Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the August edition of Busmopolitan.
On 6th August, there was another Tube strike. London Underground staff walked out, commencing 1830 on Wednesday the 5th and resuming work 24 hours later.
The dispute was over Terms and Conditions with regard to the introduction of 24 hour services on selected lines, over weekends. This was to have been from September 12th, but has now been postponed indefinitely.
To cover the shortfall in peak hours, 250 extra buses were drafted in; mostly from provincial fleets. These appeared as duplicates on some on some central London routes, such as the 25 and 205. Several Essex operators participated, including Ensignbus, Panther Travel and Regal Busways.
Further strikes on 25th to 26th August and 27th to 28th August; both again for 24 hours and starting at 2100, were called off.

The new First Essex depot at Colchester opened on 29th August. Located in an industrial area on the southeastern fringe of the town, this spells the end (after many years) of the garaging of buses in the town centre.
Two locations were replaced.
The Queen Street facility dated from the 1920s, and was on the site of the Theatre Royal, which had been part owned by the Busmopolitan editor’s great great grandfather, Henry Nunn. Remains of the stage rear retaining wall were still discernable in this building at the time of closure. Queen Street garage outlived the adjacent bus station, which was open between 1961 and 2012; before disappearing under The Visual Arts Facility (VAF), a futuristic art gallery, which has attracted some controversy.
Parts of the (originally Colchester Corporation) Magdalen Street site dated back even further; the old tram shed to the early 1900s, (the newer “no 2” building was 1930s). First had occupied this location relatively recently; partially from 2006 and completely from 2008 when the previous incumbent, by then operating as TGM Network Colchester, relocated to Old Heath.

It is with very deep regret that Busmopolitan records the loss of an aircraft from Essex. Aviation is not usually covered on this site, but an exception is made here.
On 22nd August, North Weald based preserved Hawker Hunter T7 fighter jet G-BXFI (RAF serial no WV372), crashed onto the busy A27 trunk road while performing at an airshow at Shoreham, West Sussex. 11 people on the ground were killed.
Thoughts and condolences go out to all involved in this dreadful accident.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued revised guidelines about aerobatics. All of the remaining airworthy Hawker Hunters have also been grounded until further notice.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 90012 arrives at Ipswich on 13/8/15, on the 1730 Norwich to London service.

Work on refreshing the 118 strong MKIII carriage fleet is progressing well. Working in partnership with Vossler Kepplar, two coaches per week are being treated at Norwich Crown Point depot, in a temporary building known as “The Tent”. Work involves completely gutting and refitting the interiors, to a revised modern specification, including power points for mobile device charging and new toilets.
Three complete sets are to be ready for traffic in September, with completion of the project due by the renewal of the Greater Anglia franchise in October 2016.
Now in the new livery are MkIII RFM 10200, FO 11090, TSOs 12031/41/57.
The ‘Pretendalino’ NC64 set, was powered by 90010 again, by mid August, while ONE liveried set NC06 has 90012.

Above: In DRS blue with DB branding; 90034 calls at Ipswich on 31/7/15; propelling a London to Norwich service.

The first Class 321 to go for ‘Renatus’ refurbisment at Wabtec, Doncaster is 321303.
It will receive new seating, and get air conditioning, wifi, power sockets, a DDA compliant toilet, plus improved vestibules and more space for larger item stowage.
321303 is due to be oushopped in early 2016, with 9 further units to follow before October 2016, when the GA franchise changes.

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the platforms at Marks Tey were resurfaced.
On Sunday 31st August, platforms 2 and 3 were done, with buses/coaches replacing trains on the Sudbury branch and between Witham and Colchester from the London direction.
On Monday the 31st, platform 1 was dealt with. Sudbury trains ran normally and there was bi-directional working on the main line.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer X512 WRG, is now with Xeliabus, Eastleigh.
Volvo D10M/NC G641 BPH is withdrawn.

ANITAS, STANSTED.

Mb Tourismo tri-axle BT15 KNE (above), was on loan from Evobus at Coventry, while AC15 ERN underwent warranty work.

