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

Welcome to the July 2020 edition of Busmopolitan.

Lockdown measures continued to be lifted during July.
Bus companies further increased frequencies, returned vehicles to service, and took staff off furlough. During July, social distancing was also reduced.
Ipswich Buses has raised some eyebrows, by further entering the north Essex bus scene from 27th July, when it began three council contracts it had won through the retender process.
However, the coach industry remained largely dormant. National Express restarted a limited network from 1st July, but in Essex only serving the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Norwich corridor – and still on a “skeleton” headway.
There are reports of some small coach companies ceasing to trade. Some of these are subject to verification.

ACME, STANSTED:
Has ex RATP London Scania Omnicity ‘decker YN08 DHO, via Ensign.

ADVANCE, SOUTHEND.
It is reported that the fleet has been offered for sale.

AH MINIBUSES, CLACTON. Ford Transit 16 seater HT18 YMZ is ex Eng, Park Royal – via Ventura, Cranfield (dealer).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: 1562 at Osborne Street on 20/7/20. (John Podgorski).

Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1562 (RX07 KPG) returned to use – but only as a crew ferry, at the start of July.
ADL/Enviro 400 MMC 6503 (SN66 WHW) was returned to Southend in mid July. Sister 6504 (SN66 WHX) was last used on 27/7/20, but was then parked up at Colchester. Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1564 (HX04 HUH) and Dart SLF/Pointer 3420 (AY54 FRC) also went to Southend, but for storage. Meanwhile, 1565 (HX 04 HUK) and 3421 (AY54 FPZ) were returned to service, ex SORNED, but 1565 has only so far seen occasional use. P&R ADL/E200 4072 (SK15 GXS) returned to use on 21/7/20.
From 6/7/20, the Colchester Park and Ride reopened. ADL/E200s 4071/3-5 returned to service with this. 4072 did so later – see above.
Routes 4 (Tollgate-Colchester-Hythe), 11 (Highwoods-North Station), passed to Ipswich Buses from 27/7/20, with the 24th being the last day by Arriva. ADL/E200 4017 worked the last Arriva journeys on the 11 and 4.
Odd sightings:
1,2/7/20: Dart SLF/MPD 1558 (KX56 HCP) on 8.
2/7/20: ADL/E400 MMC 6504 (SN66 WHX) on Staff Shuttle.
3/7/20: StreetLite 4224 (GN62 HMY) on 2.
6/7/20: 1558 on Staff Shuttle. ADL/E200 4019 (GN58 BUF) on 4.
7/7/20: Short Dart SLF/Caetanos 1562/63 (RX07 KPG/J) on Staff Shuttle.
9/7/20: 1563 on Staff Shuttle; StreetLite 4262 (GN64 DXS) on 2.
10/7/20: 4224 on 4.
14/7/20: 1563 on Staff Shuttle.
15/7/20: 1559 on 8.
20/7/20: 1562 on Staff Shuttle; StreetLite 4262 on 2; R133 StreetLite 4324 on 8.
21/7/20: 1562 on Staff Shuttle; Park & Ride ADL/E200 4072 (SK15 GXS) – bis.
30/7/20: StreetLite 4261 on 2.
31/7/20: StreetLite 4224 on 2.

Above: On the soon to change operator route 4; Wright StreetLite 4224 at The Commons, Prettygate on 10/7/20. A StreetLite was always unusual on this. (Daniel Pretty).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 4017 at North Station on 24/7/20, on the very last Arriva journey on route 11. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Above: Normally used at London City Airport, ADL/Enviro 200 MMC YX68 UUN was stored at Southend during the lockdown, and was on Staff Shuttle on 11/7/20. Pictured at Victoria Circus. In the background is the site of the old Eastern National Southend bus depot, now a Sainsbury’s. (Simon Austin).

VDL 200/Wright Pulsar 3777 (KX09 CDN) is in the new Arriva livery.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 3816 (GN07 AVC) has been named ‘Jan Roy’.
Optare Versa 4203 (YJ61 CHV) has returned from Guildford & West Surrey.
Sapphire ADL/E400 6529 (YX17 NFG) has moved to Arriva Guildford and West Surrey.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH. From Arriva London South were ADL/Enviro 400s T22, 26-30, 32-35. T22, 26, 34, 35 have been allocated to Edmonton as driver trainers.

Above: VDL DB300LF/Wright Pulsar Gemini DW251 at Heathway, Dagenham on 4/7/20. (John Podgorski).

