Several of London’s busiest bus routes are facing cuts and changes in early 2026, following a sharp fall in passenger numbers across central London. Transport for London (TfL) says it currently has too many buses and not enough passengers and is now reshaping the network to reduce costs. For construction workers who rely on early starts, long commutes and night shifts, these changes could directly affect travel times and reliability.
Routes at Risk
TfL is consulting on major changes to the following routes:
Route 19 – One of London’s most iconic routes
Proposed to terminate at Hyde Park Corner instead of continuing to Battersea Bridge via Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and the King’s Road.
Route 38 – Operating for over 100 years
Would be shortened to terminate at Holborn instead of Victoria, with reduced frequency on weekends and evenings.
Route 279 – 9.7 million passengers a year
Would terminate at Stamford Hill instead of Manor House, removing a direct link to the Piccadilly line.
Route 259 – Edmonton Green to King’s Cross
Would be restructured to run only between Ponders End and Holloway.
Route 349 – 4.2 million passengers a year
Proposed to be fully withdrawn.
Route 424 – Putney–Fulham
Would be shortened, with a replacement route running only every 30–45 minutes.
TfL estimates that more than 1,300 passengers per day on routes 19 and 38 alone would need to change buses to complete their journeys.
Why TfL Is Making the Changes
TfL says central London passenger numbers have dropped significantly since the pandemic and that some corridors now have more buses than demand requires. The cuts are aimed at:
What This Means for Construction Workers
For site operatives, engineers, supervisors and logistics teams, these changes could mean:
Early-start shifts and night works may be most affected, particularly on projects in the West End, City, Battersea, King’s Cross and Islington.
Consultation Still Open
TfL says the proposals are still under consultation, with feedback being accepted until late January. Final decisions are expected later this winter. If your commute depends on routes 19, 38, 279, 259, 349 or 424, it’s worth checking the proposals now, as these changes could become permanent by mid-2026.
Routes at Risk
TfL is consulting on major changes to the following routes:
Route 19 – One of London’s most iconic routes
Proposed to terminate at Hyde Park Corner instead of continuing to Battersea Bridge via Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and the King’s Road.
Route 38 – Operating for over 100 years
Would be shortened to terminate at Holborn instead of Victoria, with reduced frequency on weekends and evenings.
Route 279 – 9.7 million passengers a year
Would terminate at Stamford Hill instead of Manor House, removing a direct link to the Piccadilly line.
Route 259 – Edmonton Green to King’s Cross
Would be restructured to run only between Ponders End and Holloway.
Route 349 – 4.2 million passengers a year
Proposed to be fully withdrawn.
Route 424 – Putney–Fulham
Would be shortened, with a replacement route running only every 30–45 minutes.
TfL estimates that more than 1,300 passengers per day on routes 19 and 38 alone would need to change buses to complete their journeys.
Why TfL Is Making the Changes
TfL says central London passenger numbers have dropped significantly since the pandemic and that some corridors now have more buses than demand requires. The cuts are aimed at:
- Reducing operating costs
- Improving reliability on congested routes
- Matching service levels to current passenger demand
- TfL says the changes are needed to meet its business plan targets.
What This Means for Construction Workers
For site operatives, engineers, supervisors and logistics teams, these changes could mean:
- Longer journey times
- More interchanges, especially in central London
- Reduced frequency on weekends and early mornings
- More congestion at key interchanges like Angel, Tottenham and Holborn
Early-start shifts and night works may be most affected, particularly on projects in the West End, City, Battersea, King’s Cross and Islington.
Consultation Still Open
TfL says the proposals are still under consultation, with feedback being accepted until late January. Final decisions are expected later this winter. If your commute depends on routes 19, 38, 279, 259, 349 or 424, it’s worth checking the proposals now, as these changes could become permanent by mid-2026.
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Expert Verification & Authorship: Mihai Chelmus
Founder, London Construction Magazine | Construction Testing & Investigation Specialist |