APT TRAVEL, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton KX04 HTD is ex Nichols of Barnsley.
Berkhof Axial bodied Volvo B10M R917 ULA, has passed to Advance Mini Buses of Southend.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
Essex CC Sunday/holiday contracted routes 1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead), 102 (Colchester-Harwich) and 352 (Chelmsford-Halstead), were reassigned to First Essex from 30/8/15.
On loan from Southend are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3530 (LF02 PNK), 3506 (KE51 PUK).
3530 was returned in late August.
Dart SLF/Caetano 1564 (HX04 HUH) now has Arriva fleet names on TGM livery.
Withdrawn is Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300 3831 (W907 UJM); leaving 3830 (W901 UJM) as the last of this type here.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3313 (S311 JUA) has gone to G8 Spares and Exports at Hullbridge, for scrap.

Above: Volvo B10BLE/ALX300 3830 being fuelled at Heath Park depot in March 2009. It was still in Classic Buses of Annfield Plain colours at that time. The workshop building had previously been used by Supreme Coaches.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Arrivals from AKT at Northfleet are Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3327/8/9 (X519, 471, 521 GGO). While Optare Versa 4213 (KX61 FHN) has moved over from Arriva Kent and Surrey.
On loan from Arriva Kent and Surrey, in early August was ADL/Enviro 200 4067 (GN59 FVJ).
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 2217 (T47 WUT), has received the engine from 3221 (P221 MKL) which will now be scrapped.
Withdrawn is SLF/Mini Pointer 3483 (W483 WGS).
New commercial service 1 (Harlow Circular) commenced from 17/8/15.

Above: In its original Arriva livery, Optare Solo no 2450 at Waltham Cross in August 2005.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Above; Optare Versa no 4209 at East Beach on 13/8/13.

Optare Versa 4204 (YJ61 CHZ) has returned, off loan at Network Harlow.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3278 (T278 JKM), 3320/3 (T820/3 NMJ) and Plaxton Prestige bodied DAF SB220Ls 3911/8/9 (T911/8/9 KKM) have been taken for scrap, by G8 Spares and Exports, Hullbridge.
There were service revisions from 9/8/15.On Sundays and holidays, route 1 (Rayleigh-Westcliff) was extended westwards to Shoebury, with a 30 minute headway. The M-F 1 service already runs from Rayleigh to Shoebury throughout.Two under used M-F commercial shoppers’ routes are withdrawn; 6A (Belfairs-Leigh Rail Station) and 18 (Leigh-Ashingdon). 6A has been replaced by new Stephensons service 23 (see below).There are also enhancements to 4/A (Southend-Landwick), 5 (Southend-Basildon), 7/8/407 (Rayleigh-Shoebury), 9 (Rayleigh-Shoebury East Beach), 29 (Belgrave Road-Temple Sutton). Also withdrawn after 5/8/15 was 10 (Paglesham-Rayleigh).

Above: a retro view of route 7, with Leyland Olympian no 5829 at Southend Travel Centre in June 2005.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
ADL/Enviro 400 T13 (LJ08 CVH) has left Barking (DX), for Arriva London South at Thornton Heath (TH).

Above: One of the ADL/Enviro 400s displaced from Barking (DX) by the loss of TfL135; T25 explores its new south London surroundings along Streatham High Road, on 29/8/15.
It now works from the Thornton Heath (TH) garage of Arriva London South.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Acquisitions are of Bove Futura LUI 2244 – from Eastville of Bristol; Setra Imperial double deck coach LIG 7717 and Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas BAZ 7912.
A new metallic orange livery has been introduced, replacing the previous white with orange lining. Now in the new scheme are VH T815 UIL 2724; Ayatts Bravo Y386 AVV; Neoplan Skyliners YN51 XMW, YN05 WEF.
The fleet has also received names:
Setra S215 6884 YG = ‘Captain Pete’.
Setra S215 NIJ 7571 = ‘Master Matthew’.
Mercedes 0303 WIW 4749 = ‘Sir Steve’.
VH T815 UIL 2724 = ‘King Jack’.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas RUI 3661 = ‘Mr Lake’.
Ayatts Bravo Y386 AVV = ‘Dame Shirley’.
Neoplan Skyliner YN51 XMW = ‘Lady Ann’.
Neoplan Skyliner YN05 WEF = ‘Lord Frank’.
Subsequently, Ayatts Y386 AVV was re-registered to M155 BWR, while YN51 XMW became M155 HST.
Sold are Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount 9 metre F902 BLS; Neoplan Skyliner RUI 6686; Setra S215 LEZ 1795; Mercedes 814/Balmoral WIW 4748 and Duple 425s SIB 3277, RIL 5087. RIL had been used for spares.