BALFOUR BEATTY.
9/7/20: Robel DR97506/606/806 on York-Romford.
10/7/20: Robel DR97504/604/804 on York-Romford.

Above: Matisa B41UE tamper at Romford depot on 18/7/20. (John Podgorski).

BLUE TRIANGLE. Transferred from London Central is Mercedes Citaro MEC14. From London General North are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WVL249/50.

Above: New Routemaster LT930 at Ilford Hill on 13/7/20. Maximum socially distanced capacities on London buses changed from the start of July. See TfL section at bottom of this page. (Simon Smiler).

BURGERS WINGS AND RIBS LIMITED, COLCHESTER.

Above: Has ex First South Yorkshire Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President LT52 WUC. It has been converted into a mobile eatery. Pictured on 29/7/20. (John Podgorski).

COLAS.
1/7/20: 67023 tnt 67027 on 1Q08 NR Cambridge-Reading test past Broxbourne @ 1825 and through Gidea Park @ 1902.
8/7/20: 37612 + 9714 with 99666, 72630, 9801, 62384 on 3Q70 Ferme Park- Colchester via KX and Liv St NR test train.
9/7/20: 37612 on 3Q69 Colchester-Colchester NR test via Norwich.
10-11/7/20: 37612 on 3Q66 Colchester-Derby via Felixstowe and London.
13/7/20: 43013/62 on 1Q66 Heaton-Cambridge NR test.
16/7/20: 37254 on 3Q11 Derby-Ferme Park via Southminster and Upminster branches.
18/7/20; 37254 on 3Q01 Ferme Park-Derby test via NE London.
21/7/20: 37175/254 on Derby-Ferme Park via LTS.
22/7/20: 37175/254 on 1Q18 Ferme Park-Cambridge via LTS and GEML Essex NR test train.
24/7/20: 37175 tnt 37254 with 975091, 72631, 977997, 9523 on 1Q18 Cambridge-Mrch via Felixstowe, Ipswich, Manningtree, Colchester.
26/7/20: 70811 on 6C61 Ripple Lane-Whitemoor.

DAN’S LUXURY TRAVEL, WALTHAM ABBEY. This company has been wound up by its administrators.

DBS.
1/7/20: 66050 on 4M79 FLX-EM Gateway. 66051 on 4E45 FLX-Wakefield. 66188 on 6L38 Hither Green-Marks Tey sand yard and on 6O79 departure to Crawley.
2/7/20: 66012 on 6L43 Mountsorrel-Kennet. 66017 on 6L74 Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66119 on 4M79. 66162 on 6L69 Bigglewade-Bow Plasmor.
4/7/20: 66127 at Dagenham Dock.
8/7/20: 66039 on Tilbury-Ince sand train. 66113 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich on 6V07 to Neasden.
9/7/20: 66119 on 6L69 Peterborough-Bow Plasmor. 66164 on 4M79 FLX-EM Gateway.
14/7/20: 66013 on 4E25 Bow-Heck Plasmor.
15/7/20: 66149 on Ipswich Griffin Wharf-Neasden.
17/7/20: 59004 at Dagenham Dock. 59202 on 7Z29 Acton-Bow. Maritime 66005 on 6L39 Mountsorrel-Kennett. 66165 on 6L35 Mossend-Dagenham Dock car transporters.
20/7/20: 66051 on 4L45. 66075 on 6V07 Ipswich Griffin Wharf-Neasden.
21/7/20: 59205 on 7Z29 Acton-Bow. 66031 on 4M07 Tilbury-Daventry Tesco. 66120 on Mountsorrel-Kennett.
22/7/20: 66112 on 6O79 Marks Tey-Crawley sand.
28/7/20: 66005 on 6L41 Mountsorrel-Kennett. 66080 on 4L76 EM Gateway-FLX. 66136 on 6L69 Biggleswade-Bow Plasmor.
29/7/20: 66100 on Dagenham Dock-Mossend car transporters.
30/7/20: 66192 on 6L38 Wembley-Marks Tey sand; then failed at Shenfield and assisted by ROG 37608. 59004 on 6L30 Acton-Chelmsford.
31/7/20: 66104 on 6L69. 66176 on Peterborough-Chesterton Junction.

DCR.
2/7/20: 56103 on 0Z57 Ferme Park-Cambridge route learner.

DOCKLANDS BUSES. Transfeered from within Go-Ahead London are ADL/Enviro 200s SE23, 86.

