Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.
(All pictures by John Podgorski unless otherwise credited).

Welcome to the May 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

Hedingham Omnibuses has responded to the incursion on its 87 service by First, by launching a competitive alternative to First’s 76 route. From 30/5/17, Hedingham began its X76 ‘The Seasider’ service between Clacton and Colchester, on a 30 minute frequency. ‘Seasider’ has eyecatching blue branding, which is a contrast to the rather anonymous First buses. X76 also provides useful links into the 87 and Hedingham’s 130 Clacton town service. It is clear that a lot of thought has been put into the Seasider by Hedingham, and Busmopolitan wishes them well in this venture.

On the railways, the major Crossrail works at Shenfield were completed at the start of May. The northside of Shenfield station is now “self contained” for Crossrail, with an extra platform, the existing platforms lengthened and new stabling sidings installed. This co-incides with deliveries of the new Class 345 EMUs, which should appear in service later in 2017.

British Airways suffered a highly publicised (and embarrassing) network wide computer failure over the Whitsun Bank Holiday, meaning planes were grounded worldwide. This included CityFlyer at London City. The chaos was eventually traced to a power supply failure at a main server.
On a much more positive note, BMI Regional began a Londonderry to Stansted service in early May.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
Bova Futura VMH 561 is reinstated. Withdrawn are Volvo B6BLE/Wright X926 CNO, Ford Transits YF02 XVX, YN53 SVX.
Sold is Mercedes 614D/Crest T950 TUM.

AIR MOLDOVA.
New is ER-AXM, an Airbus A319-112.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer SIL 6719 has been re-registered back to P508 RYM.
Sold are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos KM51 BFY, HV52 WTA.
HV52 WTA is now with Marine Education and Research Institute, St Lawrence Bay.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile W218 UMV is now with Harrod of Wormegay, Kings Lynn.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3529 (LF02 PMY) was a rare sight on route 4 on 12/5/17. This is normally the province of mini Dennis Dart SLFs. Sister 3527 (LF02 PNY) was on loan to AKT at Stevenage during May.

Above: DAF SB120 no 3534 unusually on 133, at Colchester on 22/3/16. 133 of course no longer runs into Colchester, except for early/late “positioning” journeys. (S Austin).

Sunday and Bank Holiday journeys on 1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead) ceased after 29/5/17. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3413 (SN54 HWY) and 3417 (SN54 HXD) were in use on the last day.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3857 (KE54 LPC) is back here from Hemel Hempstead, while Optare Solo 1453 (YJ06 FXS) has returned from Ware.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Van Hool TX17 tri-axle Green Line coach 9003 (YJ66 FHY) was briefly on loan from Hemel Hempstead at the end of May – for private charter use.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.

Above: Route 150 branded ADL/Enviro 400 T176 at Becontree Heath on 6/5/17. This is part of a branding exercise for TfL routes centred on Barkingside. Arriva, Go-Ahead and Stagecoach vehicles are involved, but not all are branded. A similar project is planned for the Hayes area of west London.

BANYARDS TAXIS, MALDON.
YB08 XMY is a pcv licensed Ford Transit 16 seater. This is the first pcv for this long established taxi company, which was founded in 1943.

BASILDON COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
From 1/5/17, a new flexible Basildon town service started, identified as BFB.

BEESTONS.

New is ADL/Enviro 400 MMC SN17 MTK. It was seen (above) on the A12 south, passing Marks Tey Racecourse on 16/5/17, en route to Grampian Country Foods factory at Witham.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
From London General North are New Routemasters LT908/10/16/27/32/33/36-38/41/53.
To LG North are LT881-83/89/92, 902.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED2 (AE06 HCC) has passed to Ensign.
Resold via Ensign to Ripley, Barnsley (dealer) are SLF/MCVs AE06 HCA/C/D/F.

Above: Some of the WVL Class Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s displaced by New Routemasters from East London Transit, have appeared on ex Stagecoach TfL101. WVL475 was pictured at Galleons Reach on 6/5/17.

Above: New Routemaster LT912 runs light along Chequers Lane, Dagenham Dock on 6/5/17, to take up a duty on East London Transit EL1.

Below: LT891 approaches Becontree Heath on 6/5/17. Note these buses lack East London Transit branding.

The “mixed up” LTs are slowly being moved to their proper allocations.
The remaining ED Class Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions are spreading their wings. ED16 (AE56 OUP) was on TfL193 (Romford-Hornchurch) on 6/5/17.
The old Rainham (BE) depot is now used to store shipping containers. Pictured (below) on 6/5/17.

BMI REGIONAL.
From 2/5/17, a new Stansted-Derry service started. It is operated from the BMI base at Derry and runs twice daily, except Saturdays when there is just one return flight. Embraer ER135 regional jets are being used.
New is ERJ145-LU G-CKAF.

BRENTWOOD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
From 1/5/17, a new flexible Brentwood town route began, coded BF.

BRITISH AIRWAYS.
On 27/5/17, a major IT system failure severely disrupted flights worldwide. This included those at London City and Stansted. A power outage was found to be the cause.

C and J TOURS, DANBURY.
New is Mercedes Tourismo BN17 JBX. It has replaced Setra S415 BN12 CLJ.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 583 (Y731 TGH) has been cannibalised. Parts have been used to repair Hedingham B7TL 577 (W518 WGH) (qv).
Service 111 (Braintree-Sudbury) ceased from 21/5/17. It was aimed mostly at workers on the Chilton Industrial Estate in Sudbury and had originally been worked by Hedingham as a private contract. It was replaced by the virtually identical X89.

CITYMAPPER.
This transport app provider has teamed up with Transit System owned Impact Coaches of Perivale, for a new “pop up” minibus service in inner London. From 7/5/17, a circular route, numbered CMX1, linked Blackfriars and Southwark. The route is demand responsive with flexible routeing and timetable. It is initially free until a London Service Permit is granted by TfL. A trio of green liveried Mercedes Sprinters are used – BT66 UAP/R/S.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Sold is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount F287 SGU.

COLAS RAIL.
On 24/5/17, 37116 and 37175 top and tailed a track inspection train at Stratford.
37116 was on a track inspection train at Cambridge on 25/5/17.

COOKS, WESTCLIFF ON SEA.
Has ex Amber of Rayleigh Bova Futura YJ08 NSO.

CT PLUS.
ADL/Enviro 40D 2400 (YY64 GXG0 has returned to ADL, ex loan. It had been covering for a fire damaged Enviro 40H City which was under repair.
The following classes are now withdrawn: DCS Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano, EO Enviro 400/Olympus, HTL Dennis Trident/EL, SD Scania Omnicity ‘decker. SD5 has been retained as a driver trainer.
Sold to Ensign is E400 PN08 SWJ.

