A new bus route has been launched in London to “help Jews feel safe when they travel”, as antisemitism has surged across the capital following Hamas’ attack on Israel last year.
The freshly launched 310 bus runs between Stamford Hill in Hackney and Golders Green in Barnet, areas with two of the biggest Jewish communities in the city.
The new route, which operates from 7am to 7pm daily, was introduced by Sadiq Khan as part of a pledge he made during May’s mayoral elections.
It is the first time the two areas have been linked by a direct bus service.
The mayor’s office said that it was launched following requests from Jewish organisations, who have campaigned for its existence for the past 16 years.
The service – which has cost £3.2million – will run for a trial period of “at least 12 months”, and passengers are being urged to provide feedback on the service via its consultation.
Single-deck diesel buses will be used and buses will run every 20 minutes.
The mayor said the new route “connects communities, connects congregations” and would reassure Jewish Londoners they would be “safe when they travel between these two communities”.
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Sadiq Khan said that it was launched following requests from Jewish organisations
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“We have heard stories of Jewish Londoners receiving verbal abuse,” he told the BBC.
Between October and July, the Met Police recorded 2,065 incidents of antisemitic hate crime – with 390 taking place in Barnet and 250 in Hackney.
Khan said: “I don’t want any Londoner to be scared to leave their home because they’re worried about public transport.
“I think we’ve got to recognise the fear that Londoners feel who are Jewish, we’ve got to recognise the tremors of hate that are felt by Jewish people across the country.
“We’ve got to be good allies to our Jewish friends and neighbours.”
Between October and July, the Met Police recorded 2,065 incidents of antisemitic hate crime
PA
Orthodox Jews in Stamford Hill in 2012
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Rabbi Dovid Lichtig, Chief Executive of the Interlink Foundation, said: “We welcome the introduction of the new 310 bus route, which will significantly enhance connectivity between our communities in Golders Green and Stamford Hill.
“We extend our appreciation to the TfL Commissioner and the Mayor of London for making this possible. This service is not just about providing earlier and more frequent buses; it’s about bringing people together, improving access to essential services, and supporting sustainable travel options.”
Andrew Gilbert and Adrian Cohen, vice presidents of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “In a period where our community is encountering unprecedented antisemitism, any measure that bolsters the confidence of Jewish individuals in using public transport is immensely valued.
“This is something we have been campaigning for over 15 years. Stamford Hill and Golders Green have always been centres of Jewish communal life in North London. A direct bus service connecting these hubs will provide substantial benefits to the community.”
The new 310 bus will follow the same routes as the 210 bus that links Brent Cross and Finsbury Park via Golders Green, Highgate village and Archway, and the 253 between Finsbury Park and Stamford Hill Broadway.
Source Agencies