DON’S, DUNMOW. Ex Ensignbus, Purfleet is ADL/Envrio 200 PX12 BSZ. Leyland Olympian/Alexanders F602/04 MSL have both gone for preservation.

Above: Irizar i6 DH18 DON participating in ‘Honk For Hope’ on 20/7/20. (Alex Hazell).

DRS.
21/7/20: 66422 moved GA 745102 Parkeston to Norwich.
24/7/20: 66304/05 on West Ealing-Norwich.
29/7/20: 66429 stabled at Dagenham Dock.
31/7/20: 66305/04 on 0Z66 Norwich-Willesden Brent light loco.

EASYJET.
It was announced that the bases at Southend and Stansted were to close.

ENIGMA TRAVEL, COLCHESTER. Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah T639 JWB has been sold to Car and Van Central, (dealer) Coventry..

ENSIGNBUS.

Above: Trident 339 at Leigh station on 11/7/20. (Simon Austin).

Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 open topper 339 (TSU 639) and Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini open topper 392 (392 MBF) have been repainted red/silver, ex plain red and plain blue respectively.
From 11/7/20, operation of the seasonal Southend seafront service 68 began. In the past, this had been run by Go-Ahead London from Northumberland Park.
392 is the regular bus for route 68, with 339 as back up.

Above: Volvo B7TL 392 on Southend seafront on 11/7/20. (Simon Austin).

ADL/Enviro 200 704 (PX12 BSZ), has been sold to Don’s of Dunmow.
ADL/Enviro 400s SN09 CDV/Y, CEX, CFM have passed to Warrington’s Own Buses after temporary rail replacement use.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
The 88 Ipswich-Stowmarket routes have been branded as ‘Stowmarket Swift’.
Route 66 is being branded too, as ‘Mainline 66’.

Above: Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32655 with ‘Mainline’ branding at Foundation Street depot on 30/7/20. (Daniel Pretty).

Above; Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclispe Urban 69005 (AU05 DME), awaits repaint at Simon Morris, Ipswich on 24/7/20. (John Podgorski).

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: Westcliff on Sea Motor Services heritage liveried Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 37985 (BJ11 XGY), at Victoria Circus, Southend on 11/7/20. (Simon Austin).

Below: 37985 at Prittlewell on 6/6/20; just prior to repaint. (John Podgorski).

From 6/7/20, the Chelmsford Park and Ride reopened. ADL/E200 MMCs 67190/91/92/96 were put back into use on this, but their sisters remained working at Hadleigh on normal bus routes. 67189 joined them at the end of July.
Dart SLF/Pointer 42956 (WX06 OMO) has come from First Eastern Counties and is at CF.
ADL/Enviro 200 44004 (LK57 EJG) appeared at CF from HH again in mid July. B7RLE/Wright 69518 (BJ11 ECT) returned to HH from BN.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Genmini 37007 (WX55 VHR) has been repainted out of First Bristol colours, into Badgerline era Eastern National yellow/green heritage livery. Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 37986 (BJ11 ECY) has been repainted out of X30 colours. ADL/E200 MMCs 67167/68/71 received First Interurban livery ex X30. Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69532 (PL05 UBR) also repainted. B7RLE/Wright 66846 (MX05 CGV) is back in use ex SORNED.
Wright StreetLite 63165 (SN64 CJF) has returned from repairs at WrightBus/Bamford Bus Company. It went to Ballymena in April 2019, and was subsequently delayed by firstly the collapse of Wrightbus, and secondly by the Coronavirus lockdown. 63165 will re-enter service at HH, replacing Dart SLF/Pointer 42487 (SN03 WME).
Sold to Ensign were Dart SLF/Mini Pointers SN55 CXH/J, WX05 RVF; Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urbans 66802/27/29 (MX05 CCK, CFD/G).
Resold by Ensign to Shelton Motors, Ely for scrap were Trident/President 33080 9LN51 GMO), Dart SLF/Pointer 42557 (WX05 UAN), Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62408 (YS03 ZKE), Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urbans 66802/07/27/29 (MX05 CCK/Y, CFD/G), ADL/E300 67641 (VX54 MRV).
ADL/Enviro 300 67641 (VX54 MRV) was taken away from Ensign for scrap on 7/7/20.