DBS.
Hanson liveried 59002 was at Bow Midland on 15/5/17.
66089 at Bow on 18-19/5/17.
66019 visited Bow on 14/5/17. 66142 on 25 & 26/5/17.
66025 on Wakefield Europort-London Gateway on 25/5/17.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
All of the ex Metrobus Scania Omnicities still retain Metrobus fleet names.

Above: Omnicity 972 at Crossharbour on 6/5/17.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
The following vehicles have been named.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL H816 CBP – Lady Sarah; H818 CBP – Lady Dorothy; VH TD927 DN10 DON – Lady Ria; Vovo B13R/VH – Lady Violet.

DRS.
68003/22 are still available as GA ‘Thunderbirds’.

EASYJET.
New is Airbus A320-214 YL-LCU.

ENSIGNBUS.

The new two-axle BCIs are registered LX17 DZA-H/J/K – fleet nos 140-149. 146 is nearest the camera in this pre-service entry view.

Ex Abellio London short ADL/Enviro 200s LJ56 ONN/P/S/T have joined the fleet as 790-793. They are for Tilbury Cruise Ship Terminal shuttles. 791 has received fleet livery (pictured above), and 792 is white with blue fleet names. 793 has been seen still red. Also in use are ex Compass of Worthing short ADL/Enviro 200 GX09 AGZ and ex Stagecoach Manchester ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolution TT57 BLU. The latter pair are for ex Ambus routes 11 and 374. (Both illustated below).

SLF/Caetano 796 (LK03 NLJ) is a second sold to Ivan Anderson, London SW12.
The TfL Shenfield-Brentwood rail replacement ceased after 5/5/17. It had operated since January, due to major Crossrail works at Shenfield.
As a result, the ex Go-Ahead London Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents are withdrawn. 910 (PJ52 LWN) passed to Hardwick, Carlton (dealer).

EOS LONDON.
Mercedes Citaro Demonstrator BV14 TZY has been on loan.

EUROSTAR.
A new London St Pancras to Brussels service began on 23/5/17. Class 374 Valeros 4025+4026 formed the inaugural train.
374027/028 are now in the revised livery.

Above: 374022 at St Pancras International on 7/4/17. (John Podgorski).

Below: The same location in pre-international days. September 2003. (John Podgorski).

EUROWINGS.
Airbus A319-132 D-AGWP is ex Germanwings livery.

FIRST ESSEX.

Ex First Scotland East Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis 37139/40 (SN57 HCY/Z) are now at Colchester (CR). These are earmarked for use on 62. 37140 is pictured above, at St Johns Street, Colchester on 15/5/17.
The last of the ex Chelmsford Park and Ride Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipses, 69520 (BJ11 ECW) – entered service at Hadleigh (HH) on 3/5/17. Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall 41730 (X503 JLO) has moved from HH to Chelmsford (CF) to join 41735.Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43360 (V360 DVG) – latterly a staff bus at CR, has gone to Alpha for scrap, along with previously withdrawn Scania L113/Wright 65566 (S566 TPW).
The Refreshed livery is now known as the Urban livery. The latest recipient is Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 43846(SN55 CXF). Optare Solo 53136 (EO02 NFV) has been partially repainted and has lost its offside ‘Chelmsford City’ fleet name. Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69520 (BJ11 ECW) is the last of the batch to be rebranded for Routes 22/28 in Southend and Castle Point. Driver trainer Volvo B10BLE/Wright 62191 is now in the new ‘chevron’ scheme for these vehicles.
Streetlite 63336 (SM65 EEU) most unusually worked the afternoon route 17 bus 2 between Stanway School and West Bergholt on 5/5/17.
From 7/5/17, services 15/A/B (Runwell-Laindon) were combined to form one route, numbered 15. Laindon rail station is now served. 100 (Chelmsford-Lakeside) now also serves Pipps Hill at Basildon.
From 28/5/17, route 4 was combined with service 3 to form a single Clacton-Harwich service. 117 (Clacton-Point Clear) was withdrawn. Summer only service 19 (Clacton-St Osyth) started again from 28th May.

Above: Just around the corner from Stanway School, Streetlite 63337 is seen on its more usual 65 route; at Holly Road on 19/5/17. This used to be the western end of the old Colchester Borough Transport 5 service.

New ancillary vehicles are Ford Transit engineer’s vans SN17 NWT – at CR and SN17 NXZ at CF. A new staff car at CF is Ford S Max SN17 NYB. Ford Transit van ST62 LFH has been withdrawn from CR and returned to its lessor.

FLAGFINDERS.
Ex London Central Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LB02 YXG is via Ensign.It is now single door with led destination.

FREIGHTLINER.
On 24/5/17, Powerhaul liveried 66622 delivered 86604 from Crewe to Felixstowe.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Sold is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LX03 BVW.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
Sold is Ford Tourneo Minibus 288 (FL58 HHJ).

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
On loan from Scania, Worksop was Iriza i6 demonstrator YN66 VXZ.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
New is Irizar i6 XO17 BOY.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.

New is Mercedes/UNVI Voyager midicoach PO17 AUH. It is depicted, (above) entering Feering on 22/5/17. In the background is the bridge over the River Blackwater, which separates Feering from Kelvedon.
Sold is Mercedes 811D/Plaxton Beaver N376 EAK.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 317659 at Shenfield on 6/5/17.

Class 317 EMUs have appeared in service on the GEML again. This had previously happened in the early 2000s. Noted were 317511/654/58/59 on 6/5/17 and 317502/10/669/882 on 13/5/17. All were working Liverpool Street-Braintree.

The new station at Cambridge North opened on 21/5/17. Located on the site of the old Chesterton Junction yard, it has 2 through platforms and one bay platform. Great Northern services also call here. GN 365508 arrives at the terminus platform on 27/5/17 , from London Kings Cross (below).

08573/700 are the current shunters at Ilford.
321301 is now to Renatus specification.
321321 has lost its ‘NSPCC Essex Full Stop’ names on Renatus conversion.
170208 is the latest Turbostar in the new livery.

Above: 90007 propels a London-Norwich service over New Street, Chelmsford, on 6/5/17.

HEDINGHAM.

(Courtesy Hedingham Omnibuses).

(S Austin).

In response to the competition from First on their own 87 service, Hedingham has registered a Jaywick/Clacton-Colchester commercial route, ‘The Seasider’ numbered X76 – to compete against First 76. It started on 30/5/17 and provides links with 87 (Brightlingsea-Colchester) and Clacton town services 130 (Brook Retail Park-Jaywick), 134, 135, 137. Meanwhile, 87 has been increased in frequency, and had its routing revised in Brightlingsea. At the Colchester end, 87 has been truncated between the town centre and ASDA (except Sundays/public holidays). 87 and X76 interwork.
Scania Omnidekkas 1514/16 (YN55 PZV/X), 1517/18/19/20 (YN06 JYB/C/D/E) have received blue Seasider branding in place of the green 87 Mad Spring Fares branding. They may also appear on the remaining CN duties on route 63 – see more below.
Long term VOR Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 577 (W518 WGH) has been repaired using parts from Chambers B7TL 583 (Y731 TGH). 577 returned to service at Sible Hedingham (HD) from 15/5/17.
Clacton Scania Omnidekka 1513 (YN55 PZU) briefly appeared again at Kelvedon (KN) on 4/5/17. 87 branded 1519 unusually appeared on 63 on 12/5/17. Pictured (below), departing Osborne Street bus station.

Due to the introduction of X76, from 30/5/17, some duties on routes 63 (Mason Road-Colchester-Berechurch) and 83 (Colchester-Fordham) were moved from Clacton (CN) to HD. A new crew facility has been established in Colchester. It is located on High Street, in an office above Haart Estate Agents. It is used mainly by CN staff.
Received from Anglian is Scania Omnidekka 1512 (YN55 PZR).
Ford Transit YT12 DBZ has returned to Robertsons, off hire.
On 26/5/17, SLF/Pointer 259 (EU56 FLP) and SLF/MPD 291 (EU06 KCX) visited KN for clearance trials. New contracts have been won requiring use of SLFs from there.
Anglian Optare Solo 961 (AU58 AKN) was at Colchester Fuel Injection at the end of May, although not destined for Hedingham. Simon Austin photographed it (below) on 28th May.

JACKSONS OF BICKACRE.
BF60 OFX is a plain white Mercedes Tourismo, ex MET of Rickmansworth and earlier with Swans of Oldham.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
Ex Marchants of Cheltenham Mercedes Tourismo AY15 HCL ex GB15 KCL is now here.

KIRBYS OF RAYLEIGH.

A Mercedes Tourismo is here, registered K90 BYS. This is the first non Setra coach. It was seen (above) at Ingatestone on 28/5/17, on GA rail replacement to/from Newbury Park.

KINGS TOURS, COLCHESTER.
New is DAF/Irizar i6 10.8m KC17 ABC. It was delivered on 12/5/17.
Short Bova Futura KC57 ABC has been sold to Moseley (dealer).

KLM CITYHOPPER.
The last Fokker 70 regional jets are to be withdrawn by the close of 2017. In commemoration, PH-KZU has been specially branded as a tribute to Anthony Fokker – founder of this Dutch aircraft manufacturer.
Fokker 70s visited London City during their careers.

Above: Fokker 70 PH-KZR at Basle on 16/8/16.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Mb Tourismo BF15 XOV has been re-registered AL15 DGE.
Toyota Optima/Caetano BU08 EJF is now E20 DGE.

LONDON GENERAL.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President part open topper PVL224 (Y824 TGH) was used on a test run in Southend on 5/5/17, along a new route which will serve the seafront during the summer school holidays.

LONDON TRANSPORT.
This famous name reappears to record the 70th birthday of the Postwar RT. On 10/5/17, there was a commemorative road run from Victoria to Abridge, along the line of the ‘2RTs’ original route – the 10 (in its first incarnation). The current TfL service 10 is completely different; being Kings Cross to Hammersmith.

Above: One of the 2RTs which participated in the 70th anniversary run was RT3871, now owned by The London Bus Company of Northfleet. The picture shows it when with Blue Triangle, at Oxford Street on another momentous bus occasion. December 8th 2005 was the last day of “normal” Routemaster operation in London – on route 159.

LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED.
A farewell tour for the D78 Stock, titled ‘Metroliner II’, ran on 7/5/17, between High Street Kensington and Ealing Broadway – covering the D78s old haunts, plus “rare trackage” to Northfields. (‘Metroliner I’ was the “launch” tour for the D78 Stock in 1979).

MARC1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.

Scania K114/Berkhof Axial TUI 4741 is from Nash of South Mimms. It is pictured at Ingatestone on 28/5/17, on Greater Anglia RRP to/from Newbury Park.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
The remodelling of Shenfield station was completed at the start of May. Full services resumed from 5/5/17. Shenfield now has a new platform – numbered 6, which is on the north side of the station
345005/6 were used for staff training along the GEML section, during May. The type was due to enter revenue traffic from the end of May.

No 64 MIX AND MASH.

AEC PRV Routemaster RML2291 is a snack bar at the University of Essex.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Scania K340/Caetano Levantes SH11 (FN07 BYV), SH16 (FN07 BZB)have gone to Edwards, Bristol.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.

More work has been gained for Stena Line at Harwich International Port. A dockside shuttle has been provided for some years.  Volvo B6BLE/Wrights X974/6 CNO are employed on the latter, and 976 was seen on 30/4/17.
B6BLE X989 CNO is now with Ashcroft of Widnes.

Above: NH09 LRH is one of the three Setra S415s recently acquired by New Horizon from National Holidays. It was seen on GA rail standby at Ingatestone, on 28/5/17.

OLST.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH J328 BSH is now with Merriman, Somerton, Somerset, while J329 BSH is now with Innis and Faas LLC, Tuscon, Arizona, USA via Ensign.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA and Mini Pointer SLF BIG 9856 have gone back on loan to Regal Busways, although S303 JUA returned later in May.
Delicenced/VOR DAF DB250LF/EL AB02 PAN is currently being used as a seat store at Matching Green. It will be repaired when parts are sourced.
Plaxton Primo MX55 WDT has been debranded to plain white and is parked up at Matching Green.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL F639 LMJ has been taken out of storage and repainted red by Mardens. It is to be exported to the USA.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9807 has left Matching Green site.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N615 APU has gone to Takeley Metals for scrap after parts recovery.
A new Greater Anglia rail contract has been gained. Running for a year, it operates late night, Monday to Thursday, between Wickford and Liverpool Street.

Above: F639 LMJ en route to Mardens on 2/5/17. (A Hazell)

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 1404 (V764 HBY) has been sold (as a non runner).
Route 391 (Harlow-Bumbles Green) ceased from 1/5/17.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Iveco 50C15/Stanford NX08 BXH is named ‘Millie’.
Ford Tourneo FM02 XWW is sold.

RYANAIR.
New Boeing 737-800ASs are EI-FZP-T-V/W/X.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
From 21/5/17, service 2 was extended from the Science Park to the new Cambridge North railway station.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Received from Selkent are ADL/Enviro 40H 12334 (SN64 OGG) – now at Bow (BW), ADL/Enviro 200 36262 (LX11 AVR), Trident 17988 (LX53 KBO) – now at Rainham (RM).
Transferred to Selkent are 17875 (LX03 NFZ) to Plumstead (PD); ADL/Enviro 200s 36346-48 (LX59 ANP/R/U), 36372/74 (LX59 EDJ/L). The E200s to Catford (TL) except 36374 now at Bromley (TB).
To green for World Environment day are ADL/Enviro 40Ds 10301/24 (YY15 OYS, SN16 OKF), New Routemasters LT367, 406 (LTZ 1367/406).
Loaned to Stagecoach South for the Wentworth Golf Tournament were ADL/Enviro 40Ds 10187 (SN63 NBG), 19742 (LX11 BBK), 19865 (LX12 CZU).
Withdrawn are Tridents 17827/78.

Above: New Routemaster LT406 is one of several London buses painted green for World Environment Day. It was caught at Trafalgar Square on 27/5/17. (David Arnold).

Above: ADL/Enviro 40H/MMC 12417, with cherished (former Routemaster) registration – at Crossharbour on 6/5/17. The 277 is now extended here from Leamouth.

ADL/Enviro 400s 10181 (SN63 JWJ), 19790 (LX11 BHF), 19849 (LX12 CZC) were loaned to Stagecoach South for the Wentworth Golf Tounament in late May.
Fire damaged Optare Versa 25321 (LX09 AAJ) has been scrapped “in house”, along with Trident 17896 (LX03 ORJ).
Sold to Ensign are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s LX03 BXK/L/N/R/S/U/V/W/Y/Z, BYB, NFT, NGN, OSB.
Resold via Ensign:
Trident LX03 OSP – to Collins, Cambridge.
Sold via Lombard (dealer), Rotherham: Tridents 17815/17/22/26 (LX03 BXK/R/U/Z), 17871/79 (LX03 NFT, NGN).

STAGECOACH HUNTINGDONSHIRE.
From 21/5/17, Busway service N additionally called at the new Cambridge North railway station. Scania N230UD/Enviro 400 no 15197 departs on a northbound journey on 27/5/17. The new section of guided busway between Milton Road and Cambridge North opened at the same time.

STAN’S, GREAT TOTHAM.
Bova Futura VWH 836 has been re-registered back to R927 JYG.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
ScaniaK114/Irizar 203 (OW03 LFL) has been sold to Connect Bus and Coach. This was the last coach owned. It was originally used from Haverhill on the erstwhile ‘Suffolk Express’ Bury St Edmunds to Ipswich service, but it had latterly been at Rochford.
Acquired from Weavaway, Newbury are ADL/Enviro 200s YX63 ZVP/S. It appears these are sales stock and not for service.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers DPS575/77 (SN51 SZL/P); Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s ALX1, 2, 4 (V116/17/39 MEV), TAL123/32 (X343/32 HLL).

SWIFT TRAVEL, NORTH WEALD.
Optare Alero YL51 ZTO has passed to Davie, Cowdenbeath, Scotland.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Ex Hodge of Sandhurst is Scania K340/Berkhof 6691 PH.

THOMAS COOK AIRLINES.
New are Airbus A321-231 LY-VEH; Boeing 757-330 D-ABOI.

THOMSON AIRWAYS.
New are Boeing 737-86Q C-FEAK; B737-81D CFFPH; B737-86J C-FWGH; ; B737-8K5s G-FDZD/F, G-TAWK.

TOWER TRANSIT.
New are Wright Streetlite WFs WV46201-3 (SK17 HFY/Z, HFA). They are for TfL236 (Hackney Wick-Finsbury Park) and are replacing short ADL/Enviro 20Ds. More are to follow.
Operation of TfL58 (Chingford-Stratford) was taken over from Stagecoach from 6/5/17, while TfL308 (Hackney Wick-Wanstead) was converted to double deck at the same time. The 308 has occasionally seen ‘deckers in the past. High numbered examples of the new MHV Class Volvo B5LH/MCV EvoSetis are on these.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Yutong demonstrator YH66 VMO has been on loan.

With thanks to: Anglia gen, S Austin, L Cornwell, J Coward, Ensign, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, J Lidstone, LOTS, P Munford, RailUK Forums, C Romaine.

It was replaced by new route 89XA new Ford S Max staff car at CF is SN17 NYB.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.
(All pictures by John Podgorski unless otherwise credited).

Welcome to the April 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

It has been an eventful month.
First has returned to Brightlingsea and is competing against Hedingham route 87, by extending its 62 service beyond Wivenhoe. Hedingham has a retaliatory plan in hand, so watch this space.
Two months after selling to NIBS, Amber Coaches was closed at the start of April. NIBS had concluded that the business was no longer profitable and could not continue on an economic basis. Its bus and coach work was distributed amongst NIBS and other local operators.
Ensign has received its second batch of BCIs. These are shorter, two axle versions, and are for local bus work, although one is liveried as a demonstrator.
And the last coach in Soames livery, has received the colours of its new owner, Suffolk Norse.
On the railways, the end of an era was reached on London Underground on 21st April, with the retirement of its last “old school subway trains”, the D78 Stock on the District Line. Introduced in 1979, they were built by Metro Cammell at Birmingham and had several revolutionary features for the Underground at the time; including a fore and aft “one armed bandit” traction/braking controller and a fully adjustable (rather than tip up) drivers seat. The D78s were also notable in being sub surface stock mounted on tube stock bogies.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
Sold is Ford Transit 11 seater ET55 KGG.

AMBER COACHES, RAYLEIGH.
This company has gone into liquidation and operations ended.
The ‘Ambus’ local bus services ceased from 4/4/17, and being Essex CC/Thurrock DC tendered were put out to emergency contract. Thurrock 11 (Aveley-Basildon) and 374 (Grays-Basildon) passed to Ensignbus, while Essex 12, 269 (Grays-Brentwood) went to NIBS – Amber’s parent company.
The fleet at closure was: ADL/Enviro 200s SK07 HLN/V; Autosan AT1012s BX06 NZR/Z; Bova Futuras KIG 1321, VDJ 660, R59 BJC, Y8 AMS, YV03 VDY, YJ08 NSO; Bova Magiques WA06 LZK, YJ57 XWD/F/G; DAF MB230/VH YNJ 214; Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 4 (KM51 BFU), 1 (KM51 BFY), 9 (KU02 YBE), 6 (HV52 WTK), CC05 BLU; Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 T690 KPU; Leyland Olympian/NCs E891 AKN, F894 BKK, F899 DKK; Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistrals Y874/5 XEO.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano HV52 WTK has gone to store at NIBS Wickford depot. Several other vehicles remained at Rayleigh and Mountnessing depots, including ADL/Enviro 200s SK07 HLN/V, Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 T690 KPU; 2 Olympians and some coaches. HLN had been partly cannibalised. Mountnessing had opened for the Ambus local bus routes, centred on Brentwood in 2012.
Bova Magique WA06 LSK has been offered for sale through Close Brothers Asset Finance. Sold is Bova Futura YV03 YDY.

