Emergency motion passed after TfL proposed withdrawing the D7 and changing four other bus routes across the Isle of Dogs
Tower Hamlets councillors have unanimously opposed plans to scrap route D7 after an emergency motion was brought before full council.
Councillors warned the proposed withdrawal could disrupt journeys to schools, shops, medical appointments and workplaces across the Isle of Dogs.
Members from across the chamber backed calls for Transport for London to rethink the proposals, which would also alter routes D6, 135, 277 and Superloop SL4.
Cllr Saied Ahmed told the meeting residents had fought a similar proposal in 2022, asking: “Why are we having to fight this battle again?”
A Change.org petition launched during the previous attempt to withdraw the D7 in 2022 attracted 2,366 supporters.
TfL says bus demand on the Isle of Dogs has fallen and that the latest changes would better match service levels with current usage.
Route D7 carried around 2.36 million passenger journeys in 2024/25, down from a peak of around 3.82 million in 2017/18, according to figures compiled from TfL’s published bus statistics.
Image: TfL
Route 277 would be diverted via Spindrift Avenue, East Ferry Road, Manchester Road, Marsh Wall and Limeharbour, taking over part of the existing route 135.
Early morning weekend services on the 277 would also be increased to run every 12 minutes.
The 135 would instead run along Westferry Road before travelling directly to Crossharbour via East Ferry Road.
Route D6 would be changed south of Crossharbour to run via East Ferry Road and Manchester Road before rejoining its existing route at Preston’s Road.
Superloop route SL4 would also be diverted through new roads at Wood Wharf instead of Trafalgar Way.
Routes D3 and D8 would remain unchanged.
Some passengers would lose direct journeys under the proposals.
TfL said people travelling from Westferry Road would no longer have a direct bus to Preston’s Road and Poplar, while passengers from Spindrift Avenue would lose the current direct route 135 link towards Commercial Road and the City.
The changes would, however, create new direct connections from East Ferry Road towards Commercial Road and the City on the 135.
The revised 277 would provide a new direct link towards Hackney, while Wood Wharf would gain a direct Superloop service through the altered SL4.
TfL said the D7 could be withdrawn without overcrowding other services and that many passengers would still be able to make their journeys without changing buses.
The consultation runs until Monday 16 November, after which TfL will consider responses before deciding whether to proceed.
TfL has been approached for comment.
