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.

Route 160 Observations

This month sees Route 160 convert to a full Enviro 400 operation. These are not only Arriva Kent Thamesides's first Enviro 400's, but also their first new order of double decker buses since 2003 when the Wright Pulsar Gemini's were ordered for Route 492 after the route was won from London Central. The are Arriva's first Enviro400's to be built to the W.T.A (Whole Type Approval) in the UK. They also are Arriva's smartest Enviro400's, and hope more of these are bought! These are also Arriva's first Enviro400's to contain Esteban Civic seats rather than the usaul Esteban Ciclo seats. Hope you enjoy.

Route 15 Observations

This month sees Route 15 convert to a partial hybrid operation. These are Stagecoach London's first ever double decker hybrids and contain Stagecoach UK hybrid bus mouqette and handrail colour. I saw 5 hybrids and 1 ALX400 on the route. Hope you enjoy.