News from Sem Moema: Sem Moema AM hosts TfL and community group talks on bus cuts

A meeting to discuss proposed cuts to bus services in Hackney, Islington, Waltham Forest was held on Wednesday (13^th July) by local London Assembly Member, Sem Moema AM. Senior Transport for London (TfL) officers and community groups visited City Hall to raise their concerns about the impacts of potential changes to routes on the boroughs’ residents. This came as the Government once again chose to hold out on providing a long-term funding deal for TfL.

Four TfL officers, who are dealing directly with the proposed changes to bus services, attended as did a representative from the Save the 21 Bus campaign and Labour’s London Assembly Transport lead, Elly Baker AM. Local councillors sent written representations which were read out in the meeting.

Many Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest residents are reliant on buses. They are particularly vital for young people and students; disabled residents; parents; older and vulnerable people and those on low incomes and keep London’s night-time economy moving.

In Islington, bus numbers 4, 254, 259, and 476 could face cutbacks and the 214 may be rerouted to no longer run in the borough. In Hackney, the 78, 242, 21, 349 could be cut and changes made to twelve other daytime routes and two night-time routes. The 56 that serves Waltham Forest is also facing potential service reductions.

During the meeting, Ms Moema urged attendees to work together to raise awareness of these proposals amongst the community and encourage responses to the TfL’s consultation, which has now been extended until 7^th August.

Ms Moema has been campaigning for the Government to come to the table to provide TfL with a fair and multi-year financial settlement, coming out of the pandemic, so it can avoid having to make these cuts.

The London Assembly Member is also raising concerns that without adequate Government support for London’s transport network, as well as far-reaching cuts to bus and tube services, key infrastructure projects will be shelved.

Local London Assembly Member, Sem Moema AM, said:

“My constituents shouldn’t be made to suffer as a result of the Government’s inaction over giving TfL a fair and long-term funding deal coming out of the pandemic.



“The removal of these key routes will impact a wide range of residents. Those who are elderly, disabled, or on low-incomes and school children will lose their only form of transport.

“No one wants to see these cuts. It’s in the hands of Ministers to come to the table with a multi-year package for TfL that can put a stop to them.

“I would encourage all local residents to take part in the consultation to make sure their voices heard loud and clear."

ENDS

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