There has been some very good news for Highgate and Muswell Hill bus users this week, with a promise from Transport for London that it will add a much-needed extension to a vital local bus route. Transport for London’s Director of Surface Transport, Peter Hendy, has told Lib Dem Leader Lynne Featherstone that the 234 bus, which connects East Finchley to Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet and Whetstone, will be extended to run the length of the Great North Road to Highgate.

The change will be introduced later in the summer, and follows a long campaign by the Sussex Gardens Residents’ Association, with support from Lib Dem Councillor Lynne Featherstone.

The campaign for the route was started because of a ‘barmy’ practice on the existing route. Buses on the 234 used to regularly travel from East Finchley Tube station to Highgate in order to make the turn for the return journey – but wouldn’t pick up passengers on this stretch, as it was not officially part of the bus route. The buses would regularly sail past frustrated residents who were not able to catch the bus.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“This is great news – it is really encouraging to see that sometimes plain common sense prevails. Congratulations are due to Sheila Elkin and the Sussex Gardens Residents’ Association, for having campaigned so tirelessly for this route extension.”