There were celebrations and satisfaction this weekend, as the long awaited 234 bus extension towards Highgate got underway, but not without the occasional hiccup.The route, which used to terminate at East Finchley station, now has the destination plate of ‘Highgate Wood – Sussex Gardens,’ as it has been extended to the gyratory system at the top the Archway Road. Local residents now have much better access to East Finchley and, for the first time, a direct route to the shops and services of Muswell Hill.

However the route was not without its initial problems, as reported by Sussex Gardens Residents’ Association Secretary, Eric Dalton. Buses were still showing the ‘old’ headboard reading East Finchley Station, and only some of the drivers seemed aware of the new destination. One driver refused to carry some passengers more knowledgeable than he, saying they could not go beyond the station. They refused to get off, and eventually he gave in and carried then to the new terminus near Sussex Gardens.

Residents have however, managed to board the bus without problems at the Highgate Wood end.

Eric Dalton comments: “I was able to flag down two 234’s at the Sussex Gardens stop, just to test the service, and one passenger actually got on. So some drivers know about the extension and some don’t. We have reported the problems to Metroline, so hopefully the system will settle down.”

Lib Dem Leader Lynne Featherstone, who has campaigned alongside residents for the route extension comments: “After a slightly bumpy start, I’m sure the new route will prove a success. It will serve to join up local bus services, and really should have been introduced years ago. The local residents and members of Buswatch deserve huge credit for their campaign to make this happen.”