Above: 67641 at Ensign on 4/7/20. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings:
The appearance of double deckers on route 65 in Colchester is currently a daily occurrence, with most of this service being run as such. Likewise, Route 62 Volvo B9TLs seen ‘off route’ is now common. The X10 branded ADL/E200 MMCs 67160-62 and their Airlink liveried sister 67163 are now often found on Basildon routes such as 8, 94 and 100. The sole remaining X30 liveried ADL/E200 MMC – 67171 is used on various routes at Chelmsford. An Airlink X30 double decker appeared on a regular duty on 70 during July.
1/7/20: R62 B9TL 37136 on 61; ADL/E200 MMC 44660 on 71; ADL/E200 44910 (YX09 AFZ) on 71A. 2/7/20: B7TL/Gemini 37027 on 102; R62 37134 on 61; Dart SLF/Pointer 42922 (EU05 AUO) on 71. 3/7/20; R62 37133/34 on 61; R62 37136 on 68; R62 37139 on 61; Dart SLF/Pointer 42937 (SN05 DZT) on 71. 4/7/20: B7TL/Gemioni 37062 on 64; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37136 on 65. 7/7/20: X30 Scania N280UD/E400 City 36839 on 70. 8/7/20: X30 Scania N280UD/E400 City 36841 (YN69 XYB) on 70; R62 37134 on 68; R62 37139 on 2A; Dart SLF/Pointer 42936 (SN05 DZS) on 71A. 10/7/20; X30 Scania N250UD/E400 City 36842 on 70; R62 37138 on 71A, but not via Duke Street bridge ! 11/7/20: Dart SLF/Pointer (MX56 HXZ) 42940 on 71A. 12/7/20: B7TL/Gemini 32642 on 42;  R62 37134 on CR Staff Shuttle; Short ADL/E200 MMC 44660 on 71A; X10 67161 on 100; CF P&R ADL/E200 MMC 67191 (SN66 WKM) on 71A. 13/7/20: X30 36838 on 70; R62 37134 on 68; R62 37138/39 on 61; X10 67160 on 8A; X10 67161 on 94A; X10 67162 on 8A; Airlink 67163 on 94; X30 67171 on 36. 14/7/20: X30 36840 on 70; R62 37134 on 2A; R62 37138/39 on 61; X10 67161/62 on 8A; X30 67171 on 31B. 15/7/20: R62 37134 on 2A; R62 37139 on 61; 63344 on 75; X10 67161/62 on 8A; Airlink 67163 on 94; X10 67164 on 100; X30 67167 on 42; X30 67171 on 71. 16/7/20: X30 36842 on 70; R62 37134 on 2A; R62 37136 on 68; R62 37139 on 61; X10 67161 on 94A; X10 67162 on 25; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 100; X30 67171 on 71 + 351. 17/7/20: X30 36840 on 70; R62 37138 on 2A; R62 37139 on 61; X10 67161/62 on 100; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 94A; X30 67171 on 71A. 18/7/20: R62 37133 on 68; R62 37136 on 61; R62 37138/39 on 61; X10 67161 on 9; X30 67171 on 42A. 19/7/20: 32672 on 42. 20/7/20: X30 36838 on 70; R62 37138 on 2A; X10 67161 on 94A; X10 67162 on 8A; X10 67164 on 94A; X30 67171 on 36. 21/7/20: X30 36841 on 70; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37138 on 2A; 44661 on 71; X10 67161 on 8; X10 67162 on 100; X10 67164 on 94A; X30 67171 on 31. 22/7/20: X30 36841 on 70; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37136 on 2A; X10 67161 on 100; X10 67162 on 94A; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 100; X30 67171 on 36. 23/7/20: X30 36837 on 70; 37020 on 65 + 104; R62 37133/34 on 61; R62 37138 on 2A; X10 67161 on 100; X10 67162 on 94A; X10 67164 on 100; X30 67171 on 36. 24/7/20: X30 36840 on 70; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37134 on 68; X10 67161 on 94A; X10 67162 on 100; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 100; X30 67171 on 36. 25/7/20: R62 37133/36 on 61; X10 67161 on 25; X10 67164 on 100; ADL/E200 MMC 67167 on 700 Chelmsford P&R; X30 67171 on 36. 26/7/20: B7TL/Gemini 32672 on 42; R62 37134 on 61. 27/7/20: X30 36838 on 70; R62 37134/36 on 61; B7RLE 66730 on 45; x10 67161 on 8A; Airlink 67163 on 25; X10 67164 on 8; X30 67171 on 36. 28/7/20: R62 37133 on 61; X10 67161 on 100; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 8A. 29/7/20: R62 B9TL 37134 on 66. 30/7/30: X30 36840 on 70; B7TL/Gemini 37054 on 64A; R62 37133 on 2A; Dart SLF/Pointer 42934 on 71; Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66846 (MX05 CGV) (Basildon) on route learning on Lexden Road, Colchester – westbound @ 1420; X10 67161 on 94A; X10 67162 on 8; X10 67164 on 94A.
31/7/20: X30 36839 on 42; R62 37133/34 on 61; R62 37136 on 68; R62 37138 on 61; 63335 on 103; 63338 on 104; X10 67161 on 94A; X10 67162 on 25; X10 67164 on 94A.

