Borismaster Goes On It's First Journey With Fare Paying Passengers And Breaks Down!

Today, the Borismaster finally entered fare paying use. The launch has already been delayed by one week due to the certification of the vehicles being delayed. The rear deck of the bus was closed, there were door problems and every time it moved an horrible alarm sounded. In Islington, the most embarassing happened, Sack Boris campaigners (which had hired a routemaster) overtook the bus whilst stationary. The bus has been running with Arriva London on Route 38 from their Clapton garage (CT).

New 12 Reg SE's For Go Ahead London!

This month has seen snow and sub zero tempratures. But it has also seen the brand new SE's for Route 493 arrive. Route 493 has been gained from London United RATP Group and from 31st March 2012, London General will operate the Route from their Waterside Way garage situated in Wimbledon. These also carry the new '12' registration which will be introduced from 1st March 2012. Many thanks goes to Gregg Collins who allowed me to use his fantastic shots! These pictures are © Gregg Collins and must not be reproduced or used in any way without his permisson. I must recommend you take a look at his truly brilliant Flickr photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcbp/ Hope you enjoy.

Observations And Odd Workings 11th Febuary 2012

Yesterday, whilst getting pictures of the new hybids on Route 3, I decided to do my observations in the Herne Hill area. On my way back I saw a very interesting bus on Route 455 which has transferred from WN to CN and is still carrying the WN garage code, however, it will not be on the Route for long as Route 455 has been awarded to Abellio London and also CN is being mothballed to reduce costs. Both of these events will happen on 3rd March 2012. I also went and got pictures of the Railway Replacement Bus Service that is currently operating between West Croydon and London Bridge due to essential maintenence work. The service is calling at Norwood Junction, Anerley, Penge West, Sydenham, Forest Hill, Honar Oak Park, Brockley, New Cross Gate and London Bridge. The buses are also parking at Prospect First car park. Hope you enjoy.

Route 3 Observations

Today, it was the turn of Route 3 to be converted to a full hybrid operation. Route 3 runs between Crystal Palace and Oxford Circus via West Dulwich, Herne Hill, Brixton, Kennington, Waterloo, Westminster, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. I also witnessed one of the ALX400's that were previously on the Route and two non hybrid Enviro400's. Hope you enjoy.

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.