Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSC, CMILT.

Welcome to the April 2019 edition of Busmopolitan.

The first weekend of April saw the introduction of the Ultra low Emission Zone in central London. This meant many older, non compliant buses and coaches could no longer enter the heart of the Capital without incurring a daily charge. The ULEZ zone is basically within the A501 inner ring road.
During the w/c 14/4/19, climate change protestors from Extinction Rebellion brought much disruption to central London. They caused obstructions at Oxford Circus and Waterloo Bridge. 50 bus routes had to be diverted. Busmopolitan area TfL services affected included 26 and 388.

24/7, STANSTED.
New are Vauhall Vivaros EU19 FRD/N.
Sold are Vauxhall Vivaros EN13 FZW, GGA/F, SFK, EJ14 AVB.
Scrapped is Renault Master/O&H welfare bus YX07 FCP.

A2B, BARBRAHAM.
From Courtney, Bracknell is Optare Solo SR YJ62 FCC.

ADVANCE MINIBUSES, SOUTHEND.
Scania/Irizar tri-axle YR61 RWF is now here.

AJK TRAVEL, ILFORD.

Above: This small operator has a contract for Colchester High School. Mercedes Sprinter 516 14 seater YD68 ZHU rests between duties at Southway, Colchester on 1/4/19. (John Podgorski).

APT COACHES, RAYLEIGH.
From AAA, Kirknewton, Scotland are Volvo B11R/Siderals RM16 AAA, RR16 AAA.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: Dart SLF/Pointer 3417 crosses the River Colne at East Street, Colchester on 11/4/19. (John Podgorski).

Dart SLF/Pointer 3412 (SN54 HWZ) passed to Ensign, following its time at Guildford with Arriva Kent and Surrey, and was resold to Hardwicks of Carlton for scrap.

Odd sightings: 1/4/19: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3817 (GN07 AVD) on 1. 3/4/19: 3817 on 8. 16/4/19: 3817 on 2. 25/4/19: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1564 (HX04 HUH) on 8.

Above: The old Magdalen Street depot site as it appeared on 22/4/19. The beginning of the redevelopment project for flats is clearly depicted. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
From Arriva Merseyside are VDL SB120/Wright Cadets 2525/31 (DK55 FXL/U).
On loan from Ware was Optare Solo 2485 (YK07 BEU).
Withdrawn to store at Ware are Optare Solo 2488 (YJ57 EJK), DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3521/20 (LJ03 MYG, MZL).
SB120 4536 (LJ03 MYM) has transferred to Ware for continued service.
Mb Sprinter 1019 has moved on.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Ex Arriva Kent and Sussex (Maidstone) ADL/Enviro 400 5452 (SN58 ENX) is now in service here. It arrived in a cannibalised condition and was repaired.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet driver trainer T524 (LJ51 DDX) was at work during April.
In the same month, there was a clearout of withdrawn buses at Short Street depot, with them going to Hardwicks at Carlton for scrap, via Ensign.
DAF DB250LF/EL 6255 is withdrawn.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
From the weekend of 6-7/4/19, only ULEZ compliant buses were allowed into central London.
New Routemasters to overall adverts:
LT4 – Fitbit; LT213 – The Secret life of Pets 2; LT219 – Harry’s; LT324 – quattro; LT592 – Harry’s.
Back to red ex overall adverts: LT216, 474, 525, 588.
DW332/34 have been transferred to Barking. DW334 was briefly at Dartford.
Withdrawn are Volvo B7TL/ALX400s VLA166/68/70/71.

Above: Ex Grays, now at Barking Volvo B7TL/ALX400 VLA116 at Beckton on 23/4/19. Barking depot is the last place in Arriva London to run VLAs, and they will go later in 2019 following TfL contract changes. (Daniel Acott).

Above: Arriva London South ADL/Enviro 400 T154 (LJ60 AWC) in the scrapline at Edmonton depot in April 2019. This bus was involved in a collision in West Croydon Bus Station in November 2018, in which several passengers were injured and the driver arrested on suspicion of drug driving. (Craig Philson).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON. M36 KAX is a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere ex Miller Brothers, Littleport.

BEESTONS.
New is ADL/Enviro 400MMC YX19 OUW.
Scania Omnidekka YV03 PZM has passed to Adams, Luton.
Local bus service 236 (Sudbury-Clare) passed to Chambers from 8/4/19.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
ADL/Enviro 40H EH14 has been transferred inform Go-Ahead London.
More ADL/Enviro 200s sold to Ensign are LX10 AUR/V. They were subsequently briefly loaned by Ensign to Foxstar of Newport (Wales), before that latter operator ceased trading.

Above: What the old Rainham site looked like on 20/4/19. (John Podgorski).

The new warehouse on the site of the old Ferry Lane, Rainham depot is now complete.
Some buses still carry fleetnames from their previous Go Ahead London operators.

Above: Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 WVL339, one of the ex East London Transit vehicles now with Metrobus for the X26. It was pictured at Old Malden on 13/4/19. Note the single door conversion. (John Podgorski).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
AEC PRV Routemaster RML2613/NML613E is now preserved by the company.
Withdrawn is Trident/ALX400 LX03 OPT.
Sold are Neoplan Skyliner YN03 AUW and Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents V42, 45, 431/99, X675 YUG.

CHAMBERS.

Above: Scania N230UD/Olympus 876 and Hedingham ex Konect Scania Omnitown AN61 BUS at Sible Hedingham depot on 27/4/19. (John Podgorski).

From 7/4/19, the payroll was transferred to Konect, with all employees TUPED over.
Route 236 (Sudbury-Clare) was taken over from Beestons from 8/4/19.
The first of the Scania N230UD/Optare Olympuses noted in service was 877 (PN09 ENO). The others will enter traffic progressively, as they are received. 873/75 (PN09 EMV, ENE) were ready for dispatch from Mardens on 16/4/19. By that time, 872 (PN09 EMK) was at Hedingham’s Sible Hedingham depot. On 27/4/19, 876 (PN09 ENF) was at HD. 871 arrived at Sudbury in late April.
Withdrawn and cannibalised is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 567 (W457 WGH).

Above: 877 at Bures Hamlet on 6/4/19. (Chris Baines).

CL TRAVEL, FLINT CROSS.
BMC 850 BX06 OAU has been re-registered 485 DKH.

COLAS RAIL.
15/4/19: 37254 + 9708 and NR test train on 3Q20 Derby-Cambridge via Audley End.
17/4/19: 37254 + 9708 and NR Test Train on 3Q70 Ferme Park-Colchester.
18/4/19: 37254 + 9708 on 3Q69 Colchester and back via Norwich and Harwich Town.

CT PLUS.
From the weekend 6-7/4/19, the ULEZ started and only compliant buses were allowed into central London. Routes affected were TfL 26, 388, 812.
812 was restocked with MX67 GYD/H/J – replacing non-compliant BT1-3 (YX10 AYD/F, FFW).
Optare Metrodecker OM1 (YJ16 EBO) was returned to Optare off loan.

DANS COACH TRAVEL, NEEDHAM MARKET.

Above: Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount 3200 G210 UAS was ex Panther Travel, where it was BIG 8856. It was seen at Ipswich on 22/4/19, alongside Panther Travel Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DB54 PAN – ex YN54 WWT with Turners of Essex. Both were on Greater Anglia rail replacement. (Alex Hazell).

DAN’S LUXURY TRAVEL, WALTHAM ABBEY.
Sold is Ford Transit 14 seater LT07 YTC.

DBS.
3/4/19: Maritime Blue 66074 on 4L47 Wakefield-Felixstowe. 66174 on 4M70 Chesterton-Mountsorrel. 66086 on Bow Olympic-Burngullow.
4/4/19: 66002 delivered new 755409/10 to Norwich, then light to Acton Yard as 0Z45.
5/4/19: 66047 on Wakefield-FLX.
8/4/19: 66047 on Wakefield-FLX. 66158 on Chesterton-Mountsorrel stone empties.
9/4/19: 66047 on Wakefield-FLX.
11/4/19: 66014 on Burngullow, 66004 on 6L69 and 66020 on 4E25 all at Bow Olympic.
15/4/19: 66047 on 4L45. 66076 at Bow Midland on Plasmor.
16/4/19; 66047 on 4L45.
17/4/19: 66041 at Bow Olympic. 66047 on 4L45.
23/4/19: 66198 tnt 66075 on 6L69 Plasmor to Bow.
24/4/19: 66047 on 4L45.

DLR.

Above: The rooftop protest at Canary Wharf DLR station. (PA).

On 17/4/19, climate change protesters obstructed a train at Canary Wharf; halting services in the area, but not causing wider disruption.
Two people stood on the roof of the train, while a third glued himself to a door. They were subsequently arrested for Obstructing The Railway. The trio appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on 18/4/19 and remanded in custody.
There was a second such protest on 25/4/19; which was the last day of action by Extinction Rebellion.

Above: Cars 22 and 46 pass at Langdon Park on 30/1/16. (John Podgorski).

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
From the weekend of 6-7/4/19, only ULEZ compliant buses were permitted into central London. This affected buses on TfL 100 and 135.
Some buses still carry fleetnames from their previous Go Ahead London operator.
Sold to Ensign were Scania Omnicity ‘deckers 962/66 (YT59 DYF/J).