Above: Setra S215 LEZ 1795 on Abellio rail replacement at Marks Tey, on 8/3/15.

BEESTONS.
Optare Solo M920s FP02 XMA/B/C, have passed to Summercourt Travel of Newquay.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dart SLF/MCV ED23 (LX07 BYO) is withdrawn due to accident damage.

BRENTWOOD COACHES.
Ford Transit 16 seater HK61 GPF, is now with Rainbird of Willingale.

C2C.
The second Electrostar EMU to be converted to high density Class 357/3 specification is 357222, which is now 357322.

CENTREBUS.
The former Harlow, River Way depot is now occupied by Odzil, (soft drinks wholesaler).
Service 700 (Stansted-Airport-Stevenage), ceased after 29/8/15, meaning Centrebus no longer runs into Essex for the time being. Several routes centred on Bishops Stortford and Royston passed to Myalls of Bassingbourn at the same time.

CHAMBERS.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 281 (V250 BNV) has been on hire from Hedingham.
From 30/8/15, service 84 (Sudbury-Colchester) was reduced to 2 hour frequency during the day (from hourly), while there were also revisions to the “mainline” 753/4 (Colchester-Sudbury-Bury St Edmunds) routes.

Above: Back in September 2009, ex Dublin Bus Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH R987 KAR, was working a Colchester bound 84 through Great Horkesley.

COLAS RAIL.
The Network Rail Test Train was in the area during August, with 37219 in charge.
It was pictured, below at Ipswich on 13/8/15.

COLCHESTER COACHES.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof N555 CCL has been sold to Candy of Shepperton, due to the end of the 703 Stephensons sub contract.
One school contract will be operated in the 2015/16 academic year, using the remaining coach; Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas T555 CCL.

Above: The Colchester Coaches fleet, pictured at Clacton OC on 28/7/13.

COOKS OF WESTCLIFF ON SEA.
Irizar i6 YN13 BXG has come from Gibson of Renfrew, Scotland.
This marks a departure for Cooks, who had previously had Bova as their standard coach.

CREST COACHES, EAST HAM.
Mb Touro BX06 UMD is ex York Pullman.

CT PLUS.
Scania Omnicity double decker SD1 is back from collision repairs, at ADL Harlow.

DBS.
Locomotives still in the old EWS livery, are now losing the EWS branding in favour of DB decals.

DLR.
There have been some traffic enhancements.
From w/c 23/8/15, there was a frequency increase on peak services between Stratford and Canary Wharf to every 4 minutes.
And w/c 30/8/15, there was an increased Saturday evening headway between Bank and Lewisham.
However, some “last trains” now finish up to 30 minutes earlier.
Also, the Beckton to West Ham route now terminates at Canning Town.
A programme is in hand to convert carriages to more longitudinal seating, to improve passenger circulation.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.

Above: EHV1, from the batch of new Volvo B5H/Enviro 400 MMCs for the recent TfL135 contract, at Crossharbour Asda on 29/8/15.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Ex Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President VP4 (X153 FBB) is being cannibalised by Ensign.
This was one of the former Easybus vehicles, which latterly served with Go-Ahead London Central.

ENIGMA TRAVEL, COLCHESTER.
Withdrawn is unusual Isuzu NPR/LCB midi coach R767 TKX.

ENSIGNBUS.
Ex Houston of Lockerbie ADL/Enviro 200 MX62 ARF, is in service as fleet no 715.
Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus 114 (PO58 NPN) is delicensed due to collision damage.
The MKII Vantage Power “retro” diesel to hybrid conversion, is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President W473 WGH. It has been successfully proven around Milbrook Test Track. The picture (below), shows it “before it was famous”, as London General PVL73; at Greenwich in December 2001.

