Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the March 2020 edition of Busmopolitan.

Above: Social distancing measures on Hedingham Omnibuses Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 291 on 25/3/20. (John Podgorski).

The Coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected the UK transport system; especially in London. Local bus and train services were reduced. Some coach operations ceased altogether. Worst affected was the leisure market – things like coach holidays and sightseeing buses. Also scheduled coaches serving airports. Some small coach companies have had to temporarily close. Some major transport infrastructure projects have had to be put on hold.
Ironically in London, there have been cases of overcrowding on the public transport system – despite a reduced service and please by the authorities for only essential journeys to be made.
A big issue with Coronavirus is the importance of social distancing – basically 2 metres apart from other people. This is to reduce the spread of this contagious condition. From 24/3/20, the UK was put into a lockdown for (initially) three weeks – restricting movement to all but essential travel. A total lockdown was not wanted – due to harmful effects on the national economy.
This created scenes comparable to an apocalyse movie – deserted city and town centres.

Above: A crowded Colchester Bus Station on 27/3/20. But where are the people ? (John Podgorski).

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.

(John Podgorski).

From 15/3/20, services were temporarily suspended due to Coronavirus. The picture of Stansted depot was taken on 21/3/20.

AIRPORTS.
Due to Coronavirus:
London City – closed.
Southend, Stansted – open, but limited.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
A reduced timetable was temporarily introduced M-F on commercial routes 1, 2, 8 from 23/3/20 due to Coronavirus. These reductions were to a 30 minute frequency. Other (contracted) routes kept to normal timetable. However, the 900 Braintree Freeport Shuttle ceased by 25/3/20. The Colchester Park and Ride was suspended after 28/3/20.
There were further reductions from 30/3/20. From 30/3/20, the pvr was 11 buses, with 19 staff. SORNED were the Mini Dart SLF/Pointers and Caetanos 1558/59, 1562-65, the P&R ADL/Enviro 200s 4071-75, all of the 54 plate Dart SLF/Pointers 3413/15-21; the VDL SB300/Wright Pulsar 4459. These are parked up at the Colchester depot.
The Route 133 branded Wright StreetLites have been undergoing warranty work, meaning they appeared a lot on local routes in late February/early March.
Odd sightings: 2/3/20: Route 133 StreetLite 4323 (SK68 TWU) on 8; 4324 (SK68 TWV) on 1 + 8. 4/3/20: Route 133 StreetLite 4323 on 1. 6/3/20: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1563 (RX07 KPJ) on 8; Route 133 StreetLite 4323 on 2. 23/3/20: ADL/E200 GN58 BUO on 4. 25/3/20: ADL/E200 4016 (GN58 BTZ) on 4. 26/3/20: ADL/E200 4021 on 4. 27/3/20: StreetLite 4224 on 1.

Above: 3 weeks before it was mothballed; Dart SLF/MPD 1558 at St Botholphs on a diverted 8 via Military Road, due to the closure of Mersea Road at Napier Road junction. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Mb Sprinter 1010 has moved to Ware as a crew ferry.
Optare Solo 2484 has come from Ware.
Optare Solo 1460 is withdrawn.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3826 (GN 07 AVP) is ex Coclhester, while 3858 is from Ware.
From 23/3/20, a temporary timetable was introduced M-F on the following services: 1, 2/3, 4, 9, 10, 508/9/10. Other routes kept to normal timetable. All due to Coronavirus. There were further reductions from 30/3/20, with most routes going to hourly (or even 2 hourly in some cases).
From 29/3/20, Sunday 59s were gained from First Essex, while Sunday 418Bs passed to Trustybus – both on Essex CC re-tender.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Various buses were stood down from 23/3/20, due to the Coronavirus service cuts. These were the ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs – apart from 6499/500,clas ADL/E400s and various older saloons – DAF SB200s, Volvo B7RLEs. This left the 2 E400s and Optare Versas operational. DStored were DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3935/37, 3960; VDL SB200/Wright Commanders 3963-65; VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar 3779; Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urbans 3816-19/22/25; Optare Versas 4182, 4235; ADL/Enviro 400 6548; ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs 6501-15/29.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3532 (LF02 PNN) went from store to Arriva The Shires.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (WARE).
Received for crew ferry use are Mb Sprinters 1007 from Watford, 1010 from Harlow, 1015/20 from Hemel Hempstead.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.

Above: VDL DB300LF/Wright Pulsar Gemini DW540 (LJ13 CEX) at Cranbrook Road, Ilford on 11/5/19. (John Podgorski).

From 20/3/20, weekend night buses on TfL123 (Wood Green-Ilford) suspended.
From 23/3/20, emergency timetable introduced, based on Saturday schedules.
From 30/3/20, Sunday schedule introduced on 38 (Clapton-Victoria), with M-F am peak extras – 106 (Finsbury Park-Whitechapel), 158 (Chingford Mount-Stratford), 341 (Lea Valley Tesco-Waterloo).

Above: Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini3 HV353 (LF67 EVT) at Lea Valley Tesco on 16/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Volvo B7TL/ALX400 VLA126 (LJ05 BJK) pased to Lister PVC, Bolton for scrap.

ARRIVA SOUTHEND.
From 23/3/20, a reduced timetable was temporarily introduced on M-F for routes 1, 6, 7/8, 9, 29; while 4 was temporarily withdrawn. Other routes kept to normal timetable. All due to Coronavirus.
As a result, 25 buses were put into store and the pvr reduced to 22 from 30/3/20. This was out of a fleet of 59.
From 29/3/20, routes 7/8 (Rayleigh-Hockley – evenings only) went to Stephensons on council retender.

BEESTONS.
Limited local bus routes post Lockdown, along with rail replacements.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
WVL Class Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini operation ceased when the schools closed pre the Covid-19 Lockdown.
From 23/3/20, emergency timetable introduced, based on Saturday Schedule.
From 30//3/20, Sunday schedule introduced on 5 (Canning Town-Romford), 15 (Blackwall-Trafalgar Square), with M-F peak am extras 101 (Gallions Reach-Wanstead), 147 (Canning Town-Ilford), 396 (Ilford-Little Heath), 474 (Manor Park-Cannning Town).
All 6xx school services suspended.

Above: Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini WVL488 at Romford Station on 1/9/18. (John Podgorski).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
The company has been dissolved and all vehicles sold.
The closing fleet was: AEC PRV Routemasters JJD 591D, NML 613E; Bova Futura T322 KNN; MAN24.460/Berkhof double deck LHD coach Y329 NWP; Trident/ALX400s LX03 NGU, OPT; Trident/President PO51 WNK; VH TD921 YJ09 CYY; Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President V427 MOA.

BRAINTREE BUS PARK.

Above: This facility closed after service on Sunday 22/3/20 – Arriva, First and NIBS were the very last users. The final day of use by Hedingham and Stephensons routes was Saturday 21/3/20 – they didn’t operate on the Sabbath. The site is being redeveloped as a hotel, with a new smaller bus interchange being provided. On street stops replaced it in the interim. The picture of the waiting room building was taken on 20/3/20 by Simon Austin. The Bus Park had been opened in 1932.

BUS AND COACH MISCELLANEOUS.

Above: At interesting sight in Halstead on 28/3/20. However, preserved AEC Swift SM88/AML 88H is actually masquerading as a London Country bus. In its normal career is had been red London Transport SM88. London Country had a batch of SMs, but these were higher numbered and were delivered after the split from LT to the NBC. (Simon Austin).

C2C RAIL.
Due to Coronavirus, train service frequencies were reduced from 23/3/20. M-F temporarily became a Saturday timetable.

Above: C2C ‘Electrostar’ 357019 at Thorpe Bay on 1/4/17. It is on the rear of a Shoebury-London service, with 357203 leading. (John Podgorski).

CARTERS HERITAGE, GREAT BROMLEY.
Sold are Leyland Olypmian/ECW K739 ODL and Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale N589 BRH.

CHAMBERS.
There were service revisions planned from 30/3/20. However, due to Coronavirus, these were effective from the start of an emergency timetable from 28/3/20, with an associated reduced frequency.
Route 84 (Sudbury-Nayland-Colchester) was reduced to school days peak hours only. It was replaced by new service 784. 753 (Bury St Edmunds-Sudbury) has its frequency increased to half hourly from hourly. However, 754 (Sudbury-Colchester) was reduced from half hourly back to hourly – this follows a trial started in 2018. 784 partially compensated for this.
The new 784 serves Northern Approach in Colchester (for the General Hospital) and then follows basically the old 84 to Sudbury, but following the main A134 road rather than diverting into the various villages along the route. However, Nayland, Leavenheath, Assington will still be served, but by stops on the A134. 784 will additionally serve Great Cornard.
Route 374 (Clare-Bury) ceased to serve Horringer.
The changes to 84 and 754 were due to lack of custom.
The Sudbury-Bury corridor was however increased. A combination of existing indirect 753 and new direct 750 make a 30 minute headway. There is also new Sudbury-Bury school service 758.
The PVR was reduced to 7 for the duration of the emergency timetable.
SORNED for the duration were; Omnidekkas 805/6/8/9/11/12; Scania N230UD/Olympuses 870/71/74. The remaining operational allocation was: Omnilinks 453-55; Omnidekkas 801/3/7; Scania N230UD/Olympuses 872/73/75. Spare were Omnidekka 804; Scania N230UD/Olympuses 876/77. Parked up but taxed was Omnidekka 814. (NB: The Omnidekkas may rotate with Hedingham at Kelvedon for maintenance).