DRS.
4/4/19: 57303 as 0Z04 Norwich-Willesden light loco via GEML and NLL.
9/4/19: 37423/405 on 0Z37 Norwich-Tonbridge via GEML and NLL.
15/4/19: 57003 + 37425 on 0L57 Willesden-Norwich via GEML. Then 57003 on 5Z57 Norwich-Eastleigh with DRS MkIIs coaches 5810, 5937, 9525.
16/4/19: 37407 towed GA 90004 from Norwich to Crewe as 0Z37 via GEML, NLL, ECML …….
23/4/19: 37059 on Eastleigh-Norwich light engine, via NLL and GEML.
24/4/19: 37059 on 0V29 Norwich-Cardiff via GEML and NLL. 37402 towed GA 90003 from Crewe to Norwich as 0Z74.
25/4/19: 37059 towed GA DVT 82114 from Cardiff to Norwich.

ENSIGNBUS.
Ex Stagecoach Cambus Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 open topper TSU 639 entered temporary use, to cover for the regular open topper Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 392 (392 MBF) which was on Brexit duties.

(Craig Philson).

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL – COMMUNITY LINK.

Above: Iveco 45C/Euromotive EU04 KWP worked at Brentwood for most of its time with Community Link. It is now a caravan in Colchester. Seen at King Stephen Road on 17/4/19. (John Podgorski).

FIRST ESSEX.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33178 (LR02 LYX) is back in use at Colchester, after being VOR for several months.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65685 has moved to First Eastern Counties. 65692 (YS03 ZKM) has gone to First Potteries. Scania Omnicities 65028/30 have gone to First Potteries following loan to First Eastern Counties.
Over the weekend of 13-14/4/19, Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69518 was loaned by Hadleigh to Basildon, in exchange for ADL/Enviro 400 33568. The E400 was needed for rail replacement.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse 66823 is now in the new Urban livery.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses 41539 (LK53 FDY), 41544 (LK53 FEJ). Both have been moved from Basildon to Chelmsford. 41539 was subsequently cannibalised.
Wright StreetLite 63165 is delicensed due to accident damage. It has been returned to Wrightbus for repairs.

Double deck operation on route 26 (Southend-Leigh-Hadleigh) ceased after 27/4/19. It was also extended eastwards from Southend to Southchurch from 28/4/19, and interworks with route 24.
The old Prittlewell depot has been demolished and is being redeveloped as flats.

There were service changes on the Clacton-Colchester corridor from 29/4/19. 97, 97A were combined into a revised 97. 97 previously by-passed University of Essex and 97A by-passed Weeley. From Clacton to Colchester the 97 now follows the same route as the “traditional” 76. However, in Clacton, the 97 now only serves the rail station Clacton bound. Also, the 97 (and 98) from Walton, now run via Wellesley Road rather than Station Road in Clacton and don’t serve Pier Avenue – just Jackson Road. But 97/98 do serve Pier Avenue Walton bound. In Colchester, the 97 and 98 run via Hythe Hil, Barrack Street and Magdalen Street inbound from Clacton and no longer via Greenstead Road and East Hill.
In Maldon, route 75 was extended to/from Morrisons M-Sat, and on Suns/Hols was extended to/from Masefield Road. In both cases these were beyond the Blackwater Leisure Centre.

Odd sightings: 5/4/19: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37135 (SN57 HCP) on 17; Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37139 (SN57 HCY) on 17 + 65. 9/4/19: Trident 33178 on 103/4; Route 62 B9TL 37136 (SN57 HCU) on 64; StreetLite 63329 on 102; StreetLites 63332/38/43 on 103/4. 11/4/19: StreetLite 63328 on 62. 13/4/19: Trident 33184 on 64; Route 27/28 B7RLE 69518 on 100. 16/4/19: Trident 33078 on 64. 18/4/19: 33078 on 64. StreetLite 63333 on 1A. 22/4/19: Route 62 B9TL SN57 HDH on 75. 23/4/19: Dart SLF/MPD 43847 (SN55 CXJ) on 71. 24/4/19: Route 62 B9TL 37134 on 174. 25/4/19: Trident 33196 on 174. 29/4/19: Trident 33086 (LN51 GMG) on 175. 30/4/19: Route 62 B9TL SN57 HDH on 75; X30 ADL/E200MMC 67165 (YY66 PBO) on 71.

Above: 63328 at East Bay, Colchester on 11/4/19. (John Podgorski).

Above: A RTC on Lexden Road, Colchester on 16/4/19, resulted in diversions. Wright StreetLite on 63328 on 65 was seen on Maldon Road. (John Podgorski).

Below: And StreetLite 63331 turns out of Beverley Road, back onto Lexden Road. (John Podgorski).

FLAGFINDERS.
Ex Graham’s Mb Sprinter VU53 FYR now has Flagfinders livery.

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD.
Dennis Condor/Metsec G310 FWC is now G505 WPN.

