Commuters fed up with overcrowded public transport have launched a campaign to extend a bus route.

Extend Route 22 campaigners are calling on Transport for London (TfL) for better transport links in Roehampton.

A proposal, supported by GLA member for Merton and Wandsworth Richard Tracey has been put forward for the 22 bus route to continue along Mill Hill Road, Barnes, instead of stopping at Putney Common.

The bus would turn left at Rocks Lane, stopping at Barnes Station, before going on a loop up Roehampton Lane, Danebury Avenue and Priory Lane.

It would travel along Upper Richmond Road before continuing its journey towards Piccadilly Circus.

The route would include stops close to Roehampton University, Queen Mary's Hospital and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Despite a number of meetings between the parties TfL, have yet to agree to the proposal.

However, they were able to negotiate more buses along the 72 route, which also travels through the suburb, during rush hours.

Alexandra Gautier, of Roehampton Lane, an Extend Route 22 volunteer, is attempting to get 1,000 signatures on a petition arguing the route would allow people to take public transport to Richmond Park and ease congestion problems.

She said: "I just think it would be great. It would join up all of the different parts of Roehampton and  if more people went to the Alton Estate it would start some possible developments."

"Roehampton is like the unfavourite second cousin."

Alessandra Perosa, a Conservative activist for the Roehampton area, led a public consultation on people's experiences of public transport in Roehampton.

She said: "For the Roehampton regeneration we believe the programme will work only if the area is well connected to other parts of the borough."

Mr Tracey said: "I fully support those groups from Roehampton who desperately need additional capacity to serve the 12,000 students at Roehampton University, the need to access a new local hospital and recently built homes.

"For some baffling reason TfL planners seem to ignore the realities on the ground."

John Barry, head of network development at TfL, said: "We are reviewing the position again, including talks with Wandsworth Council about future property development in the area.

"However, an extension of route 22 to Roehampton would be very expensive, costing well over £1m per year, and is unlikely to be the most cost-effective way of providing more capacity in the area." 

Visit extendroute22.com to sign the petition.