Route 455 Observations

Today, it was the turn of Route 455 to be awarded to Abellio London. Route 455 runs between Wallington Station and Canons Hill via West Croydon. The buses this route will be using are 9 year old Caetano Nimbuses sourced through Dawson Rentals. The route was previously operated by Arriva. The loss of this Route has forced mothballing of Beddington Farm garage. I hope you enjoy reading and viewing this post.

Abellio London Beddington Cross Garage (BC)

Today, I visited Abellio's Beddington Cross garage. The garage was opened in 2000 by predecessor Connex, for newly won Route 3. The garage currently holds Routes's 152, 157, 322, 407 and 434. The original buses for Route 3 are now being replaced by 55/06 reg Wright Gemini 1 buses currently being displaced from the company's Walworth garage, following the introduction of brand new E400 Hybrid's on Route 188. They have also gained Route's 455 and T33 respectively from 3rd March 2012 and 19th May 2012. Route 455 will use Caetano Nimbuses formely used by Ealing Community Transport sourced through Dawson Rentals, Route T33 will use brand new E200's. I shall be revisiting the garage in 2 - 3 weeks time and I hope you enjoy reading and viewing this post.

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.