FREIGHTLINER.
66623 to new Genesee Wyoming orange/yellow livery.
2/4/19: 70002 on 4L75 Crewe-Felixstowe. 86632/14 on 4L41 Crewe-FLX.
4/4/19: 86607/5 on 4L41.
13/4/19: 66616 on West Thurrock-Tunstead.
15/4/19: 66622 at Bow Olympic on Tunstead.
16/4/19: 66505 on 6E50 Ipswich-Lindsey tanks.
17/4/19: 66623 on Burngullow-Bow Olympic. 86622/14 on 4L41 Crewe-FLX.
18/4/19: 66623 on 6L45 Hope-Dgenham cement.
20/4/19: 66616 tnt 66623 on diverted via Sandy 6M92 West Thurrock-Tunstead cement.
21/4/19: 66594 tnt 66567 on Whitemoor-Bury St Edmunds engineers.
22/4/19: 66567/94/20/02/31 on 0A85 Whitemoor-Ipswich light engine. 66617 tnt 66623 on diverted 6M92 at Davy Down Viaduct, on the Grays-Upminster branch.24/4/19: 86622/37 on Crewe-FLX.
30/4/19; 86638/28 on 4L41.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
The coaches and minibuses have been renumbered:
DAF SB/VH 3860 PP ex S408 JUA – 209 to 150; Mb Tourismo 5048 PP ex BV10 ZKL – 289 to 151; Fd Transit KR59 KMY – 291 to 81; Mb Tourismo 6399 PP ex BF60 OGA – 293 to 152; Fd Transit AV60 TKO – 299 to 82; Mb Tourismo 2086 PP ex BX12 CWC – 306 to 153; Setra S315 3379 PP ex BN12 EOO – 309 to 141; Volv o9700 5611 PP ex BX13 BZA – 319 to 154; Volvo B8R/Plaxton Leopards YN13 AVV, AWW – 320/21 to 155/56; VH TX16 5516 PP ex YJ14 CEX – 327 to 142; Fd Transit AV61 XDN – 329 to 83; Mb Tourismo BF15 XPJ – 338 to 143; Fd Transit AX14 GXS – 342 to 84; Fd Transit PO15 AZP 345 to 131; VH TX16s YJ16 EPP/V – 355/56 to 144/45; Fd Transit MX67 XWY 367 to 85.

GARDNER, CHELMSFORD. Ex GHH, Norden is Scania K340EB4/Lah Omniexpress YN58 SNK.

GBRf.
1/4/19: 66710 on 4L18 Trafford Park-Felixstowe. 66722 on 6L37. 66730 on 4L22 Felixstowe-Hams Hall.
2/4/19: 66720 on 4Z26 FLX-Masboro.66722 on 6L37. 66732 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
3/4/19: 66722 on 6L37. 66735 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 66739 on 6M76 Chesterton Junct-Bardon Hill. 66753 on 6P41 Harwich-N Walsham. 66763 on 4L07 Birch Coppice-FLX. 66767 on 6L61 Rlystone-Chesterton. 66770 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66774 on 4L02 Hams Hall-Flx. 66777 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66786 on 6L06 Cricklewood-Foxton.
4/4/19: 66732 on 4M23. 66753 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks and 6A32 return.
5/4/19: 66708 on Rylstone-Chesterton Junct.
8/4/19: 66757 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66758 on 6L37. 66763/66 on 0L33. 66777 on 4Z26 FLX-Masboro.
11/4/19: 66724 tnt 66771 at Romford ETE with DR76901. 66732 on 4L22. 66768 on Ipswich-N Walsham light loco.
13/4/19: 66720 on 4L30. 66757/52 on 4Z81 66766/30/32 seen light engine “up” at Maryland @ 1940. They were on a diverted FLX/IPS-Peterborough move, caused due to an engineering blockade on the GEML north of Ipswich. They were running as 0E06. 66777 on 4Z26.
15/4/19: 66738/55 on 0L33. 66751 on 6L06 Barrington spoil. 66752 on N Walsham-Ipswich light loco.
17/4/19: 66711 on 4Z33. 66782 on 4L02.
20-22/4/19: 66751 and 92026 stabled at Dagenham Dock.
22/4/19: 66704 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66756 on FLX-Hams Hall. 66761 on 67L37. 66776 on 67L37 with FL 6533 dit.
24/4/19: 66761 on 6L37.
25/4/19: 66761 on 0L37.
26/4/19: 66721 on 4M29. 66764/15 at Romford ETE.
29/4/19: 66725 Bat Chesterton Yard. 66760 on 4L22. 66761 on 4M29. 66732 on 4M23. 66754/80 on 6L37. 66770 on 4L07.
30/4/19: 66766 on Ipswich-N Walsham light loco.

Above: North Walsham Oil Terminal on 12/4/19. (John Podgorski).

GOLDLINE EXECUTIVE, MANOR PARK.
The main depot is on Station Road, with a sub yard at Aldersbrook Road.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: Stadler ‘Flirt’ 755104 at Crown Point depot, Norwich on 12/4/19. (John Podgorski).

Below: The new sidings at Norwich, for the Class 755s. These replaced the proposed depot at Brantham. (John Podgorski).

New are 755409/10 – delivered on 4/4/19. 755413/14 on 18/4/19.
5/4/19: 317347/512 on 1Y34 1818 Liverpool Street-Ipswich.
12/4/19: 317337/667 and 317650/662 on Liverpool Street-Braintrees.
13/4/19: 321337/342 on 1445 Ipswich-London ‘Inter-City’. 321325/429 on 1930 London-Ipswich ‘Inter-City’.
15/4/19: 755409/10 on Norwich-Colchester test run.
18/4/19: 317654/60 on 1Y34 Liverpool St-Ipswich; but failed at Marks Tey and terminated. 755408 noted as first train to use now sidings at Norwich Crown Point.
24/4/19: 321306/22 on 1P04 Norwich-London. 755410 on Norwich-Colchester test run and return.

HEDINGHAM.

Above; The last coach at Clacton is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere no 8. Pictured on 30/4/19. It is used on a school contract. (John Podgorski).

Withdrawn is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 576 (W517 WGH). It has been cannibalised at Clacton.
Dennis Trident/EL 721 (W821 NNJ) pased to Ensign, and then to Hardwick, Carlton for scrap.
From 1/4/19, following the loss of 352 to Stephensons, the route 82/83 element of that duty (1615 from Colchester), was moved from Sible Hedingham to Kelvedon and integrated with Stanway School Bus 4 and two rounders on service 91 – as Duty 3111.
From 7/4/19, the payroll was transferred to Konect, with all employees TUPED over.
Scania Omnidekka movements: 3/4/19; 811 from Chambers; 814 to Chambers. 5/4/19: 807 from Chambers; 812 to Chambers . w/e 13/4/19: 813 to Chambers, 814 to Hedingham, 820 – KN-CN. 23/4/19: 807 – to Chambers, 813 to Hedingham.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 520/23 returned to CN from KN in early April.
527 (LX06 EAK) has been converted to single door, while 528 (LX06 EAM) was under conversion at the end of April.

Above: 528 at Clacton depot on 30/4/19. (John Podgorski).

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 563 (V307 LGC) in a less than usual setting on 14/3/19. It was at H&B Commercials, Ipswich for MOT. H&B are a Volvo agent. 563 can usually be found on school contract PL4 (Mundon-Latchingdon-Cold Norton-Purleigh-Hazeleigh-Woodham Walter-Maldon Plume School). (Laurence Kinsella Ilot).

Odd sightings: 2/4/19: Short ADL/E200 293 (EU59 AFJ) on X76. 9/4/19: 293 on X76. 12/4/19: Omnidekka 810 on 92. 18/4/19: 810 on 92. 25/4/19: 293 on 63. 26/4/19: B7TL/President 565 (W425 WGH) on 19 + 63. 29/4/19: Omnidekka 810 (YN55 PZO) on TLA A pm.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Odd sightings: 30/4/19: Dart SLF/Super Pointer SN53 AVK on 93/94.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.

Above: Setra S250 JRZ 6241 is now K400 PTS with Wrights Coaches of Hoveton, near Wroxham, Norfolk. It was pictured on depot on 12/4/19. (John Podgorski).

KIRBYS, RAYLEIGH.
From Orchard of Heaton Chapel is Mb Tourismo BX64 WHN.
Sold are Setra S250 R114 HEV ex K30 BYS and Setra S315 T250 GON. The latter is now with Bovington, Cliftonville.

KLARNERS, COLCHESTER.
The Feering-Ipswich Schools “bus club” contract went back to Suffolk Norse, from the start of the summer term.

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Service LCB2 restarted on 1/4/19. LCB1 recommenced from 16/4/19.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
New is Mb Tourismo BV19 YKU. Loned Mb Tourism oBU18 YUB has been returned to Evobus, Coventry.
Leyland Olympian/NC K738 ODL has been exported to Big Red Bus Company, Los Angeles, USA.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
Several of the SEe electric ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs still carry ‘London Central’ fleetnames from a previous life. In fact, various buses carry local identities from their previous Go Ahead London fleets.

Above: SEe 65 at Finsbury Square on 6/4/19. (John Podgorski).

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Continuing issues with commissioning the new Aventra Class 710 trains has resulted in continuing stock shortages on the GOBLIN line. This was made worse by only 3 shortened Class 378 EMUs being available, and all of the Class 172 DMUs being withdrawn for transfer to West Midlands Railway. It has been strongly suggested that some ex Scotrail Class 314s could plug the gap.

Above: 315807 at London Liverpool Street on 6/4/19; on a Chingford service. (John Podgorski).