Above: On loan to Basildon from Chelmsford for Airlink X10; Scania N250D/Enviro 400 City 36839 in Chelmsford on 11/7/20. (Daniel Pretty).

Above: The ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs previously used on X10 and X30 are now used on ordinary bus routes. They will eventually received standard fleet livery, (except 67163 which is in Airlink). 67160 in Chelmsford on 11/7/20. (Daniel Pretty).

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: 86632 leads a “down” intermodal past the engine shed at Colchester in July 2020. (James Cole).

Ex Greater Anglia 90014 has been repainted into the new orange livery and named ‘Over the Rainbow’. 90041/49 were at Ipswich in late July for training purposes. This was for staff to regain Class 90 traction knowledge, which had lapsed.
1/7/20: 66510 on 6Y34 to Parkeston. 66534 on 4L92 Ditton-FLX. 66557 on 6X04 to Parkeston. 66560 on 4L57 Birch Coppic-FLX. 86607/09 on 4M53. 86608/32 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX. 86613/22 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX. 86622/13 returned on 4M87 FLX-Trafford with 66956 dit.
2/7/20: 66549 on 4L36 Wentloog-FLX.
5/7/20: 66557 tnt 66504 with March-Harwich HOBC.
6/7/20: 66537 on 4L32 Wentloog-FLX. 66542 on 4L90 Trafford-FLX. 66545 on 4L57 Birch Coppice-FLX. 66597 on 4L36 Wentloog-FLX. 86607/39 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford. 86608/32 with 86609/28 dit on 4S88 FLX-Coatbridge.
7/7/20: 66957 on 4L36. 86614/38 on 4L97 Trafford-FLX. 86639/07 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX.
8/7/20: 66597 on 4L36. 86608/09 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX.
9/7/20: 66420 on 6L30 Acton-Chelmsford. 66516 on 6E23 FLX-Leeds. 66561 on 4M94 FLX-Lawley St. Pink 66587 on 4M81 FLX-Crewe. 86638/14 on 4L89.
10/7/20: 86607/14 on 4L91. 86608/09 on 4L89/4M87.
11/7/20: 86607/14 + 86632/37 dit on 4M45 FLX-Garston. 86608/09 on 4L91.
13/7/20: 66424 on Seabrook-Dagenham car transporters then 0Z48 to Norwich.
14/7/20: 66505 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66537 on Ipswich-Linsay tanks. 66561 on 4M86 FLX-EM Gateway. 66596 on 4L32 Wentloog-FLX. 86637/07 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX. 86622/13 on 4L89.
15/7/20: 66952 on 4M94. 66544 on 4E24 London Gateway-Leeds. 86622/13 on 4L91. 86638/39 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX and 4M87 FLX-Trafford.
16/7/20: 66516 on Acton-Chelmsford. 86608/09 on 4M45 FLX-Garston. 86613/22 on 4L97 Trafford-FLX. 86632/38 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX.
17/7/20: 66430 on 4M07 Tilbury-Daventry. 66513 on Acton-Harlow Mill and return. 66545 on 4M94. 66546 on 6V12 Chelmsford-Acton. 66552 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX. 66568 on 4L52 Garston-London Gateway. 66590 on 4M56 London Gateway-Garston. 66607 on 6L45 Hope-Dagenham cement. 86607/37 on 4L89. 86608/09 on 4M45.
20/7/20: 66422 on 0Z66 Willesden Brent-Colchester light loco. 66587 on 4L93 Lawley St-FLX. 86604/32 on 4S88. 86607/37 on 4M87. 86613/22 on 4M53. 86638/39 on 4L60.
21/7/20: 66414 on 4M94. 66422 towed 745102 Parkeston-Norwich. 66528 on 4L91. 66549 on 4L52 Garston-London Gateway. 66587 on 4L32 Wentllog-FLX. 66590 on 4L75 Trafford-FLX. 66594 on 4L89 instead of 2 x ’86s. 66610 on 4M81 FLX-Ditton. 86622/13 on 4L97.
22/7/20: 66422 on 0E37 Norwich-Willesden Brent light loco. 66501 + 86637/07 dit on 4L91.66546 on Acton-Chelmsford. 86632/14 on 4L89. 86637/07 on 4L91.
23/7/20: 66955 on 4L32 Wentloog-FLX. 86622/13 on 4L89 and 4M87. 86632/14 on 4L91.
24/7/20: 66510 on FLX-Ditton. 86604/09 on 4L89 and 4M87. 86614/32 on 4S88. 86622/13 on 4L91. 86632/14 on 4L97.
25/7/20: 86604/09 on 4L91.
28/7/20: 66528 tnt 66548 on 6X04 Parkeston-Brntwood engineers. 66544 on Wentloog-FLX. 86632/14 on 4L91. 86639/38 on 4L91.
29/7/20: Orange 66623 on 13:18 West Thurrock-Tunstead. 90041/049 on Ipswich-Norwich training and return.
30/7/20: 66514 on 4L89. 90041/49 + 86613/12 on 4M45 FLX-Garston.
31/7/20: 66566 on Acton-Chelmsford. 86607/32 on 4L91. 86614/37 on 4L89.

