Route 153 Observations

Route 153 has received new buses, ahead of when the new contract begins, these are 10.8 metre E200s, I was expecting them to order Optare Versas. These replaced X reg Caetano Nimbuses which were falling apart. There are rumours that these buses will be replaced by 10.2 metre E200s in February because 10.8 metre buses don't fit round parts of the route but we'll just have to wait and see. I hope you enjoy reading this post.

Route 73 Observations

Route 73 has got more new buses, due to the DW's going to the 41, which in terms have displaced 3 DLA's to come to TC so we're getting dumped with the old stuff! This therefore means they can concentrate on turning Central London route's to hybrid operation to reduce emissons and therefore make the quality of life better in London. However the orignal HV's are staying, which now means there are 55 buses for a PVR of 51, which means there are 4 spares for the Route at Stamford Hill. Hopefully Croydon will get some HV's for some routes at TC or TH! I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Tenders for Tranche 422 and 425.

The tenders for some routes in Croydon have finally been announced! I have waited months and months for this so it is a relief they have been announced. Tranche 422 Route 60 contract retained by Arriva London South with new and existing buses, unknown what buses will be used at present. Route 166 retained by Arriva London South with existing buses. Route 293 retained by Metrobus with existing buses. Route 404 retained by Quality Line with a new bus, possibly an Optare Solo SR ( OPL ). Route 412 retained by Arriva London South with existing buses. Route 434 awarded to Metrobus with new buses. Route 466 retained by Arriva London South with existing buses. Route 612 awarded to Arriva London South with an existing bus. Route 685 contract retained by Arriva London South with an existing bus. It is unknown where all these existing buses will come from, but the new buses for the 434 will quite possibly be E20D E200's. The new buses for the 60 will possibly be DW's or T's. All contracts start on 31st August except 404 which is on 28th September. Tranche 425 Route 165 contract awarded to Stagecoach with new buses. Route 179 contract awarded to Stagecoach with existing buses, more than likely Omnicty's from the 106 which has been lost to Arriva. Route 252 contract awarded to Stagecoach with new and existing buses. Route 256 contract awarded to Stagecoach with new buses. Route 365 contract awarded to Stagecoach with new buses. It is unknown where all these Route's will operate from as back in March First possibly selling Dagenham and Lea Interchange garages to Stagecoach, so Dagenham may close because of these losses. Some of the buses may go to the provinces.