month ago

Thank you for raising this point. We have reviewed capacity requirements to make sure that there is sufficient space for passengers to travel if these proposals are introduced. We would monitor the local bus network following the changes to make sure the right level of service continues to be provided.
Share How will this go out, because I use 349 a lot and every one i get is packed to the front door and the 279 doesn't even stop because it's too full. 259 i see packed a lot as well. isn't the king's cross link the whole point of it? If this proposal is cancelled, will it be stopped for good (to not be reintroduced again)? if so will the 349 be extended to Hackney Central? it would be so useful if it was. Would this proposal not affect people commuting to Tottenham stadium? on Facebook Share How will this go out, because I use 349 a lot and every one i get is packed to the front door and the 279 doesn't even stop because it's too full. 259 i see packed a lot as well. isn't the king's cross link the whole point of it? If this proposal is cancelled, will it be stopped for good (to not be reintroduced again)? if so will the 349 be extended to Hackney Central? it would be so useful if it was. Would this proposal not affect people commuting to Tottenham stadium? on Twitter Share How will this go out, because I use 349 a lot and every one i get is packed to the front door and the 279 doesn't even stop because it's too full. 259 i see packed a lot as well. isn't the king's cross link the whole point of it? If this proposal is cancelled, will it be stopped for good (to not be reintroduced again)? if so will the 349 be extended to Hackney Central? it would be so useful if it was. Would this proposal not affect people commuting to Tottenham stadium? on Linkedin Email How will this go out, because I use 349 a lot and every one i get is packed to the front door and the 279 doesn't even stop because it's too full. 259 i see packed a lot as well. isn't the king's cross link the whole point of it? If this proposal is cancelled, will it be stopped for good (to not be reintroduced again)? if so will the 349 be extended to Hackney Central? it would be so useful if it was. Would this proposal not affect people commuting to Tottenham stadium? link

How will this go out, because I use 349 a lot and every one i get is packed to the front door and the 279 doesn't even stop because it's too full. 259 i see packed a lot as well. isn't the king's cross link the whole point of it? If this proposal is cancelled, will it be stopped for good (to not be reintroduced again)? if so will the 349 be extended to Hackney Central? it would be so useful if it was. Would this proposal not affect people commuting to Tottenham stadium?

Questionasker asked about 1 month ago

Thank you for your question.
We understand your concerns about crowding on routes 259, 279, and 349. We have reviewed capacity requirements to make sure that there is sufficient space for passengers to travel if these proposals are introduced. We would monitor the local bus network following the changes to make sure the right level of service continues to be provided. There is no proposal to extend route 349 to Hackney Central as part of this scheme. For Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, routes 259 and 279 would still serve Tottenham, so access would remain, though some journeys may require a change.
We’re working to minimise disruption by planning convenient interchange points and providing clear travel information.
Share If 349 is being cancelled, will those drivers still have a job or they are being moved to work on different routes? Are there going to be redundancies? on Facebook Share If 349 is being cancelled, will those drivers still have a job or they are being moved to work on different routes? Are there going to be redundancies? on Twitter Share If 349 is being cancelled, will those drivers still have a job or they are being moved to work on different routes? Are there going to be redundancies? on Linkedin Email If 349 is being cancelled, will those drivers still have a job or they are being moved to work on different routes? Are there going to be redundancies? link

If 349 is being cancelled, will those drivers still have a job or they are being moved to work on different routes? Are there going to be redundancies?

NorthIsBest26 asked 2 months ago

Thank you for your question. Bus services in London are operated by private companies under contract to TfL, and drivers are employed by those operators. When a route is changed or removed, drivers are typically reassigned to other routes within the same garage or operator.

349
349
Share Will the LT (Aka New Routemaster) buses be withdrawn or continue to Stamford Hill as route 279? I find these buses to be more spacious, the seats more suitable and, at busy times, the extra staircase and exit make disembarking before the doors close easier on Facebook Share Will the LT (Aka New Routemaster) buses be withdrawn or continue to Stamford Hill as route 279? I find these buses to be more spacious, the seats more suitable and, at busy times, the extra staircase and exit make disembarking before the doors close easier on Twitter Share Will the LT (Aka New Routemaster) buses be withdrawn or continue to Stamford Hill as route 279? I find these buses to be more spacious, the seats more suitable and, at busy times, the extra staircase and exit make disembarking before the doors close easier on Linkedin Email Will the LT (Aka New Routemaster) buses be withdrawn or continue to Stamford Hill as route 279? I find these buses to be more spacious, the seats more suitable and, at busy times, the extra staircase and exit make disembarking before the doors close easier link

Will the LT (Aka New Routemaster) buses be withdrawn or continue to Stamford Hill as route 279? I find these buses to be more spacious, the seats more suitable and, at busy times, the extra staircase and exit make disembarking before the doors close easier