CROSS COUNTRY TRAINS.
Due to Coronavirus, frequencies were reduced from 23/3/20.

DBS.
4/3/20: 66009 on Ipswich-Neasden.
6/3/20: 66085 on Mountsorrel-Kennett stone.
9/3/20: 59002 on 6L21 Whatley Quarry-Dagenham Dock. 66003 on 4E25 Bow-Heck Plasmor.66192 on 4M87 Chesterton-Mountsorrel. 66167 on 4L56 Trafford-London Gateway.
10/3/20: 59204 on Acton-Chelmsford and on 6V12 return.
13/3/20: 66126 on 4M07.
18/3/20: 66176 on 6O79 Marks Tey-Crawley RMC sand.
19/3/20; 66176 on 6V55 Marks Tey-Brentford Tarmac Days Aggregates.
23/3/20: 66003 on Bow-Heck Plasmor.
25/3/20: Blue 66142 on Acton-Griffin Wharf, Ipswich and 6V07 return to Neasden.
26/3/20: 59104 on 6L30 Chelmsford stone.
30/3/20: 66077 on Wembley-Griffin Wharf, Ipswich.

DLR.
Prince Regent station was closed due to Coronavirus. For social distancing, the front vestibule area of each train was cordoned off for train captain use only. The train captain did not enter the public areas on the train, and carried out all operational duties from the driving station. ATO mode continued to be used to propel the trains in normal service. Withdrawn is B92 Stock unit no 88, due to technical failure.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Scania Omnicity operation has ceased, following the Covid-19 service cuts. These were amongst the last of their type in Go-Ahead London.
From 23/3/20, emergency timetable introduced, based on Saturday schedule.
From 30/3/30 Sunday schedule introduced on 276 (Newham Hospital-Stoke Newington), D7 (Poplar-Mile End) with M-F am peak extras.

DON’S OF DUNMOW.
Has ex Halton Transport ADL/Enviro 200 DK60 AHO – via Ensign.
Post Lockdown, one school contract was still run, along with rail replacement.

Above: Iveco Turbo Daily DT05 DON at Brentwood in March 2020. (Alex Hazell).

DRS.
4/3/20: 37611 in back platform at Manningtree.
6/3/20: 37611 at Manningtree.
9/3/20: 66432 on Daventry-Purfleet Tesco.
10/3/20: 68004 tnt 68018 on Willesden Brent-Southminster CEGB.
21/3/20; 37610 on 3Q66 Colchester-Derby RTC.

EASYJET.
The fleet was grounded until further notice from 30/3/20 – due to Coronavirus.

ENSIGNBUS.

(Via Craig Philson).

In response to the Corona Virus outbreak, hand sanitisers were fitted in all buses.
From 21/3/20, an Emergency Timetable was introduced for the duration. This removed Saturday service on certain routes. Routes 32, 66A, 83 and college services 24, 25, 27, 29 suspended.
Also due to the pandemic, all of the vintage fleet and most of the operational fleet was SORNED. The remaining working fleet was: 23 Volvo B9TLS (111-131/133-34), 6 ADL/E200 MMCs (705-710), 12 BCI Excellences (140-151).

Above: Ex Yourbus ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 710 (YY18 THZ) at Lakeside on 7/3/20. (Simon Austin).

Ex temporary rail replacement fleet ADL/Enviro 400 LK55 KJX has been resold to Aintree Coaches, Bootle.

Odd sightings:
w/e 21/3/20:
Volvo B7TL/ALX400 110 (LJ54 BCO) on 33 on one day.

FELIXSTOWE TRAVEL.
Continue to provide rail replacements.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
The ‘Ipswich Reds’ identity is now applied to most buses; either as full livery or stickers.

Above; Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69425 (AU58 FFM) in an unusual location. It was spotted on the A12 south at Marks Tey Racecourse on 2/3/20. It was likely bound for the Volvo agent at Witham – MC Truck and Bus. (John Podgorski).

Buses SORNED for the Covid-19 service reductions are a mix of Volvo B7TL/ALX400s and Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipses. A few of both are still in use. Most of the working allocation is now ADL/E200s and E300s including the Park and Ride E300s.
The Ipswich Park and Rides have been suspended.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: New X30 Scania N250UD/ADL Enviro 400 City 36843 in Chelmsford on 7/3/20. (John Podgorski).

Due to Coronavirus, services went over to an emergency timetable from 29/3/20.
A significant number of vehicles were SORNED. Park and Ride ADL/Enviro 200s, main fleet 54 plate ADL/E300s, most Dart SLFs, Volvo B7TL/ALX400s, older (54 plate) B7TL/Geminis, Tridents – including Westcliff 33191; older (05 plate) Volvo B7RLE/Wrights. And likely to spell the end for the remaining Scania/Solars and Dart SLF/Caetanos. The temporary use of Dart SLFs at Colchester also ceased.
ADL/E200s 44001-6/78-81 went from HH to CF. StreetLites 47528-30 and B7RLE/Wrights 69512-20 moved from HH to BN.

Above: Recently repainted Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69430 (AU58 FFS) at Chelmsford Rail Station on 7/3/20. (Simon Austin).

Above: Dart SLF 42968 enters Maldon Road, Colchester on 13/3/20. (John Podgorski).

37007 (WX 55 VHU) is another ex First Bristol Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini. It however is in Bristol livery.
Dart SLF/Pointer 42968 (WX06 ONC) moved CF to CR. This and 42955 are used on Colchester town services; mainly 64/A and 65.
ADL/E200 44001 (LK57 EJD) appeared at CF from HH at the end of March, following the start of the Covid-19 Emergency Timetable.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66817 (MX05 CDZ) was loaned CF to CR in early March.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62410 (YS03 ZKF) is withdrawn.
Volvo B7TL/ALX400 30954 (YJ51 RDO) has gone to Alpha Recovery, Cramlington for scrap.
The evening Colchester-Kelvedon 71As moved from CF to CR, connected with temporary new timetable.
From 29/3/20, the Sunday 352s (Chelmsford-Braintree-Halstead) were renumbered 42B.
Sold to Ensign were Dart SLF/Caetano LK03 UFB, Dart SLF/Pointer SN53 KJY, Volvo B7TL/ALX400 X749 VUA, Trident/President LT52 XAC.
Ensign resold Scania L94UB/Wright Solar YS03 ZKJ to Hadlow Community School, Kent.
Odd sightings:
2/3/20: Dart SLF/Pointer 42955 (WX06 OMM) on 62B. 3/3/20: Scania/Solar 62407 on 75; ADL/E300 67750 on 75 + 1A. 5/3/20: X30 Scania N250UD/E400 MMC 36842 (YN69 XYC) on 525. 6/3/20: Debranded ex X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67171 on 71/X. 9/3/20: B7TL/ALX400 32485 on 174. 111/3/20: Trident 33178 on 174; X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67167 on 71 12/3/20: X30 Scania N250UD/E400 City 36841 on 525. 17/3/20: X30 36839 on 525; B7TL/Gemini 37015 (WX55 VJC) on 175; X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67169 (YY66 PBZ) on 71. 18/3/20: B7TL/Gemini 37034 (YJ 06 XKZ) on 175. 19/3/20: Dart SLF 42955 on 67; X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67167 on 71. 20/3/20: Route 37 ADL/E200 44540 on 71; ADL/E300 67737 on 1A. 22/3/20: Dart SLF/MPD 43846 on 71C. 23/3/20: B7TL/ALX400 32477 (AU53 HJN) on 175; X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67169 (YY66 PBZ) on 70. 24/3/20: B7TL/Gemini 32629 (KP54 KAX) on 64A; ADL/E300 SN62 AJU on 70. 25/3/20: X30 Scania N250UD/E400 City 36842 on 70; X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67167 on 71. 27/3/20: Route 62 B9TL 37135 (SN57 HCP) on 88/A. 30/3/20: Route 62 B9TL 37136 on 70; Route 62 B9TLs 37138/39 on 61; HH ADL/E200 on route 45 in Chelmsford. 31/3/20; StreetLite 63337 on 1A.

Above: 37135 at Halstead on 27/3/20. (Simon Austin).

Above: Volvo B7TL/ALX400 30954 (YJ51 RDO) is towed away for scrap, from Colchester depot on 7/3/20. (Wayne Bell).

FLAGFINDERS.
Operations have been suspended. Tollesbury outstation has been temporarily vacated. Vehicles are parked up at the other 3 depots – Braintree, Halstead and Kelvedon.

FLYBE.
This troubled regional airline went into administration on 5/3/20. All operations ceased. London City and Southend Airports were its hubs covered by ‘Busmopolitan’.

FORD, ALTHORNE.
Withdrawn is Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL R156 VPU.

