Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the May 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.
Two main stories for this month. Firstly, Terravision has finally left Stansted, (but still runs into the area as a joint venture with Citylink). Citylink has wholly taken over one Terravision route. The Terravision website now shows the Citylink services. Terravision had latterly only operated vehicles from an industrial estate part of the airport, after having been evicted from the airport coach station in August 2015. It had then terminated its London services from firstly the Mid Stay Car Park and latterly Bishops Stortford Rail Station. It had lost out in the competitive tender process for access to the coach station. Terravision began its London Stansted service in 2003; initially using vehicles from Epsom Coaches. By 2004, its own “in house” Terravision Transport had been set up, with Excalibur of London also supplying coaches. This arrangement continued up to 2015; although Epsom stepped back earlier. Newcomers Airport Bus Express and Stansted Citylink, plus the incumbent National Express, quickly filled the void, although Citylink subsequently forged the partnership with Terravision, as mentioned above.

Above: Epsom Coaches Setra S315 BX04 EXW, in Terravision livery, at Stansted in February 2005. It is on the original A50 service to/from London Victoria.

Secondly, Carters Coach Services has disposed of its local bus contracts to Ipswich Buses. The company was formed by on time Eastern Counties employee Mr Viv Carter in 1985; although he had been involved in bus preservation since 1977. Carters will continue its non stage carriage activities, under a new title.

Above; Carters Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus no 15, on the bridge over the River Orwell at Princes Street, Ipswich on 20/8/15. This is one of the vehicles which passed to Ipswich Buses.On the left is First Eastern Counties Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar no 69422, which is on a town service which competes against Ipswich Buses.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
Lea Bridge station re-opened on 15/5/16. It had been closed since July 8th 1985.
Class 90 electric locomotive 90008 is now in the new livery, ex National Express; leaving just 90003 in this scheme.
‘Renatus’ refurbished EMU 321304 has been outshopped in a revised colour scheme of white with a dark grey skirt topped with a red stripe. It will re-enter revenue traffic later.
ONE liveried stock is now getting rare. Mk III TRB (buffet car) 10406 was still in this scheme at the end of May; as were Turbostar DMUs 170201-06.
Coaching stock into the latest livery are Mk III TSOs 11094, 12093/98, 12119.

Above: An unusual shot, taken at Coggeshall Road, Feering, on 5/5/16. TSO 12040 has stopped on the bridge, due to a fault on the level crossing at Church Lane, Kelvedon. It is forming part of a Norwich to London Liverpool Street service.

Above: The last DVT to be repainted out of ONE colours was 82127. It is pictured at Ingatestone on 29/5/16. Norwich-London services were terminating there, due to engineering work.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
MB04 TCZ is a MAN18.310/Marcopolo coach, ex Lodge of High Easter.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Short Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 CC05 BLU is ex Tates Travel, Barnsley.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV AE55 EHM is on loan from Ensign.

ANITAS, STANSTED.
Mercedes Tourismo tri-axle BT15 KNE has been returned to Evobus.

APT TRAVEL, RAYLEIGH.
FJ04 ERK is a Jonckherre bodies Volvo B12M, ex Platinum of Wolverhampton.
Scania K114/Irizar PT03 APT, has reverted to its original SN03 CLZ mark.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE – NETWORK COLCHESTER.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3415 (SN54 HXB) has come from Harlow. It is already in Arriva livery.
Scania Omnidekka 5373 (YN06 TFZ) has been outshopped in Arriva colours, ex TGM.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3413 (SN54 HWY) and 3421 (AY54 FPZ), now have yellow “wraparound” driver recruitment adverts, (on their off sides only). 3421 is pictured, below at the Maldon Road/Shrub End Road/Drury Road intersection, on 10/5/16.

DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3941 (GK52 YVF) has gone to Arriva Kent and Surrey, for use as a driver trainer. Loaned Short SLF/Alexander ALX200 3331 (W462 XKX), has returned to Arriva The Shires.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE – NETWORK HARLOW.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3817 (GN07 AVD) is now in Interurban livery, ex SxConnect.
Also now into this scheme is B7RLE/Wright 3731 (GN54 MYO).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Received for Barking (DX) depot are ex Arriva Kent Thameside DAF DB250L/Wright Geminis 6213-9 (GK53 AOA-G). These had previously been used on TfL routes from Dartford. They are for the forthcoming ‘GOBLIN’ (Barking-Gospel Oak) rail replacement.

BA CITYFLYER.
New is Embraer E190-100SR G-LCYW.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
OAZ 5315 is an ex Go-South Coast Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paragon.

BARNES, RAINHAM.
LUI 7646 is a Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount, ex Stagecarriage of Grangetown. It was originally E668 UNE with Shearings.

BEESTONS.
Mercedes 1523L/UNVI SK07 LZD is now FHJ 565.

BLUE TRIANGLE.

Above: The new Barking garage; seen on 26/5/16.

Further ADL/Enviro 40Hs for River Road (RR) garage are ex London Central E100/1/3 (LX09 EZU/V/Z), E167/72/80 (SN61 BGV, BHD/P) and ex London General E163 (SN61 BGF).
Scania Omnidekka SO4 (BV55 UCX) has been resold by Ensign, to Weardale Motor Services, Bishop Auckland.
Transfers within Go-Ahead London are of ADL/Enviro 200s SEN30/1 (YX61 FZO/P) to London General (Metrobus); and SEN39, 42 (YX09 FLP, FMU) to London Central.
Accident damaged Dennis Dart SLF/MCV ED23 (LX07 BYO), has gone to Ensign for spares. After parting out, the remains went to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap.
Also sold to Ensign is DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DW11 (LF52 TKN).

Above: Allocated to the new Barking garage is ex London Central ADL/Enviro 40D SE170. It was seen at East Ham on 26/5/16.

Above: One of the Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s recently transferred from London General to Blue Triangle, to bolster East London Transit. WVL 474 is seen at Bastable Avenue, Thames View Estate, Barking on 26/5/16.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.

Red Route of Gravesend Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther FJ55 XBC was again on hire at the end of May, for rail replacement. It is pictured at Ingatestone on 29/5/16.

BRITISH AIRWAYS.
CityFlyer has commenced operations from London Stansted. Flights serve Berlin-Tegel, Faro, Malaga and Milan-Linate.

C2C.
Six Class 387 4-car EMUs are to be leased from Autumn 2016, for up to three years. They are required to cope with extra customer demand. This follows C2C investigating the lease of two 5-car Class 360 EMUs from Heathrow Connect; which was not pursued.

CALEDONIAN SLEEPER/GBRf.

Class 86 electric locomotive 86401, which is on loan from the AC Loco Group; was at Ilford Car Sheds on 20/5/16.

CARTERS OF CAPEL ST MARY.

Sold its local bus activities to Ipswich Buses; effective from 29th May 2016.
The low floor vehicles were included in the deal, and two Tridents  – 18/19 (V126/62 MEV) have been imported from Ipswich (qv). On its last day of independence, Carters used Bristol Lodekka FS64/ECW 314 PFM, on route 93 (Ipswich-Colchester), with Mr Carter driving.
The heritage vehicles and one school contract have been retained; under the title of Carters Heritage Buses.
Open top Bristol VRT/ECW JNG 50N, has passed to a local preservationist.

Above: Carters VDL200/MCV Evolution no 260, at the old Colchester Bus Station in February 2011.
Below: Bristol FS 314 PFM, at Kelvedon in July 2012.

COLAS RAIL.
On 20/5/16, Class 37 diesel electric locomotive 37421 and DBSO 9708 topped and tailed a Network Rail test train. The ensemble was stabled at Colchester.

CT PLUS.
ADL/E40H City demonstrator SN65 OHP has been on loan for type training, in advance of the type appearing on new TfL contracts 26/N26.

DLR. The first Bombardier B90 stock unit to be withdrawn is no 39.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPI/J.

In the new livery; Airbus A320 G-EZDM at Stansted on 22/5/16. It is on a Glasgow service.

ENSIGNBUS.


Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 905/6/7 (LJ54 BFO, BDZ, BFL), have been repainted red and silver. They retain dual doors. These are for the forthcoming ‘GOBLIN’ (Barking-Gospel Oak) rail replacement, and will be used with classmates 901-4 which are already in this livery. Sisters LJ54 BDO/V have been converted to single door/led destinations, and are now in the main fleet as nos 109/10 and liveried in the usual blue and silver.
Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus 114 (PO58 NPN) has been outshopped following repairs to collision damage. It no longer carries its ‘Adam’ name on the front, but retains its side nameplates.
Ford Transit 16 seater MJ12 KFK, has been acquired as a crew ferry.