Rattletrap asked 2 months ago

Thank you for your query. Transport for London manages around 9,000 buses across 675 routes, with private operators running services under contract. While TfL sets the route, frequency, and vehicle type through these contracts, the specific bus model on a route can change over time. The type of bus used on route 279 will be decided in advance of the change to routeing if we proceed with the proposals

279,bus frequency
279 bus frequency
Share Is the N279 and N259 route going to be affected and will it still go to the same stops as before? Also the Stamford Hill interchange area, will the bus times be staggered more as between 3 and 6pm it can be a case of miss "4 buses and get none"...as sometimes buses converge in that area sometimes and traffic is horrendous at rush hour. One can have 6 different routes and if you miss the one you want (as bus stop cannot service all of them) it can be frustrating. Am I right on thinking they will not start at Kings Cross anymore? As that is still so convenient for those coming from Central going to North London. on Facebook Share Is the N279 and N259 route going to be affected and will it still go to the same stops as before? Also the Stamford Hill interchange area, will the bus times be staggered more as between 3 and 6pm it can be a case of miss "4 buses and get none"...as sometimes buses converge in that area sometimes and traffic is horrendous at rush hour. One can have 6 different routes and if you miss the one you want (as bus stop cannot service all of them) it can be frustrating. Am I right on thinking they will not start at Kings Cross anymore? As that is still so convenient for those coming from Central going to North London. on Twitter Share Is the N279 and N259 route going to be affected and will it still go to the same stops as before? Also the Stamford Hill interchange area, will the bus times be staggered more as between 3 and 6pm it can be a case of miss "4 buses and get none"...as sometimes buses converge in that area sometimes and traffic is horrendous at rush hour. One can have 6 different routes and if you miss the one you want (as bus stop cannot service all of them) it can be frustrating. Am I right on thinking they will not start at Kings Cross anymore? As that is still so convenient for those coming from Central going to North London. on Linkedin Email Is the N279 and N259 route going to be affected and will it still go to the same stops as before? Also the Stamford Hill interchange area, will the bus times be staggered more as between 3 and 6pm it can be a case of miss "4 buses and get none"...as sometimes buses converge in that area sometimes and traffic is horrendous at rush hour. One can have 6 different routes and if you miss the one you want (as bus stop cannot service all of them) it can be frustrating. Am I right on thinking they will not start at Kings Cross anymore? As that is still so convenient for those coming from Central going to North London. link

Is the N279 and N259 route going to be affected and will it still go to the same stops as before? Also the Stamford Hill interchange area, will the bus times be staggered more as between 3 and 6pm it can be a case of miss "4 buses and get none"...as sometimes buses converge in that area sometimes and traffic is horrendous at rush hour. One can have 6 different routes and if you miss the one you want (as bus stop cannot service all of them) it can be frustrating. Am I right on thinking they will not start at Kings Cross anymore? As that is still so convenient for those coming from Central going to North London.

NorthIsBest26 asked 2 months ago

Thank you for your questions and observations. There is no night service on route 259 or N259 route number. However, there are no planned changes to route N279 as part of our proposals – it will continue to operate as it does now.
TfL continuously monitors bus performance and timetables to provide the best possible coverage, but traffic conditions and road layouts can sometimes cause delays or bunching. We’ll keep reviewing this as part of ongoing service management.
You are correct that under the proposals route 259 would no longer start at King’s Cross. Routes 17 and 91 would continue to serve King’s Cross via Caledonian Road, providing an opportunity for people to change between these routes and route 259 at Holloway in future. However, we appreciate that the direct connection on route 259 is convenient for many passengers, and any feedback will on this will be considered as part of the consultation process.

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n279 279 259 kings cross
Share Will any other bus service, besides the 259, be going from seven sisters to manor house? on Facebook Share Will any other bus service, besides the 259, be going from seven sisters to manor house? on Twitter Share Will any other bus service, besides the 259, be going from seven sisters to manor house? on Linkedin Email Will any other bus service, besides the 259, be going from seven sisters to manor house? link

Will any other bus service, besides the 259, be going from seven sisters to manor house?

IAN SAVAGE asked 2 months ago

Thank you for your question. The 259 will be the only bus route running directly between Seven Sisters and Manor House.

259,seven sisters,manor house
259 seven sisters manor house
Share Would this change the N279 route as well? on Facebook Share Would this change the N279 route as well? on Twitter Share Would this change the N279 route as well? on Linkedin Email Would this change the N279 route as well? link

Would this change the N279 route as well?

Edmonton asked 2 months ago

Thank you for your question. The proposed changes will not affect the N279 route.

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n279

Page last updated: 27 Jan 2026, 04:01 PM

259, 279 and 349 bus routes - proposed changes in North London