Above: Dart SLF/Caetano HV52 WTK at Grays on 1/12/15.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 827 APT is W218 UMV again.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3527 (LF02 PNY) has been on loan to Stevenage AKT depot.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 1558 (KX56 HCP), retains a working roller blind rear service number and side destination display. It was seen (below) at Colchester High Street on 4/4/17.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
The last buses in blue Network Harlow livery are Optare Solos 1454/66.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipse 3881 still retained Route 310 (Ware) branding in April.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Further former Arriva Midlands DAF DB250LF/Lowlanders are 6261/62 (FD02 UKT/U).
Arriva Kent and Surrey Scania Omnidekka 5372 (AY55 DKA) is here on loan, so is back in Essex. It was new to Network Colchester. It is covering ADL/Enviro 400 MMC 6505 (SN66 WHZ) which is undergoing collision repairs.

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3292 (Y292 TKJ), was still withdrawn at Short Street depot on 1/4/17. It is pictured with DAF SB120/Wright Cadet driver trainer 3524.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 MMC 6505 on Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay, on 1/4/17.

Optare Versa 4260 (KX13 AVG) was on loan to AKT Stevenage depot during April.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
TfL128 (Claybury-Romford) and 150 (Becontree Heath-Chigwell) have received a form of route branding. It features coloured route numbers and bus stop tiles, plus lettering on vehicles. This applies only to services running through Barkingside and not all buses will be treated.
Branded in light blue for 150 are ADL/Enviro 400s T169-179 (LJ60 AUU/V/W/X/Y, AVB, ATZ, AUA/C/E/F).
Branded in mauve for 128 are Volvo BV7TL/Alexander ALX400s VLA132-143 (LJ05 GPX/Y/Z, GRF/K/U/X/Z, GSO/U, LJ55 BTE/F).

Above: VDL SB300LF/Wright Gemini2 DW238 at Bishopsgate, on a southbound TfL48. This route was taken over from Stagecoach in February 2017.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
More acquisitions are:
Ayatts Bravos CIB 331, SIL 4058; Mercedes 0614D/Crest T680 LHN – ex Dolphin of Norwich; Mercedes 0814D/Optare X866 HEE; Setra S315 N114 HCL (orig EK51 KZB with Crusader of Clacton) – from Victory of Havant; Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere M888 ALP (orig M942 LJU) – ex Hunter, Tanobie, Durham; Volvo B12/VH CRZ 3806. CIB 331 and CRZ 3806 were immediately offered for onward sale.
In a new livery of white with orange skirt are T680 LHN, X866 HEE, M888 ALP and Mercedes 0404/Hispano YSV 645.
Gone to MC Tractors at Ely for scrap, are EOS L111 PVW and Setra S250 6884 YG.

BLUELINE, ROCKFORD.
Ex Yorkshire Tiger Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President X576 YUG is now here. It is in an accident damaged condition and will be repaired.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Following the conversion of East London Transit to New Routemaster, several of the special liveried WVL Class Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s, WVL334-45 (LX59 DDL/N/O/U/V/Y/Z, DEU, DFA/C-E) have moved to Metrobus, for use on the newly gained TfL X26 (West Croydon-Heathrow Airport), which had previously been with Quality Line. These WVLs have been modified by Hants and Dorset trim with lower deck luggage racks and are now single door. They draw a comparison of the ‘Airbus’ Metrobuses from the 1980s.
Some of the LTs intended for the EL routes were initially “loaned” to London General North for the new TfL76 (Tottenham-Waterloo) contract, while LTs intended for the 76 appeared at Blue Triangle.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED16 (AE 56 OUP) has returned from London General.
Sold to Ensign are Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions AE06 HCF/H, AE56 OUH/J/K/L/M/N.
Resold via Ensign are:
Dart SLF/Evolutions AE06 HLH – Ridley, Barnsley (dealer); AE56 OUM – Mullaney, Watford; AE56 OUN – MC Tractors, Ely, for scrap.

C2C.

Above: Class 357 ‘Electrostar’ EMU 357036 at Shoeburyness terminus.

Below: 357203 arrives at Thorpe Bay, London Fenchurch Street bound.
Both views taken on 1/4/17.

CARTERS HERITAGE BUSES.
Has moved from Capel St Mary in Suffolk to Great Bromley, Essex.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 583 (Y731 TGH) is withdrawn. It had been stored for several months at HB Commercials, Ipswich. It was one of a pair received from Plymouth Citybus, which retained dual doors.

CITY JET.
New is ATR42-300 turboprop LY-ARI.

Above: A Cityjet Avro RJ70 on final approach to London City on 26/3/17.

COLAS RAIL.
On 15/4/17, ‘Grids’ 56078 + 56087 visited Harwich International Port with a concrete sleeper train.They had come from Whitemoor (March). The locos are based at Washwood Heath (Birmingham).

COLCHESTER BUS STATION.
The facilities have been improved with the opening of a new NISA convenience store.

COLCHESTER COACHES.

This small operator has retired, having latterly had just one coach. The history of this company goes back more than 40 years, during which time it had two different owners; originally Mr Hardy and latterly Mr Stevens. The last coach operated was Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas T555 CCL (orig T858 JBC). It was pictured (above) at Queen Street, Colchester on 17/4/15, with Mr Stevens driving. It was on schools service 703 (Jaywick-Colchester Norman Way) , subcontracted from Stephensons. 703 was absorbed into Stephensons 704 (Holland-Norman Way)  from September 2015.

COLNE VALLEY RAILWAY.
Class 08 shunter 08738, which had been stored here for RSS, has moved to the RSS premises at Wishaw, Warwickshire. 08580 and 08709 remain at Colne Valley as RSS Reserve.

CT PLUS.
New for TfL394 (Homerton-Islington) are single door 9.0m ADL/E20D MMCs 1272-82.
From 8/4/17, TfL388 (Stratford City-Blackfriars) was extended southwards to Elephant and Castle.

Above: Blinded for the new southern terminus of TfL388, 1278 is one of the new E20Ds actually for for TfL394. It is pictured at the Ash Grove garage open day on 22/4/17. (D Bell).

DBS.
The first return ‘Silk Train’, overland from England to China, via the Channel Tunnel; departed DP World, Thames Gateway, Thurrock on 10/4/17.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Sold to Ensign by London Central are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis LB02 YXH, LF52 TGV.
LF52 TGZ is now with JD Transport, Oxford – via Ensign.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZRB/C/D, YL-LCU.

ENSIGNBUS.
Further BCI Enterprises are being delivered, but these are two axle versions. They will replace older Volvos on local bus routes. Their tri-axle cousins are only used on private charters. One of the new BCIs is in green/silver as a demonstrator. Ensign is also supplying a 4×2 BCI to Aintree Coachline.
As recorded above, Ensign has taken over temporary operation of ex Amber routes 11 and 374.
It is reported that some dealer stock is being stored in an overflow yard at East Tilbury.
LG02 KHF is another ex Go-Ahead London Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini now in the temporary rail replacement fleet.
Some of the Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympuses have moved into the private hire fleet.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano 797 (LK03 NLM) has passed to Anderson, London W2.