GALLEON TRAVEL, ROYDON. Acquired from EVM, Crawley (dealer) is Mercedes Sprinter/EVM GU19 KKE.

GBRf.

Above: 66740 at Colchester on 18/7/20. (John Podgorski).

1/7/20: 66722 on 4L43.Cemex 66780 on 0L43 Peterborough-FLX light loco, then on 4E43 FLX-Doncaster replacing failed 66727.
4/7/20: 66768 tnt 66773 on 6T63 Whitemoor-Blackhorse Road engineers.
6/7/20: 66710 on 4L18 Trafford-FLX. 66785 tnt 66755 on 6T70 Whitemoor-Hockley engineers. 66789 on 4E00 London Gateway-Masboro.
7/7/20: 66755 tnt 66785 on 6T72 Whitemoor-Mountnessing engineers. 66779 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
8/7/20: 66775 on 6P40 Harwich-N Walsham tanks.9/7/20: 66735 on 4L00 Masboro-London Gateway.
9-10/7/20: 66764/711 on 4Z35 Doncaster-FLX with 66711 detaching at Peterborough.
10/7/20: 66751 on 0Z72 Peterborough-London Fields light loco. 66764 on 4E21 FLX-Doncaster.
13/7/20: 66786 on 0Z72 Peterborough-Broxbourne route learner.
14/7/20: 66708 on 4M02 FLX-Hams Hall. 66722 on Doncaster-FLX. 66735 on 4E00 London Gateway-Masboro. 66743 on 4L00 Masboro-London Gateway. 66766 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 14-15/7/20: 66786 on 0Z72-75 Lea Valley lines route learners.
15/7/20: 66743/38 on 4L00 Masboro-London gateway, but replaced by 66786 at Peterborough.66752 on 4L02 Hams Hall-FLX.
18/7/20: 47727 tnt 47749 with GA 360118 on 5Q60 Northampton-Ilford ECS. 66731 ‘Sir Tom Moore’ on 6O60 Bow-Tonbridge.
20/7/20: 66713 on 4L18 Trafford-FLX. 66730/40 om 0L33 Peterborough-Ipswich light loco. 66786 on London Fields route learner.
21/7/20: 66740 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
22/7/20: 66754 on 6L37 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
27/7/20: 66719 on FLX-Doncaster. Rainbow 66720 on 4M02 FLX-Hams Hall. 66745 on Birch Coppice-FLX. 66789 on Masboro-FLX.
28/7/20: 66722 on 0Z21 Ipswich-Lowestoft route learner. 66780 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX replaced 66789 from Peterborough.
29/7/20: 66751 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
31/7/20: 66722 on Ipswich-Lowestoft route learner.

Above: 47749 at Stratford on 18/7/20. (John Podgorski).

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 379013 at Bishop’s Stortford on 25/7/20. These will be replaced on Stansted Express by new Class 745/1s. (Simon Austin).

Above: 745002 at Colchester on a Liverpool Street to Norwich on 18/7/20. (John Podgorski).

