Part of 277 bus route faces axe amid scheme to revamp Highbury Corner
En route: The 277 bus could lose seven stops. Photograph: Hackney Citizen
Plans to axe part of the 277 bus route have been described as “disappointing” by London’s travel watchdog.
The 277 route, which currently runs through Hackney on its way between Leamouth and Highbury Corner, may in the future have to stop at Dalston Junction due to the proposed redesign of Highbury Corner.
Transport for London (TfL) and Islington Council are looking at the possibility of replacing the Highbury Corner roundabout with a two-way traffic system, and pedestrianising the road outside Highbury and Islington station.
As the redesign leaves the 277 with no space to turn at Highbury Corner, TfL has proposed to shorten its journey “to help the road layout to operate more effectively”.
But London TravelWatch, the capital’s transport watchdog, has criticised the plans to shave off seven bus stops from the 277 route.
“These plans are disappointing as this is a roads scheme which is dictating the future of an important bus route,” said a spokesperson for the group.
“We want to see the 277 continuing to serve Highbury and Islington station but unfortunately there is no alternative turning place for buses included in the proposed works.”
Nigel Hardy, TfL’s Head of Road Space Management Sponsorship, said: “Our proposed improvements at Highbury Corner would radically change this area from a traffic thoroughfare to a place to visit, and provide safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
“The improvements would help us deliver our aim of eradicating death and serious injury from London’s roads and encourage more people to walk and cycle.
“We have carried out an extensive communications campaign to ensure people are aware of the proposals, this included contacting users of the 277 bus.”