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
During the climate change protests of mid April, wi-fi was suspended, to discourage activists from disrupting the LUL network.
Ex Victoria Line 1967 Tube Stock driving cars 3007 + 3107, 3022 + 3122 have been withdrawn for scrap, following 12 months of storage in the sidings at Acton Town station. They had been intended for the now cancelled tunnel cleaning train.
3061 + 3161 are now Emergency Response Unit training vehicles.

Above: 3103 and 3062 at Walthamstow Central on 27/5/11; towards the end of regular 1967 Tube Stock operation on the Victoria Line. 3103 was by then permanently marshalled in the centre of the train; hence the non red cab end. (John Podgorski).

M and M STAFFING, CHELMSFORD.
Neoplan Tourliner OU18 ZTB is ex Henshaw, Moreton in Marsh. It is now MM18 BUS.

MALCOLMS BLUE BUS, CLACTON.
Unused Leyland National HLZ 4439 orig GCY 748N has been sold.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
On 18/4/19, it was announced that there would be a further delay to the opening of the full service. Originally planned for December 2018, it was then put back by a year. Now an optimistic estimate of summer 2020 and a pessimistic estimate of spring 2021 have been quoted, on a project which has so far also significantly run over budget.
Issues include some stations uncompleted and continuing software problems with the signalling system.
Around 50 % of the new Class 345 trains remain mothballed at Old Oak Common, and there is a further stay of execution for the venerable Class 315s.

Above: MTR 345006 with Greater Anglia 321439 at London Liverpool Street on 8/12/18. (John Podgorski).

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
New are Scania K410/Caetano Levante IIIs 277-282 (BV19 XOJ-O).

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Volvo B7RLE/Wrights HF54 HGY, HHD remained here in April, but are likely to be sold soon.

Above: HF54 HHD at Lufkin Farm depot on 17/4/19. (John Podgorski).

NIBS, WICKFORD.
From 1/4/19, Essex CC 11 (Basildon-Aveley), 374 (Basildon-Grays), were gained from First Essex.
A new fleetname style has appeared. It is bolder and in red.
Received from Stephensons were were ADL/Enviro 200s 443 (YX10 FEU) – was Stephensons Sales Stock; and water damaged 446 (YX10 FFC) for cannibalisation.
From Go-Ahead London via Ensign came Scania N230UD/Olympus 516 (PN09 EKT).

Above: With its new Stephensons series fleet number 342, Wright StreetLite MX61 BCE works Braintree town route 21 on Sunday 28/4/19. (Simon Austin).

NORFOLKS OF NAYLAND.

Above: Norfolks was a very old established operator on the Suffolk/Essex borders, who sold to Hedingham in 1991. Daimler Fleetline/Alexander PRG 137J, was one of batch which Partridge of Hadleigh bought from Grampian Regional Transport in 1983. PRG 137J was one of two were resold to Norfolks. It was pictured at the old Colchester Bus Station on 25th April 1989. It met its end when it was blown into a ditch between Bures and Nayland, in gales in early 1991. (D W Rhodes).

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY.

Above: Great Eastern Railway Y Class 0-6-0 tender loco 564 arrives at Weybourne, on a Sheringham- Holt service on 12/4/19. In their heyday, the ‘Ys’ were common in Essex. (John Podgorski).

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Scania K360EB4/Plaxton Panther 2 AB61 PAN ex OF61 OXF at Parkeston depot on 8/4/19. (John Podgorski).

From First Essex is Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon WV02 EUP.
ADL/Enviro 200s YX09 FLA, YX10 BFE have been repainted white, converted to single door and sold on without being used.
Despite being officially sold in February, Mb Sprinter LF/Koch BX56 VTE was still present at Parkeston depot in April.
The duplicates for Airport Bus Express have ceased, following the introduction of the ULEZ in London.
Between 7 and 14/4/19, Panther provided a rail replacement between Harwich International and Harwich Town for Greater Anglia, covering engineering works.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 – Olympus VB08 PAN at Harwich International, on the Greater Anglia shuttle to Harwich Town on 8/4/19. (John Podgorski).

Above: At 20:04 on 14/4/19, Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther AB53 PAN calls at Ely, on a Greater Anglia Peterborough to Ipswich rail replacement. (John Podgorski).

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.

Above: The jetty of the old Harwich Train Ferry; seen on 8/4/19. It was opened on 24th April 1924 by Prince George, later Duke of Kent and closed operationally in January 1987. Parts of the structure had been used before reaching Harwich. The tower and machinery came from Richborough, Kent, while the linkspan was from Southampton. These two locations had train ferries which closed after the First World War. (John Podgorski).

Below: The approach track to the old jetty. Now breached by a Trinity House depot. 8/4/19. (John Podgorski).

Above: The trackwork, which once led to the train ferry, at Harwich Town. Seen on 8/4/19. The view is looking back towards Dovercourt. The electrified line to the left is in use as the Harwich to Manningtree branch, and becomes double track at Harwich International. (John Podgorski).

