Bus News: January 2015
Welcome to the New Year! Can you believe that Bus News was made exactly two years ago today? Let's reflect on what has happened since our last edition in November 2014!
Arriva London:
- DLA369 (LJ03 MWL) and DW123 (LJ05 BMZ) were respectively the last Arriva buses on routes 125 and 109 this very morning. Route 109 has passed to Abellio from their Beddington Cross (BC) garage whilst 125 makes a new home at Metroline's Potters Bar (PB) garage. Route N109 was also in operation this morning under Abellio's name.
- Meanwhile, all but LT356 has entered service on route 137 at Brixton (BN) garage.
Abellio London:
- Beddington Cross (BC) received a large Euro VI upgrade for a lot of their new and existing routes. In November, we saw route S4 pass to Abellio with 8.9m Enviro 200 'Flybrids', diesels but using Flywheel technology to recover energy from braking.
- The second step of the upgrade was Beddington Cross (BC) retaining/ winning routes 407 and 201, both who have had new Enviro 200 built to a 10.8m length introduced on them, numbers 8820-43. Most of the batch have entered service, although not all have at the time of writing.
- The final upgrade was the aforementioned winning of routes 109/N109 with London's first ever MMCs entering public service. The first one, 2502, entered service earlier in the week on route 157, to shortly be joined by other siblings of the same type. These vehicles are equipped with Cummins engines and are hybrids. In addition to winning 109, several other double deckers have been re-blinded to have the 109 on them. Abellio's 9021 (BX55 XLS) was the first stray under Abellio.
Epsom Buses/ Quality Line RATP Group:
- The final part for the 'S-network upgrade' is finally in place. Quality Line placed an order for 6 8.9m Enviro 200s to run alongside SD54 to replace the ageing Optare Solos and Myllenium Darts for route S3. These buses are built to Euro VI specification and carry YY64 Txx plates, and are hooked to a Voith gearbox.
Go-Ahead London:
- Lately has seen Go-Ahead finally finish converting the 453 to Borismaster operation. Weirdly, LT282 still remains in a plain white livery with no signs of it being changed soon.
- Go-Ahead have seen all but one (SE213) 9.6m Flybrid Enviro 200s enter service on route 100 at Mandela Way (MW). These have allowed the loaned Darts and Enviro 200s from Abellio to return back home. It is said that the Enviro 200s may be re-allocated to Beddington Cross (BC) route P13, however there is no official confirmation. A rather weird touch to loaned bus 8321 (YX10 EBA) has seen a black bumper be in place representing Go-Ahead's colours even though this bus has been loaned!
- Whilst on the topic of 100's buses, SE214 (YY64 GXA) transferred to Camberwell and has been spotted on route 360. Ever since, the bus has returned to Mandela Way. In it's place is Docklands Buses' SE151 (YX61 DTY), usually found on route D8 is now commonly on route P5.
- A few more Gemini 1 WVLs have been transferred to Metrobus operation. The 2006 plated vehicles will send off a few more Scania OmniDekkas. Meanwhile, on the 14th February we should see route 130 being extended to Thornton Heath from Norwood Junction. At the moment it is expected that drafted in Darts will help cover the extension.
- Go-Ahead has also purchased a number of shortwheel Enviro 200s. Ex-London United SDE13 (SK07 HLO) has been repainted and refurbished, and is in service as SEN38 on route 193 between County Park Estate and Romford, Queen's Hospital at Rainham (BE) garage.
- The other Enviro 200s purchased were 4 ex-First Centrewest from Greenford (G) after the loss of route E10 to TGM. First, it was said these vehicles would go and join SEN38 at Rainham (BE) to oust out some Marshalls on 193. To the relief of many Marshall loving enthusiasts, this idea was scratched and instead the buses were to be diverted to Metrobus to replace some older Darts. Then THIS idea was scratched and the latest one is that they will be refurbished and repainted, and will go to Plough Lane (PL) garage to update the stock there on either modified or enhanced services. The numbers are SEN40-43, with registration plates being in order: YX09 FLW. YX09 FLZ/ YX09 FMU/ YX09 FMV.
London Sovereign RATP Group:
- Lately has seen the fleet movement of SLE44 being welcomed into Edgware (BT) garage. In the last fortnight, there has been a number of diesel workings on flagship route 13, consisting of VLEs, SPs and SLEs, and there was even a VLP on the route earlier this week!
- Tolworth (TV) based Plaxton Pointer Dart DPS655 (LG02 FFZ) was transferred to Harrow (SO) over the New Year to help with DPS shortages. This bus is commonly on routes H9 and H10.
London United RATP Group:
- This working probably went unnoticed, but last night (30/01/2015) saw HDE3 perform a shift on route 391 between Fulham, Sands End Sainsbury's and Richmond Station.
- Meanwhile, London United Enviro 200s DE80-84 have transferred from Park Royal (PK) to Shepherd's Bush (S) to help with the PVR increase on route 72. Instead, OVs from route 391 have joined Park Royal (PK) and are now allocated to 440. There is a high possibility this move is permanent.
Metroline Travel:
- The Enviro 400 Hybrid MMCs bound for Cricklewood (W) garage for route 332 are now starting delivery. The buses will arrive at CELF within the next week, and are expected to be on the road by the end of the month. They carry LK64 Exx registration plates and are numbers TEH2072-87.
- The Gemini 3 hybrids on order for route 245 and 460 have been diverted to Willesden (AC) garage (although 460 is based at AC) for routes 6 and 98.
- A few more MMs are back on the road and the SEL refurbishment is set to continue with SEL753 (LK07 BBX) off for refurbishment.
- The remaining VWHs for route 125 which was taken over this morning are at CELF waiting to be delivered. The TEs loaned from Holloway (HT) will stay until all vehicles are delivered. They will usually be on route 34.
Metroline West:
- The TEs, or DNs, from route E1/E3 will be split two ways. TE1715/DN33575-DN33599/TE1739 will stay at Greenford (G) for route 282, and when Metroline takes over route 482 in March. DN33600/TE1740+ will go to Uxbridge (UX) and be allocated to route 607 which will see the farewell of the VNWs currently on the route. TE1742 (33602) and TE1747 (33607) are currently at Uxbridge already. However, some of the other DNs are at Holloway (HT) on route 91 and therefore may take some time for the VNWs to go as this all depends on how quickly the Potters Bar hybrids are delivered.
Stagecoach London:
- Stagecoach have (for once) been relatively quiet in the bus scene. The Borismaster batch for routes 55 and N55 are starting to enter service on both routes. The Tridents from these routes will then be temporarily allocated to route 56, from the same garage, whilst 56's Scania OmniCities go off lease. This means the MMCs for 56 have been cancelled/ diverted elsewhere.
- Then in addition, route 15 and N15 are to be the next Borismaster convert at the end of February. The current hybrids on the route will go to Leyton (T) for route 56, which will allow the withdrawal of the Tridents as well.
- To the delight of 'anti-Borismaster enthusiasts', not all journeys will be Borismaster operated on route N15. Journeys operated by Barking (BK) garage will continue to use Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s.
- Due to the late arrival of route 498 and 499's buses, Enviro 400s from Plumstead (PD) garage will double deck route 62 at Barking (BK) garage. These buses will allow the Enviro 200s on the route and from 366 to transfer to Romford (NS) for 499. To fill the void, Optare Versas will operate the 366. ALX400s and Enviro 400s from route 56 and 177 will transfer to Romford (NS) for route 498. This service change commences in June.
Tower Transit:
- Recently has seen a few shuffles at Tower Transit involving VNs. Firstly, BF62 UYD (VN37993) has returned to X after a stint at AS on route 266 with another VN shortly coming to the 266 but has also returned to X.
- In addition, two VNs have been sent to Lea Interchange (LI) and are commonly on routes 25 and 26.
- To round this off, yesterday saw VN37983 (BG61 SXP) go onto route 31 with earlier in the month WN35003 (LK58 EDO) on route 31 over the New Year. At Lea Interchange (LI), saw VN37943 (BK10 MFZ) on route 425 during an evening shift.
Thank you for reading this post, and stay tuned for next month's edition! We'd like to thank The London Bus Blog team for providing us with information for Stagecoach London.
Arriva London:
 |
| The old face of 125. |
- Meanwhile, all but LT356 has entered service on route 137 at Brixton (BN) garage.
Abellio London:
- Beddington Cross (BC) received a large Euro VI upgrade for a lot of their new and existing routes. In November, we saw route S4 pass to Abellio with 8.9m Enviro 200 'Flybrids', diesels but using Flywheel technology to recover energy from braking.
- The second step of the upgrade was Beddington Cross (BC) retaining/ winning routes 407 and 201, both who have had new Enviro 200 built to a 10.8m length introduced on them, numbers 8820-43. Most of the batch have entered service, although not all have at the time of writing.
- The final upgrade was the aforementioned winning of routes 109/N109 with London's first ever MMCs entering public service. The first one, 2502, entered service earlier in the week on route 157, to shortly be joined by other siblings of the same type. These vehicles are equipped with Cummins engines and are hybrids. In addition to winning 109, several other double deckers have been re-blinded to have the 109 on them. Abellio's 9021 (BX55 XLS) was the first stray under Abellio.
Epsom Buses/ Quality Line RATP Group:
- The final part for the 'S-network upgrade' is finally in place. Quality Line placed an order for 6 8.9m Enviro 200s to run alongside SD54 to replace the ageing Optare Solos and Myllenium Darts for route S3. These buses are built to Euro VI specification and carry YY64 Txx plates, and are hooked to a Voith gearbox.
Go-Ahead London:
- Go-Ahead have seen all but one (SE213) 9.6m Flybrid Enviro 200s enter service on route 100 at Mandela Way (MW). These have allowed the loaned Darts and Enviro 200s from Abellio to return back home. It is said that the Enviro 200s may be re-allocated to Beddington Cross (BC) route P13, however there is no official confirmation. A rather weird touch to loaned bus 8321 (YX10 EBA) has seen a black bumper be in place representing Go-Ahead's colours even though this bus has been loaned!
- Whilst on the topic of 100's buses, SE214 (YY64 GXA) transferred to Camberwell and has been spotted on route 360. Ever since, the bus has returned to Mandela Way. In it's place is Docklands Buses' SE151 (YX61 DTY), usually found on route D8 is now commonly on route P5.
- A few more Gemini 1 WVLs have been transferred to Metrobus operation. The 2006 plated vehicles will send off a few more Scania OmniDekkas. Meanwhile, on the 14th February we should see route 130 being extended to Thornton Heath from Norwood Junction. At the moment it is expected that drafted in Darts will help cover the extension.
- Go-Ahead has also purchased a number of shortwheel Enviro 200s. Ex-London United SDE13 (SK07 HLO) has been repainted and refurbished, and is in service as SEN38 on route 193 between County Park Estate and Romford, Queen's Hospital at Rainham (BE) garage.
- The other Enviro 200s purchased were 4 ex-First Centrewest from Greenford (G) after the loss of route E10 to TGM. First, it was said these vehicles would go and join SEN38 at Rainham (BE) to oust out some Marshalls on 193. To the relief of many Marshall loving enthusiasts, this idea was scratched and instead the buses were to be diverted to Metrobus to replace some older Darts. Then THIS idea was scratched and the latest one is that they will be refurbished and repainted, and will go to Plough Lane (PL) garage to update the stock there on either modified or enhanced services. The numbers are SEN40-43, with registration plates being in order: YX09 FLW. YX09 FLZ/ YX09 FMU/ YX09 FMV.
London Sovereign RATP Group:
- Lately has seen the fleet movement of SLE44 being welcomed into Edgware (BT) garage. In the last fortnight, there has been a number of diesel workings on flagship route 13, consisting of VLEs, SPs and SLEs, and there was even a VLP on the route earlier this week!
- Tolworth (TV) based Plaxton Pointer Dart DPS655 (LG02 FFZ) was transferred to Harrow (SO) over the New Year to help with DPS shortages. This bus is commonly on routes H9 and H10.
London United RATP Group:
- This working probably went unnoticed, but last night (30/01/2015) saw HDE3 perform a shift on route 391 between Fulham, Sands End Sainsbury's and Richmond Station.
- Meanwhile, London United Enviro 200s DE80-84 have transferred from Park Royal (PK) to Shepherd's Bush (S) to help with the PVR increase on route 72. Instead, OVs from route 391 have joined Park Royal (PK) and are now allocated to 440. There is a high possibility this move is permanent.
Metroline Travel:
- The Enviro 400 Hybrid MMCs bound for Cricklewood (W) garage for route 332 are now starting delivery. The buses will arrive at CELF within the next week, and are expected to be on the road by the end of the month. They carry LK64 Exx registration plates and are numbers TEH2072-87.
- The Gemini 3 hybrids on order for route 245 and 460 have been diverted to Willesden (AC) garage (although 460 is based at AC) for routes 6 and 98.
- A few more MMs are back on the road and the SEL refurbishment is set to continue with SEL753 (LK07 BBX) off for refurbishment.
- The remaining VWHs for route 125 which was taken over this morning are at CELF waiting to be delivered. The TEs loaned from Holloway (HT) will stay until all vehicles are delivered. They will usually be on route 34.
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| An early farewell? |
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| Is this to be history? |
Stagecoach London:
- Stagecoach have (for once) been relatively quiet in the bus scene. The Borismaster batch for routes 55 and N55 are starting to enter service on both routes. The Tridents from these routes will then be temporarily allocated to route 56, from the same garage, whilst 56's Scania OmniCities go off lease. This means the MMCs for 56 have been cancelled/ diverted elsewhere.
- Then in addition, route 15 and N15 are to be the next Borismaster convert at the end of February. The current hybrids on the route will go to Leyton (T) for route 56, which will allow the withdrawal of the Tridents as well.
- To the delight of 'anti-Borismaster enthusiasts', not all journeys will be Borismaster operated on route N15. Journeys operated by Barking (BK) garage will continue to use Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s.
- Due to the late arrival of route 498 and 499's buses, Enviro 400s from Plumstead (PD) garage will double deck route 62 at Barking (BK) garage. These buses will allow the Enviro 200s on the route and from 366 to transfer to Romford (NS) for 499. To fill the void, Optare Versas will operate the 366. ALX400s and Enviro 400s from route 56 and 177 will transfer to Romford (NS) for route 498. This service change commences in June.
Tower Transit:
- In addition, two VNs have been sent to Lea Interchange (LI) and are commonly on routes 25 and 26.
- To round this off, yesterday saw VN37983 (BG61 SXP) go onto route 31 with earlier in the month WN35003 (LK58 EDO) on route 31 over the New Year. At Lea Interchange (LI), saw VN37943 (BK10 MFZ) on route 425 during an evening shift.
Thank you for reading this post, and stay tuned for next month's edition! We'd like to thank The London Bus Blog team for providing us with information for Stagecoach London.
This will be reiterated in Bus News: February 2015, however these are some of the latest tenders, correct to 03/02/2015.
ReplyDeleteRoute 116 has been retained by RATP, and will convert to double-deck operation.
Route A10 has been retained by Metroline with it's current vehicles to be refurbished.
Route 324 has been lost to Metroline from Cricklewood (W) garage and will use the 58-plated DEs from route 326. This change occurs on the 24.10.15
Route 168 has been lost to Metroline from Holloway (HT) garage. Vehicle type to be confirmed. This change occurs on the 26.09.15
Another loss for Arriva London with the 168. Any particular reason why they've lost so many routes recently?!
ReplyDeleteArriva London have lost so many routes because they have been taken over by a new company called DB (Deutsche Bahn) who care more about the train services that Arriva operate instead of the buses they operate.
DeleteDon't be surprised if Arriva lose the 149, 349, 184 and whatever other routes are up for tender! :P
DeleteSEN42 is at Orpington (MB) and SEN43 is at Northumberland Park (NP) garage right now. SEN39-41 aren't in service yet.
ReplyDeleteSEN39 (YX09 FLP) is also at Rainham (BE) for route 193.
DeleteI saw on this blog and the Bus Forum that the 119, 202 and 405 have been retained by Metrobus with double-deckers which haven't been confirmed yet. I think the 12 might convert to New Bus for London which will allow WVL435-449 and WHV1-16 to transfer to Croydon garage for the 119 and 202. The 405 could use its current Omnidekkas (947-952).
ReplyDeleteHey, I update the blog's Tenders page. LOTS have confirmed that from Tranche 489, routes 119 and 202 have been retained by Metrobus and from Tranche 490, route 405 has also been retained by Metrobus. With what buses is yet to be announced, but I like your ideas for the 119 and 202. However, the 405 deserves newer buses, I think!
DeleteCould you tell me if the flybrid units you refer to are made by Torotrak / flybrid .
ReplyDeleteNot sure if we have those, but I do know we have Williams Hybrid Power ones.
DeleteIn the Abellio section you wrote the fleet numbers for the E200 were 8820-8842. 8843 was part of the fleet to you know Jacob.
ReplyDeleteMy bad!
DeleteOut of randomness, who reckons Sullivan could win the W10 and 616 tenders?
ReplyDelete