Vehicles sold are; Trident/ALX400 109 (T87 KLD), Trident/EL 909 (T748 JPO), Trident;President 912 (PK02 RDO) – to Geldards of Leeds; Wright DB300/Gemini hybrid 508 (LJ58 AVK) – to Crosville of Weston-Super-Mare
Service 66 (Lakeside-Tilbury-Chadwell St Mary) has returned to its normal line of route, following repairs to Hogg Lane, Grays – after a sinkhole appeared there in May.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
On hire from Ensign, have been Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH open topper P493 MBY and Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President X159 FBB.
Deroofed Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President X158 FBB has gone for scrap.

EUROSTAR.
New are Siemens Valero EMUs 374017/8.

FIRST ESSEX.


The new £3.3m depot at Haven Road, Colchester (known as Quayside) became operational on 29/8/15, (top picture). Located on the site of the former International Timber yard, this facility replaced the garages at Queen Street and Magdalen Street.
The ultimate run ins to the old premises were on the night of 28th-29th August, with the very last bus into Queen Street being Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32652 (AU05 MUP), off route 62A at 0145 on the 29th (pictured above). The following morning, buses left these sheds for the final time, returning to their new home that evening.
The existing workshop on Haven Road continues in use. It houses a MOT station.
Now in Refreshed livery is Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69434 (EU58 JWZ).
Scania L94UB/Wright 65683 (YR52 VEU) and “green” Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66804 (MX05 CCO) are back in use at Colchester (CR) ex long term VOR.
Withdrawn Scania L94/Wright 65653 (T653 SSF) has been cannibalised at Haven Road.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43735 (S735 TWC), has gone to Alpha for scrap.
X30 (Stansted Airport-Chelmsford-Southend) is now diverted at the southern end, away from Rayleigh Weir and via Eastwood Rise.
From 30/8/15, the Sunday and holiday 1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead) 102 (Colchester-Harwich) and 352 (Chelmsford-Halstead) Essex CC contracts were regained from Network Colchester (qv).
First ceased operation of Essex CC 73 (Maldon-Heybridge-Boreham-Chelmsford) after 28th August. Stephensons took it over from Tuesday 1st September (following the August Bank Holiday).

Above: First’s ex Carters of Capel St Mary ADL/Enviro 200 no 44900, at Heybridge on the 73 on 12/5/15.

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
JIG 8905 is a Van Hool bodied DAF SB3000, latterly with Falcon of Enfield.
Plaxton Cheetah bodied Mercedes 0814D YN53 EHU, has passed to Vale, Thruxton (dealer).

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Dennis Javelin/Caetano G854 VAY has been sold.

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD.
Mb 811D/Alexander N468 EHA is withdrawn.Sold are Dennis Dominator/EL J267 SPR, and Mercedes 709D/Alexander N910 NAP.

FREIGHTLINER.
Class 90 electric locos 90043/5/7 have been on loan to GBRf for Caledonian Sleeper duties.
They have been replaced in Intermodal by Class 66 diesels, made surplus by the loss of coal traffic.

GALE MOTORS, HARLOW.
Long serving Duple 425 LBZ 4329 is still in use here. Previously registered E125 LAD; it sees daily use despite being over 20 years old ! It was fully refurbished 3 years ago and can be often seen at shows and rallies.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Bova Magique WA09 HTO has passed to Rothbury of Alnwick, Northumbria.
Also disposed of is deroofed Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President G11 GTL.

GB RAILFREIGHT.

Above: 66761 made an unusual visit to Marks Tey yard on 5/8/15. It arrived mid afternoon with an aggregates train from Angerstein Wharf, Charlton, SE London, and later departed light engine to Peterborough.

HAVERING TRANSPORT.
Former Metroline Dennis Trident/ALX400 T87 KLD, has been returned to Ensign, off loan.

