FAQs
- Understand the level of support or opposition for the proposal
- Understand any issues that might affect the proposal of which we are not aware
- Understand concerns and objections
Why have you opted to remove route 271 and not other bus routes?
The proposals represent a simplification of the local bus network. Route 271 currently runs on the same routeing as the 263 between Archway and Highbury Corner, and the same routeing as route 21 between New North Road and Moorgate.
By rerouteing the 263 and 21 it means that even more of the 271 routeing can be replicated, providing many of the existing direct links available on the current route 271 and creating new connections between areas in north London and central London.
Where will the bus stop for route 263 be in Highgate Village?
Bus stop T on South Grove would no longer be served. Passengers would be able to travel on route 263 and use bus stops C and S on Highgate High Street instead. Both stops are within approximately 105 metres of stop T.
My child travels on the 143 to get to school. Will they still be able to use a bus service to get to school?
Yes, school pupils who attend schools along the current 143 school service route will still be able to use a bus service that travels between East End Lane (Bishop Douglass School stop) and Archway via Highgate Village. Although we are re-routing route 143 via Archway Road, we propose to retain a school service. To distinguish from the rerouted 143, the school service will be numbered ‘Route 620.’ School pupils could also use the rerouted 263 bus to access schools between Archway Station and Great North Road.
I use route 271 or route 143 to access Whittington Hospital. Would it still be possible to access Whittington Hospital by bus under these proposals?
Yes. Passengers could use bus routes 210, 263 or W5 when travelling to and from Whittington Hospital.
What new roads would each of the proposed changed routes serve?
Only some sections of these routes would change, with the exception of route 271 which would no longer run between Highgate Village and Moorgate, Finsbury Square.
Route 21: The proposed rerouted 21 would operate between Holloway, Nags Head and Lewisham Shopping Centre. From Nags Head, it would operate along Holloway Road, Canonbury Road and New North Road. The rest of route 21 between New North Road and Lewisham Shopping Centre would remain the same as its current routeing.
Route 143: The proposed rerouted 143 would operate between Archway Station and Brent Cross Shopping Centre. Instead of running via Highgate Village, it would operate along Archway Road between Archway and Great North Road. The rest of route 143 from Great North Road would remain the same as its current routeing.
Route 263: The proposed rerouted 263 would still operate between Highbury Barn and Barnet Hospital. Between Highbury Barn and Archway Station, it would remain the same as its current routeing. Between Archway Station and Great North Road, instead of running along Archway Road, route 263 would instead operate via Highgate Hill (past Whittington Hospital), Highgate High Street, North Road and North Hill. It would run on its current routeing between Great North Road and Barnet Hospital.
Route 271: The proposed new night route N271 would operate between North Finchley and Moorgate, Finsbury Square. The N271 would follow the current 271 routeing, however it would be extended at Highgate Village and would operate along North Road, North Hill, Great North Road and A1000 High Road to North Finchley.
School route 620: The proposed new school route would operate between Archway Station and East Finchley Cemetery. The route would operate along Highgate Hill, Highgate High Street, North Road, North Hill, Great North Road and East End Road. It would serve Bishop Douglass School, Highgate Primary School, Highgate School and Channing School for Girls.
Where could I interchange from one route to another to complete my journey?
To interchange between route 21 and route 263, passengers could change at six southbound stops and five northbound stops on Holloway Road. All 11 bus stops have shelters with seating available. High frequency interchange between route 263 (one bus every 10 minutes) and route 21 (one bus every eight to nine minutes) would be provided.
To interchange between route 143 and route 263, passengers could change at any of four southbound and three northbound bus stops on East Finchley High Road and Great North Road. Six of the seven stops have a shelter with seating. High frequency interchange would be provided between route 143 (one bus every 12 minutes) and route 263 (one bus every 10 minutes).
To interchange between route 21 and route 141, passengers could change at any of the 12 southbound and 12 northbound bus stops between New North Road and London Bridge. 19 out of the 24 bus stops have shelters with seating.
Some trips may be undertaken by changing between routes 43 and 143 on Archway Road. Interchange is available at five southbound and five northbound stops, all of which have a shelter with seating.
Some trips may be undertaken by changing between routes 43 and 263 on Holloway Road. Interchange is available at 11 southbound and 12 northbound stops, all of which have a shelter with seating.
Will you be increasing the amount of buses on route 141 to compensate for the loss of route 21 between Newington Green and New North Road?
We are planning to increase the number of buses running in the peak hour on routes 76 and 141 to provide additional capacity.
What will the new frequency of buses be for all the changed routes?
Route 263: There would be six buses per hour on route 263. This means a bus every 10 minutes.
Route 143: There would be five buses per hour on route 143. This means a bus every 12 minutes.
Route 21: There would be seven buses per hour on route 21. This means a bus every eight to nine minutes.
Route N271: There would be two buses per hour on route N271. This means a bus every 30 minutes. It replicates the current frequency on the 271 night service.
Will interchanging buses make my journey more expensive?
If you need to interchange to another bus route to complete your journey and you are interchanging within an hour of touching in on the first bus, you will use our Hopper fare.
The Hopper fare gives you unlimited journeys for £1.55 made within one hour of touching in. Touch in using the same card or device on all journeys and you get our Hopper fare automatically.
If your child travels to school using these routes, they can use an 11-15 Zip Oyster card or a 16+ Oyster card to get free travel on buses.
What times will the proposed new route N271 run?
The proposed new N271 route would operate approximately between midnight (00:00 hours) and 06:00.
What times will the proposed new school route 620 run?
Route 620 would run with one journey towards East Finchley Cemetery in the morning at school drop off time and one journey towards Archway in the afternoon, at school pick up time. Specific journey times would be publicised closer to the introduction of the route, if we go ahead with the proposals.
How are you going to use our feedback?
We will carefully consider all the consultation responses we receive as part of our decision-making process.
In deciding whether or not to proceed with this proposal, your feedback will help us to:
