Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the July 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

Tollesbury depot of Hedingham Omnibuses, closed after service on 22nd/23rd July. This ends an era, as there had been a bus garage in this Essex riverside village since 1917, when G W Osborne started a service between Tollesbury and Colchester via Birch; a forerunner of the present day 92. Osbornes sold out to Hedingham in 1997.
The premises on New Road dated from 1965, but the site had been used to berth buses for many years prior to that. The picture (above) shows TY driver Brian Tedgerdine on one of the last commercial workings. Full details of the resultant traffic and vehicle changes are explained below.
And Go-Ahead Blue Triangle has vacated its depot at Rainham. Acquired with the Blue Triangle business in 2006, the premises at Ferry Lane had been extensively upgraded, but were still limited by the size of the site.
And there have been ends of eras in Suffolk, with the closure of Soames Coaches and the abolition of middle schools (except 3 independant academies). Soames has traded out of Otley for some 90 years, and its demise was only due to the lack of a successor to continue the business. The middle school finale will see changes to many school bus contracts from September.

Above: Soames Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther S4 GET on the A140 (southbound) at Stoke Ash, Suffolk on 11/6/16.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.

Ipswich station is undergoing major works. The bus stops and taxi rank are being swapped over, with the buses stopping immediately outside the station building in a new circular bus station. The taxis are where the buses used to be. Inside, the booking hall has been relocated, along with some retail outlets. The picture (above), was taken on 10th July.
Also, a new shelter has been erected on platform 2 at Marks Tey. This stretches from the footbridge to the waiting room. The old retort building has been dismantled, after having lain derelict for some time. It is understood that the brick have been salvaged for use at the Chappel and Wakes Colne Railway Museum. It was originally used to produce gas for the lanterns of Marks Tey station.
The derelict station buildings at Alresford, Kirby Cross and Weeley have been sold to Tendring District Council for the nominal sum of £1 each. This follows local resistance to the proposed demolition of the structure at Alresford. AGA stated that it would not be economically viable to restore these Victorian buildings, which date from the opening of the Colchester to Walton on the Naze line. Hythe station had an identical building which was pulled down in 2009 and replaced with a “bus shelter”, when that station was modernised with extended platforms.
The hot weather in mid July caused operational problems. On 20th July, an 80 mph speed restriction was imposed (at Shenfield), and 14 services through there were cancelled as a result. EMU 317501 has received the new livery, along with MkIII FO 11085, and TSOs 12034/66, 12130.
EMU 321364 has had its end unit numbers moved from the valence to the solebar.
They are in black on a white background and are of a smaller font. The Class 321s are being internally refreshed.
MkIIIa RFM (Restaurant Buffet First Modular) carriage, no 10200 has been withdrawn for conversion to a TSOB Tourist Standard Open Micro-Buffet. This left 10212/29. RFM 10247 has become TSOB 10417. TSOB 10406 has received Abellio livery, leaving just (off lease) 10241/63/65 in the old ONE scheme.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Sold is Bova Futura RJI 4670.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 1558 (KX56 HCP), 1559 (EU56 GVG), short Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 1563 (RX07 KPJ) and SLF/Pointer 3418 (SN54 HXE) are now in Arriva colours, ex TGM. 3418 had Route 1 branding on its old scheme, leaving 3419 (SN54 HXF) as the last bus with this. 3418 retains roller destination blinds.
The final bus with the old ‘Network Colchester’ fleet names is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3314 (S312 JUA).
SLF/Pointer 3327 (X519 GGO) has been returned to Harlow after only a brief stay .

Above: Rare footage of Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 3327; then recently moved from Harlow to Colchester; ascending North Hill in Colchester, on 1/7/16.

Above: Freshly repainted into Arriva corporate colours; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 3412 approaches central Colchester, along Maldon Road; also on 1st July.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).

The last bus in SxConnect livery here; Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3860 (KE54 HHF) – is now in Arriva corporate colours. It is on loan to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Tunbridge Wells, as a repaint float. Four SxConnect liveried examples remain at Colchester, however. The picture, above shows 3860 in original condition – at Stansted Airport Coach Station in January 2005.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3327 (X519 GGO) is back here from Colchester (qv).
Optare Solo 1455 (YJ06 FXU) has gone to Hemel Hempstead, while Dart SLF/Pointer 3293 (Y293 TKJ) has returned from Stevenage.
Withdrawn is accident damaged Optare Solo 1473 (YJ56 ATY).
Previously withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 3483 (W483 YGS) and SLF/Pointer 3701 (S701 VKM) have gone for scrap.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Ex Chariots/Flavin of Stanford Le Hope is MAN powered EOS EOZ180 L111 PVW, which was new to Crusader Holidays.
Livery changes have seen Volvo B10M/Plaxton aramount OAZ 5315 don overall orange, while Bova Futura LUI 2244 now has orange lower panels. Traditionally the fleet livery has been white with orange lining.
Double deck coaches offered for sale are Neoplan Skyliner A105 MWT, and Ayatts Bravo M155 BWR.
Mercedes 0404/Hispano R690 RGM is now YSV 645.

BEESTONS.
Volvo B10M/VH 2170 PO is L659 ADS again.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Rainham (BE) garage closed after service on 1st July, with all work moving to the new depot at River Road, Barking (RR). BE remained in use for overflow parking, however.

Above: Rainham depot as seen in June 2012.

Above: A pre Go-Ahead era view of Rainham base; in September 2004.

Transferred to London General are ADL/Enviro 400s E100-4/5/13/19/24 (LX09 EZU/V/W/Z, LX09 FAJ, FBD/N/Z) and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP35 (P735 RYL). From London Central is ADL/Enviro 400 E202 (SN61 BKJ).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.

Above: AEC PRV Routemaster RML2613 on a Burnham on Crouch to Cold Norton prom private hire, on 28th June. (James Sadd).

COBALT AERO.
This is a new Cypriot airline which runs a Larnaca to Stansted service; using Airbus A320s. It is the second air carier from Cyprus to be formed, after the dissolution of Cyprus Airways in 2015. The other being Tus Airways.

COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE.
AEC PRV Routemaster RML2296 (CUV 296C) has left First Site.

CROSSRAIL.
The first of the Class 345 EMUs, no 345001 was launched to the press at Bombardier, Derby on 29th July. 66 are ultimately due for the ‘Elizabeth Line’, with the first to enter public service from May 2017.

DBS.
All of the Class 66 EMD diesel electric locomotives have been bought from the leasing company.

DE VERE TRAVEL, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
Route 333 (Great Yeldham-Sudbury), ended after 1/7/16.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Withdrawn are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WVL94/95 (LF52 ZNG/H). They have gone to store at the Belvedere (BV) site of London General.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPM/N/O.

Against a dramatic sky, Airbus A320 G-EZOG climbs away from Stansted on 3/7/16.

ENSIGNBUS.

The first BCI 12 metre tri-axle double deckers have arrived. Ensign initially has four, which will enter traffic later in 2016. Three were pictured together on 30th July.
Temporary additions (for rail work), are ex Metroline Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses 796-8 (LK03 NLJ/M, LK53 FDN) and ex DawsonRentals SLF/Plaxton Pointer 799 (KU02 YTX).
Volvo B10M/Caetano Enigma 604 (864 DYE) has reverted to its original FN04 FSE mark. Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 603 (ULL 933) is now YN54 ACY again. YN54 ACY has passed to HJ Coach Hire, Thornton Heath.
Dennis Trident/ALX400 364 (V364 OWC) has returned from New Venture at Maidstone, off loan.

Above: Ensignbus now runs the southern part of the former Townlink service 21. ADL/Enviro 200 no 711 was at Brentwood railway station on 16/7/16.

Above: Ensign Heritage Fleet Metro Scania Metropolitan MD60 with presserved London Transport AEC664T/Metro Cammell trolleybus no 260, at the East Anglian Transport Museum, Carlton Colville on 10/7/16. (Nigel Eadon-Clarke).

EOS LONDON.
From 2/7/16, one pm journey of 66 (Waltham Cross Circular) also now serves Epping College, while 86 (Harlow Circular) additionally serves Waltham Cross Bus Station
Above: EOS Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus no 753 on the 66, at Waltham Cross Bus Station on 19/3/16.

EUROWINGS.
New is Airbus A320-214 D-AEWK.

EXCALIBUR, PECKHAM.
Sold are ex Terravision contract King Long XMQ6129 BK63 ZSP and Volvo B11R/Sunsundegui tri-axle BL14 LSO.

FARNHAM HIRE SERVICE, STANSTED.
Toyota Optima/Caetano T792 JNT has been sold to TK Travel of Burghfield Common, Berkshire.

FIRST ESSEX.

New service X10 (Basildon-Stansted Airport), began on 24/7/16. Initially, Volvo 7900H hybrids were noted on this. 69002 (BV13 ZBD) performed the inaugural run. All of the batch, 69902/6/10/13 have received ‘X10 Here to Air’ branding, and 69010 (BV13 ZBP) was captured at Chelmsford on 25/7/16.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32905 (W905 VLN) is now a semi open topper, with First Eastern Counties at Great Yarmouth. It is in a blue based livery.
Trident/Presidents 32809/10/47 (T809/10/47 LLC) are now with First Hants & Dorset.
From 25th July, the seasonal 75B (Colchester North Station-Colchester Zoo) started again. On the same date, route 47 in Chelmsford was adjusted at Victoria Road, to serve Tesco. Also from 26th July, shoppers route 26 (Belfairs-Leigh Rail Station) became Tuesdays only and no longer runs on Fridays.
Commercial service 300 (Basildon-London Gateway), ceased from 24/7/16. This had been aimed at staff at the DP Gateway port complex. Services 100, 200 provide alternative facilities, but don’t run into the port as such.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33052 (LN51 GKJ) has arrived from First South Yorkshire. Dennis Dart/Plaxton 42486 (SN03 WMX) has gone from Chelmsford (CF) to Clacton (CN) for the summer season.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32481 (AU53 HJY) has lost its super rear advert.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar 66809 (MX05 CDE) is delicensed due to fire damage.
Long term disused Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62406 (YS03 ZKA), has been removed from Clacton for scrap.

Above: 62406 at Salisbury Avenue, Colchester in April 2005.

The driver of a lorry, involved in a serious accident with a First Essex bus at West Mersea last September, appeared at Colchester Magistrates Court on 30th July; to answer 6 counts of causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving. Philip Last, aged 52 of Great Yarmouth, entered no plea and the case was committed to Ipswich Crown Court on 23rd August. Mr Last was released on unconditional bail until then.
The incident happened on 26th September 2015, when a DAF XF articulated low loader, operated by Cowles of Lowestoft, shed its Burrell steam traction engine load, onto a First Essex Scania/Wright on East Road, West Mersea – crushing the front offside of the bus. The bus driver and 5 passengers were badly injured and the bus written off. Mr Last had been arrested at the scene and was charged later that day.

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Acquired is minibus DG53 BNX.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE and Halstead.
From Ensign are Ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas YN56 FDD/F/X and ex Metroline Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents LK03 NHF/G/V.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: Line up of Class 66 diesels and a Class 86 electric loco at Ipswich Station sidings on 10/7/16, with Abellio Greater Anglia Class 153 DMU and Class 321 EMU stock to the left.

GARDNERS, CHELMSFORD.
The depot has moved from Boreham to Rettendon.

GBRf.
Caledonian liveried Class 92 electric loco 92023, was stabled at Dagenham Dock on 3rd July.

Above: GBRf EMD diesel electric locomotive 66753 stabled at Ipswich on 10/7/16.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
Two years after it was withdrawn, Mercedes 711D/Onyx P2 BST remains on site.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer L407 outside Tollesbury depot on 20/2/13. It is blinded for Essex CC supported South Woodham Ferrers town service 37. This had previously been operated by Jacksons of Bickacre and then NIBS of Wickford. After Hedingham, the 37 was contracted to Amber of Rayleigh, but from April 2016 became part of new First Essex route 94.