EUROSTAR.

Above: Sunset over HS1 at Purfleet on 26/5/16.

EUROWINGS.
New Airbus A320-214s are D-AEWF/G; while OE-IEW is for the Europe fleet.

D-AKNP is one of a fleet of Airbus A320s which fly to Stansted. It was pictured at Stuttgart, Germany on 22/5/16. Many aircraft still carry ‘Germanwings’ fleet names.

FIRST ESSEX.

Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 32628/31/40/1/2 (KP54 KAU, KBF, AZB/C/D) have moved from Basildon (BN) to Colchester (CR). 32640 was seen (above) at Colchester Bus Station on 21/5/16.
Accident damaged Dennis Trident/Plaxton Prsident 33184 (LR02 LZD) is to be repaired.
Trident/Presidents 33001/2 (LK51 UZO/P) have gone to First Hants and Dorset.
All the stored Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents 32804/9/47/9/50 (T804 LLC etc), 32855/6 (V855/6 HBY), 32864 (T864 KLF), 32905 (W905 VLN) have gone from Braintree (BE). 32801/9/47/9/55 to First Hants and Dorset; 32804/50 to First Devon and Cornwall, although 32804 quickly joined the others in Hampshire.32887 (V887 HBY) went to First South West.
Sold to Alpha Recovery for scrap, are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 20463 9X193 HFB), Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32863 (V863 HBY), Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capitals 41732/61 (X732 HLF, X761 HLR) and Volvo B10B/Wright driver trainer 60135 (R177 GSX).
The old Colchester travel office at Queen Street, has been vacated by tenant Sofa Express.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE and Halstead.
Acquired through Ensign, is ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka YN56 FDF.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: Heavy Haul 66619 heads “up” through Kelvedon on 5/5/16, on an empty scrap train.

GALLOWAY.
Temsa Safari YJ60 GKE is sold.
The former Clacton outstation site is now occupied by Loho Civils Limited.

GBRf.
Clas 08 diesel electric shunter 08834 was on loan from HNRC, to cover for the resident shunter at Dagenham 08934, which was undergoing heavy maintenance at HNRC’s Chesterfield base.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
New is Van Hool TX16 430 (OO16 BOY). It is named ‘Master Roy’.
Volvo B10M/VH N99 BOY is now with Brian Jones Coaches, Gravesend.

GREEN, WALTHAMSTOW.
Temsa Safari YJ16 EHZ has passed to Patel of Thornton Heath.

HEDINGHAM.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) is in the new livery.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 289 (EJ02 KYY), 290 (EX02 RYR) have moved from Sible Hedingham (HD) to Clacton (CN).
In early May, operation of 15 (Lexden-Marks Tey Rail Station) and 82/83 (Colchester-Fordham/Colne Engaine/Mount Bures), passed completely to Clacton (CN).
Commercial routes 91 (Tollesbury-Maldon), 92 (Tollesbury-Colchester) and 95 (Tollesbury-Maldon) have been de-registered from late July. They will go out to council tender.

Above: Scania Omnidekka 1519 made an unusual appearance on 82A on 16/5/16. Seen at London Road, Lexden. This is normally worked by Dennis Dart SLF saloons.

Above: SLF/MPD 290 – also at London Road, Lexden on an early evening 15 on 27/5/16.

Volvo B10BLE/Wrights 482-86 (R227/29/31-3 HCD) have gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap, after storage at Anglian, Ellough.

IPSWICH BUSES.
The local bus side of Carters of Capel St Mary was acquired from 29th May 2016.
The following buses were taken into IB stock and allocated fleet numbers:
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 4 (LG02 FEV), 5 (LG02 FCA), 6 (LG02 FCE), 7 (LX03 BTF), 8 (LX04 FYB); Trident/Plaxton President 26 (LR52 KWH); Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus 42 (P915 RYO), Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 43 (R158 LHK); VDL200/MCV Evolution 156 (AY60 BYD); Volvo B10M/Caetano Enigma coach 157 (NK51 ZSR). These retain Carters red/yellow livery, except 7, 8 , 42 which are allover red, and the coach which is white.

