A Wandsworth bus route is doubling its passenger capacity thanks to a long-running campaign by a Battersea resident and former Wandsworth councillor.

Samantha Heath, who is now chairman of the Greater London Assembly's environmental committee, welcomed the news that the 344, which runs from Clapham Junction to Liverpool Street, is finally going to use double-deckers.

The route was the subject of many complaints from passengers and Ms Heath has campaigned on their behalf, persistently putting pressure on both London mayor Ken Livingstone and Transport for London (TfL).

Many of the new vehicles are already in operation and all 344 buses are expected to be replaced with double-deckers by mid-summer.

Ms Heath said: "I am happy and relieved that the 344 is being improved. I have had loads of complaints about this service and using double-deckers will make a big difference.

"I regularly use the 344 myself to travel to work and I am looking forward to finally being able to get a seat.

"I want to thank all the people who contacted me about this service. It really is worth speaking up and our success shows that campaigning can produce positive results."

July 8, 2002 17:00