Campaign to improve the 603 bus route

After years of campaigning, “603watch GhostBUSters” and the Green School Runs charity (https://www.greenschoolruns.org/603-bus-campaign) have succeeded in getting a review of the 603 bus included in Camden Transport’s delivery strategy, but more needs to be done.

For years, parents and communities in Swiss Cottage, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Highgate and Muswell Hill have been campaigning for an increase in the frequency of the 603 bus. This vital route connects areas with a high density of schools and is the only safe, direct transport for many children.

Currently the 603 does not meet demand. TfL has overlooked commuters from both directions, resulting in under-utilised buses. The early morning service from Muswell Hill serves only a few schools, while the second bus is infrequent and under-used, leaving it empty at Swiss Cottage. On the return journey it becomes a wasted ‘GhostBUS’.

Other public transport is inadequate, with long journey times, dangerous road crossings and long waits at isolated stops. These conditions are unsafe, especially as Mayor Sadiq Khan has noted that young people are most at risk of crime before and after school.

The 603 could better meet local demand by serving schoolchildren and paying adults, including teachers, parents, and Royal Free staff. We are calling for a single deck bus to run regularly between Muswell Hill and Swiss Cottage at least between 6.45am-8.15am and 3.15pm-6.15pm. Join our campaign (https://www.greenschoolruns.org/603-bus-campaign) and contact your local councillor to support this vital change.

25 November 2024