Lib Dem GLA member and 603 bus campaigner Lynne Featherstone has welcomed assurances from Transport for London that the service of the 603 Muswell Hill to Swiss Cottage bus will not suddenly cease when the six month trial ends in June. Ms Featherstone says the news is an encouraging sign that the service could be moved to a full timetable.

TfL have told Lynne Featherstone that a review of the operation of the 603 will take place later this summer. No change will be made to the service until the review has taken place and a decision made. The best estimate for completion of the review is currently August/September. Bus bosses will look at passenger numbers and the impact on local traffic, as well as feedback from customers.

To encourage that vital feedback, Lib Dem Lynne Featherstone has launched a text message poll on the increasingly popular local service.

Local people can now send a text message to Ms Featherstone on whether the route should be expanded to a full service. The expansion of the route has secured the backing of Lib Dem Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes, but failed thus far to get the support of Labour’s Ken Livingstone. To vote ‘yes’ for a full service on the route, respondents should text ‘bus yes’ to 07795 328 405, or ‘bus no’ if they don’t back a full timetable on the 603.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“This is a positive sign from TfL – but we must keep up the campaign. It is vital that as many people as possible show their support for the bus route, keeping up the pressure on Labour.”