Know Your Routes: Route 272

SK07 DYX DE90 on route 272 to Shepherd's Bush.

Two routes that have a strong connection between them and a huge story behind them is routes 272 and 440. This post is based is on 272.

Route 272:
The shorter route out of the 2 which takes about 20mins to get through is the 272. This bus was originally created to replace former route H40 which ran between Grove Park and Park Royal, Asda. The 272 replaced the Grove Park section then goes around Turnham Green just before turning into Emyln Road where there is a "Hail & Ride" section. After that, it wonders its way through Acton Vale and East Acton before arriving at Wormwood Scrubs and Hammersmith Hospital. Now nearing to the end of the route, the 272 goes down Du Cane Road until Shepherd's Bush Green where the bus terminates.

The bus route is operated by Transdev London since 2002, when it first started. Buses ran every 20 minutes using Plaxton Pointer 2's on a Dennis Dart SLF chassis from Stamford Brook Garage..  In 2007, the now defunct, NCP-Challenger, won the contract for routes 272, 440 and E11. Prior to this, the company opened a new bus garage on the site of the Ex-Metroline calling the garage Park Royal (PK). When this contract started, the route was using "SK07 Dxx" E200 darts which are believed to be one of the first Enviro 200's that entered service in Britain.

In 2009, NCP-Challenger was bought out by London United RATP Group who are still using the same buses from the same garage, at the time winning route 283 and high profile route, C1. Buses were renumbered into London United's fleeting system going from ADL to DE. The buses also had the Logo taken off, being replaced with London United's logo. In my personal opinion, the buses look quite tacky and I think they should go for refurbishment and be painted into London United's livery, but that's my opinion.

On the 20th October 2012, 272's allocation was transferred to Shepherd's Bush (S) in a swap with 220's day allocation. As part of this process, DE85-92 from 272's batch were moved to Shepherd's Bush. Although on most days, these buses don't work the route as they now get mixed up with C1's batch of vehicle and 72's along with a few Darts.

Current fleetlist for buses on route 272:

SK07 DYS - DE85

SK07 DYT - DE86

SK07 DYU - DE87

SK07 DYV - DE88

SK07 DYW - DE89

SK07 DYX - DE90

SK07 DYY - DE91

YX58 DXA - DE92

Other buses may appear such as the 'YX09 xxx' and 'SN10 Cxx' on route 272 but the ones above are the ones supposed to run the route.

Hopefully, you've enjoyed this post, stay safe and look out for 440's post!