EUROWINGS.
Withdrawn is Airbus A320-214 D-AEWE. It is now OE-IQD.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: One of the new ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs for the Chelmsford Park and Ride; no 67194 is seen at New Street.

Above: Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33186 reaches the top of North Hill, Colchester, on an eastbound 62A, on 4/4/17.

From 2/4/17, commercial service 62 (Colchester-Wivenhoe) was extended to /from Brightlingsea and directly competing against Hedingham 87. First had previously run commercially into Brightlingsea in 2007, with its 78 service. There were revisions to the 62 with the journeys to Brightlingsea being 62 and those terminating at Wivenhoe becoming 62A. They are half hour frequency to Brightlingsea and every 15 minutes from Colchester to Wivenhoe. The Sunday 62s have been renumbered 62B. The 62A terminates at Wivenhoe Cemetery. The 62 runs “anti clockwise” around Wivenhoe, while the 62A is “clockwise”. 61/A was also diverted in Wivenhoe, and now runs direct into the village along the Avenue, rather than “around the houses” via the cemetery. 62/A has replaced this section. 61/A still terminates at Wivenhoe rail station.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 32640 on a westbound 62, at Colchester Bus Station on 4/4/17.

Also from 2nd April, new route 57 (Chelmsford-Beaulieu Park) commenced, and there were enhancements to Sunday/holiday 65s in Colchester. A poster promoting 57 is illustrated. Additionally ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs 44659-62 have received special super rear adverts.

The Wright Streetlites at Colchester (CR), are not passed for routes 62 (Colchester-Brightlingsea), 71 (Colchester-Chelmsford), 103/4 (Colchester-Harwich).
The Colchester staff shuttle now uses minibuses instead of full size vehicles. Renault Trafics NX16 VCT, VGD have been noted. VGD was pictured (below) at St Botholphs Circus on 4/4/17.

(D Bell).

The pair of Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLFs, have been given a “life extension”. Allocated to to Hadleigh (HH), 41730/35 (X503 JLO, X735 HLF) were due for withdrawal, but their excellent condition dictation their continued revenue use. Both have been re MOT’d. 41730 returned from a brief spell as a staff bus at Chelmsford (CF). 41735 transferred to Chelmsford (CF) on 18/4/17 – pictured above the following day. Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 42922/23 (EU05 AUO/P) have moved from Clacton (CN) to CF, in exchange for Mini Pointer SLFs 43845/46 (SN55 CXH/F). This is for the summer season.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69421 (AU58 FFH) has returned to Colchester (CR) from Chelmsford (CF). Ex Chelmsford Park and Ride 69518 (BJ11 ECT) entered service at HH on 6/4/17, leaving just 69520 (BJ11 ECW) to appear.
Volvo 7900H hybrids 69906/11 (BV13 ZBJ/R) have received super rear adverts for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance lottery, ex ones for Essex Fire and Rescue.
Another Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 to receive led destination equipment, ex dot matrix is 32484 (AU53 HKB). It has also had its rear route number display reinstated.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32864 (T864 KLF) has gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap, following a period of storage at Chelmsford (CF) and Braintree (BE). 33184 (LR02 LZD) has been towed away from CR for repairs following a major engine failure.
Now preserved Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43731 (S731 TWC) has received a “Badgerline era” style dark green/yellow livery.
A new Engineer’s van at CR is Ford Transit LWB hi cube SN17 NWT. It replaced similar ST62 PKC which was returned to its lessor. SN17 NYB is a new Ford S Max crew ferry car at CF.

The lorry driver involved in the accident at West Mersea in September 2015, when a steam engine fell onto a First Essex bus, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 20/4/17. Philip Last (53) had admitted 6 counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a previous hearing. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and banned from driving for 21 months. Last was driving a DAF XF articulated low loader, carrying a 10 tonne Burrell steam engine. While passing First Scania L113/Wright 65573 (S573 TPW) on a narrow section of road, the load fell onto the bus, crushing the front offside. The steam engine had not been adequately secured.

FLAGFINDERS.
Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash P391 LPS has been sold.
The Black Notley school contract has been gained from Turners.

FOREST COACHES, HARLOW.
Acquired from Barkerbus of Roydon is Duple Helsair 425 NIL 1059.

FOURWAYS COACHES, CHELMSFORD.
Leyland Olympian/NCs E852/56 DPN have been offered for sale. Preservationists are welcome.

FREIGHTLINER.
Parent company Genesee Wyoming has acquired UK container road transport operator Pentalver. Three of its five bases are in the ‘Busmopolitan’ area – at London Gateway, Felixstowe and Tilbury, with the others at Cannock and Southampton.

Above: Pentalver Scania R480 BX08 AUV on the A465 eastbound near Ebbw Vale, South Wales in July 2011.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
VDL Futura double deck coach BL66 GAL has been named “Billy Newbury”.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 PSU 316 has reverted to LX03 BVW.
Sold is Ford Transit 16 seater DV56 LUP.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
Now in the new livery is Mb Tourismo 5548 PP.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
New is Irizar i8 GB17 BOY.

GBRf.
66735 was at Bow Midland on 7/4/17.
66714 was at Dagenham Dock on 9/4/17.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
Mercedes 711D/Onyx P2 BST has disappeared from Deal’s yard, so is presumed sold.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: The modernised Southend Victoria depot, looking south from Prittlewell, on 1/4/17.

Below: Ex Great Northern Class 321 EMU 321407, also at Southend Vic depot on 1st April.

The second ‘Turbostar’ DMU into the new GA livery is 170208. Also now into the new colours is ex Great Northern Class 317 EMU 317347.
All stock has now been rebranded with the new ‘Greater Anglia’ title.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Scania Omnidekka no 1520, with route 87 branding, at Colchester Bus Station, on 4/4/17. Also note the “Free Wi Fi”.

Service 87 (Brightlingsea-Colchester), experienced competition from First’s newly extended 62, from 2/4/17. Fares have been slashed on the 87 with the ‘Mad Spring Fares’ (originally ‘Mad March Fares’) promotion, and Scania Omnidekkas 1516/17/18/19/20 (YN55 PZX, YN06 JYB/C/D/E) have received green window advertising for this.

After some months of speculation, the Volvo Olympians have been retained as a reserve fleet. 83 (above) is one of those stored at Kelvedon. Pictured on 13/4/17 by Terry Clark. 95 (R279 LGH) is in the right background.

