A controversial bus route in Poland, the number 666 ‘Highway to Hel’, has been reinstated after a public outcry, following a visit by Polish transport officials to study Britain’s approach to regional connectivity. The route, which runs to the seaside resort of Hel, had been renamed in 2023 due to protests from religious groups, but locals and tourists alike demanded its return. The revival comes as Polish authorities look to the UK’s ‘vital link’ transport model for inspiration, particularly in connecting rural and coastal communities.
‘The British have shown how to make unpopular but essential services work,’ said a Polish transport ministry spokesperson. ‘Our number 666 bus is a joke, but also a necessity. It proves that good transport policy can be both practical and popular, even if the name is a bit hellish.
’ The bus will run with its original number and a redesigned livery featuring medieval demons, a nod to local folklore. Critics, however, argue the government is prioritising gimmicks over genuine investment. ‘We need better wages and cheaper fares, not a rebranded route to a tourist trap,’ said a union leader in Gdansk.
The UK’s own transport challenges, including regional inequality and strike action, remain unresolved, but for now, the ‘Highway to Hel’ is back on the road.