Class 745/1s debuted on Stansted Express on 28/7/20.
321903 and 322483/84/85 have come from Northern Rail.
317659/62/71, 317888 are withdrawn.
720537/38 are new.
745001 to revenue service in last week of July.
Some new ‘Flirts’ have been stored at Parkeston sidings.
1/7/20: 720536/17 on 5Q24 Liv St-Colchester test. 745103, 755407/09 all at Orient Way.
3/7/20: 745103 to revenue service. 755338 on 5E01 Norwich-Hornsey and 5L02 return.
4/7/20: 36017 Northampton to Ilford between 47727/49 as 5Q60.
5/7/20: 360102 Ilford-Northampton between 47727/49 as 5Q60.
From 6/7/20, 18 extra services were reintroduced between Norwich and London Liverpool Street.
6/7/20: 321901/02 on 5M14 Liv St-Orient Way ECS. 745108 to revenue service.
7/7/20: 321901/02 on 1N50 Liv St-Clacton.
8/7/20: 720509 Ilford-Worksop for store as 5Q48.
11/7/20: 360102 Northampton-Ilford between 47727/49.
12/7/20: 360118 Ilford-Northampton between 47727/49 as 5Q50.
13/7/20: 317662/88 moved from Wembley to Ely Papaworth for storage by ROG 57312 as 5L46. 321903 and 322484 transferred from Northern – Doncaster Belmont to Clacton ECS move.
14/7/20: 745101 to revenue service. 755410 on 5Q91 Norwich-Liv St.
15/7/20: 720517/36 on 5Q02 Ilford-Southend Vic test.
18/7/20: 720537/38 delivered to Ilford.
19/7/20: 360106 towed Ilford-Northampton by GBRf ’47s.
21/7/20: 755325 to revenue service.
24/7/20: 317886 towed Kilmarnock-Ilford by ROG 37884. 745001 towed Bounds Green-Norwich by ROG 37608.
25/7/20: 755328 failed on 1K28 Norwich-Stastensred at Wymondham and rescued by Class 37.Stansted Express 745108 on 1530 Liv St-Norwich.
27/7/20: 317649/64 on 1F84 Liv St-Colchester.
28/7/20: 745102 towed to Crown Point via GEML by ROG 37608. 745103/06/08 in first day of 745/1s on Stansted Express.
30/7/20: 321483/85 on 5L50 Doncaster-Clacton ECS.
31/7/20: 317659/71 on 5E46 Ilford-Ely Papworth for storage, behind ROG 57312.

Above: 322483 + 485 at Chitts Hill on 30/7/20. (John Podgorski).

HCT GROUP.
BYD/ADL E400EV demonstrator LF69 UXJ moved on to Metroline at Holloway from 10/7/20.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 262 at The Naze, Walton on 2/7/20. It is on Sundays/holidays/evenings route 99. (Sonny Milton).

Open top Volvo B7TL/President 500 (PL51 LDJ) was moved from storage at KN back to CN on 1/7/20. The Clacton seafront service operated again from 10th July, now branded as ‘Clacton Breeze’, with no 500 carrying this. Volvo B7TL/Gemins 510 (LB02 YWX), 520 (LX05 EZC), 523 (LX05 EZF), Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 565 (W425 WGH), 572 (W489 WGH), 575 (W516 WGH), 584 (PJ02 REU); and Omnidekka 815 (YN55 PZX) are bis ex SORNED/Reserve.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 285 (SN03 EBV) is withdrawn.
Omnidekka movements:
1/7/20: 810 – Chambers-KN. 6/7/20: 808 – KN-Chambers; 814 – Chambers-KN. 13/7/20; 800 – KN-Chambers; 807 – Chambers-KN. 16/7/20: 807 – Chambers-KN; 814 – KN-Chambers.
22/7/20; 808 – Chambes-KN; 809 – KN-Chambers. By 31/7/20: 800 – Chambers-KN; 810/11 – KN-Chambers; 814 – Chambers-KN.
From 6/7/20, more services returned to basically a normal frequency, post lockdown.
Omnicity ‘deckers 850 (AO57 EZM), 852 (AO 57 HCD) have received the new fleet livery, ex yellow/blue.

Above: 851 in the new livery at South Courts, University of Essex on 23/7/20. It is working ex First route 74. (Sonny Milton).

Odd sightings:
7/7/20, 17/7/20: ADL/E200/MCV 268 (AJ58 PZS) on 50, 69A etc. 27/7/20: ADL/E200 265 (EU10 AOX) on 50 etc. 28/7/20: ADL/E200 264 (EU59 AYM) on 50, 69A etc.
Ancillary vehicles:
Long withdrawn (at HD) Ford Transit van 8034 (EK56 MGE) and Mercedes Vito crew van RO06 TUU have gone to DJ Spall at Wickham Market, for scrap. Vauxhall Combo van 9004 (W761 TRE) has passed to Suffolk Fire Service at Nayland, for rescue training purposes.
HD based Ford Transit van EJ13 UHR is delicensed due to accident damage.