HEDINGHAM.
Dennis Trident/EL 725 (W825 NNJ) has arrived from Konnect. It is in Anglian livery.
Internal movements have seen Trident/ELs 712 (T812 RFG) transfer from Clacton (CN) to Tollesbury (TY); 729/34 (W829/34 NNJ) go from TY to Sible Hedingham (HD).
Trident/ALX400 737 (T107 DBW) has gone from store at CN to TY for service, while sisters 738/9 (T108/17 DBW) have come from HD to TY.
SLF/Pointer 253 (EU04 BVF) has transferred from TY to CN; 259 (EU56 FLP) is now at TY ex CN. Short ADL/Enviro 200 293 (EU59 AFJ) has moved from CN to HD.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 281 (V250 BNV) has been on loan to Chambers (qv).
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 83 (M273 UKN) is reinstated.
Withdrawn are Volvo Olympian/NC 69 (P608 CAY) – due to engine failure; and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 87 (P489 MBY). They are parked up at Kelvedon (KN).
From 30/8/15, service 87 (Colchester-Brightlingsea) ceased to run as a double loop around Brightlingsea.

Above: Newly transferred ADL/Enviro 200 no 293, at Deanery Gardens, Bocking on 29/8/15. (Terry Clark).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 22 (LR02 BBJ) has received the latest IB livery, and joined the main fleet. Previously, it had been restricted to schools, and retained London red.
Ex Lothian Super Pointer – Dart SLF no 135 (SN53 AVK), has entered traffic after repaint and retrim.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/EL Sprytes 91/7/9 (X91/7, 199 LBJ).

JR EXECUTIVCOPDOCK.
Setra S415 BX56 VUR has been re-registered JR56 BUS.

KB COACHES, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/VH YOI 7353 is reinstated.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
Is now a contractor for National Express, on A8 (Stansted Airport-London Liverpool Street) and for Terravision.
Setra S315 W213 UGX has been re-registered IJZ 474.

Above: Kellys Setra S415 BX06 UMV at Witham, on Abellio Greater Anglia rail replacement in September 2012.

KEVENDY, WICKFORD.
YN06 FTT is an ex Hutchinson of Easingwold, East Yorks Neoplan Starliner N516.
It has been re-registered K88 DYS.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.
Scania K113/Irizar R866 SDT is now A19 LNR.

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Withdrawn is Dart SLF/Mini Pointer W928 PTS, along with Iveco 59 C14 LCB, Mb 709D/Plaxton Beaver L878 VHT, Optare Alero YN04 XZR.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
An interesting acquisition is HDL255E, a Duple Bella Vega bodied Bedford VAM3; from Gange of Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Withdrawn is open top Leyland Olympian/NC PJZ 9463.

LONDON CENTRAL.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DWL32 (FJ54 ZUA) is withdrawn, after it caught fire at Blackheath while on TfL108 (Stratford-Lewisham) on 10th August.
Ex London General Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP207 (SN51 UAW) has arrived as a replacement.

Above: DWL18 at Stratford High Street, in August 2009.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).

Above; One of the first of its class into the new livery, LOROL ex Abellio 315801 arrives at London Liverpool Street on 12/8/15, on a late evening journey from Chingford.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
There were further 24 hour strikes on 5th to 6th, 25th to 26th and 27th to 28th August. (See Editorial).

From 8th to 30th August; the was no service on the Victoria Line between Seven Sisters and Walthamstow Central. This was for works, to enable a capacity increase along the entire length of this route from 2016. There were replacement buses for the duration.
These were 558 (Chingford Mount-Seven Sisters) operated by Metroline, M-F (see below), plus Service A (Walthamstow Central-Seven Sisters LUL stations only) – worked (daily) by Arriva London and Sullivan Buses and Service B (Walthamstow Central-St James Street-Stratford City) – M-F only and contracted to Arriva London.
Aditionally, there were M-F peak enhancements to local (Stagecoach East London) TfL bus routes 58 (Walthamstow-East Ham) – ((Walthamstow Central-Leyton Downsell Road section), 97 (Chingford-Stratford City) – (Walthamstow Central-Stratford City section), 158 (Chingford Mount-Stratford) – (St James Street-Stratford Bus Station section).

Above: A Walthamstow bound Victoria Line service, headed by 2009 Tube Stock car no 11028, at Tottenham Hale in May 2011.

Circle/District/H and C S7 Stock arrivals are 21477/8, 21479/80.

