Flixbus has announced the revival of bus route 666 to the Polish resort of Hel, after the number was changed to 669 following complaints from religious conservatives. The route, which runs along the Baltic Sea coast, had become a source of amusement for English-speaking tourists due to the association of 666 with the 'number of the beast' in the Bible and the similarity of 'Hel' to 'hell'. However, some conservative groups claimed the route was 'spreading Satanism'.
In response to the complaints, the previous operator PKS Gdynia changed the number to 669, with designer Marcin Szwaczyk stating the new number was 'less controversial'. The change was set to take place on 24 June. Now, Flixbus has decided to restore the original number, citing its popularity among tourists and locals alike.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some social media users welcomed the return, with one commenting, 'What is Hel without 666?' Others had previously argued against the change, calling it 'a perfect example of how NOT to do marketing'. The route remains a popular summer service, connecting the resort to major cities.
Poland is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, where the Church holds significant influence. Despite this, the revival of route 666 suggests that commercial considerations may outweigh religious sensitivities in this case.