FREIGHTLINER.
The Class 86s are due to be replaced by ex Greater Anglia Class 90s. The latter come off lease from GA at the end of March.
3/3/20: 66420 on 6L30 Acton-Chelmsford.
5/3/20: 66598 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66610 on 7L54 Acton-Harlow Mill.
6/3/20: 66598 on 6V12 Chelmsford-Acton. 86604/22 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford. 86613/39 on 4L89 Coatbridge-Felixstowe.
7/3/20: 66554 tnt 66512 on “down” intermodal stabled in Colchester Yard good loop.
10/3/20: 86613/39 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX. 86608/22 on 4L41 Crewe-FLX. 86639 on 4M87.
13/3/20: 66605 on 6L80 Tunstead-Marks Tey. 66511 on 7V57 Harlow Mill-Acton. 86604/12 on 4L41. 86632/37 on 4L89.
16/3/20: 86604/5/12/14 on 4L89. 86608/22 at Ipswich. 86609/32 on 4L89. 86637/8 on 4L89.
17/3/20: 86639/13 in Colchester Goods Loop on 4L75 Trafford-FLX.
19/3/20: 86605/14 on 4L89.
20/3/20: 66541/19/87 on 4E23 Ipswich-Leeds.
23/3/20: 86605/14 at Ipswich. 86608/9 on 4L89. 86627/38 on 4L89.
25/3/20: 66533/957 on 4E23 ?. 70014 on 4M81 FLX-Crewe.
27/3/20: 86604/14 on 4M87. 86608/12 on 4L75. 86632/37 at Ipswich.

GALLEON TRAVEL, ROYDON.
VDL Bova SS16 GAL has been SORNED.

GALLOWAY.
Limited local bus and NX coach contracts were run post Lockdown.

GBRf.
3/3/20: 66732 on 4M29.
4/3/20: 66788 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
5/3/20: 66788 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
6/3/20: 66715 on 4M23 Felixstowe-Hams Hall.
7/3/20: 66710 on Whitemoor-Gidea Park engineers.
9/3/20: 66701 on 4L07 Birch Coppice-FLX. 66709 on 4L18 Trafford-FLX. 66715 on 4L04 Hams Hall-FLX. 66739 on 4E20 FLX-Masboro. 66779 on 4L14 Doncaster-FLX.
10/3/20:
HMS Argyle on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
13/3/20: 66776 on 6T61 Whitemoor-Manor Park engineers. 66789 on 4M23.
14/3/20: 66741 on engineers at Stratford. 66783 took GA 317887/89 to store at Ely.
16/3/20: 66787 at Bow Yard.
25/3/20: 66756 on 4Z27.
26/3/20: 66789 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.

GODWARD, BASILDON.
Mercedes Tourismo BF61 HCO is ex Creigiau Travel, Wales.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
Sold is Mb Sprinter 515/IM 481 (XO15 BOY) which was then re-registered J20 KTL.

GREATER ANGLIA.
From 23/3/20, due to Cornavirus, a Sunday type timetable was introduced, although from Colchester to London it is more Saturday like.

Above: A debranded 90003 arrives at Colchester on a Norwich to Ingatestone service on Sunday, 15/3/20. This was due to an engineering blockade towards London. (Simon Austin).

The Class 90s will be fully replaced by Class 745s after 31/3/20. 90001/2 will pass to LSL, while 90003-15 will move to Freightliner, to replace Class 86s. The DVTs and MkIII stock will also be replaced. The ’90s were all debranded prior to transfer. The last ’90s in service were 90001, 90005, 90007, 90008. Some MkIII coaching stock was also debranded prior to withdrawal.
745002/7/10 in service during March.
Ex Northern are 321901/2.
317887/89 are ex London Overground but put into store.
Withdrawn are MkIII cariages 10406/14, 11067/70/81/85, 12062, 12147.
Due to Cornonavirus, catering facilities were withdrawn from applicable trains.
4/3/20: 745002/6 to revenue service.
6/3/20: 90007 on 5L54 Bounds Green-Liverpool St ECS. 321366/63 on 1P29 1030 Norwich-Liverpool St and 1P30 1300 return. 321447/325 on 1P24 1130 Liverpool St-Norwich and 1P43 1400 return.
7/3/20: 755106 on Norwich-Shenfield test run – through Colchester @ 1413. 755107 stabled in “down” loop at Colchester.
10/3/20: 745009 to service. 745106 on 5Q74 Liverpool St-Stowmarket test.
11/3/20: 90015 withdrawn – last run was 1P60 1915 Liverpool St-Norwich.
12/3/20: MkIII carriages 10402, 12013/40/60/66/109 to Sim’s, Newport for scrap, behind DRS 37401.
14/3/20: 720509 on Ilford-Southend test run and return.
17/3/20: 745005 on 5Q64 Ipswich-Norwich test. 745105 on 5Q76 Colchester-Stowmarket and 5Q77 Stowmarket Manningtree test runs.
18/3/20: 90004 at Canonbury West Junct, North London Line @ 1717.
19/3/20: 745005 to service.
20/3/20: 90007 on 5E62 at Canonbury West Junct on Bounds Green-Liverpool St ECS.
23/3/20: 720509 on 5Q02 Southend Vic-Liverpool Street test.
24/3/20: 317344 towed Wolverton-Ilford by ROG 37800, had originated at Kilmarnock. 720509 reached Norwich on test from Ilford. 317709/10 towed Ilford-Northampton for storage.
27/3/20: 317708/19 – Ilford to Northampton for storage.
30/3/20: 745106 to service – on 1P13 0700 Norwich-Liverpool Street (Stansted Express unit).
31/3/20: 9005 on Harwich-Norwich ECS.

Above: 90004 at Ingatestone on 21/3/20. Propelling the 1850 to Norwich. The last time the photographer saw a ’90 working for GA. (John Podgorski).

HALLUMS, SOUTHEND.
Withdrawn is Iveco Euromidi TAZ 8256.

HCT GROUP.
ADL/E200s and E400s are frequently loaned between the Hackney (HK) and Walthamstow (AW) depots.
ADL/E20D 1220 has become the dedicated TfL385 bus, replacing DAS1 aka 1300. They were swapped between Hackney and Walthamstow.
ADL/E200 1336 has been refurbished. This leaves no1338 of this batch to be done; but the closure of ADL at Harlow in late March, due to the lockdown has delayed this. These E200s are te ex Metroline ones used on TfL W19.
Solo OS14 returned to service ex long term VOR.
From 30/3/20, a Sunday schedule was intoduced on TfL26 (Hackney Wick-Waterloo), + with M-F am peak extras 309 (Canning Town-Bethnal Green), 388 (Stratford City-London Bridge).
Also from 30/3/20, the Islington local service 812 (Old Street-Hoxton) was suspended and the VW T6s MX67 GYD/H/J SORNED.
Odd sightings:
18/3/20: ADL/E20D 1224 on 20.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Scania Omnilink 460 in its overall wrap for Dream 100 FM Radio. At Walton on 6/3/20. (Alex Law).

Above: 298 in Colchester on 6/3/20. (Daniel Pretty).

Scania Omnilink 456 (AU61 AVK), has been returned to Sible Hedingham (HD) from Clacton (CN).
Short ADL/Enviro 200 298 (OU57 FHA) entered service at Clacton on 2/3/20.
Volvo B7TL/EL 505 (PL51 LGD) was reinstated and re MOTd. It was then returned to Plymouth Citybus for driver training.

Above: 505 at Kelvedon on 9/3/20. (John Podgorski).

Above: Volvo B7TLs SORNED at Kelvedon on 31/3/20. (John Podgorski).

The Coronavirus pandemic resulted in temporary service reductions and closure of schools. An emergency timetable was effective from 28/3/20 for commercial services, although route 7 was suspended. The PVRs reduced to the following: Claton – 11; Kelvedon – 7; Sible Hedingham – 6. As a result, some buses were parked up and SORNED out of service for the duration. These were: Mb Touros 1,2; Volvo B7TL/Geminis 510/11/12/13/17/20/21/23-25/27/28; Volvo B7TL/Presidents 565/68/69/70/71/72/73/74/75/79/80/84; Omnidekkas 815-820; Omnicities 850-852 (Stored at Kelvedon were Volvo B7TL/Geminis 520/25; B7TL/Presidents 565/68/73/84). In withdrawn condition are 1, 2, 512, 569, 570.
Operational allocations: Clacton (CN): Dart SLF/Pointers 253-58/60; ADL/Enviro 200s 262/64/65/68. Spare: Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 285; short ADL/Enviro 200 298; Optare Solos 910/11. Parked up but taxed: ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolutions 267/68; Scania Omnilinks 456/58/60.
Kelvedon (KN): ADL/Enviro 200 261; Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 286; short ADL/Enviro 200s 292/93; Omnidekkas 800/2/10. Spare: Omnidekka 813.
Sible Hedingham (HD): Dart SLF/Pointer 259; ADL/Enviro 200 263; Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 287/91; ADL/Enviro 400s 615/16. Spare: Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 288; Omnilink 457; Volvo B7RLE/Wright 470.
(In practice, HD and KN Darts, Enviro 200s rotate for maintenance. Omnidekkas also rotate between KN and Chambers. The parked and taxed buses will be used for service at all depots).
Formerly owned WPH 135Y, a Leyland Tiger/EL rebody, has gone for preservation via Venturer of Clopton.
The following Essex CC local bus contracts were gained from 29/3/20:
21 (Bocking-Braintree-Great Notley – Suns/hols) – from NIBS, Wickford.
352 (Chelmsford-Braintree-Halstead – M-Sat evenings) – from First Essex.
Omnidekka movements:
11/3/20: 810 – Chambers-KN; 811 – KN-Chambers. 16/3/20: 804 – Chambers-KN. 17/3/20: 805 – Chambers-KN. 18/3/20: 802 – Chambers-KN.
Odd sightings:
3/3/20: Volvo B7TL/President 571 on 19 + 63; Omnidekka 810 on 15 pm. 4/3/20: Volvo B7TL/President 584 on 19 + 63. 16/3/20: B7TL/President 574 on 19 + 63. 20/3/20: B7TL/President 579 on 19 + 63. 24/3/20: B7TL/President 572 on X76.
Ancillary vehicles:
Renault Trafic minibus 9008 (LX09 EYT) became the new Kelvedon crew ferry/runabout from 25/3/20. It had previously been at Clacton.
Long withdrawn Ford Transit van 9002 (EK56 MGE) and Mercedes Vito crew van 9007 (RO06 TUU) are being cannibalised at HD.

Above: Ex Hedingham ADL/Enviro 200 no 295, now with Konect, at Castle Meadow, Norwich on 14/3/20. (Simon Austin).

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: Scania Omnicity 47 on diverted 92 at Ipswich Rail Station on 7/3/20. (John Podgorski).

A normal service (except for schools), continued despite Coronavirus. This was soon altered to a Saturday frequency.
Odd sightings:
7/3/20: Dart SLF/SPD 137 (SN53 AVP) on 111; Solo 245 (YJ05 XNY) on 92.

Above: Dart SLF 137 at Old Cattle Market on 7/3/20. (John Podgorski).

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
New is Mercedes Tourismo JW20 DGE.

Above: Two ex Blackpool Transport Trident/ELs are operated PF06 EZO was at Ingatestone on Greater Anglia rail replacement on 14/3/20. The other is PN06 EZP. (John Podgorski).

LONDON CENTRAL.
From 30/3/20, Sunday schedule introduced on TfL100 (St Pauls-Shadwell) with M-F am peak extras.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
ADL/Enviro20D demonstrator YX17 NKZ was on loan from ADL and numbered SED1.

Above: BYD E400EV Ee8 at Chingford on 21/3/20. (John Podgorski).

From 7/3/20, TfL212 (Chingford-Walthamstow) and TfL444 (Chingford-Turnpike Lane) were gained from Tower Transit. New for the 212 are 13 Ee Class BYD ADL/Enviro 400EVs – Ee1-13. Ee1,2 (LF20 XLA/B), Ee5 (LF20 XLE), Ee6 (LF20 XLG), Ee7 (LF20 XLH), Ee8 (LF20 XLJ), Ee10 (LF20 XLL), Ee12 (LF20 XLN). New for the 444 are BYD ADL/Enviro 200EVs SEe110-117 (LF20XMS/T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z). This continues the process of Northumberland Park becoming an all-electric garage. Intially, diesel SEs borrowed from Blue Triangle worked the 444, as the electric buses came on stream. SE20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29 (SK07 DZO, SN57 DWG/J/K/L/P/V). New SEe118-122 had their delivery suspended, due to the forced shutdown of the ADL factory due to Covid-19. Their booked registrations are LF20 ANA-E.
ADL/Enviro EN9 (SN58 CEV) has come back from Blue Triangle.

Above: BYD/ADL/E200EV SEe110 at Chingford on 21/3/20. (John Podgorski).

Above: ADL/E200 SE21 at Chingford on 21/3/20. (John Podgorski).

From 23/3/20, emergency timetable introduced, based on Saturday schedule.
From 29/3/20, TfL357 (Chingford Hatch-Whipps Cross) was renewed. New for this are ADL/E400 City EVs Ee14-21 (LF20 XLP-X).

LONDON OVERGROUND.

Above: 317723 with 710115 at Chingford on 21/3/20. (John Podgorski).

Due to Coronavirus, frequencies were reduced from 23/3/20.
Class 710s are now in service and stabling at Chingford.
315809/16, 317891/92 withdrawn.
315801/5/11 on Romford-Upminster in March.
3/3/20: 317891/92 towed from Ilford to Northampton as 5Q25. 710108/121 on 2U37 Chingford-Liverpool Street again.

Above: 315811 and 710117 at Chingford on 21/3/20. (John Podgorski)

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: Bow Road Station on 29/2/290. (John Podgorski).

Due to Coronavirus, the following stations in the ‘Busmopolitan’ area were closed until further notice from 20/3/20.
Central Line: Redbridge.
District Line: Bow Road, Stepney Green.
Victoria Line: Blackhorse Road.
In addition, 36 other stations across the LUL network were closed, along with the Waterloo and City Line. The ‘Night Tube’ also ceased to operate.
The Circle Line subsequently stopped.
The reduction in sevices resulted in some trains being parked up at depots.
In the Busmopolitan area, these were:
Central Line – Hainault.
District Line – Upminster.
Victoria Line – Nothumberland Park.
The District Line also used Lillie Bridge depot in west London for surplus stock storage.

MARC1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.
Sold are Scania K113/Berkhof WSV 485 and Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur NIL 8649.

METROLINE.
From 20/3/20, weekend night buses on TfL34 (Barnet-Walthamstow suspended.
From 23/3/20, emergency timetable introduced, based on Saturday schedule.
From 30/3/20, Sunday schedule introduced on 30 (Hackney Wick-Marble Arch), 34, with M-F am peak extras.

MTR ELIZABETH LINE.
A reduced timtable came into operation from 23/3/20, to to Coronavirus.
Construction work on the tunnel sections was temporarily suspended.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
From 24/3/20, due to Coronavirus, service frequencies were reduced to ‘Christmas holiday’ frequencies – using the 8xx series of route numbers. Two of these routes served the Busmopolitan area.

Above: Clarkes Mb Tourismo BF67 WJZ at Colchester on 21/3/20. (John Podgorski).

From 23/3/20, 481 ceased to serve Felixstowe (became Ipswich-London) and also no longer served Witham or Brentwood, while 484 (Clacton-London) was withdrawn. These were brought forward from 30/3/20. They were relics of the old Grey Green East Anglian Express 081 and 084. Meanwhile some 010 (Cambridge-London) journeys were planned to additionally serve Stansted Airport, but this change was suspended.
From 24/3/20, all NX services were suspended, apart from those on the emergency timetable.

Above; Volvo B11RT/Caetano Levante BV17 GSU, operated by Whippet, at Norwich on 14/3/20 on service 727 (Gatwick-Heathrow-Stansted-Cambridge-Norwich). Working from Eye, Suffolk outstation. (Simon Austin).

NETWORK RAIL.
4/3/20: The NR Test Train tnt by 37610/12 on 1Q97 Ferme Park-Cambridge, via Thorpe Le Soken.
10/3/20: Winhoff OHL MPVs DR98003/4/11/9 on 6Y53 Wembley-Chelmsford.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
The fleet has been parked up.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
28 out of fleet of 41 buses SORNED due to Covid-19. Some single deckers were kept active for the remaining bus services.
Stored were Optare Solo 330; Wright StreetLite 342; ADL/Enviro 200s 417/70; Scania N230UD/Olympuses 504/13/16; Scania Omnicity ‘deckers 521-28; Scania Omnidekkas 626-30; Volv oB7TL/EL Myllenium Vikings 701-706.
This left Solo 328; StreetLite 341; E200s 415/18/19/43/44/47/50-52/57/58 active.

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEING TOUR.
Operations were suspended due to Coronavirus. Rainham depot was vacated.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
SORNED due to Coronavirus are DAF DB250LF/EL DC52 PAN, Dart SLF/Mini Pointer BIG 9856, Leyland Olympian BIG 9249, Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 BIG 7758, Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panthers AB53 PAN, DC53 PAN, Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale BIG 9210.The Ipswich School contracts ceased upon the lockdown.

Above; Scania K360EB4/Plaxton Panther2 AB61 PAN, on the Ipswich School contract, at Great Horkesley on 11/3/20. (John Podgorski).

RATP ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
Due to Coronavirus, all operations were temporarily suspended from 17/3/20.

RICHMOND, BARLEY.
From 30/3/20, several local bus contracts on the Essex/Herts/Cambs borders were gained from Myalls of Bassingbourn.

ROG.
4/3/20: 37608 towed 745005 through Ipswich towards Norwich.
10/3/20: 37608 towed 745
27/3/20: 37511 on Colchester Thunderbird.The 008 Norwich-Bounds Green, but failed at Stowmarket and recovered by FL 66501.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
The coaches have been parked up. The minicabs continue.

SBC LEISURE, BASILDON.
New is Mercedes Tourismo MC20 SBC.

ST MARGARETS TRAVEL, NORTH WEALD.
Has ceased trading.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Revised timetables from 30/3/20, due to Coronavirus. Most services to an enhanced Sunday Timetable M-Sat. Infrequent rural services not changed.
Sold to Ensign were Trident/ALX400s 18336 (AE55 DJV), 18419/23/24 (AE06 GZR/V/W).
Mb Sprinter 44009 (BV66 GSU) has transferred to Stagecoach North West.
Also sold are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Interurban driver trainers 52398 (P108 FRS), 52437 (R37 AKV), 52486/86 (R185/86 DNH).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 19775 at Clements Road, Ilford on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

From 20/3/20, weekend night buses on TfL145 (Dagenham-Leytonstone), 158 (Walthamstow-Stratford), 296 (Ilford-Romford) suspended.
Megasightseeing was temporarily suspended from 22/3/20 due to Coronavirus.
From 23/3/20, emergency timetable introduced, based on Saturday schedule.
From 30/3/20, Sunday schedule introduced on 8 (Bow-Tottenham Court Road Station), 55 (Walthamstow-Oxford Circus), 56 (Whipps Cross-Smithfield), 86 (Romford-Stratford), 145 (Dagenham-Leytonstone), 257 (Walthamstow-Stratford), 277 (Crossharbour-Dalston), 323 (Canning Town-Mile End). (All bar 8, 55, 56, 277 with M-F am peak extras).

