Know Your Routes: Route 228

A DML runs the 228 towards Central Middlesex Hospital.

The 228 is another recent addition to London's Bus Network. The route runs between Maida Hill, Shirland Avenue towards Central Middlesex Hospital. The route tends to wander around a lot starting by heading towards Ladbroke Grove and the massive Holland Park before leaving the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. From here the bus turns into Shepherd's Bush station sprinting down Ariel Way for White City bus station. Then the route turns into South Africa estate for QPR's Loftus Road stadium before being bound for East Acton. After Westway (East Acton), the route uniquely serves Old Oak Common Lane where there is a bridge that is not suitable for double decks so those who don't know the route now must've figured out it's a single deck. Now heading for Harlesden before terminating at Central Middlesex Hospital.

Today's 228 only dates as far back as 2009, when the route first began in the same routing.

The route is operated by First Centrewest from there Willesden Junction (WJ) depot using the ever so common Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 (DML) but also one Wright Streetlite (WM). 

In 2010, one year running - TfL revealed that the 228 was London's 6th worst bus route due to issues and punctuality. Willesden Junction (WJ) are trying to do everything they can to turn that around as route 226 which is operated from the same depot was in the list  for "London's 10 worst bus routes".

In 2012, WM47400 came on a trial on route 228 although originally meant for 226. This bus is commonly seen on 228 as well.

YX58 FPO on route 228.

Here's the fleetlist for route 228:

YX58 FPA - DML44044
YX58 FPC - DML44045
YX58 FPD - DML44046
YX58 FPE - DML44047
YX58 FPF- DML44048
YX58 FPG - DML44049
YX58 FPJ - DML44050
YX58 FPK - DML44051
YX58 FPL - DML44052
YX58 FPN - DML44053
YX58 FPO - DML44054
YX58 FPT - DML44055
YX58 FPU - DML44056
YX58 FPV - DML44057
YX58 FPY - DML44058
YX58 FOF - DML44059
YX58 FOH - DML44060
YX58 FOJ - DML44061
YX58 FOK - DML44062
YX58 FOM - DML44063
YX58 FON - DML44064
YX58 FOP - DML44065
YX58 FOT - DML44066
YX58 FOU - DML44067
YX58 FOV - DML44068
YX58 FRC - DML44069
YX58 FRD - DML44070

YX09 AEA - DML44083
YX09 AEB - DML44084
YX09 AEC - DML44085
YX09 AED - DML44086
YX09 AEE - DML44087
YX09 AEF - DML44088
YX09 AEG - DML44089
YX09 AEJ - DML44090
YX09 AEK - DML44091
YX09 AEL - DML44092
YX09 AEM - DML44093
YX09 AEN - DML44095
YX09 AEO - DML44096
YX09 AEP - DML44097
YX09 AET - DML44098

YX58 HVB - DML44072

DRZ6181 - WM47400

Hope you've enjoyed the post and remember to stay safe!