Route 159 Observations

                                         

 

On the 12th of December 2015, route 159 transferred from Arriva to Abellio, and gained 34 New Routemasters, which are the first for Abellio. The route runs between began in 1934 and ran between South Croydon and Camden Town. Since then the route has been shortened several times and now runs between Marble Arch and Streatham. The route has also been run from several depots such as Streatham (AK), South Croydon (TC), Brixton (BN), Camberwell (Q), Old Kent Road (P), Clapham (CA), and Thornton Heath (TH). Of these depots, only BN, Q, TH and TC are still in use. The route also had a night service, N159, which began in 1999 replacing the N109 an was initially operated by London Central between between Coulsdon and Marble Arch from Q, until being diverted to New Addington in 2000. Arriva took over operation in 2001 and ran it from TH until 2006, when it was split between TC and TH. The route remained this way until 2010, when it was withdrawn, and replaced by a 24 hour 159 service, a N109 service between and a N64 service (now withdrawn). The route now runs from Battersea (QB) and driver changeovers will take place at Kennington. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Route 119, 246 and 358 Observations

Recently, routes 119 and 358 were retained by Metrobus, with 246 being awarded to Metrobus from Stagecoach. Route 119 received brand new Volvo B5LH's with Gemini3 bodywork, the 358 received brand new Mercedes Citaro C2's and the 246 received cascade MAN 12.240's with MCV Evolution bodywork, cascaded from route 202 which also received Volvo Hybrids. Route 119 runs between Purley Way and Bromley via Croydon, route 246 runs between Westerham and Bromley via Biggin Hill, and route 358 runs between Orpington and Crystal Palace. Having ridden both batches of new vehicles, I have to say both are impressive, and of good quality. Route 119 has also received 2 ex demo Volvo B5TL's, BF63HDE and BF63HDG. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Route 326 Observations

On Saturday the 25th of July, Route 326 passed from Metroline to London Sovereign. Route 326 began in 1991 running between Brent Cross and New Barnet Station with Monday to Saturday shopping journeys and Sunday journeys extended to Potters Bar garage. In 1993, Sunday journeys between New Barnet Station and Potters Bar were withdrawn. In 1998, the route was withdrawn from Potters Bar and replaced by new route 383 but extended from New Barnet Station to Barnet, The Spires. The route also received low floor single deckers at that time. In 2008,the contract was renewed and the route received Enviro 200's. These lasted on the route until July 2015, when London Sovereign took over using Enviro 200's displaced by Gemini 3's on route 285.These vehicles have been refurbished with a repaint and new seat covers. I rode this route from Barnet to Brent Cross, and it is quite a nice route, going through some nice leafy suburbs and on a dual carriageway approaching Brent Cross. I wish London Sovereign luck running this route. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Route 135 Observations

On the 23rd of May, Route 135 passed to Docklands Buses at Silvertown depot from Arriva London at Barking depot. The route, which runs between Old Street and Crossharbour, via Shoreditch, Liverpool Street, Aldgate, Westferry, Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, was introduced in 2008, to provide a direct link between the Isle of Dogs and the city of London, and was awarded to Arriva London using brand new Enviro 400's. Those vehicles, following the loss of the route, will transfer to Thornton Heath depot for use on route 198. The route is currently using 61 plate Enviro 400's, displaced from route 436 with hybrids, until the new Volvo B5LH's with Enviro 400 MMC bodywork, coded EMC1-16, are delivered. I have included a picture of these vehicles. The service seemed quite good when I used it, however as per usual, not all drivers had full Go Ahead uniform, and some were still wearing the Arriva uniform. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Tramlink CR4000 refurbishment

Tramlink have recently put into service the first of 24 refurbished Bombardier CR4000s, 2553 which has been refurbished. The tram, which has seen new seat covers, a deep clean, removal of stop request buttons and displays, and a new external vinyl. I recently took a ride on this tram and was very impressed. The seats were comfortable, and the ride was smooth. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

New buses for Brighton and Hove

Recently, Brighton and Hove have invested over £4.5 million in 24 new Wright Streetdecks for use on route 12, which runs between Brighton and Eastbourne, and is branded as the Coaster. These new vehicles are in a new green and blue livery, designed by Ray Stenning of Best Impressions, free wifi, audio-visual announcements, USB power sockets, Isrighausen high-backed Civic V3 seats, a 230 bhp Daimler OM934 Euro 6 engine and a 4 speed Voith DIWA gearbox. Having ridden on of these vehicles, I have to say they are nice vehicles, and are smooth and comfortable. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.