New are ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs 11341-69 (SK20 AXT/U/V/W/X/Y/Z, AYA-D/F/-H/J/L/-P/S/T/W/-Z, AZA), which are destined for TfL25 when that contract is gained from Tower Transit from May.
New BYD/ADL/E200EVs are arriving to convert TfL323 (Canning Town-Mile End), to electric operation. They are 29201-5 (LF20 XKO/P/S/T/U).
Received from Selkent was disused ADL/E400 12343, while similar 12344 joined it at West Ham from Bow and was reinstated.
Preserved AEC PRV Routemaster RML2760 (SMK 760F) is now based at Leyton.
SORNED due to the Coronavirus service cuts were 14 ADL/Enviro 40Ds at Leyton and all of the Scania Omnicity ‘deckers at Rainham.
Overall adverts:
LT264 – to Uber Eaats. LT314 – to red ex Oat-ly!; LT376 to red ex Adidas; LT383 to red ex Florida. ADL/E400 12321 to red ex Oyster Hopper.
The seasonal weekend/public holiday 15H heritage Routemaster route did not restart from 28/3/20 as planned, also due to Coronavirus.

Above: 36261 at Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill on 11/5/19. (John Podgorski).

ADL/Enviro 200 36261 has been delicensed due to accident damage. It overturned at the ‘Moby Dick’.
Sold Trident 18967 (LX05 BVZ) has appeared at a car lot on Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park. Its ownership is not clear. It was recorded as “being sold to a charity”.

Above: LX05 BVZ at Newbury Park on 14/3/20. (John Podgorski).

Ensign has resold Scania Omnicity ‘deckers LX09 AHE/O to Belle-Vue, Manchester.

STEPHENSONS.
ADL/Enviro 200s 442/49 (YX10 FEH, FFK) were loaned to Xelabus, Eastleigh.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 422 at Colchester on 30/3/20. (John Podgorski).

Most of the fleet was parked up due to the school closures and Covid-19 service reductions. Stored were Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon coach 200; Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 404; ADL/Enviro 200s 431-34/42/45/48-63/65-67/74/79; Scania N230UD/Olympuses 501-3/5-12 (506 is an Omnicity) and Scania Omnidekkas 631-49, 901-7. Some Scania N230UD/E400s (601-10) were kept active for rail, while various single deckers remained licensed for service.

Depots/outstations:
Due to Coronavirus service cuts:
Boreham: Operational and vehicle storage.
Braintree: Temporarily closed. Work moved to Boreham.
Bury St Edmunds: Reduced to one bus. Routes 384/385 transferred to Galloway at Mendlesham.
Clacton: 3 buses. Location moved to the old Talisman yard at Great Bromley.
Maldon: Being used for vehicle storage.
Rochford: Operational and for storage.

Traffic:
17/1/20 – 13/4/20:
North section of Eastwood Road closed between Eastwood Road North and Blenheim Chase. 6A diverted via Mountdale Gardens and Bleheim Chase. Coombs Corner, Danescroft Drive, Woddleigh Ave not served for duration.
13/3/20:
Creeksea Road closed. Route 60 diverted via Apton Hall Road, Scotts Hall Road and Anchor Lane.
From 24/3/20, contracted M-F services were temporarily reduced to Saturday frequency. Commercial routes 21/921, 38/A, 39, Breeze1 went over to a special timetable.
The following services were suspended after 23/3/20; 1, 6A, 17, 61, 200/220, Bury Breeze 2.
School services were also temporarily stopped.
From 29/3/20: routes 7/8 (Rayleigh-Hockley – evenings only) came from Arriva Southend on council retender.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
All school services suspended.

SWALLOW, NORTH WEALD.
Operations ceased after 31/3/20. These were two local bus routes; 13 (Epping-Waltham Cross), 61 (Brentwood-Blackmore). Coaches were also operated. Suns only 66A (Waltham Cross-Loughton) passed to Trustybus as routine Essex CC contract change from 29/3/20.
The closing fleet was: ADL/E200s GX09 AGZ ex EOS 711, LX07 BYL ex HSK 177; Dart SLF/Pointer KP02 PWV; Scania Omnicity N230UB YR10 AZO – operational. Scania Omnicity K230UB YR10 AZV; Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PJ02 PZF; Trident/President PN03 ULY. The company had been founded in 1946.

Above: EOS was the title of Swallow’s local bus routes in the Epping Forest area, although in the last two years they were retitled as Swallow Bus. Former Bus Eirean Dart SLF/Pointer 777 at Loughton on 20/9/14. The 66 later passed to Arriva. (John Podgorski).

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Continue to provide rail replacements.

Above: Scania Omnidekka YV03 PZH at Ingatestone on Greater Anglia rail repalcement on 14/3/20. It was ex Keane of Muckingford and originally Metrobus.

TONY GLEW/A1 COACH CO, COLCHESTER.
All of the fleet has been parked up at Little Tey depot for the duration of the Coronavirus Lockdown. Several of the minibuses are normally outbased at drivers’ homes. The taxi side continues.

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: Volvo B5H/Wright Gemini3 VH38113 at Chingford Station on 21/12/19. (John Podgorski).

From 7/3/20, TfL212 (Chingford-Walthamstow) and TfL444 (Chingford-Turnpike Lane) passed to London General North on re-tender. As a result, the WSH Class VDL200/Wright hydrogen buses WSH62991-98 (LK60 HPE/F/J/L/N, LJ13 JWP, LF63 ZXU, LJ13 JZO) are withdrawn and stored at Lea Interchange. Also stored there were BH63101/2 and VH38101-111.
From 23/3/20, emergency timetable introduced, based on Saturday schedule.
From 30/3/20, Sunday schedule introduced on 25 (Ilford-City Thameslink), 58 (East Ham-Walthamstow), 236 (Hackney Wick-Finsbury Park), 262 (Beckton-Stratford), 425 (Stratford-Clapton), 488 (Bromley-by-Bow-Dalston Junction). All bar 25 and 58 was M-F am peak extras.

Above: A de-branded WSH62998 at Chingford Station on 21/12/19. (John Podgorski).

TRANSPORT for LONDON.
Due to Coronavirus, virtually all weekday bus services went over to Saturday schedules from 23/3/20.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Mini Pointer SN03 ECA; Scania/Wright Solar NK53 UNW.

UNO.
From 29/3/20, Herts CC Sunday 242 (Potters Bar-Waltham Cross) was gained from Trustbus.
Only 602, 653 commercial routes regularly operating post Lockdown.

WARD’S, ALRESFORD.
The fleet has been parked up.

With thanks to: AngliaGen, S Austin, W Bell, P Cackett, R Delahoy, Ensign, Essex Buses Group Io, A Law, LOTS, C Philson, D Pretty, J Sadd.

Edited by John Podgorski, BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the February 2020 edition of Busmopolitan.

The last Class 156 and 170 DMUs have now left Greater Anglia. The first MkIII carriages have gone for scrap.

There were three big storms in February. Storm Ciara on 8-9th;  Storm Dennis on 15-16th. Storm George on 28th-29th.

EPPING ONGAR BUS RALLY 23rd FEBRUARY 2020.
50 YEARS OF LONDON COUNTRY BUS SERVICES.
By LOUISE COCKER.

Above: AEC Reliance/Park Royal RP21 (JPA 121K) and AEC Swift/Alexander SMA8 (JPF 108K) at Old Harlow. Although the RPs were a familiar sight in the Essex part of the old London Country, the SMWs were more associated with the south of the River Thames. (Louise Cocker).

This year marks 50 years since London Transport’s green country area and Green Line bus services became part of the National Bus Company (NBC) on 1st January 1970 and was renamed London Country Bus Services (LCBS). The newly formed London Country operated bus and Green Line services in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
As this was a day celebrating London Country, one of many subsidiaries of the National Bus Company, I thought I would wear my National Bus Company uniform. I am glad that I did as a lot of people remarked that it adds to an event like this when the bus crews are wearing uniforms of the time. We pride ourselves at the Epping Ongar Railway on looking smart in our uniforms of the time.
London Country was the largest of all the National Bus Company subsidiaries with about 1270 buses and coaches transferred to it from London Transport. The fleet was quite old, consisting of RT, RF and RM type buses with some newer Daimler Fleetlines, Leyland Atlanteans, AEC Reliances and Merlins. Examples of some of these types of buses were on display at North Weald Station and were giving bus rides around the local area.
The beautifully preserved buses from the Epping Ongar Railway fleet were in service. I was lucky enough to drive Green Line RT3238 on route 339 to Epping. There was also a large number of visiting preserved buses at North Weald Station on display and in service. There were stalls selling books, model buses, bus photos and other bus related items.
Buses were running on local routes to Chingford, Epping, Old Harlow, Nazeing Church and Little Parndon. These routes were very popular. With about 1000 visitors, many of them enjoyed the rides on the vintage buses.
The twice yearly Epping Ongar Railway bus rallies are proving very popular with visitors coming from far and wide. One of the bus conductors remarked to me that a passenger on his bus had travelled down all the way from West Yorkshire for the rally.
Among the visiting buses was London Country RT3125 from the East Anglia Transport Museum, Guy Special GS42, RT604 in National Bus Company leaf green livery, XF1 and RF180 in early London Country colours. SMA8 and RP21 in Green Line livery, MB90, Green Line RCL2260 which was the last RCL built. I can remember the RCL buses in service on route 721` and the Green Line bus garage at Romford. Timebus RLH44 (581J) which was a LCBS uniform bus which visited garages to supply bus crews with uniform. Also visiting and in service was a Leyland PD3. This type of bus was loaned to London Country from Southdown during the 1970s when there were bus shortages. These are just a few of the many wonderful preserved buses that attended the rally.
Towards the end of the day a road run took place from North Weald Station to the former London Country bus garage at Harlow which is now owned by Arriva Buses and parked up on display, We then went on one last run to Mulberry Green, Old Harlow with buses parking up for photos outside the 14th century Green Man public house which provided a wonderful background for the buses.
A fantastic day was had by all, visitors, bus owners and bus crews alike. Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this another very successful Epping Ongar Railway Bus Rally. Thanks also goes to all the bus owners for bringing their wonderful buses to the rally and to Arriva for allowing us to use their garage.
The next Epping Ongar Railway bus rally is on Sunday 6th September 2020 with a tribute to Bus Deregulation. Don’t miss it !