The latest D78 District Line stock withdrawals, are of 7001 + 17001 + 8000; 7008 + 17008 + 8008; 7029 + 17029 + 8029; 7039 + 17039 + 8039; 7041 + 17041 + 8041; 7060 + 17060 + 8060; 7072 + 17072 + 8072; 7118 + 17118 + 8118; 7122 + 17122 + 8122; 7125 + 17125 + 8125.

METROLINE.
Temporary TfL route 558 was operated, M-F between 8th and 30th August; partially covering the Victoria Line suspension north of Seven Sisters.
The 558 served all stops between Chingford Mount and Blackhorse Road, before calling at Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters only.
TP class Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents were used; gathered from around the Metroline fleet. TP457 (LK03 GJG) is pictured, below.

(Waltham Forest Guardian).

MIKES COACHES, BASILDON.
Previously withdrawn Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount MXI 675, is sold.

MTR/TfL RAIL.
315822/9/32/42/50 are the latest of their type to be outshopped in the new livery.

MULLEYS OF IXWORTH.
Supplied through Ensign are ex Dublin Bus Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s LW51 ZDY ex 01-D-10204 and 01-D-10202.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
A new contractor is Excalibur of Peckham, following its exit from partnership with Terravision.
Excalibur’s ex Terravision liveried King Longs and Sunsundegui Volvo B12Ts have been noted, in plain white on NX services between London Victoria and Luton and Stansted Airports.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Sold are the remaining Dart SLF/Super Pointers Y152 NLK, Y661/3 NLO, RX51 FNV.
Y152 NLK and Y663 NLO passed to Thandi of Birmingham. Y152 NLK was converted to single door and upseated by NHT, before dispatch.

OLYMPIAN COACHES/ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
The Roadrunner bus operations have passed to Townlink. Commercial routes 511 (Harlow-Bishops Stortford), R1/31 (Katherines Circulars) ceased w/e 22nd August.
A new metallic grey coach livery has been introduced. It has been applied to Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas XIB 3914; DAF SB3000/VH Y314 HUA; Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur V282 SBW and Scania K340/Irizar Century T50 APT.
T50 APT and Iveco Turbo Daily NX04 CTV are reinstated.
Withdrawn are Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas XIB 3914, LV02 LLJ; SLF/Mini Pointers V749 ECU, V729 DNL, V196/8 ERG, Y237 NLK, Y971 TGH; SLF/Pointers Y653 NLO, Y542 XAG; MSLF/ALX200s LX51 FGJ/N, FGV; Scania K340/Irizar PB YN04 GPF; Iveco Turbo Daily minicoaches EU54 LWZ, YN05 ARX, EU07 XGL.
Sold for scrap are Iveco Eurorider/Beaulases MKZ 6312 and S235 HGU.
Also sold are Dart SLF/Pointers S307/16 JUA; SLF/Mini Pointer X507 WRG; Eurorider XIB 3914 – shortly after it was repainted !
One time DAF SB3000/VH Y304 HUA is now with McGovern, Glangevlin, Eire as 01 CN 6081.
The former Temple bank depot is now used by Berendsen, a textile company.

Above:Y304 HUA in its Olympian Coaches days; seen outside the old Temple Bank depot in August 2009.

P and M COACHLINES, WICKFORD.
Mercedes 709D/Alexander AIG 2564 is withdrawn.
This was new as Stagecoach United Counties L372 JBD.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Javelin/Paramount 3200 G210 UAS is now in white/blue/silver fleet livery, ex yellow. It has been named ‘Bumblebee’ and re-registered to BIG 8856.
All Leyland Olympian BIG 9249 has been named ‘Albert’.
Leyland Olympian/ECW “Big Bertha” coach BIG 4005, is back in use.
“New” ancillary vehicles are Vauxhall Zafira crew ferry LD02 NCC and Peugeout 106 5 door h/b car P568 LKE.

