A commuter is calling on Transport for London to "keep the borough moving" by making a temporary 'express' bus route permanent.
The 558 service from Chingford Mount to Seven Sisters was put on by TfL to help commuters who are affected by the three-week Victoria line closure between Walthamstow Central and Seven Sisters.
It started on August 8 and is due to stop running on August 30, but there are now calls to retain the route once the Tube upgrade is complete.
The temporary bus runs every 6 to 10 minutes on weekdays and takes the same route as the 158, stopping at all stations from south Chingford to Blackhorse Road station, but then continues onto Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters.
Kelly Harrison, 40, of Manor Road, Walthamstow, has lived in the Higham Hill area for 11 years and often "avoids" the 158 due to overcrowding.
The 2011 'Love your borough' award-winner for neighbourhood improvements, was told by TfL last month there are no plans to increase the frequency of the 158, so is now petitioning their managing director for surface transport, Leon Daniels, to keep the 558.
"The 558 has been brilliant, it is more convenient and provides residents with more travel options," she said.
"With the thousands of new homes being built locally, the buses are going to become unbearable.
"South Chingford and Higham Hill are least connected by transport links than other parts of the borough.
"I've waited late at night for a 158 and there hasn't been one for 25 minutes - it is not safe for women.
"In the morning I don't even bother, it's too busy so I avoid it all together.
"It's OK for me I can walk a mile but what about the elderly, vulnerable and disabled who cannot get on the 158?
"TfL needs to keep the borough moving, it is no good having an improved Tube service if we haven't got any buses to get there."
TfL have today said there are "no plans to retain the route 558" after August 30 as they believe many will return to using Tube services.
John Barry, head of network development for buses, added: "We are aware of requests for additional bus links in the area and will continue to bear this in mind, particularly as and when new residential developments are completed, increasing demand for services."
Temporary 558 bus in Chingford Mount Road
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel