The Last Day Of Route 3's ALX400's From BC.

Tomorrow sees Route 3 transfer to QB and be converted to a full hybrid operation. Route 3 was awarded to Connex in 1999 from London Central. This was their first contract to operate from their then newly opened BC. Now we see the buses exit London and it is extremeley sad to see them go as I have also grown up wih these buses. I think the reason they are transferring the Route to QB is because they have gained Route's 455 and T33. These contracts will begin on 3rd March 2012 and 19 May 2012. Lets hope they find a new home very soon.

Farewell To Beddington Farm Garage's DWL's

Next month sees Route 455 transfer to Abellio London. Route 455 was originally a part of Route 450 which from 1993 - 1996 ran Canons Hill - Crystal Palace via Croydon. Then on the 28th September 1996, Route 455 was introduced by Cowie South London at their TH garage . The route provided a Monday - Saturday service from Canons Hill - Wallington via Croydon. On the 19th July 1997, Cowie lost the contract to London Links from their CR garage. London Links used Midi type buses. On the 6th December 1997 a Sunday service was intoduced. The midi buses were also replaced by Dennis Plaxton Darts. On the 30th October 1999, London Links lost the contract to Arriva London South and they used Dennis Plaxton Darts from their Beddington Farm Garage. On the 26th February 2000 the Sunday service was withdrawn. Then on the 2nd March 2002, the Sunday service was reinstated again. On the 31st August 2002, Route 455 was allocated PDL type buses which were much younger than the buses previously. On the 8th July 2003 Route 455 gained some brand new DWL type buses. These were Arriva's last bus of this type to be coded DWL and the order for Route 410 which gained new buses shortly afterwards were coded DWS. In 2006 the buses gained a light refurbishment including removal of perch seats and removal of cow horns. In 2011 Route 455 was awarded to Abellio London with 10 Caetano Nimbuses formerly with Ealing Community Transport. These buses were sourced through Dawson Rentals. The new contract will begin on 3rd March 2012. I have grown up with these buses and it will be sad to see them go. Lets hope that they find a new home soon. They will more than likely leave London for another part of England or they may even be transported abroad!

East Croydon Snow Observations 5th Febuary 2012

Yesterday, London received snow, so I decided to get some observations of the buses in my local area fighting the snow, slush and ice. One disruption in the Croydon area was the fact that last night, Route N64 was suspended due to adverse weather conditions. PDL123 was also curtailed today on Route 166 from Banstead to Chipstead. For those who don't know where Chipstead is, it is a small area situated in Surrey close to Banstead. Please enjoy.

Route 298 Observations

Today, it was the turn of Route 298 to be awarded to a new operator. Route 298 was gained by Sullivan Buses in 2011, however this is not their first TFL contract as they previously operated Route's 383 and 606 in the past. These are also their first Enviro200's to be built to the new specification. Route 298 runs between Arnos Grove Station and Potters Bar, Cranbourne Road Industrial Estate via Cockfosters. I was also amazed by the views you see en route to Arnos Grove! Enjoy.

Route 89 Observations

Today, it was the turn of Route 89 to gain brand new Enviro400's. Route 89 runs between Lewisham Station and Slade Green Station via Bexleyheath. These buses are unique as they are bulit at ADL's Plaxton plant in Scarbrough, North Yorkshire instead of their Falkirk plant. Hope you enjoy.

South Croydon Observations And Odd Workings 26th January 2012

Today, I decide to travel to South Croydon to do my observations. South Croydon is home to the Headquaters of Arriva London South. Sadly, I was in a different part of South Croydon. I also saw an interesting bus on Route 627 whilst running light to South Croydon garage.

Tramlink Replacement Service, East Croydon - New Addington

Today, due to essential engineering works in the Shirley Hills area, a replacement bus service is operating. Trams are running between Wimbledon and Lloyd Park, but the replacement bus service is running from East Croydon to New Addington, calling at all stops except Lebanon Road and Sandilands, as they are served still by trams and buses. The service is being operated by Abellio London using Wright Eclipse Gemini 1 buses and ALX400's.
Many thanks to an Abellio London member of staff who let me sit in the cab, take pictures of the engine and also gave me some Abellio merchandise including 2 pens,a lanyard, log sheet and a driver's quick reference card telling me how to control the Wayfarer ticket machine. And yes, that is me sitting in the cab - LOL.