Above: Preserved ex Southdown Leyland Titan PD3/4 – NC ‘Queen Mary’ BUF 272C, with AEC Mertlin MB90 (SMM 90F) at Old Harlow. Three ‘Queen Marys’ came to LCBS from Southdown in 1976 to become the LS Class. They were used for about a year as a vehicle shortage stopgap from Chelsham garage in Kent. Some other Titan PD 3/4s – but with Burlingham bodies, were bought from Ribble around the same time, but purely for driver training. As the LR Class, they lasted for several years – into the early 1980s.  MB90 was one of the fleet inherited from London Transport on 1st January 1970. (Louise Cocker).

27/7, STANSTED. Peugeot Boxer YD63 UJJ has passed to Manheim Auctions, Colchester (dealer).

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.

Above: One of the ex Terravision Scania K360EB4/Iizar 64 seaters, YN64 AMU – at Bow Road, east London on 29/2/20. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).


Top: 4323 on High Street, Colchester on 7/2/20. (Daniel Pretty).
Above: 4323 at Great Horkesley on 7/2/20. The duty it was on is usually double deck as it covers an afternoon school run. (Peter Cackett).

Odd sightings:
3/2/20: StreetLite 4261 (GN64 DXR) on 1. 7/2/20: Route 133 StreetLite 4323 on 2.
24/2/20: StreetLite 4262 (GN64 DXS) on 2. 28/2/20: Route 133 StreetLite 4323 on 4.
29/2/20: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1565 (HX 04 HUK) on 1.

Above: 4323 on Queen Street, Colchester on 28/2/20. (Simon Austin).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 4008 in Bishops Stortford on 1/2/20, on the recently started Herts CC contracted local route 311. This bus was new to First London, then Tower Transit and supplied to Arriva via Ensign. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Above: Rainbow ADL/Enviro 400 MMC 6509 (SN66 WJE) at the Travel Centre on 22/2/20. (Simon Austin).

Above: VDL SB300/Wright Pulsar 3777 at Southend Travel Centre on 22/2/20. (Simon Austin).

In the new livery are VDL 200/Wright Pulsar 3777 (KX09 KDN) and Optare Versa YJ10 EYC.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 4009, in its current guise as ENL89. This was one of a batch new to Arriva Southend Grays depot, for use on TfL256 (Hornchurch-Noak Hill), although they appeared on other TfL Grays routes also. After TfL256 was re-tendered to Stagecoach, 4009 and its sisters moved “across the river” to Dartford. The ENL renumbering was when Dartford (and Grays) became part of Arriva London. So, Arriva London North ENL89 was pictured on Avenue Road, Bexleyheath on 1/2/20. Note Dartford depot comes under Arriva London North and not South. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
ADL/Enviro 400 T9 (LJ08 CWA) has transferred to Arriva London South at Thornton Heath.
Volvo B7TL/ALX400 VLA127 (LJ05 BJO) has passed to Ensign.

AZTEC, BILLERICAY.
BMC 850 BU53 POV passed to Parnell, Honiton (dealer) and was resold to McGuire, Cumbernald.

BALFOUR BEATTY.
1/2/20: DR75408/9 at Bishop’s Stortford.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Has Neoplan Skyliner N66 SUM.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
ADL/Enviro 200 SEN29 (YX61 FZZ) is now transferred to Metrobus at Orpington ex London General at Morden Wharf.

C2C.
14/2/20: 357036 on 5V92 East Ham-Ilford depot via Gas Factory Loop. 357046 at Ilford depot.

COLAS.
4/2/20: 37219 tnt 37254 on 1Q95 NR test train over LTS.
6/2/20: 70810 on 6M66 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement.
14/2/20: 37057 on 3Q71 Colchester-Norwich NR test train.
18/2/20: 70802 on 4M66 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock.

BISHOPS STORTFORD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.

Above: Fiat Ducato SJ16 BGO on the Bishop’s Stortford town service on 1/2/20. (John Podgorski).

DAN’S COACH TRAVEL, NEEDHAM MARKET.

(Daniel Trent).
Bedford YMT/Duple Dominant III RGV 690W has been re-acquired from Norfolk Coachways for preservation. It was new to Suffolk County Council.

DBS.
3/2/20; 66149 on 6L69 Peterborough-Biggleswade-Bow Plasmor.
5/2/20: 66009 on 6X77 Dagenham Dock-Mossend car transporters. 66134 on 4E25 Bow-Heck Plasmor.
6/2/20: 66005 on on 6L35 Mossend-Dagenham car transporters and 6X77 return.
8/2/20: 66125 on Bow-Acton. 90034 at Ilford depot.
11/2/20: 66012 at Chesterton Junction. 66040/80 on 4M79 FLX-E Midlands Gateway.
14/2/20: 59103 on Acton-Chelmsford stone and 5V12 return. 66134 on 6L69 Biggleswade-Bow Plasmor. 90034 at Ilford depot.
18/2/20: 66120 on FLX-East Midlands Gateway.
19/2/20: 66075 on 6Z53 Tilbury-Ince. 66167 at Marks Tey sand.
20/2/20: 59101 on 6V12 Chelmsford-Acton. 66134 on Bow-Heck Plasmor.
21/2/20: 59201 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66005 on Acton-Harlow Mill.
26/2/20: 59101 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66068 on 6L07 Acton-Griffin Wharf, Ipswich and 6V07 return. 66134 on 6l69 Biggleswade-Bow Plasmor and 4E25 return.
28/2/20: 59005 6L21 Whatley-Dagenham Dock ARC. 59101 on Acton-Harlow Mill. 66142 4L56 Trafford-London Gateway.

DLR.

Above: Bow Church station on 29/2/20. 96 (right) arrives en route to Stratford, while 41 departs for Canary Wharf. (John Podgorski).

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
An interesting internal transfer is of Mercedes Citaro MEC14 from London General at Morden Wharf. Also received internally from Blue Triangle is ADL/Enviro 200 SE26 (SN57 DWO).

Above: Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini WVL420 was new here for TfL474 (Canning Town-Manor Park). Following the loss of TfL474 to Stagecoach, WVL420 moved south of the Thames to Metrobus at Orpington. It subsequently went to London Central at Bexleyheath, where it was pictured on 1/2/20. (John Podgorski).

DRS.
7/2/20: 57301 towed GA 371508 Kilmarnock-Ilford.
18,19/2/20: 37402 on GEML route learning.
24/2/20: Contract for Dagenham Dock-Garston car transporters gained from GBRf – 66434 on inaugural working and return.
27/2/20: 37611 towed 745106 to Norwich.

ENSIGNBUS.
Following the conclusion of the London Overground Barking-Walthamstow e-rail, temporary ex Metroline ADL/Enviro 400s SN09 CDY, CEF/X, CFM, LK55 KJX were withdrawn and returned to sales stock.
Volvo B7TL/ALX400s 901/6 (LJ54 BDZ) have passed to Sleafordian, Sleaford.

FELIXSTOWE TRAVEL.

Above: M80 FXO, one of the two recent MCV Evoras, at Colchester on Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Ipswich on 9/2/20. (Simon Austin). The other is M20 FXO.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: 32669 at Highwoods, Colchester on 28/2/20. (Daniel Pretty).

From First Scotland East are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 32669 (SN55 HDZ), 32673 – in blue livery. 32669 immediately entered service.
ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 67163 (YY66 PAO) is now in blue Essex Airlinks livery. It had been in the old X10 green/silver scheme.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66848 is now a driver trainer.
New X30 Scania N250UD/Enviro 400 MMC 36840 (YN69 XYA) was at ADL Harlow on 11/2/20. The new X30 Scanias entered service in the third week of February.
Ex X30 Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis 37985/86 (BJ11 XGY, ECY) moved from Chelmsford to Hadleigh – they retain their old livery for the time being but have been debranded. The X30 ADL/Enviro 200MMCs have likewise been debranded, but retain their green/silver livery for the present.

Above: 42955 at Osborne Street, Colchester on 28/2/20. (Daniel Pretty).