Following acquisitions of Carters bus routes; Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18/19 (V126/62 MEV), have been transferred to the Carters operation; initially “on hire”. 19 is seen (above) in Head Street, Colchester.
Volvo Olympian/EL 42 (M42 EPV) and Dennis Dart SLF/EL 90 (X901 LBJ) are now with preservationists. Also sold are Trident/EL 10 (PO51 UMK) and SLF/EL 92 (X92 DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 51 (X151 LBJ) meanwhile, went to PSV Recycling at Hadleigh for scrap.

JOHN JAMES TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.
An expansion has seen the fleet more than double – from 5 to 14. As a result, an additional depot has been established at Colliers Row.

KEANE TRAVEL, MUCKINGFORD.
Neoplan N316 Starliner YN04 AUX is now KIG 1262.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
Bova Futura KC08 ABC has passed to Roman Coaches, Colchester.

KIRBYS OF RAYLEIGH.
Mb Tourismos BJ59 OJD/F are now K90 BYS and K55 BYS, respectively.

KLARNER, COLCHESTER.
GB15 KCL is a Mercedes Tourismo.
Mb Sprinter 515/CDI BGZ 5867 is now T16 KCL.

L and R TRAVEL, WICKFORD.

SE04 UTS is a Ford Transit 16 seater.

LONDON CENTRAL.
The SOE Class Scania Omnilink/ELs on TfL42 (Denmark Hill-Liverpool Street) have been returned to London General, for use on TfL355 (Mitcham-Tooting-Brixton). They have been replaced by LDP Class Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers. This is understood to be connected with the impending re-tender of TfL42. Ex LG SLF LDP218 (SK52 MPE) has been noted.

Above: SOE21 at Bishopsgate on 20/5/16.

Sold to Ensign are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DW9 (LF52 TKT), DWL15 (BX04 BXN), DWL17 (FJ54 ZDR). After cannibalisation, DWL15/17 quickly passed to MC Tractors at Ely for scrap. This type is now being replaced on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) by E Class ADL/Enviro 200s and MEC Class Mb Citaros.

Above; DW11 in original East Thames Buses condition, on the Holloway Road in March 2005.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
The use of the loaned Class 321 EMUs on the Romford-Upminster branch has ceased; with Class 317 EMUs returning.
Into the new livery are EMUs 315808 and 317714.

Above: 321414 at Emerson Park on 30/1/16. These ex London Midland 4 carriage EMUs have moved on to Scotrail, after conversion to 3 car Class 320s.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
While the retirement of the D78 Stock and the arrival of its S7 replacements on the District Line, currently make the news; over on the Central Line, the 1992 Tube Stock continues to serve the travellers of east London – as it has done for more than 20 years.

In this view, taken at Newbury Park on 1/5/16; 91321 brings up the rear of a Hainault bound service, while 91175 waits in the turnback siding, to depart for Ealing Broadway.

Back to District Line happenings, new S7 Stock arrivals are 21527/28, 21529/30, 21533/34.
The latest D78 units to be stood down are 7002+17002+8002; 7014+17014+8014; 7017+17017+8017; 7026+17026+8026; 7044+17044+8044; 7500+17501+7501; 7506+17506+7507.
To VivaRail: 7002/14/17/26/44, 7500/1/6/7.
To Booth Roe for scrap: 17002/14/17/26/44, 17501/6; 8002/14/17/26/44.

Above: By May 2016, the active D78 fleet was down to around 35 train sets. ‘Double ended’ 7534 enters Embankment station on 20/5/16. Back in 2008, This was the last silver D78 to remain in traffic, and ran a Special from Upminster to Ealing Broadway in February of that year.

The first of the D Trains has been unveiled. 3 car 230001 is undergoing acceptance tests. Livery is white/green with yellow/black cab ends. Cab end doors are no longer fitted.

MULLEYS, IXWORTH.
The ex Dublin Bus Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s have been re-registered again. X179 CHJ, X56 XAW, LWS51 ZDY, LW51 ZMV are now MIU 7919, 6449, 7924, 7949 respectively.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.

Coaches are carrying special decals, to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II. This one is on Scania K410/Caetano Levante no SH204 (BG65 TGK).
Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levantes SH176 (BK14 LFP), SH178 (BK14 LFS), SH180/3/4 (BK14 LFU/X/Y), SH186 (BK14 LGA), SH188/9 (BK14 LGD/E), SH191 (BK14 LGG), SH199, 200 (BN64 FKL/M) now sport super rear adverts for ‘New Standards at Stansted’. The slogans on these vary and also include ’19 Million Memories Made’ and ‘We Fly to Stansted’.

Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes 162-7/9 (FJ11 GJO/U, GKU/V/X, GLZ) have been moved from Start Hill (SH) to Crawley (CY). Sister 141 (FJ12 FYH) has moved from SH to Sipson Road (SR).

NETWORK RAIL.
The ZTO ‘Shark’ brakevan, remains long term resident at Shenfield. A disposal to the Epping and Ongar Railway unfortunately fell through.

NEW HORIZON.

Volvo B12M/Berkhof FJ03 AAZ has been re-registered S25 NHT.

P and M COACHLINES, WICKFORD.
GD53 GXT is a Ford KA crew ferry.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer W339 VGX has passed to Royal Buses of St Ives, Cornwall. It was pictured (above) at Stansted on 1/5/16; prior to sale. Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima BIG 6002 and SLF/MPD SIL 6719 are also sold. BIG to Lovatt of Coleshill; SIL to Amber of Rayleigh. SIL had briefly been returned to service, after a period in store.
Leyland Titan PD3/4/NC convertible open topper BUF 426C has black ‘Panther Travel’ fleet names on green/cream Southdown livery.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL BIG 7758 is withdrawn due to rear end accident damage.
It has been re-registered back to F640 LMJ, and passed to Lloyd, Hixon (dealer)- after recovery of some parts.
There is now an outstation at Colchester; for the 80/81 routes.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
A block of flats has been built across part of the trackbed of the former North London Railway, at Fairfield Road, Bow. It is in the “triangle” between the GE Main Line and the branch to Gas Factory Junction/DLR route to Poplar.

REGAL BUSWAYS.

Optare Tempo PO2 (YJ56 WVC) has been destroyed by fire. The picture (above), shows it unusually working on route 211, at Waltham Cross on 16/1/16.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 V192 MEV, has returned to Ensign – off loan.
In the early hours of 29/5/16, Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 1401 (V761 HBY) got stuck under Duke Street railway bridge, Chelmsford, while on a rail replacement. The bus was not deroofed and there were no injuries.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Ex Kings Tours of Stanway, via Moseley (dealer), is Bova Futura KC08 ABC. It has been named ‘Aurelia’.
Scania K114/Irizar V21 ROM is named ‘Itsy’. Bova Futura V22 ROM has been christened ‘Fortuna’.

RYANAIR.

Boeing 737-800 EI-ENP is “pushed back” for departure, at Stansted on 21/5/16.

New are Boeing 737-800s EI-FRL-P/R/S/T.
Withdrawn is B737-800 EI-EFM.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
By the end of May, the only MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 seen in use at Cambridge, were 22058/59/60 (KV53 FAF/J/K). Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 52485 (R185 DNM), has appeared at Cambridge for driver training.

Above: MAN18.220/ALX300 no 22058 at Emmanuel Road, Cambridge on 23/4/16.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New are ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs 12365-400 (YX16 OGD-H/J-P/R-W/Y/Z, OHA-H/J/K/L/N-P/R/S).
The large influx of these at Barking (BK) and Romford (NS) has allowed TfL 296 (Ilford-Romford) and TfL396 (Ilford-Goodmayes Hospital) to largely go over to double deck operation. The new buses appear on a variety of routes, with the NS examples rubbing shoulders with their slightly older sisters on TfL498 (Romford-Brentwood).
On loan to Stagecoach South are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17792/3 (LX03 BWF/G), 17829/30/35/46/67-69/74 (LX03 BYC/D/L/Z, NFM/N/P/Y). They are being used on special event services, like airshows.
The remaining Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s which had been hired to Tower Transit have returned; 18240 (LX04 FYG), 18246 (LX04 FYN), 18254/5 (LX04 FYY/Z).
Sold to Ensign are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18239/43/47-50/52/55 (LX04 FYF/K/P/R/S/T/V/Z).
Resold by Ensign are Tridents 17946/72 (LX53 JYJ, JZP) – to Landmark Coaches, Arlesley; 17947/57/64 (LX53 JYK/Y, JZG) – to Sarcophagus Films, Shepperton; 17954 (LX53 JYU) – Hunts of Alford.
Ensign has also acquired former fleet member Trident 17003 (S803 BWC) – from Stagecoach Devon.
Trident 17419 (LX51 FJJ) has been scrapped by Stagecoach London.
Transferred to Selkent are ADL/Enviro 200s 36280-2 (LX11 AWV/W/Y), 36347 (LX59 ANR).They are now at Catford (TL), except 36347 which is at Bromley (TB).
On loan to Stagecoach South, were Tridents 17792/3 (LX03 BWF/G), 17829/30/5 (LX03 BYC/D/L), 17846 (LX03 BYZ), 17867/8/9/74 (LX03 NFM/N/P/Y).