RDG.
15/4/19: 37800 on 0G48 Norwich-Claydon light loco.

RELIANCE, BENFLEET.
Scania/Irizar YT13 AMX is ex GHO Trading, Ancaster.

RYANAIR.
From 2/4/19, a new base opened at Southend Airport. 8 European countries and 11 destinations are being served from here.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Arrivals are Ex Stagecoach Scotland West Scania N230UD/Enviro 400 15643 (SN10 CDE) and ex Stagecoach Norfolk ADL/Enviro 400 10018 (SN12 CDE). It is understood that some older double deckers went to Stagecoach Norfolk at Sutton Bridge in exchange for newer ‘deckers. Control of Sutton Bridge is to pass to Stagecoach Lincolnshire.
Ex Stagecoach East London Scania Omnicity ‘deckers acquired are 15074/75/78/81/83/85/87/89/90/92 (LX09 AEY/Z, AFF/N/U/Y, AGO/V/Y, AHA). They are being repainted in provincial livery, converted to single door and led destination fitted. Some of this work is being done by ADL at Harlow.
Another Volvo B10M/Plaxton Expressliner driver Trainer observed is R37 AKV.
Dart SLF/Pointer 34355 (LV52 HKG) was on loan from Stagecoach East London.

Above: London Dart SLF/Pointer 34355 at Cambridge depot on 27/4/19. (John Podgorski).

Sold to Ensign were MAN18.20/ALX300 22060 (KV53 FAK); Trident/ALX400s 17500 (LX51 FNC), 17744 (LY52 ZFC), 17787 (LX03 BWA), 18343 (AE55 DKJ), 18417 (AE06 GZO); Trident/Presidents 18057/58/60 (AE53 TZJ/K/M). 127744/87 were resold to Hardwick, Carlton – for scrap. 17500, 18057/58/60, 18417 were resold to Shelton Motors, Ely – for scrap.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: ADL/Enviro 40H 12292 at Leadenhall Street on 13/4/19, on route 47, coincidentally passes Arriva London North New Routemaster LT317 on route 48. (John Podgorski).

From the weekend of 6-7/4/19, the ULEZ started, meaning that older ADL/E200S, E400s and Tridents were not longer permitted to work into central London. This affected routes TfL8, 48, 55 and Mega Sightseeing. The Mega Sightseeing Tridents have been withdrawn as a result, and replaced by compliant ex Selkent Enviro 400s – 19131-36 (LX56 EAF/G/J/K, LK56 EAM/O). Other non compliant buses were either restricted to suburban routes or withdrawn.
The “new” Mega Sightseeing E400s were converted to open top, repainted and led destination fitted, before their allocation to Leyton. They are named: 19131 – ‘King Henry VIII’, 19132 – ‘Sir Christopher Wren’, 19133 – ‘Lord Nelson’, 19134 – ‘Queen Victoria’, 19135 – ‘Sir Winston Churchill’, 19136 – ‘Queen Elizabeth II’.
Also from Selkent were ADL/Enviro 40H 12342/44/45 (SN64 OGR/T/U) – posted to Bow.
On loan was Yutong Tc9 dual door 31 seat saloon G18 CVS. It was temporarily numbered YT1 and used at West Ham.
ADL/Enviro 40Ds 19131-36 have been transferred to Bow.
Trident 18209 has been reinstated at Leyton.
ADL/Enviro 40H 12307 SN14 TYC has been re-registered to WLT 307.
ADL/Enviro 40D 19138 (LX56 EAW) and ADL/Enviro 200s 36556/59, 36562 (LX13 CZE) are now driver trainers.
Overall adverts:
ADL/Enviro 40H 12337 (SN64 OGK) – Oyster Hopper.
New Routemasters LT239 – Henry’s; LT376 – The Secret Life of Pets 2; LT386 – Ralph Lauren; LT3989 – Anthem. Back to red: LT265, 370 and 389 (after only a brief “wrap”).
The last Optare Versas are withdrawn from normal service – 25310/11/13/14 (LX09 AEE, AAK/F/N). 25310 was the final one, being used on 8/4/19. Some remain as driver trainers.
Also withdrawn were: ADL/Enviro 40Hs 12324-26; Tridents 17426, 17836, 18220.
Scania Omnicity ‘decker 15091 (LX09 AGZ) has transferred to Selkent.
Transferred out:
Scania Omnicity deckers: 15074/75 (LX09 AEY/Z) to Cambus; 15076 (LX09 AFA) to Selkent; 15078 (LX09 AFF) to Cambus; 15079 (LX09 AFJ) to Selkent; 15081/83/85 (LX09 AFN/U/Y) to Cambus; 15086 (LX09 AFZ) to Selkent; 15087/89/90 (LX09 AGO/V/Y) to Cambus; 15091 (LX09 AGZ) to Selkent; 15092 (LX09 AHA) to Cambus.
Tridents: 18266 (LX05 BVY, 18271 (LX55 ERY) to Lsiter, Bolton (dealer); 18467 (LX55 EPC) to Ensign, Purfleet (dealer); 18467 (LX55 EPV) to Stagecoach Lincolnshire; 18471 (LX55 ERK) to Stagecoach Midland Red South; 18473 (LX55 ERU) to Stagecoach Lincolnshire; 18474/75 (LX55 ERV/Y), 18482 (LX55 BDZ), 18496 (LX06 AHC) to Stafgecoach Midland Red South; 18497 (LX06 AHD) to Stagecoach Highland Country.
Ex Mega Sightseeing open top Trident 18477 (LX55 ESF) has gone to Stagecoach South East for use on new seafront route 66 at Hastings. 18218 (LX04 FXF) has been donated to a charity.
ADL/Enviro 40Ds: 19743/45 (LX11 BBN/V) to Selkent.