Dart SLF/Pointer 42955 (WX06 OMM) has come from First Eastern Counties.
Dart SLF/Pointer 42489 (SN53 KJY) is withdrawn, leaving just 42487 (SN03 WME) representing the type at Hadleigh. 42489 passed to Ensign for breaking.
Other ex First Essex vehicles now at Ensign for parts recovery are Dart SLF/Pointers 42483/86 (SN03 WLK, WMX) and Volvo B7TL/ALX400 W224 XBD. These came from First Eastern Counties. 42483 quickly passed to Shelton Motors of Ely for scrap.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65688 (YS03 ZKH) is now with Hadlow Community School, Kent – via Ensign.
Odd sightings:
3/2/20: Trident 33044 on 64A. 4/2/20: Route 62 B9TL 37134 on 75/A. 5/2/20: B7TL/ALX400 32068 on 64. 7/2/20: Route 62 B9TL 37134 on 17 + 65. 10/2/20: X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67168 on 71. 11/2/20: Route 62 B9TLs 37134/36 on 75. 12/2/20: Route 62 B9TL 37134 on 70; B7RLE 66803 on 75. 14/2/20: Route 62 B9TL 37135 on 70; Route 62 B9TL 37138 on 64A. 17/2/20: Route 62 B9TL 37134 on 174; Route 62 B9TL 37138 on 65; B7RLE 66825 on 100; X10 E200 MMC 67161 on 100; X30 67168 on 31B; X30 66170 on 42B.
19/2/20: Trident 33087 on 64A; Route 62 B9TL 37139 on 61. 24/2/20: ADL/E200 MMC 67166 on 70. 27/2/20: Route 62 B9TL 37136 at Colchester Fuel Injection. Route 62 B9TL 37138 on 17 + 65. 28/2/20: B7TL/Gemini 33669 on 65; Route 62 B9TL 37138 on 88. 29/2/20: Trident 33080 on 64; Trident 33178 on 64A.

FLAGFINDERS. Withdrawn is Mercedes Sprinter SG52 RZL.

FREIGHTLINER.
3/2/20: 66511 on 7L54 Acton-Harlow Mill. 66619 on 6L10 Tunstead-Thurrock.
4/2/20; 66511 on 6V12 Chelmsford-Acton. 66564 on Ipswich-Lindsay tanks. 86608/5 on 4L41.
5/2/20: 66619 on 6L34 Tunstead-Bow. 70011 on 4L41 Crewe-FLX.
6/2/20: 66543 on 4E24 Gateway-Leeds. 66572 on 4M56 Gateway-Garston. 70016 on 4L97 Trafford-FLX. 86622/09 on 4L41. 86627/14 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford.
7/2/20: 66525 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66606 on 6L34 Tunstead-Bow. 70016 on 4L97 Trafford-FLX. 70020 on up intermodal from FLX. 90046/49 on 4L95.
11/2/20: 86604/39 on 4L89. 86607/27 ON 4L75. 86612/13 ON 4L41. 86637/38 at Ipswich yard.
12/2/20: 66572 + GBRf 66733 on 4Z27 Parkeston-Felixstowe operated by GBRf. 86707/27 on 4L75. 86608/32 on 4M87. 86612/13 on 4L41. 86639 at Ipswich.
14/2/19: 66505 on 4S83. 66534 on 4L46. 66617 on 6L80 Tunstead-Marks Tey sand. 86604/39 4L89. 86608/32 on 4L91. 86612/13 at Ipswich. 86637/38 on 4M42.
17/2/20: 66587 tnt orange 66415 with HOBC at Coclhester. 86604/39/05/14 on 4L89. 86609/28 at Ipswich.
18/2/20: 66615 on 6L80 Tunstead-Marks Tey. 86604/39 on 4L41. 86609/28 on 4L91. 86612/13 on 4L89.
19/2/20: 66505 on 4M56 at Tilbury. 86605/14 on 4L89. 86612/13 on 4L91.
20/2/20: 86605/38 on 4L91.
21/2/20: 86612/13 on 4L89. 86639/04 on 4L41.
24/2/20: 66556/13 with two boxes on Leeds-FLX Fresh Express.
25/2/20: 66511 on 6V12 Chelmsford-Acton. 86627/37 on 4L41.

GALLEON TRAVEL, ROYDON.

Above: Leger Holidays liveried VDL Bova SS16 GAL at Bishop’s Stortford on GA rail replacement to/from Broxbourne; 1/2/20. (John Podgorski).

Trident/ALX400 LX04 FXL has been sold to Ensign. It was quickly resold to Shelton Motors at Ely as scrap.

GBRf.
3/2/20: 66715 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
6/2/20: 66722 on 4M46 Gateway-Hams Hall. 66725 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
10/2/20: 66726 on 4M23.
11/2/20: 66719 on 4L28. 66735 on 4M29. 66743 on 4E21 Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
12/2/20: FL 66572 + 66733 on 4Z27 Parkeston-Felixstowe.
18/2/20: 66777 on 4L04 Hams Hall-FLX. 66789 on 4L07 Birch Coppice-FLX.
19/2/20: 66759 on 6O60 Bow-Tonbridge West.
20/2/20: 66730 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 66741 on 4E20 FLX-Masboro. 66750 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66785/27 on 4E21 FLX-Doncaster. 66789 on 4L07 Birch Coppice-FLX.
21/2/20: 66703 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall. 66724 on 4L07.
22/2/20: 66703 on 4M23. 66717 on 4L20 Hams Hall-FLX. 66777 on 4L29 Birch Coppice-FLX.
24/2/20: 66783 ‘The Flying Dustman’ on N Walsham to Ipswich light loco.
26/2/20: 66752 at Bow Yard at 0915. 66783 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
28/2/20: 66709 on 4L18 Trafford-FLX. 66717 on 4M02 FLX-Hams Hall. 66722 on 4L04 Hams Hall-FLX. 66724 on 4L07. 66732 on 4E43 FLX-Doncaster. 66736 4L14 Doncaster-FLX. 66737 on 4L00 Masboro-London Gateway. 66749 on 6T62 Whitemoor-Forest Gate engineers. 66755 on 6L34 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor. 66757 on 4E28 FLX-Doncaster. 66769 on Whitemoor-Manor Park engineers.
29/2/20: 66749 on 6T62 engineers at Stratford.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 755422 at Audley End on 22/2/20 on a Stansted-Norwich working. It will run in electric mode to Ely, then as diesel to Norwich. (John Podgorski).

New are Bombardier Aventra EMUs 720506/9.

Above: A de-branded 90001 at London Liverpool Street on 1/2/20. The Class 90s are due to leave GA in March, when the new Class 745s fully come on stream. (John Podgorski).

De-branded are electric locos 90001/2/3. MkIII carriages 11076/94, 12081.
Sprinter DMU 156417 has gone to EMR and Turbostar DMU 170271 to Transport for Wales.
Mk IIIs 12005/37/42/82/89/142 gone for scrap to Sims, Newport, Wales.
Some Class 90s, DVTs and other MkIIIs have come off lease, but will remain in use until 31/3/20.
317881 was at Clacton for PRM mods.

3/2/20: 156417 transferred as 2N09 to EMR – last ‘156 at GA.
4/2/20: 170271 transferred as 6N10 to Transport for Wales – last ‘170 at GA.
10/2/20: 745002 on 5Q91 test Norwich-Liverpool Street.
13/2/20: 745109 delivered behind DBS 66002.
14/2/20: 720506 delivered to Ilford from Ferme Park.
17/2/20: 745002 in down loop at Chelmsford.
18/2/20: 745002 on 5Q80 Parkeston-Liverpool Street test.
20/2/20: DRS 37401 towed MKIIIs listed above from Norwich to Newport for scrap. 317508/666 on 1F84 1814 Liverpool St-Colchester.
21/2/20: 745002 on test on GEML Stowmarket-Liverpool St and Harwich branch.
25/2/20: 745004 on 5Q81 Liverpool St-Stowmarket test run.

HCT GROUP.
BYD ADL/Enviro 400ev demonstrator LF69 UXJ, moved on to London General North.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Over the February school half term, part of Berechurch Road in Colchester was closed for works. Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 288 was pictured on diversion on King George Road on 19/2/20. (John Podgorski).

All Scania Omnilinks are now at Clacton.
Omnilink 460 has received an overall wrap for Dream 100 FM Radio.

Above: Scania Omnilink 456 (AN61 BUS) has moved from Sible Hedingham (HD) to Clacton (CN). Pictured in Clacton on 1/2/20. (Daniel Pretty).

ADL/Enviro 200 261 went from KN back to HD on 5/2/20 and back to KN on 11/2/20. Then back to HD on 20/2/20. 261 is now effectively a regular KN bus.
Volvo B7TL/Gemini 521 appeared at KN again from CN on 5/2/20. 520 appeared at KN from CN on 17/2/20.
Short ADL/E200 298 (OU57 BHA) moved CN to HD on 14/2/20. By 26/2/20, it had returned to CN and was being used for mechanical training.
Omnidekka movements: 7/2/20: 802 – Chambers-KN; 810 – KN-Chambers. 10/2/20: 813 – Chambers-KN; 816 – KN-CN. 14/2/20: 817 – CN-KN. 18/2/20: 817 – KN-CN. 20/2/20: 813 – KN-Chambers; 814 – Chambers-KN; 817 – CN-KN.
Odd sightings:
10/2/20: Scania Omnilink 457 (AU61 AVK) on 16A + 82 + 50 – prior to moving HD-CN. 25/2/20: Omnidekka 814 on TLA A am, due to failure of B7TL/President 573. 26/2/20: Omnidekka 813 on 15 pm.

