The cost of the scrapped public consultation into the future of the number 13 bus has been revealed.

Transport for London received more than 3,000 responses to a consultation in April on plans to axe the route, which runs from Golders Green to Aldwych, along with the night service.

But Mayor of London Boris Johnson stepped in and declared that the service would not be cut after a cross-party campaign from parliamentary candidates for Finchley and Golders Green.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that the consultation cost £805 overall, with £655 spent on emailing 58,000 registered Oystercard holders, and £150 on the production of two maps available for download.

Speaking in April, a spokesman for the mayor's office defended his decision to speak out on the issue during the pre-election period, known as ‘purdah’.

They said: “The mayor is well aware of a cross-party campaign to protect the number 13 bus route from Golders Green to Aldwych. He is entitled to express his view on matters that are important to local people during this time and he has made his thoughts on the future of Route 13 clear.

“He is not persuaded by the argument that the route should be replaced and has pledged that it will remain in operation and continue to serve those who rely on it.”