Above: Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile BIG 6002 at Darsham, Suffolk on 31/7/15.
It had just arrived on a Greater Anglia RRP from Ipswich.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash P392 LPS is withdrawn.
SLF/Pointer 605 (W133 WGT) is sold.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Pink liveried ADL/Enviro 400 19164 (MX07 HNF) is at Cambridge.
MAN 18.220/Alexander ALX300 22058 (KV53 FAF) now has a super rear advert for Swansea University !
MAN 18.220/ALX300 22330 (AE51 RZA) is withdrawn and cannibalised.
Withdrawn Ford Transit drop N24 HPV and the two Ford Mondeos have gone for scrap, after parts recovery.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New Routemasters into allover advertisments are:
LT241 – Dove; LT248, M312 – Tommy Hilfiger; LT268, 388 – Pepe Jeans; LT271, 359 – Nike.
ADL/Enviro E40H 12142 (LX61 DDV) has reverted to fleet livery, ex overall advert.
Tridents delicensed are 17789/98 (LX03 BWC/M), 17922 (LX03 OSW), 18204 (LX04 FWP).
Withdrawn are Tridents 17581/3 (LV52 HFO/R), 17745/6 (LY52 ZFD/E), 17802 (LX03 BWV).
17836/7 (LX03 BYM/N) have moved from North Street (NS) to Leyton (T); 18451/3 have gone from NS to Rainham (RM). ADL/Enviro 200 36284 has returned to Barking (BK) from NS.
Optare Tempo hybrids LX09 BGK/U have been exported to New Zealand, via Ensign.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
Short ADL/Enviro 200s 425/6 (MX62 APK/O) are from Goodwins of Manchester.
Ex Nottingham City Transport Scania Omnidekkas YN53 CFP/U/V/X/Y have joined vthe fleets as nos 901-5. Existing Omnidekkas 507/8 (YN54 AFF/J) have been renumbered 906/7.
Leyland Olympians 863 (J563 HAT), 955/62 (L955/62 MSC) are now crew ferries.
Dart SLF/Caetano 453 (HV52 WTC) is the usual “spare” bus for route 247/Ipswich outstation, when “regular” SLF/Pointer 459 (GU52 HKD) is not available.
From 21/8/15, service 23 (Belfairs-Leigh) was introduced M-F, to replace axed Arriva 6A (qv).
Sales are of Leyland Olympian/Alexander RHs 955/62 (L955/62 MSC) – to Squarepeg of Garforth, Yorkshire, and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 827 (N827 FKK) – to Galloway of Mendlesham, Suffolk.

SULLIVAN BUSES.

Withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers DP82, 92/6 (V782/92/6 FKH). DP82 was pictured, above on TfL RRP at Barking in October 2012; and below, in its London United days at Hammersmith Bridge in July 2009.

Service 312 (Potters Bar-Hatfield Tesco Circular) ceased after 29th August. From the same date, new route 306B (Potters Bar-Watford) started, replacing Saturday journeys on 398 (Potters Bar-Borehamwood).
Services in the Welwyn Hatfield area were de-registered at the end of August, upon expríry of Herts CC contracts.

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas PO58 HRF has passed to Vale of Henstridge, Dorset.
Also sold are MCW Metrobus B269 WUL and Setra S215 G393 CLH.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Now provides some coaches on contract to Terravision.

TERRAVISION.

Above: In Terravision livery, Volvo B12T/Sunsundegui BL14 LSX of Excalibur, at Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1 on 31/1/15.

Excalibur Coaches of Peckham is no longer a partner/contractor. The successor is Redwing of Camberwell and North Kent. Other new contractors noted are Westway of Raynes Park, Kellys of Nazeing and Talisman of Great Bromley (qv).
Scania K410/Irizar tri-axle YN64 AMX is back from accident repairs.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH.
DAF MB230/Van Hool SIL 1514 has come from Wheeler of Kendall, Cumbria.
It was new as G220 HCP.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Acquired is ex Emblings of Guyhirn Caetano bodied Dennis Javelin YIL 5494.
It has been repainted from white to blue.
Toyota Optima/Caetano R687 ACL is withdrawn.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Has absorbed the remaining Roadrunner operations (qv).
Although the SM Coaches operation ceased some time ago, Iveco 65C/Irisbus minicoach EU07 XGL was still present at Burnt Mills depot, in late August.