Above: Scania Omnilink 457 has moved again. This time from Sible Hedingham (HD) to Clacton (CN), where it was pictured on 14/2/20. It has both Chambers and Konect fleet names. (Alex Law).

Above: Scania Omnidekka 818 at Rowhedge on 10/2/20, on the 0800 route 19 departure to Thomas Lord Audley School. It will then go onto route 63 before doing the return 19 in the afternoon. 19 only runs on schooldays. (Sonny Milton).

Destination displays are being reprogrammed to make them all DDA/PSVAR compliant.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Dart SLF/EL 85, which had been sold for preservation, has been resold for continued driver training use.
Odd sightings:
15/2/20: Optare Versa 149 (YN08 EPF) on 93.

Above: Versa 149 unusually in Colchester on 15/2/20. (Daniel Pretty).

JET2.COM
A woman who put a flight in danger, by being drunk and violent on board, was jailed for 2 years by Chelmsford Crown Court on 12/2/20. Chloe Haynes (26), from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire was on a Stansted to Turkey flight worked by Boeing 737 G-JZHC on 22nd June 2019, when her behaviour caused it to return to Stansted under the escort of two fighter jets.

KIRBY’S OF RAYLEIGH.

Above: Setra S415 K50 BYS at Southend Victoria on Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Shenfield on 22/2/20. (Simon Austin).

L&R TRANSPORT, BASILDON.
Has Neoplan Skyliner N66 SUN.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Dennis Trident/ELs YAZ 8277 ex T405 BNN, T270 BPR, have been sold to GHP Trading, Ancaster.

LONDON GENERAL.
Ex TfL100 ADL/Enviro 20Ds SE222-231 (YY64 GXK, TXH/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/R) have gone to Plymouth Citybus.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
BYD ADL/Enviro400EV demonstrator SN69 CXJ was on loan from mid February, for staff training prior to the type being delivered as the Ee Class.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
315802/3/8/10/16 on Romford-Upminster during February.
710120 replaced 710121 on driver training. 710119 continued on this. These training runs are between Liverpool Street and London Fields/Enfield Town. The 710s stable at Ilford.
378204/11 have been refreshed at Ilford.
24/2/20: 710/1s made their passenger debut on Lea Valley Lines, with 710121/108 on 2U37 1122 Enfield Town-Liverpool Street.

Above: Ex MTR 315836 at Liverpool Street on 8/2/19, on the 1533 to Chingford. (John Podgorski).

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: S7 Stock 21445 at Bow Road on 29/2/20, on the rear of an Upminster service. (John Podgorski).

MAYFLOWER SCHOOL, DOVERCOURT.
The Ex Hedingham Dennis Trident/EL T802 RFG, now a static library, suffered vandalism while parked in the school grounds. Thanks to CrowdFunding from two pupils, £1000 has been raised to allow the bus to be craned into a secure courtyard within the school complex.

MTR.
345018 towed from Worksop to Ilford by DBS 37608.
21/2/20: 345057 OC-IL behind 37608.
25/2/20: 345057 appeared on GEML -on 2W72 1140 Liverpool St-Shenfield.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
In February, Clarkes of Sydenham took over a route 484 diagram from Chalfont of Uxbridge. This was the one which overnights on the Essex coast.

Above: NX-Galloway Scania K440EB6/Caetano Levante III BF68 LCN picks up at the new westbound Colchester coach stop on 24/2/20. (John Podgorski).

From 20/2/20, Colchester Bus Station (Stanwell Street) was no longer served. It was replaced by the bus stops at the top of East Hill.
Between 16th and 23rd February there was disruption to some services serving Cambridge, due to Trumpington Road being blocked by an Extinction Rebellion demonstration at the junctions of Fen Causeway, Lensfield Road and Trumpington Street.
Odd sighting:
29/2/19: Gatwick (GA) Scania K440EB6/Caetano Levante GA212 on A9 – worked by SH (Start Hill).                                              Ancillary vehicles: BW69 OAB is a Ford Transit Courier crew ferry at Start Hill.

Above: GA212 on Leytonstone High Road on 29/2/20. (John Podgorski).

NETWORK RAIL.
6/2/20: Windhoff MPVs DR98003/4/9/11 on 6Y53 Crewe-Chelmsford OHLE train.
21/2/20: Robel Mobile Maintenance Train DR97506/606/806 on 6U86 Pitsea-Colchester – later returned.

NIBS, WICKFORD.

Above: Scania N230UD/Olympus 514 (EU58 BLJ) at Southend Victoria on 22/2/20; on Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Shenfield. (Simon Austin).

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Acquired via Ensign is ex Metroline ADL/Enviro 200 YX10 BDY.
Scania K360E4/Plaxton Panther2 DC61 PAN has reverted to TF61 OXF and been sold to a Scottish operator.
Following parts recovery; Dart SLF/Mini Pointer X509 WRG and Dart SLF/Pointers KP02 PUH, PVD have gone for scrap. None of these were operated.

ROG:
10/2/20: 37800 on Colchester ‘Thunderbird’.
18,19/2/20: 37800 CR Thunderbird.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Two all electric BYD ADL 400EV buses – LF69 UXN/O, entered service in Cambridge on Citi6 in mid February. These also sported the new Stagecoach white based corporate livery.
The new Volvo B8TL/ADL Enviro 400 Citys are also appearing on the North Cambs Busway. Green liveried BU69 XYL was the first noted.
Between 16th and 23rd February, there was disruption to services in Cambridge, due to a major junction being blocked by an Extinction Rebellion protest. This was Lensfield Road/Fen Causeway/Trumpington Road/Trumpington Street.
Routes affected were the Trumpington Park and Ride, which could not access part of Trumpington Road or use Lensfield Road. As well as being diverted via Botanic Gardens, Station Road and Hills Road, its city centre terminus was altered for the duration from Downing Street to Regent Street. Also affected were the City Sightseeing Cambridge City Tour and route 18 to Cambourne. Part of the southbound section of the tour could not operate and 18 could not serve any of its city centre stops except by Downing Street.
Ancillary vehicles:
Vauxhall Vivaro van VA18 MVT on hire from Enterprise and at Cambridge.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Overall adverts:
ADL/E40D 12320 (SK14 CSY) – Zadig and Voltaire.
LT239 – Clarkes; LT261 – Calvin Klein; LT360 – Hilfiger; LT367 -Clarkes; LT376 – Adidas 2020.
Back to red: ADL/Enviro 40Ds 12318 (SN14 TYV), 19852 (LX12 CZF); LT258, 388.

STEPHENSONS.                                                                                                  Acquired for driver training is ex Nottingham City Transport Scania Omnitown 7054 (YN54 AHC).
Route 23 (Leigh Rail Station-Eastwood Road) ended on 25/2/20. This was a Tuesdays only operation, and had replaced a section of withdrawn Arriva Southend routeing. Scania N230UD/Enviro 400 605 (EX63 UZV) worked the last journey.

Above: Ex Yourbus, Heanor ADL/Enviro 200 436, on ex First Route 24, on Chichester Road, Southend on 1/2/20. This is one of the two regular route 24 buses. (Simon Austin).
Odd sightings: 12/2/20: Omnidekka 903 (YN53 CFV) on CHS contract usually with B12M/Paragon coach 200 (X400 MTT). 22/2/20: Scania N230UD/E400 610 (CX14 EMS) on 301. 29/2/20: Mb Sprinter 301 (RE66 VPD) on 16.

Above: 301 in Chelmsford on 29/2/20. (Simon Austin).

SULIVAN BUSES, SOUTH MIMMS.
Withdrawn is Trident/EL TN1 (PO51 UMH).

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.

Above: Recently acquired MAN/Plaxton Centro KX58 BHZ at Colchester on Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Ipswich on 9/2/20. (James Pretty).

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: One of the ADL/Enviro 400s which passed to Go-Ahead London, via Ensign in 2018. EN38 at Broadway, Bexleyheath on 1/2/20. Working for London Central.  It had been originally posted to Metrobus at Orpington. Was DN33634 at Transit. (John Podgorski).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 DM44267 on Leytonstone High Road on 29/2/20. Working from Lea Interchange (LI) garage. (John Podgorski).

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.

Above: Ex Arriva North East (via Ensign) Scania L94UB/Wright Solar NK53 UNY in Bishop’s Stortford on 1/2/20. It is on the Herts CC contracted service 351. (John Podgorski).

Acquired via Ensign is ex Arriva Kent Thameside Optare Solo M950 YJ07 VPX.
Trident/ALX400 LX04 FXP has been sold; probably for scrap.

Above: One of the recent ex RATP London Optare Tempos. YJ11 EHW at Ongar Two Brewers on 25/2/20. (Robert Downton).

UNO.
Sold are Mb Citaro O530 bendybuses MBA325-27 (MH06 YJD/E/F ex AN02 EDN, BN02 EDN, CN02 EDN). All likely went for scrap. MBA327 was definitely scrap as it was fire damaged.

WHIPPET.
Between 16th and 23rd February, the U service was disrupted due to Trumpington Road being blocked by an Extinction Rebellion protest, at its junction with Trumpington Street, Lensfield Road and Fen Causeway. Service U could not serve Trumpington Street so was diverted via the city centre.

WILSON, GRAYS. Ford Transit 16 seater AW12 BUS, has been re-registered back to EY12 UMC and sold.

With thanks to: AngliaGen, S Austin, P Cackett, A Hazell, A Law, LOTS, S Milton, D Pretty, J Pretty, D Trent, I Twine.