Scania Omnidekka 1513 (YN55 PZU) returned to Clacton (CN) from Kelvedon (KN) on 4/4/17. 1509 (YN55 PZM) was on loan from Chambers for one afternoon only on 21/4/17. It worked PL4 (Plume School Maldon-Tolleshunt Darcy) from KN and was to cover failed Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 561 (V301 LGC). B7TL/President 560 (EU53 MVZ) is withdrawn due to fire damage, and is a write off. It has passed to Spall of Dallinghoo for breaking. 560 was new to HD as L330 in 9/03 and also served at CN and TY. Another Omnidekka to appear at KN was CN’s 1514 (YN55 PZV) from 27/4/17 to the 28th.
As a result of the loss of 560, there is a shortage of low height ‘deckers at KN. Honywood schoolbus 1 (Coggeshall-Silver End) has had to be worked by full height vehicles and diverted via Marks Tey.
One line of routes 82/83 was temporarily transferred from Clacton (CN) to Sible Hedingham (HD) for the spring school holidays. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 291 was seen (below) on the duty at Colchester, on 12/4/17.

Volvo Olympian/NC 73 (R643 MNU) has been donated to a school in Dereham, as a static library.
Ford Transit 16 seater YT12 DBZ is on loan from Robertson Van Hire, while “regular” YT12 DDK undergoes maintenance.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Further Optare Versas to get the new fleet colours in lieu of Park and Ride are 150/51 (YK08 EPJ/U).

JET2.COM.
New are Boeing 737-8SP EC-IDT, G-JZHY/Z.

KEVENDY’S, WICKFORD.
Iveco 50C13 OY52 YTR is now K16 DYS.

LEO’S PLAYBUS, CHELMSFORD.

Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale R143 EHS, pictured on 17/4/17, by Simon Austin.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
For the Heritage fleet is Bedford OB/Burlingham full front FFS 867.

LONDON BY NIGHT, RAINHAM.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 part open topper T75 KLD is via Ensign.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
A new commercial venture is a contract for Here East innovation park, at the Olympic Park in Stratford. There is a circular service linking Here East campus with Stratford and Stratford International railway stations, running M-F.
Used on this are Wright Streetlite DFs WS35/36/38 (SN64 CUC/G/J) and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer LDP186 (Y986 TGH). They each carry individual liveries; WS35 – grey, WS36 – orange, WS38 – turquoise, LDP186 – grey. The WSs had previously beenon TfL192 9Enfield-Tottenham Hale). The SLF is a spare vehicle.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Class 317 EMU 317887 is now in the new livery.

Above: The bridge which carries the North London Line (NLL) over the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) between Shoreditch and Whitechapel. London Overground uses both routes. On the GEML, it runs on the pair of tracks furthest away in this picture.
These are the ex WAGN metals, to Cheshunt, Chingford and Enfield Town.

LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED.
The last scheduled working of D78 Stock on the District Line happened on 21/4/17, ending 38 years service of the type. The penultimate trains in use were 7037 + 7526 as Duty T13 and 7057 + 7518 as Duty T54 on 19/4/17. On 20/4/176, 7018 + 7057 was out again, on Duty T124, but only for the morning peak. The very final working on 21/4/17 was 7007 + 7032 on Duty T4. The last departure from Upminster on T4 was at 1635; arriving Ealing Broadway at 1812,then light to Ealing Common depot for 1831.
Withdrawn earlier were 7012 + 7095. 7037 + 7526 were retired after service on 19/4. 7057 + 7518 were stood down on 20/4. All were collected at Ealing Common, so the D78 has well and truly left metropolitan Essex.

Above: 7032 leads 7007 at Upminster on 21/4/17. It is departing from the depot.
(Picture by Amaroussi).

MAYHEM EVENTS, ABRIDGE.
Sold is Ford Transit 16 seater YP16 DYT.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
The latest Class 345 EMUs to arrive are 345006/7/8.

Above: The new sidings at Ilford, on the site of the old ‘B’ Shop, seen on 7/4/17.

Below: Crossrail works at Shenfield. This new power equipment is at the London end of the old stabling sidings.

Above: The new CrossRail stabling sidings at the country end of Shenfield. Pictured on 7/4/17.

Below: Improvements at MTR Gidea Park depot.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.

Above: Chalfont of Uxbridge now provides a duty on NX 484 (London-Clacton). Volvo B12T/VH WA61 AKP was seen at Colchester on 15/4/17. This has replaced the diagram provided by East Yorkshire Motor Services. Volvo B11R/Caetano Levante BX65 WCJ is pictured below, also at Colchester, on 22/4/17. (Both pictures by Simon Austin).
The 481 (London-Felixstowe) continues to have EYMS workings.

Chalfont NX liveried B11R/Levantes BX65 WCK/L/M/N/O will also be seen on the 484.

NEW HORIZON.
Ex National Holidays are Setra S415s NH09 LRH, NH09 MRH, NH09 NRH. These are the first Setras here and will replace the Scania Omniexpresses.

OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
The former yard at Pinnacles, Harlow has been offered for sale. The old depot at Burnt Mills is currently rented to 3 different tenants.

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus open topper VLE620 (LJ07 USO) is now in a Union Jack livery.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH J327 BSH has been resold via Ensign to Evento Lukasz Mfgdalski, Warsaw, Poland.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 611, with the ‘Busmopolitan ‘ and ‘Bus Fayre’ editor driving, at Newbury Park on 2/4/17. It is on a GA “all stations” rail replacement to Witham. (S Austin).

The Ipswich Greater Anglia rail standby duty has ceased, and the outstation closed. The coach used has returned to Parkeston.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer BIG 9856 and Dart SLF/Pointer S303 JUA have returned from Regal, off loan. S303 JUA has gone into store and is for sale.
Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843 is withdrawn and has reverted to its original P390 LPS mark. It is for sale with a class 5 MOT and has also gone to store.
DAF DB250LF/EL AB02 PAN and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DC56 PAN are both VOR, due to major engine failures. Both will be repaired. DC56 PAN being the first.
AB02 PAN will require a complete replacement engine
Colchester outstation was temporarily relocated to Middleborough in early April, after travellers “invaded” Sheepen Road car park.
Leyland Titan PD3/NC convertible open topper BUF 426C has been named ‘Bunny’.

REGAL BUSWAYS.

Via Ensign is ex London General Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZSD. It is pictured (above) at Ingatestone on GA RRP on 16/4/17. It is one of two. LF52 ZTL is the other. They retain dual doors.

MAN NL270F/Wright 802 (WX08 DFN) has been repainted by Mardens. It is the first of te fleet to get the new colours twice.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 615 (Y258 NLK) has appeared in fleet livery, modified from the Metroline scheme in which it was acquired. Seen (below) at Colchester on 13/4/17, on an evening route 70 (Colchester-Braintree) duty.

RICHMOND AVENUE SCHOOL, SHOEBURYNESS.
Ex Arriva Kent Thameside DAF DB250LF/Alexander400 Y466 UGC is now here, for use as a static library.

RONDA COACHES, SOUTHEND.
A visit to the Suttons Wharf, Rochford depot on 1/4/17 found the following.
Ford Transit 14 seater DS57 NUP (operated by Coles of Southend); Iveco Euro Midi TAZ 5286 (orig W813 AAY), Mercedes 0814D/Autobus P478 FCD, and derelict LDV Convoy KC51 LUW.

Above: TAZ 5286 on depot at Rochford. This was new to Epsom Coaches.
Below: In its Epsom Coaches days as W813 AAY. Pictured at Millbank, London in August 2003.

RYANAIR.
Further new Boeing 737-800 8ASs are EI-FZI/J/K/L/M/N/O.

SILVERLINE, ABRIDGE.
Scania K114/Irizar SIL 474 has reverted to its original YN55 RBZ mark.
Mercedes Tourismo BN17 JDJ has passed to Grange Travel of Gravesend, off loan from Evobus.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.

ADL/Enviro 200 21854 (AE13 EEA) is on loan to Norfolk Green. It was pictured (above) at Norwich on 15/4/17, by Simon Austin.

STANSTED CITYLINK.

Above: Mercedes Tourismo BG65 VXF leads a classmate at St Pancras International, London terminus, on 7/4/17. In years past, there was a coach station in this locality.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Transferred to Selkent is Scania Omnicity ‘decker 25120 (LX09 FZS).
ADL/Enviro 40H 12417 (YY66 PJX) has been re-registered to 527 CLT.
TfL 167 (Ilford-Loughton), 169 (Barking-Clayhall), 247 (Barkingside-Romford), 275 (Barkingside-Walthamstow), 462 (Ilford-Limes Farm) have received a form of route branding. It comprises coloured routes numbers and bus stop tiles, plus lettering on vehicles.
This applies only to routes serving Barkingside and is a TfL initiative. Not all buses will be treated.

TfL296 (Ilford-Romford) has received an increased double deck allocation. This is connected with releasing saloons for new contract gains. TfL396 (Barking-Goodmayes Hospital) is now mostly double deck.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 36557 calls at Newbury Park on 2/4/17.

Ex Selkent (Catford, TL) ADL/Enviro 200 36374 (LX59 EDL) was noted on TfL396 (Ilford-Goodmayes Hospital) on 2/4/17, with no route blinds. Rainham’s (RM) E200 36557 (LX13 CYZ) was also on 396. These are are Barking (BK) to cover for new contract gains.

Above: An anonymous 36374 at Little Heath on 2/4/17.

Withdrawn are Optare Versas 25306/8/9 (LX58 CHL/N/O/V) and fire damaged 25312 (LX09 AAJ).

School service TfL678 (Beckton-Stratford) was gained from Arriva London North, from 1/4/17.

Above: Arriva Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 VLA91 is seen here blinded for TfL678. It was one of several VLAs used short term at Barking (DX) in late 2015, before sale to Ensign, where it was seen on 2/1/16. It subsequently joined the Ensignbus fleet as no 110. Originally, it had been at Tottenham (AR), with Arriva London North, and been a frequent visitor to Ilford on TfL123 (Turnpike Lane-Ilford).

Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17817/907 (LX03 BXM, OSA) have passed to Ensign. Sisters 17866/93 (LX03 NFL, ORF) have been scrapped.
Resold via Ensign is 17909 (LX03 OSC) – to Skyliners International, Cobham.
Scania Omnicity ‘deckers 15125-46 (LX59 CLU/V/Y/Z, CME/F/K/O/U/V/Y/Z, CNA/C/E/F/J/K/N/O/U/V) have been returned to Scania off lease and being sold through Chartwell, Horsham (dealer).

STEPHENSONS.
ADL/Enviro 40D City demonstrator SN66 WLK was on loan at Rochford, between 14th and 24th April.
Usually Haverhill Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 456 (GU52 HJX) has been working from Braintree. ADL/Enviro 200 434 (EU10 NVT) has moved from Haverhill to Boreham and been seen working at Braintree – see below.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 434 at Marlborough Road, Braintree on 6/4/17. This bus is one of the batch originally used at Maldon for ‘Blackwater Link’ route 90, and then moved to Haverhill, mainly for use at Bury St Edmunds on the ‘Breeze’ town services.

SUFFOLK NORSE.


Volvo B9R/Plaxton YN60 FML, the last coach in Soames livery, has received Norse fleet colours. Pictures taken on GA RRP at Newbury Park (top) on 2/4/17, and Ingatestone (above) on 14/4/17.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
TfL school routes 617 and 629 were taken over from Arriva London North, from 1st April.

SUPREME COACHES, SOUTHEND.
A visit to the former sites of the “original” company on 1/4/17, found the following.
Stock Road yard is now occupied by UK Power Networks. The old workshop at Chandlers Road has disappeared under a Brett concrete batching plant. The former office and travel shop at London Road, Hadleigh, continues as an eatery – currently the Castlepoint Restaurant. The earlier yard at London Road Leigh, disappeared under new retirement flats a couple of years ago.

SWISS.
Withdrawn is BAe Avro RJ100 HB-JMM.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Sold is Ford Transit 16 seater WL07 EUP.

TERRAVISION.
Scania K360/Irizar YT12 YUC is now with Carver, Little Sutton, Cheshire.

THOMAS COOK AIRLINES.
New are Airbus A330-243 G-VYGM; Airbus A321-231 YL-LCQ.

THOMSON AIRWAYS.
New is Boeing 737-86J C-FWGH.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Took over TfL13 (North Finchley-Victoria) from London Sovereign from 1st April, using new MHVs which had initially been used on TfL23 (Westbourne Park-Liverpool Street). The 13 basically repaced TfL82 which had been worked by Metroline. The 13 as operated by London Sovereign was completely diffent, being Golders Green to Aldwych. Old VNW Class Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis have since appeared on the 23, alongside the existing ADL/Enviro 400s.

TRUSTYBUS.
From 10/4/17, the frequency of 424 was doubled in response to Arriva increasing its 724 between Harlow and Hertford.
Double deck operation has ceased. Dennis Trident PSU 316 has reverted to its original LX03 BVW and withdrawn.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano HV52 WTJ and Scania Omnilink/EL YR52 VFJ have returned to service, ex delicensed. Now delicenced are Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar YK53 GXJ and Volvo B10BLE/Wright WNZ 2249. Withdrawn is Scania Omnicity YK53 GXJ.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright W129 XRO has gone for scrap following cannibalisation.

With thanks to: Amaroussi; S Austin; A Barham; J Coward; D Bell; W Bell; R Delahoy; Ensign; Essex Buses Yahoo; A Hazell; Hedingham; J Lidstone; LOTS; New Horizon; PSVC; RailUK Forums; RE; RM; Suffolk Norse; R Sycamore.