Sadiq Khan 'will look into' 603 bus route extension

Sadiq Khan rode the newly launched 310 bus service, which runs between Golders Green and Stamford Hill, today (September 2).

The bus was introduced after a 16-year campaign from the Jewish community which said there was a need to connect the two neighbourhoods to help tackle “a terrible rise in antisemitism”.

But campaigners for more 603 buses between Highgate and Swiss Cottage warn the new route does not “extinguish the need" for more buses.

The 603 currently runs only twice in the morning, arriving in Highgate Village at 7.45am and 8.05am, and twice in the afternoon at 4.36pm and 4.46pm.

The 603 bus (Image: Green School Runs)

Despite people from the 603 Watch Group calling for more buses during rush hour for 20 years, improvements have not been made.

The Ham&High has been told of a spate of muggings at some bus stops as schoolchildren wait long periods for the next bus, and fears of safety when its dark during the mornings and evenings in the fall and winter.

Mr Khan was told about such concerns from the Ham&High.

Sadiq Khan on the 310 bus (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

He said: “I’d encourage Ham&High readers, those that use the 603 should please let us know – both me and TfL the concerns they have. I will be speaking to TfL about both what we can do in relation to the frequency of buses but also the concerns your readers have, particularly parents.

“We do know, unfortunately, the biggest age group that are victims of crime are young people. We also know that the time of day where young people are victims of crime are either before or after school.

“So Met Police service neighbourhood teams are making sure they’re having more routine policing around those parts of days, but I’ll make sure I’ll feedback to the police service as well to address the concerns you are raising about the user of the 603 buses before school and after school.”

The 310 bus in Golders Green (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

Christine McKenzie, who is part of the 603 Watch Group, said she welcomed TfL’s concern for people between Golders Gren and Stamford Hill.

However she added: “It still doesn't address that there is not a direct route from Swiss Cottage, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Highgate to Muswell Hill that the majority of desired commuters can take - as it doesn't provide a safe transition at Whitestone Pond, particularly during the fall and winter when it dark for commuters.

“We can’t understand how TfL can trial the 310 and not trial the 603 bus we have been asking for 20 years at the same time.”

The new 310 bus in Golders Green (Image: Joseph Reaidi) The new 310 bus operates between 7am and 7pm every day of the week, serving people  in Hackney, Barnet, Islington, Camden and Haringey – including stops at Highgate Village, Whittington Hospital and Finsbury Park.

Discussing issues of antisemitism he has heard, the mayor said: “When I heard stories about those who live in Stamford Hill not being able to see their friends at Golders Green because they have to change bus at Finsbury Park – when I heard stories from people in Golders Green saying they can’t go to their places of worship, that broke my heart.”