Above and below: Tridents 17954 and 18245 at Ensign on 26/5/16.

Above: One of the oldest buses still in front line use with Stagecoach East London, is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17995. It was seen at Newbury Park Station on 1/5/16.

STANSTED CITYLINK.

Mercedes Tourismo MBT1 (BG65 VXA), has a super rear advert for the improved 767 service. Sister BG65 VXH now physically carries its fleet no MBT7.
Service A50 has been wholly taken over from Terravision and now runs as Stansted-Kings Cross St Pancras-Victoria. A60 (Stansted-Stratford-Liverpool Street) is jointly operated with Terravision. A50 uses the fully liveried Mb Tourismos, while A60 has the hired Callinan coaches alongside the debranded Terravision vehicles.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
On loan is Euro 6 Scania N230UD.ADL Enviro 400 demonstrator YN16 CFU.
An interesting acquisition, through Ensign is Scania N230UD/Optare Olympus YT59 NZN.
Latterly with Flights Hallmark (and used on the Kingston upon Thames University Shuttle), is was new to Network Colchester; so has “almost returned home”.
Three Rivers branded ADL/Enviro 200 472 (EU65 EOH), worked from Clacton base from mid May, while Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 830 (N959 FKK) has appeared on 38/A (Halstead-Braintree-Witham).

Above: Stephensons ADL/Enviro 200 no 464 crosses the River Colne at East Bay, Colchester, on a service 105 journey, on 5/5/16. In the left background is the old Marriages Mill – now flats, while the Siege House is to the right.

Above: Stephensons Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 414, departs Stansted Airport on 21/5/16; on the “indirect” Bishops Stortford-Saffron Walden service. When this bus was new; it was one of a pair branded for the ‘Blackwater Link’ Maldon-Witham 90 route.

SWALLOW COACHES, RAINHAM.
MAN18.310/Noge YN54 JUT is now with Briggs of Crymlyn Burrows, mid Wales.

TERRAVISION.
Has left Stansted (Taylors End depot is no longer used). A partnership with Stansted Citylink has been forged, using cross ticketing.
A new service is Heathrow Airport from London, but using trains on which Terravision tickets are valid. A London-Gatwick coach service briefly ran, but is now suspended. Route A50 (London Victoria-Stansted) is now run wholly by Citylink, alongside their 767 (London Kings Cross-Stansted). Terravision and Citylink vehicles sometimes appear on the A60 (Stansted (not the coach station)-Stratford-Liverpool Street) route; (the hired Calinan coaches have been noted from Citylink). The Terravision coaches are debranded and in base colours of white with pink rear.

Above: Scania K340/Irizar YT10 WLC at Taylors End depot, Stansted on 12/3/16.

THOMAS COOK.

Thomas Cook has been serving Stansted since summer 2014. Airbus A321 G-BCDA was seen on 21/5/16; departing for a “sunshine holiday” destination.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33197 (LT52 XAH), has been resold via Ensign to Bear Buses of Feltham.

TOWNLINK/ROADRUNNER/OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
Has applied for a new O licence, under the title of Olympus Commuters. Its previous one was revoked at the end of February. Building work at the “new” Harlow Business Park site, is now virtually complete.

TRAVELUX, GRAYS.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President V749 HBY, is ex Solitaire Travel of Rochford.

TRUSTYBUS.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LX03 BVW is now registered PSU 316.

UNO.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP122 (SN51 TAU)is now with Ellis of Gatley, Manchester.

WHIPPET.
From Tower Transit are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 439/40 (LK04 HYN, HZN).
Route 31 (Cambridge-Barley) was rerouted via Grat Shelford High Street from 3rd May.

With thanks to: EBEG; A Hazell; ‘District Dave’; Ensign; Essex Buses Yahoo; R McGregor; Panther Travel; PSVC; RE; RM; J Sadd.