Tollesbury (TY) depot and MOT station officially closed on 22/7/16, although buses ran on 23rd July for the Saturday Essex CC 50, 63 and 92 services. There were “residual” workings on 91/92/95 from TY the following week. Complete closure happened in the week commencing 31st July. Work moved to Clacton (CN), Kelvedon (KN) and Sible Hedingham (HD). The last commercial service in was Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 739 (T117 DBW), on a 91 journey from Witham, and driven by the depot manager, Mr Paul Mullender.
Services 50 (Colchester-Layer/Tollesbury), 50B (Blackheath-Great Wigborough-Colchester – Mons only), 63 (Mason Road-Colchester-Berechurch -Sats only), 69/A (East Mersea-Colchester – Tue only), 79 (Tiptree-Colchester – Fri only), 85 (Layer Breton-Colchester – Wed only), 92 (Essex CC Tollesbury-Colchester – Sats only) have moved to Clacton (CN). 95A (Tollesbury-Maldon Plume School) has moved to KN; along with the “closed” Plume school contract. The Stanway School contracts 021/023 went to HD.
Monday to Friday routes 91 (Tollesbury-Witham), 92 (Tollesbury-Colchester) and 95 (Tollesbury-Maldon) all ceased commercially after 22nd July; but continue with Essex CC support (still with Hedingham). A revised timetable was effective from 25th July.
Maintenance for KN vehicles will be done by Sible Hedingham (HD), for the time being. MOTs will be performed at the VOSA Ipswich Test Station.
Resultant vehicle movements are as follows:
Transferred from TY to KN are Volvo Olympian/NCs 71/2/3 (R626/9/43 MNU), 91/2/3/6 (N540 LGH, P910 RYO, R273 LGH, R552 LGH); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RLs 74/5 (R702 DNH, S300 XHK); Olympian/Alexander RHs 83/6 (M273/94 UKN).
Volvo Olympian/NCs 67 (P605 CAY), 70 (P612 CAY), 87 (P489 MBY), 89 (N529 LHG), 90/2/5 (N427 JBV, P910 RYO, R279 LGH); Olympian/Alexander RHs 76 (S127 RLE), 84 (M276 UKN) were already working from KN at the time of the TY closure.
From TY to Clacton: SLF/Pointer 260 (EU56 FLR); Trident/ELs 723/6 (W823/6 NNJ).
From TY to HD: SLF/Pointer 256 (EU55 BWC); Trident/ALX400s 737/8/9/43 (T107/8/17 DBW, X386 NNO). From CN to HD: SLF/Pointer 259 (EU56 FLP). From HD to CN: SLF/Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE). Ford Transit engineers’ van EJ57 PXY went to Chambers.
(Some of these transfers are provisional, and may change before September).
Optare Solo 904 (MX53 FDN) has been returned to Anglian Bus. Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 86 (M294 UKN) and Volvo Olympian/NC 96 (R552 LGH) are withdrawn. 86 was “switched off” on 20th July, but was moved back to KN on 25th July and subsequently cannibalised. 96 was parked up at KN on 25th July. Withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 66 (P602 CAY) remained at TY at the end of July. It has been stripped out internally and awaits donation to a school, for static use.
Long term withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 69 (P608 CAY), Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH 80 (J838 TSC), Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 281 (V250 BNV), 284 (W792 VMV) and Volvo B10BLE/Wright 485 (R232 HCD) have passed to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade for scrap. Other, unidentified B10BLEs have also gone to Alpha, from the “graveyard” at Anglian, Ellough.

Above: J838 TSC at Aingers Green in May 2009; en route from Clacton depot  to Colne School at Brightlingsea.

Above: Volvo Olympian no 73 at Maldon Road, Colchester – on a Tollesbury bound 92 on 17/3/15. The bus had recently been transferred from HD to TY when the picture was taken, and the destination display was subsequently repaired.

Above: Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL no 60, on service 95 at Tollesbury Square on 21/11/13. It still carried its old fleet no at the time of the photo. This bus is now in preservation.

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: One of the recent “classic” ADL/Enviro 200s; no 104 was seen at Princes Street on 10th July.
Below: No 103 passes the futuristic Willis building on 9th July. (Simon Austin).

Optare Solo 234 (X234 MBJ), latterly TIL 4051 with Centrebus as no 334, has gone for scrap.

JOHN JAMES LUXURY TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.
Neoplan Skyliner YN03 AWH ex SIL 7486 has passed to Palxton, Anston (dealer).

KEVENDYS, WICKFORD.
New is K15 DYS, a Van Hool T916 tri-axle coach.
From Boyce of Ramelton, Eire is Van Hool T916 08-DL-4298. It has received UK registration K15 DYS.

LONDON CENTRAL.
Former East Thames Buses DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DWL18 (BX04 BXL) is now a trainer at Camberwell (Q).

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
EMU 317719 is now in LOROL colours.

Above: A view of the LOROL Barking to Walthamstow section of the rail replacement to Gospel Oak. On 30th July, Ensignbus Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 no 907 (left) arrives at Barking,  as Arriva London North ADL/Enviro 400 T157 departs for Walthamstow Central, for connection with the LUL Victoria Line. This provides a link to the other RRP from Tottenham Hale.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
C77 driving car 5721 has been donated to London’s Transport Museum.
D78 Stock withdrawn is 7006+17006+8006; 7524+17524+7525.
To Vivarail: 7006/24/25.
To Booth Roe for scrap: 17006+8006, 17524.

METROLINE.

Commercial limited stop service 714 (New Barnet-Luton), ceased after 16/7/16. It has been replaced by an extension of altenate route 84A (New Barnet-St Albans) journeys towards Luton.
ADL/Enviro 200 DEL853 was seen (above) at Luton Interchange in June 2016. (Picture by G Wood).
Below: ADL/Enviro 200 DEL 849 in St Albans on the last day of the 714.

MYALLS OF BASSINGBOURN.

Optare Solo YE52 FHL departs Cambridge Railway Station on 17th July, on the Sundays/holidays only Cambridgeshire CC 132 Cambridge-Saffron Walden service.
This is covered at other times by the commercial Stagecoach Citi 7, but on Suns/hols Citi 7 only runs between Cambridge and Sawston.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Acquired is ex Falcon of Shewpperton Scania K340EB4/Berkhof Axial YN06 CJV.
The last vehicle in Cedric’s livery, Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R20 CED, has been sold to Beestons of Hadleigh, (as dealer) along with Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral R179 SUT.
Volvo B12M/Berkhof Axial S25 NHT (ex FJ03 AAZ) have been offered for sale.

Above: R20 CED, with Cedric’s – at Cardiff in May 2004.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

302 (Bishops Stortford-Saffron Walden High School), 446 (Manuden-Saffron Walden High School) and 446B (Clavering-Joyce Franklin Academy), stopped after 22/7/16. 346 (Dumow-Leaden Roding School) ended on July 29th. Stage work from Stansted depot has thus ceased.
Panther is providing two staff buses for Grampian Country Foods on a short term contract.

Leyland Olympian G296 UYK is now registered BIG 9248. It was pictured at Witham on 25th July.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DC04 PAN is re-registered back to YU04 XFC and has passed to Barrett of Nantwich.
Ford Transit 16 seater DC52 PAN and Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL BIG 7596, have been offered for sale. Previously sold Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima BIG 6002 has been put up for sale again by its subsequent keeper Lovett of Coleshill; and repainted burgundy red.
Olympian BIG 7596 was withdrawn at the end of the school term, and re-registered back to F639 LMJ, as pictured below.

Long term stored Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL K518 ESS is being cannibalised (above). Other long term laid up vehicles are Leyland National Greenaway GUW 452W and Leyland Olympian/ECW C73 CHM. All are at Matching Tye workshop.
All Stansted based minibuses now park at Airport House. This follows the closure of the car park on First Avenue, for conversion to a ‘meet and greet’ facility.
The Stansted Northside Shuttle ceased to serve the coach station after 29/7/16. It was diverted to Enterprise House from 1st August.
Ipswich outstation has had to be temporarily relocated to the car park on West End Road, due to building works at the railway station.

PEGASUS.

This Turkish low cost carrier serves Stansted from Istanbul and Tehran. Boeing 737-800 TC-ASP was seen at Stansted on 21/5/16, on a service to/from the Turkish capital.
Turkey is of course currently in the world spotlight, following the failed coup.
Arrivals are Boeing 737-8AL TC-CRB and Airbus A320-251 TC-NBA.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Scania K420EB6/Irizar PB PB10 WUL is now V23 ROM.

SBC LEISURE, WICKFORD.
Has ex Flights Hallmark Scania N230UD/Olympuses YN08 OBY/Z. Sourced through Ensign, they were new to Network Colchester.

STAGECOACH EAST.
There has been another derailment on the Cambridge Guided Busway. Stagecoach Huntingdonshire Volvo B8RLE/Wright 21310 (BF65 HXZ), left the southbound track at Trumpington, early on 7/7/16. It was running light to take up service and there were no injuries. The busway remained open during the day, and the stricken vehicle was recovered after the end of traffic.
This accident happened virtually opposite the site of a similar crash in February 2016, in which there were several casualties. The location is where there is a short guided section, between two unguided intersections where an ordinary road is crossed and where the busway becomes single track to pass beneath a bridge.
The Uni4 service ceased after 22/7/16. Whippet began a new venture the following day.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 36041 seen on an eastbound Uni4 in April 2010. Orchard Park was a (then) new housing development in north east Cambridge (near the Busway). The replacement Whippet service only follows the western part of the old Uni4.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
ADL/E40Ds are being received from Selkent, to replace older Tridents on TfL86/N86 at Romford North Street (NS).
Sold to Ensign are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17909/12/13/14/15/19/21/25 (LX03 OSC/G/J/K/L/R/V, OTA), 18236/7/8/40/53/56 (LX04 FYC/D/E/G/W, FZA). Resold through Ensign are Tridents 17915 (LX03 OSL) – to Racoon London Ltd, Edenbridge; 18238/42/49/52 (LX04 FYE/J/S/V) – to Horsburgh of Livingston.

STEPHENSONS.
Interesting arrivals are almost new short ADL/Enviro 200s 440/1 (SN16 ORS/U). They came from the now defunct Silcox of Pembroke Dock.
Withdrawn are Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL 724 (J624 GCR); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 831 (N960 FKK); Leyland Olympian/NC 862 (J562 HAT).
But Leyland Olympian/NC 947 (H547 VAT) is reinstated.
The outbasing of an Olympian at Don’s of Dunmow has ceased, following the end of the contract on which that bus was used. This was between Bishops Stortford and Cambridge Regional College, and passed to Richmond of Barley.

SWISS GLOBAL AIR LINES.

The fleet of 16 Avro RJ100 “whispering jets” are to be replaced by new Bombardier CS300s on its routes into London City, over the next few years. This view was taken from Charlton on 5/4/15.

TERRAVISION.
The Liverpool John Lennon Airport-Manchester service was suspended from the start of July.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Most vehicles have been repossessed and removed from the Parkway site.
These included 19 Dennis Darts, plus assorted coaches and workshop equipment.
This list is as follows:
DAF SB3000/VH Y314 HUA
Dart SLF/ALX200s Y293/6/344/6/51 FJN, LX51 FFW, FGJ/O/N/U, FHA/B/G/H/J/L.
Dart SLF/Pointers Y553/4/XAG.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas XIB 3914, F10 BUS, LV02 LKD.
Iveco/Indcars FN02 VBK, YN05 ARX
Iveco Turbo Dailys NX04 CTV, EU54 LWZ.
Scania/Irizars T50 APT, YN06 CKY
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibus V281 SBW.
This left Dart SLF/Mini Pointer V196 ERG – as a security post; non runner SLF/Pointer Y237 NLK and Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther CN05 DZF. Also the Iveco Turbo Daily and Renault Clio service vans, MX05 GWO and M996 WVX.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Acquired via Ensign are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KM51 BFO and Volvo B7RLE/Wright YX53 GXJ.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright X924 WGR has been re-registered WNZ 1864. Others are now WNZ 1094, 1102, 1480/90, 1589, but previous identities not yet known.
Withdrawn is ADL/E200 SK07 HLR.
ADL/Enviro 200 MX10 DXY and ADL/Enviro 300 SN61 CYY have passed to Ensign.
Offered for sale via ebay are Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y239 FJN – still in Fleetbuzz of Basingstoke yellow/black; Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beaver KV51 KZD and Volvo B10M/Alexander PS UNZ 7507. Sold is Mb 0814D/Plaxton Beaver KV51 KZF.
LDV Convoy minibus AD02 HCP has gone to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap.

WHIPPET, FENSTANTON.

From 23/7/16, new Cambridge city route ‘U’ (Addenbrookes Hospital-City-West Cambridge-Madingley Park and Ride) started. Called ‘Universal’, it replaced Stagecoach Uni4, and a Saturday service has been reinstated. Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WD438 was seen on the first day.

More National Express additions are ex Edwards of Llantwit Fardre Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes FJ11 GMX/Y, FJ12 FXC.

With thanks to: S Austin, T Barfield, A Barham, N Eadon-Clarke, A Hazell, P Mullender, K J Smith, G Wood.

And joining the Busmopolitan fleet………………………………

Also now publishers of ‘Bus Fayre’. Summer 2016 edition out now. Subscriptions available. Published quarterly for Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. Contact Courtworth Publications on j.podgorski1@ntlworld.com

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the June 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

A variety of happenings this month, ranging from thunderstorms affecting local bus and rail services, to a commemoration of step entrance double deckers.
Extreme weather overnight on 22nd/23rd June not only dampened EU Referendum voting day, but caused flooding, especially around south and west Essex and east London. Particularly hit were roads in Canning Town, Romford and Ongar, whilst the railway saw high water around Ilford and at Weeley. Train working was affected for up to 48 hours after the event, as signalling equipment had been damaged.
The start of the month, however saw “true” summer, with sunshine and high temperatures. This was an ideal canvas for the Olympian Running Day, held by Stephensons on 4th June. As step entrance double deckers will become obsolete on public bus services from 1st January 2017; this Saturday gave the opportunity to sample Leyland and Volvo Olympians on routes which are normally now the province of low floor single deckers. Souvenier programmes were also available on the day, along with a “guest” vehicle.
June 2nd saw the demise of well know Norfolk coach operator Chenery Travel. Its vehicles were familiar in Essex on National Express (NX), private charter and rail work. The NX contracts have passed to Ambassador and Galloway (with assistance from Reliance of Gravesend, Talisman, Tower Transit), while the rest of the portfolio, along with school runs have been taken by other local operators; including Dereham Coachways, Dolphin of Norwich, Lamberts of Beccles, Semmence of Wymondham, Simonds of Diss.
Chenery was founded at Dickleburgh near Diss, 60 years ago. Latterly its main base had been at Long Stratton, although some vehicles were still kept at Dickleburgh, along with the associated garage business. In 2012, Chenery had sold its excursions department to Galloway of Mendlesham, although Chenery vehicles continued to be used. This division was called Chenery Live Limited.  Excursions liveried Setra S315 T777 RWC, is pictured (below) at Newbury Park on Abellio Greater Anglia RRP to/from Ingatestone on 21/2/16.

More routine happenings have seen more Abellio Greater Anglia railway rolling stock gain the new livery, making the old National Express and ONE schemes extinct on certain types of vehicle. And at Colchester and Harlow, buses are increasingly losing their old TGM colour schemes, in lieu of the new Arriva image.
Finally, St Johns Street in Colchester, reopened on 30th June, after a month of closure. This had been caused by the collapse of a sewer. The thoroughfare is a main bus corridor in Colchester town centre, and much disruption resulted. Approx 20 bus routes had to be diverted along Southway, and shop keepers experienced a slump in trade. The illustration shows the works on 8th June.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
321304 is the first of the refurbished ‘Renatus’ EMUs to re-enter traffic.
The last Class 90 electric locomotive in National Express colours, 90003 – has gone for repaint into new livery. Coaching stock into the new colours are Mklll TSOs 11073, 12084, 12115/37.
Sprinter DMU 156407 now has ‘East Suffolk Line’ branding; 156409 publicises the ‘Wherry Lines’; 156412 now carries ‘Gainsborough Line’ branding.
E (paperless) ticketing was introduced from 17/6/16. It was rolled out across the network over the subsequent 4 weeks.
On 23/6/16, heavy rain flooded the tracks at Manor Park and Weeley, to a depth of up to 1 metre. As a result, trains were suspended on the Clacton and Walton lines, and from Witham to Liverpool Street. Southend line services terminated at Shenfield. There were shuttles on the Braintree, Harwich Town and Southminster branches, and The Sudbury branch ran normally. Later, a reduced (30 to 60 min frequency) train service was instigated from Liverpool Street, with some journeys starting from/finishing at Shenfield. AGA tickets were valid on C2C Rail and First Essex bus routes 25, 70, 71,72, 100, 351 plus TfL bus routes between Brentwood and London Liverpool Street (25, 86 ,174, 294, 496, 498).
Also AGA tickets could be used on suitable East Midlands, GTR and LUL train services.
Problems continued into 24th June. The heavy rain also damaged signalling equipment between Seven Kings and Ilford. As a result, limited train services remained in place until later that day. Some services continued to start/terminate at Shenfield, rather than Liverpool Street.

Above: AGA Desiro EMU 360101 at Harwich Town on 24th August 2014.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
The coaches now carry additional lower bodyside ‘Stansted Airport’ branding along with ‘Easybus tickets welcome’ decals on their entrance doors.

AMBASSADOR TRAVEL.
Some NX contracts have been received from Chenery of Long Stratton, Norfolk – who shut shop on 2nd June.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Withdrawn is Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima T640 JWB.

APT TRAVEL, RAYLEIGH.
BX12 CVS is a Volvo B9R/Sunsundegui, ex Bayliss of Deal.
Scania K114/Irizar SN03 CLZ is sold.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE.
The depots at Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and Ware have transferred from Arriva The Shires.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3412 (SN54 HWZ) and Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 6130/1 (LF02 PLN/O) are now in Arriva livery, ex TGM. 3412 was briefly loaned to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford, following repaint.
Dart SLF/Pointer 3327 (X519 GGO) and Dennis Trident/EL 5443 (T406 SMV) have come from Harlow.

Above: Trident 5443 at Harlow on 19/3/16; unusually working service 10.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Mercedes Citaro 3895 (BU06 HSJ) has been repainted in Arriva livery ex Green Line, but with branding for Green Line Route 724 (Harlow-Heathrow).
Also now into the latest Arriva colours are Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3856-9 (KE54 LNR, LPC/F/J), 3873/4 (KE57 EPA/C). The SxConnect brand on Harlow-Stansted Airport routes 508/9/10 has been discontinued here.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
An unusual arrival is EOS E180Z L111 PVW, from Meritrule of Epsom. It had been new to Crusader Holidays of Clacton. Meanwhile, Setra S250 Special P901 OKP has come from Crawley of Erith.

BARNES, RAINHAM.
Y212 BBA is an Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas, ex Holmeswood Coaches.

BISHOPS STORTFORD MINIBUS TRUST.
From 27th June, a new Mon to Fri daytimes, circular service started, runing every 1 to 2 hours, with Hail and Ride facility. It runs in a clockwise direction from the town centre and serves the Thorley Park and Heath Row areas.

BLUELINE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.
Over the weekend of 11th to 12th June, AEC PRV Routemaster NML613E and Volvo Olympian/NC R283 LGH appeared in Sussex, on a shuttle between Brighton (Preston Park) and Brighton City Airport at Shoreham. This was in connection with the Wildlife Festival.

Above: Blueline Routemaster NML 613E rather closer to home; at Ingatestone on 29/5/16.

A Blueline fleet list has been kindly supplied, and at June 2016 is as follows:
HSL 660 (RML891 orig WLT 891) – AEC PRV Routemaster open top. New to London Transport in 1961. Converted to open top in 2004. Ex Wilsons of Carnwath in 2012.
JJD 591D (RML2591) – AEC PRV Routemaster open top. New to London Transport in 1966. Sold into preservation. Converted to open top in 2012, upon acquisition by Blueline.
Currently undergoing refurbishment.
NML 613E (RML2613)- AEC PRV Routemaster. New to London Transport in April 1967. Acquired by Blueline from preservationists in 2014.
J2 SUP – EOS C53F. New in 1992 to Supreme of Hadleigh; then to New Vision of Preston; then Bon Chauce of Preston. Currently VOR at Blueline.
R283 LGH – Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus. New to London Central as NV83; subsequently with Go-North East. Bought from Victoria Coaches of Newhaven in 2015.
T322 KNN – Bova Futura C49F. New to Skills of Nottingham; then Jacksons of Bicknacre; then Souuth East Coaches of South Woodham Ferrers.
Y329 NWP (orig BL-FB-87)- MAN24.460/Berkhof CH52/16DT double deck left hand drive coach. Imported freom Holland and originally used by Coach Innovations of Kidderminster in 2007. Acquired from M and E of Rochford in 2013. Currently undergoing refurbishment at Blueline.
PY52 GXZ – LDV Convoy 16 seat minibus. Ex Staceys Coaches of Carlisle.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
More ex London Central ADL/Enviro 400s are E113/19/24/68/71 (LX09 FBD/N/Z, SN61 BGX, BHA).
Moved to London Central are Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents PVL223/64 (Y823 TGH, PN02 XBM).

CARTERS HERITAGE BUSES, CAPEL ST MARY.
Bristol FS/ECW 314 PFM has passed to a preservationist.

CITY JET.
Withdrawn is BAe Avro85 EI-RJB.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Mercedes 0815D/Koch minicoach Y30 CHT, is ex Regency Carriage Company of Rochford.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH N644 JNO was on loan from ATS Minibuses, Romford, in mid June.

COBALT.
This new airline flies to Stansted from Cyprus,and will start operations in July. Airbus A320-232 5B-DCR is the first addition. It had previously flown with Air Macau and Qatar Airways. It was new to Qatar in 1998.

CT PLUS.

2501-21, the new ADL/Enviro 400H City buses have arrived for TfL26/N26 (Hackney Wick-Waterloo/Chingford Station-Trafalgar Square). 2501 was the first to enter traffic on 10th June. They have released the loaned ADL/E40Ds back to Tower Transit; DN33629-35/37/38/40/42-50/52 (SN11 BNZ, BOF/H/J/U/V, BPE/K/O/V/Y/Z, BRF/V/Z, BSO/U/V/X/Z).
2509 (above), contrasts with Arriva London North New Routemaster LT593, at Bishopsgate, while Tower Transit Enviro 40D DN33648 is seen heading southbound at Shoreditch. Both pictures taken on 15/6/16.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPK/L/O.

ENSIGNBUS.
From 13/6/16, there were timing revisions to routes 22/A (Grays-Aveley), 44 (Grays-Purfleet-Lakeside), 73 (Lakeside-Tilbury), 83 (Lakeside-Chadwell St Mary).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 706 at Purfleet depot on 26/5/16. It is blinded for a 44 short working.

The last Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF, 780 (LX51 FGK) – is withdrawn.
Offered for sale are Volvo B12B/Caetano Enigma 604 (864 DYE) and Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 603 (ULL 933).
DAF DB250LF/Wright Gemini LJ04 LDA has passed to Chalkwell of Sittingbourne, ex loan.
Two new timetable booklets have been released. One for “country” routes 21 and 81 was valid from 13th June, while Issue no 28 of the Thurrock Bus Times, came out on 19th June. This incorporated minor adjustments to the routes listed above.

FELIX OF LONG MELFORD.
MAN11.190/Caetano Enigma FJ53 VDK, has been offered for sale.

FIRST ESSEX.
From 27/6/16, route 16 (Clacton Circular) commenced, for the summer.
Dennis Dart/Caetano 41544 (LK53 FEJ) has been on loan from Basildon (BN) to Chelmsford (CF). Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42485 (SN03 WMM) is now at Hadleigh (HH) ex CF. Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65675 (SN51 UYJ) has moved from Colchester (CR) to Clacton (CN).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30887 (W742 DWX) has gone to First Eastern Counties at Lowestoft.

Above: Two ex First Essex vehicles seen with First Eastern Counties at Norwich, on 11th June.
Upper: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66977 at Castle Meadow.
Lower: ADL/Enviro 200 44517 at St Stephens Street.

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Sold is Iveco 35S13 14seat minibus WU03 RTX.

FLAGFINDERS.
A second ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka, sourced through Ensign, is YN56 FDX.

GALLOWAY.
Has gained some National Express contracts from Chenery of Long Stratton; who ceased trading on 2/6/16.

GBRf.

Above: 66764 heads an “up” intermodal past Brentwood on 18/6/16.

GREEN, WALTHAMSTOW.
YJ13 GYU is a Van Hool TX15 integral coach, ex Edinburgh Coach Lines.

HAWK EXPRESS, IPSWICH.
This established courier and taxi company has its first large bus, in the shape of Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital LN51 DUA. New to First London and ex Tower Transit, it came via Ensign.

HEDINGHAM.

Chambers Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 252 (EU03 BZK) was on loan twice during June. It is pictured, above at Maldon Road, Colchester on 2/6/16.
SLF/Pointer 254 (EU05 AUR) now has fleet numbers in white and larger font.
Withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 69 (P608 CAY), has had its markings removed.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 582 (X507 EGK) has been donated to the Colne School at Brightlingsea, for use as a static common room.
Long term withdrawn/cannibalised Dennis Trident/EL 730 (W83 NNJ), has been removed from Clacton (CN) for scrap, by Alpha Recovery.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RHs 81/2/5 (M144/6, 282 UKN) and Volvo B10BLE/Wright 481 (R216 HCD) have passed from storage at Anglian, Ellough to Hollies Caravan Park at Kessingland, for static use.

Above: Volvo B7TL no 582 initially served at Chambers, when it came to Go-Ahead East Anglia from Plymouth Citybus. It is pictured at Colchester on 18/9/15. 582 was new to London General and always retained London livery.

IPSWICH BUSES.

The vehicles acquired from Carters are now kept at Constantine Road depot. This view was taken on 26th June. Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 no 7 shares space with DAF DB250L/EL Vyking no 56.

Above: Preserved Ipswich Buses Volvo Olympian/EL no 41 at the Basildon Rally, Billericay on 26/6/16. (Nigel Eadon-Clarke).

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
From the defunct Chenery of Long Stratton are Setra S315s J888 RWC and P888 RWC.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
New is Mercedes Tourismo AL16 OGE.
Bought via Ensign is ex Go-Bluestar DAF SB120/Wrigt Cadet YG52 CLY.
From Williams of Layer Marney is Bedford VAL/Duple Vega Major 592 PUR. It is not for operational use.
A Leyland Olympian is outbased at Tiptree for a fruit pickers contract. This is an annual event, for around 5 weeks.

LONDON CENTRAL.
A Mercedes powered Wright Streetlite DF demonstrator, numbered WS65 (SL16 YPK), has arrived at New Cross (NX) for trials on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford).

Above: LDP253, on of the ex London General Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers exchanged with SOE Class Scania Omnilinks, for use of TfL42 (Denmark Hill-Liverpool Street), nears its northern terminus on 15/6/16.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).

From 4/6/16; electrification work started on the Barking to Gospel Oak Route. This resulted in the closure of the Barking to South Tottenham section M-F and the entire route at weekends, until late September 2016. From then until early February 2017; there will be no trains at all on this route. Replacement buses will operate for the duration; with Arriva being a main contractor, supported by Ensignbus.
There are two replacement routes. J (Gospel Oak-Seven Sisters) and T (Wathamstow Central-Barking). They are linked by the LUL Victoria Line.

Top: Notice at Woodgrange Park, giving details of closures.
Below: Turbostar DMU 172008 arrives at Woodgrange Park on a Gospel Oak service, while 172004 heads away towards Barking.
Both pictures taken on 26/5/16.

EMUs 317710/23/32 are now in LOROL livery.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New S7 Stock is 21541/42, 21553/54, 21555/56.
D78 Stock withdrawn is 7010+17010+8010; 7040+17040+8040; 7042+17042+8042; 7048+17048+8048; 7107+17107+8107; 7516+17516+7517; 7536+17536+7537.
To Vivarail: 7042/48, 7516/17, 7536/37.
To Booth Roe for scrap: 1704/482, 8042/48, 17516/36.
7010+17010+8010; 7040+17040+8040; 7107+17107+8107 have been retained for Rail Adhesion Train (RAT) unit conversion.

MYALLS OF BASSINGBOURN.
KX14 FJA is an Optare Solo SR M8900, ex Dickson of Frimley Green. However, it started life in Malta !

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
New at Start Hill are Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante tri-axles SH208-13 (BX16 CMO/U/V/Y/Z).
Volv oB9R/Caetano Levante SR110 (FJ60 HXS) has come from the now defunct Chenery of Long Stratton.

NETWORK RAIL.

“Class 150” 999600/01, was stabled at Colchester on 15/6/16.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Offered for sale is Mercedes 0814D/Euro AE56 SPU.
Sold is Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral R179 SUT.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
SB46 (Matching Green-Epping Station) passed to Community Link from 6/6/16. This runs Mon only.

P and M COACHES, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere L654 XVV is ex Elliot and Richman of Rhode Heth, Cheshire.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Acquired from Lodge of High Easter, is all Leyland Olympian G296 UYK, while ex First Essex is Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 W758 DWX. The B7 is accident damaged and is being repaired.
An AGA rail replacement on 26th June, which traversed the low bridge at Manningtree station; required all three minibuses; Ford Transit DC52 PAN and Mercedes Sprinters AB52 PAN, AB03 PAN. The latter two were “loaned” from Stansted to Parkeston for this. Since then, one has been used as a crew ferry at Parkeston, to do with the 80/81 local bus routes.
The Stansted Northside staff shuttle has been converted to Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF operation, ex minibus.
Optare Solo BIG 7006 has been offered for sale.
The registered office has moved from Parkeston, Essex to Brantham, Suffolk. The Head Office remains at Stansted, Essex.