Above: Now with 1st Bus Stop of Gravesend, ex Trident 18253 at Greenwich on 20/4/19, on a South Eastern Trains Lewisham-Dartford rail replacement. (John Podgorski).

Above: One of the surplus East London Scania Omnicity ‘deckers returned to Selkent, 15091 at Woolwich on 29/4/19. It retains its WH West Ham depot codes. (Daniel Acott).

STAN’S, GREAT TOTHAM.
Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount G877 VPK has been sold.

STAR BUS, HAVERHILL.

Volvo Olympian/NCs R271 and R389 LGH on depot on 27/41/9. (John Podgorski).

STEPHENSONS.
From 1/4/19, M-Sat evening journeys on Essex CC 352 (Chelmsford-Braintree-Halstead) were taken over from Hedingham.
From UNO, Hatfield is Optare Solo M880 325 (YJ58 PHO).
ADL/Enviro 200 446 (YX 10 FFC), which sank in the flooded creek at Wallasey, is a write-off. It has gone to NIBS for cannibalisation.

SUFFOLK NORSE.
The Feering-Ipswich school “bus club” contract, came back from Klarners from the start of the summer term.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Sold are MAN12.240/MCVs MM788, 814 (LK57 EHY, LK57 AYH); Volvo B7TL/Gemini WVL6 (LF52 UPL); Trident/ALX400 TAL123 (X343 HLL).

SWALLOW, NORTH WEALD.
Volvo B12B/Jonckherre PIW 833 has reverted back to FJ08 BYC and sold to Whincop, Peasenhall, Suffolk.
ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolution LX07 BYK is now HSK 176.

TALISMAN, GREAT BROMLEY.
Understood to be sold are: Bristol MW 573 UVX; AEC PRV Routemaster JJD 535D; Leyalnd Titan PD2A/Massey OVX 143D; Bristol RELH/Plaxton Elites SGF 483L, UAR 929M; Bristol LHS/Plaxton Mini Supreme ESU 815X; Setra S315 V35 HAX; Setra S416 tri-axles EX11 UPH ex UL11 ULM, BU14 SYE.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Temsa Safari YJ08 DKX is ex McMackin of High Wycombe.

THORNES OF RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B10M/Jonckherre L80 PCC is now with Lakeside of Ellesmere, Shropshire.

TOWER TRANSIT.
ADL/Enviro 200s DM44261/69/70 (YX61 FZD/M/N) are now with Arriva Southern Counties, via Ensign.

Above: One of the new Wright StreetDecks for TfL25 is WH31112. it was seen at Bank on 13/4/19. (John Podgorski).

From the weekend of 6-7/4/19, only ULEZ compliant buses were permitted into central London. This affected route 25. Non compliant vehicles were either restricted to suburban routes or withdrawn.

TRUSTYBUS.
Ex RATP London United is Scania Omnicity ‘decker YP59 OEE.

Above: Ex Yellow Buses, Bournemouth Dart SLF/Pointer SN55 HSG at Epping station on 8/4/19. (Daniel Acott).

UNO.
Sold to Ventura, Cranfield (dealer) are ADL/Envoro 200/MCV Evoltions ME505-508 (AJ58 PZN/O/P/R). Also sold are DAF DB250LF DFD202 (YF53 HBO), Optare Solo 409 (YJ55 YGE).
Ventura resold Optare Sol oOS402 (YK05 CCY0 to Colchri, Renfrew.

WHIPPET.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright WG103 (BF63 HFB) is in Pedigree Route P livery. This was the last vehicle in green/blue Busway livery.

With thanks to: D Acott, Angliagen, C Baines, J Coward, EBN, HarlowRide, Harwich Society, A Hazell, Hedingham, A Kelleher, New Horizon, PA, Panther, C Philson.