Pleas for direct bus route connecting London’s big Jewish communities
The current bus journey between Hendon and Golders Green and the strictly Orthodox world of Stamford Hill is 1.5 hours
Hopes for a direct bus link connecting the capital’s big Jewish communities of Hendon and Golders Green with Stamford Hill still seemed to be resting with bosses at Transport for London this week.
The London Jewish Forum (LJF) is campaigning for a “reconsideration” to the extension of the 210-bus route – or viable alternatives – “so the strictly orthodox Jewish community can travel on one bus from Golders Green to Stamford Hill and not have to change in Finsbury Park”.
The current bus journey takes an hour from Brent Cross to Finsbury Park, then at least 20 minutes for a further bus from Finsbury Park to Stamford Hill, excluding waiting time.
“Our community also feels vulnerable, being particularly identifiable, and potentially at risk in Finsbury Park,” said the LJF.
Transport for London (TfL) has announced the Superloop, which is part of a £6 million investment by the Mayor for outer London transport, and is proposing a new express route between North Finchley and Walthamstow.
LJF said this “does not help to connect our key communities”, adding that Stamford Hill was almost four miles (or 35 minutes) from Walthamstow, and that Golders Green was almost four miles (or 26 minutes) from North Finchley.
“This goes far from removing the connectivity issues the strictly Orthodox Jewish communities face,” said the LJF.
“The strictly Orthodox Jewish community deserves direct transport and connectivity links. Lack of direct connectivity links acts as a barrier for families and communities. More cultural sensitivity is needed when planning these routes.”
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