Above: Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DC04 PAN, at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 on 2/6/16.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.

The site of the old Mile End sand yard in east London, as seen on 15th June.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
DAF SB3000/VH YJ03 PGZ appeared on a shuttle between Worthing Rail Station and Brighton City Airport at Shoreham, over the weekend of 11th to 12th June. This was for the Wildlife Festival.
White Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KP02 PUH, PVD have fleet numbers 616/7. Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 X263 NNO is numbered 1304.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 607 (W136 WGT).
Long term delicensed are Optare Solo M710 204 (YJ58 CDE) and Optare Tempo PO1 (YJ56 WVX). The former is cannibalised, while the latter is under repair.
Gone for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 613 (W701 BFV) and the remains of fire damaged Optare Tempo PO2 (YJ56 WVC).
251 (Waltham Cross-Upshire) lost its Sunday service after 29/5/15.

RICHARDS TRAVEL, GREAT BADDOW.
Setra S415 BK08 XYG, has passed to County Connect of Wrotham, Kent.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
PB10 BUL is a Scania K420EB6/Irizar PB.

S and M, BENFLEET.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere K577 DFS is now with Bamgro of Watford.

SOUTHEND PIER RAILWAY.
This had been closed for three months, due to safety checks on the pier structure.

STAGECOACH EAST.
Stagecoach Norfolk Dennis Trident/EL 18280 is parked up, unserviceable at Cowley Road depot, Cambridge.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
The lastest overall adverts of New Routemasters are:
LT248, 376 – Magnum; LT312/64/68/83/89 – Coca Cola; LT400 – Coach Accessories.
Transferred to Selkent at Catford is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17870 (LX03 NFR).
Sister 17943 (LX53 JYF) has been scrapped East London.
Sold to Ensign are Trident/ALX400s 17910/1/6/8/20 (LX03 OSD/E/M/P/U), 18241/2/3/4/5/52 (LX04 FYH/J/K/L/M/V). Formerly owned ex Stagecoach Devon 17002/5 (S802/5 BWC), 17057 (T657 KPU), 17299 (X299 NNO).
Resold by Ensign are Tridents 17966/70/1 (LX53 JZJ/N/O) – to First Bus Stop, Gravesend.
Optare Tempo hybrid 25112 (LX09 BGF) has been exported to Cyprus, via Ensign.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.

The Olympian Running Day at Bury St Edmunds on 4/6/16, saw Leyland Olympians 724 (J624 GCR) – Alexander RL body, 862 (J562 HAT), 947 (H547 VAT) – NC bodied and Volvo Olympian/NCs 809/10 (M409/10 RVU); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 829 (N881 FKK) in action on routes 15/16 (Bury St Edmunds-Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds-Mildenhall-Newmarket), along with guest Leyland Olympian/ECW C105 CHM from Fords of Althorne. The Stephensons buses worked in service, while the Fords vehicle ran a free tour around Bury.
A second ex Flights Hallmark Scania N230UD/Optare Olympus sourced through Ensign is YT59 NZM. This like YT59 NZN was new to Network Colchester. Scania N250UD/Enviro 400 MMC demonstrator YN16 CFU, has returned to Scania – off loan.
Three Rivers ADL/Enviro 200 472 (EU65 EOH) was still at Clacton in early June.

Suffolk fleet Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 458 (GU52 HKC) now has a super rear advert for St NicHolas Hospice, Bury St Edmunds. At the end of June, it was running from Boreham.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.

Coaches are now appearing on National Express services. Scania/Irizar YT13 HLA is seen, above at Bury St Edmunds on 4/6/16; on an ex Chenery contract.

TfL RAIL.

Above: EMU 315830 approaches Brentwood on 18/6/16.

In advance of Crossrail, the platforms at the following stations are being extended for the forthcoming Class 345 EMUs; Forest Gate, Goodmayes, Harold Wood. They are also receiving 3 new lifts (each) for “step free” access. All of these stations, plus Ilford and Manor Park are undergoing major refurbishments.

Above: Back in Great Eastern days, EMU 315818 forms the rear of a Liverpool Street to Shenfield service, at Harold Wood in July 2005. The platforms here have been extended at the “country end”.

Above (3): Harold Wood station in September 2004. Top: “Blast from the past”. Middle: Ticket office and ‘Electric Line’ platforms. Bottom: “up” platform on ‘Fast Lines’.

Below: Platform extension works at Harold Wood on 18/6/16. The EMU is 315829.

On 23/6/16, heavy rail flooded the track at Manor Park station. As a result, services were suspended between Ilford and Liverpool Street, for some of the day, and later a reduced frequency of 3 trains per hour (tph) was instigated. These issues continued into 24/6/16; compounded by water damage to signalling equipment between Seven Kings and Ilford. Train tickets were thus accepted on parallel bus and LUL services.

TOWNLINK.

The “new” depot at Parkway, Harlow Business Park is now fully surfaced. Picture taken on 18/6/16.

TRUSTYBUS.
Acquired through Ensign are ex Go North East Volvo B10BLE/Wrights W491 SCU, W905/6/8 RBB, X913/4/24 WGR.
Withdrawn is ADL/Enviro 300 EDL35 (LY58 PFX).
Sold to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap are Optare Solo UNZ 8067 and Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y253 FJN.
From 13/6/16, 424 (Harlow-Hertford) now longer serves Stanstead Abbotts.

Above: In full Trustybus livery, ex London Central Scania Omnilink NNZ 7336 was seen at Harlow Bus Station, on 18/6/16.

VLM AIRLINES.

This small Belgian operator, who served London City Airport, ceased trading on 22nd June; a month after filing for Bankruptcy Protection. It ran a fleet of 11 Fokker 50s.’KLF’ was seen approaching London City on 5/4/15.

WHIPPET, FENSTANTON.
From SGBC, Patchway is National Express Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante L80 SGB.

With thanks to: ‘District Dave’, N Eadon-Clarke, Ensign, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, P Layzell, LOTS, PSVC, RE, RM, J Sadd.