Bus Route Changes Spark Controversy
Transport for London (TfL) has decided to reroute the 310 bus service linking the Jewish communities of Golders Green and Stamford Hill, overriding strong public opposition. The changes, set to take effect on August 29, will see the bus travel via Holloway's Nag's Head Shopping Centre instead of Stroud Green Road, aiming to reduce journey times.
Public Consultation Results
A TfL survey revealed that 47 percent of respondents believed the rerouting would negatively affect them, while only 37 percent viewed it positively. The remaining 16 percent were either unaffected or undecided. Additionally, 48 percent of participants stated they would use the 310 bus less frequently after the changes.
Passengers expressed concerns about losing a direct link to areas such as Crouch End, Hornsey, and Stroud Green, noting that the new route via Holloway is already served by numerous other bus services.
Safety and Timing Improvements
Despite the opposition, the 310 route has been welcomed by many Jewish Londoners for its extended operating hours until midnight, introduced earlier this year. Previously, passengers had to switch buses at Finsbury Park after 7pm, raising fears of anti-Semitic attacks. The 310 service was launched in 2024 to provide a safe connection between the two communities and encourage a shift from car to public transport.
TfL believes the new alignment via Holloway and Seven Sisters Road will cut journey times by approximately two minutes and improve travel through Finsbury Park, which often suffers from heavy congestion.
Official Statement
Geoff Hobbs, TfL's director of public transport service planning, stated: "Following a detailed review of the consultation responses, we will retain route 310 as part of the bus network. We are also extending the operating hours of the bus service to run later into the evening, and we will update customers and stakeholders very soon once the timetable is finalised. In the meantime, we continue to closely monitor the bus route so that it meets our customers' needs."
The new service contract begins on August 29, when the rerouted 310 bus will commence operations.