TREKKERS OF HARLOW.
The Duple 425 seems to be the popular choice of coach here; with the entire fleet made up of the marque.
In use are:
WAZ 3838 previously C300 BYO; currently in its original livery. It was new to the Metropolitan Police where it was used for the Police band. The rear section was originally changing rooms and lockers for instruments and equipment.
PJI 1244 was previously C716 NYJ and last with Barkerbus.
E208 EPB is the only one of the 425s that is Euro4 compliant, and can thus go into London. It has been re-engined with a Cumminsibe4/5 unit and refurbished internally.
LIL 5072 originally E205 EPB; previously with the now ceased Seymour Travel of Harlow. It has a Plaxton Paragon front end, as illustrated below.

Above: LIL 5072, seen on a trip to Braintree in November 2008.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Now on fleet is former Arriva London DAF DB250L/Alexander ALX400 X427 FGP. This retains dual doors and red livery, but now has led destinations.
Withdrawn are SLF/Pointer PD31 (R744 BMY); SPD28/9 (NK51 MKM/J); SLF/Caetano Y364 HMY. HMY has been cannibalised.
Sold are Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beavers MP5 (EIG 1357), MP6 (RHZ 9644); SLF/Pointers PD27 (RHZ 2264), SPD29; and DAF SB220/Optare Delta NFZ 5318. NFZ 5318 and SPD29/NK51 MKJ went to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap.
Route C1 (Canada Fields/Waltham Cross-Cuffley Rail Station/Chancellors School) was de-registered after 31/8/16 and replaced by the new 240 group of services from the following day. From 30th August, Sunday workings of 242 (Waltham Cross-Potters Bar-Welwyn Garden City) were again gained on re-tender.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Has acquired the coach activities of Wicks of Braintree.
One time Hong Kong Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer N978 RCD, has been sold.

UNO, HATFIELD.

Sold to Ripley, Carlton (dealer) are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DFW773/6 (X773/6 EVS), and ex Centrebus former Sovereign Dart SLF/Super Pointers DP568/9/72/4/6 (W568 XRO etc). DP568 is pictured (above) at St Albans City Station in July 2005, when operated by Centrebus and still in Sovereign livery. These two companies were the direct predecessors of UNO in St Albans.  DP574, is illustrated (below), at St Albans Market Place in October 2008.

After 30th August, St Albans City Service S1 (Cell Barnes-St Peters Street) lost its evening and Sunday service (excluding public holidays). S4 (Cotton Mill-St Albans City Station) was axed completely from this date, with the exception of bank holidays. 5 (Harlow-South End) ceased from the same time, along with UNO involvement on 301 (Stevenage-Hemel Hempstead). The 301 is now full responsibility of Arriva The Shires. 354 (Buntingford-Harlow) has also ended.
The following trafic changes happened around Hatfield from 30/8/15:
602 (Hatfield-Watford) – stopped serving South Hatfield or Shenley Black Lion, with Mon to Sat evening frquency withdrawn.
607 (Hatfield Garden Village and Salisbury Village Circular) – commercial Sunday evening operation ceased.
625 (Letchworth Wilbury Hill-Hatfield) – withdrawn.
635 (Baldock-Hatfield) – withdrawn, partly replaced by extension of Green Line 797.
653 (Welwyn Garden City-St Albans New Greens Estate) – revised with New Green-Jersey Farm evening shorts withdrawn.

Above: Mb Citaro MB307 at St Albans in April 2008.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
From South Dorset at Swanage is Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas FG03 JDU.
An addition to the bus fleet is short ADL/Enviro 200 KX57 FMF; latterly with Scarlet Band of West Cornforth, County Durham.
Scania K114/Irizar SUI 9014 has passed to Ventura, Lingfield (dealer).
Also sold on are Optare Solo V668 EFX and Mercedes 0405N V384 MOA.

WICKS COACHES, BRAINTREE.
Has sold out to Turners of Essex (qv).
The home removals business will continue under Wicks.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas X638 GJU, has been sold.

Above: Wicks Neoplan Cityliner SIB 8345, at Feering in June 2010.
By this time, a blue livery (in the case of the Neoplan), or white with maroon lining had replaced the traditional dark red/grey scheme.

Acknowledgements:
With thanks to Alex Hazell, Connor, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, P Layzell, PSVC, RM, M Stokes.