Above: RO06 TUU is collected from Sible Hedingham by Spalls on 3/7/20. (John Podgorski).

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: Optare Versa 149 at North Hill, Colchester on the first day of route 4. 27/7/20. See below. (Daniel Pretty).

Above: Ex Bus Eirean ADL/Enviro 200 AM17, awaits repaint at Simon Morris on 24/7/20. (John Podgorski).

Acquired via Ensign are ex Bus Eirean ADL/Enviro 200s 09-D-3524 – an 8.9m version which will be fleet no 71, and 09-D-3732 a 10.m model which will become no 76. A third 8.9m will be no 72. They will all be re-registered and repainted. Simon Morris Paintshop repainted them into Ipswich fleet colours.
Ensign has taken Scania N230UD/Olympus 68 (YJ60 KGX) for resale, while ADL/Enviro 300 83 (SK07 DYA) and VDL 200/MCV Evolution 156 (AY60 BYD) were sold direct to HTL Buses, Liverpool. 156 was one of the last ex Carters vehicles.
ADL/E200 79 (YX63 ZVW) has been repainted. Sister 77 (KX59 GNY) is bis ex SORNED.
From 27/7/20, routes 4 (Tollgate-Colchester-Hythe Tesco), 11 (Colchester North Station-Highwoods) were gained from Arriva Colchester and 2/A (Mistley-Clacton) came from Panther Travel – all on Essex CC contract. On the first day, Versa 145 was used on 2/A, while 149/150 appeared on 4 and 11.
Prior to this, Omnidekka 60 (PJ54 YZT) did route surveys on 4 and 11 on 1/7/20. Optare Solo 245 was seen on route 4 surveying on 12/7/20.

Above: 60 at Shakespeare Road, Colchester on 1/7/20. (James Cole).

Above: 245 at Scott Drive, Colchester on 12/7/20. (James Cole).

Service 94 (Ipswich-Colchester) was de-registered in July, although in practice it had ceased after 24/3/20.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY. Van Hool TX16 CT14 LCT has been returned to Procter, Leeming Bar – off loan.

JET2.
Was due to resume flights from Stansted on 15/7/20.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER. Bedford VAM/Duple DJL 126D has been stripped of parts and the remains scrapped.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
New are ADL/E400ev Ee46 (LF20 XNR) – seen on 212; Ee47 (LF20 XNS) – seen on 357; Ee48 (LF20 XNT) – on 212; Ee49 (LF20 XNU) – seen on 106. Transferred from London General are ADL/E400s E7, E281-83, EN1-3; New Routemasters LT458, 512; Volvo B7TL/Presidents PVL391/98. Transferred to Metrobus at Croydonare Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WVL204/38/39.

LONDON OVERGROUND.

Above: 315812 + 805 at Liverpool Street on 18/7/20. (John Podgorski).

315801/06/08/33 on Romford-Upminster during July.
315824/30 were transferred from MTR, to replace 315817/36.
315806/17/27/36 withdrawn.
710111/125 are new.
710102/03/05/07/08/17/19/20/21/24/29 accepted for service.
10/7/20: 710109/128 to revenue service.
21/7/20: 315827/806 on 5Q20 Ilford-Northampton ECS. 710116/130 on test.
29/7/20: 315806/27 on Northampton-Ilford ECS.
31/7/20: 315806/827 to Sims Metals, Newport Docks for scrap, behing ROG 37800 as 5Q60.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
A S7 Stock carriage was “decorated” by well known alternative artist ‘Banksy’ in support of the Covid-19 effort, but officialdom had it quickly removed.
Redbridge Central Line station reopened w/e 25/7/20.

Above: 1992 Tube Stock 91221 at Redbridge, westbound on 9/5/17. (John Podgorski).

M&M STAFFING, CHELMSFORD.

Neoplan Tourliner MM10 BUS has reverted to MX10 DFK, and been sold to Greenslades Tours, Exeter. Ex Blackpool Transport Trident/EL PN04 XDK, has received fleet livery.

(Mark Hough).

MTR ELIZABETH LINE.
14/7/20: 315852/18 on 5V85 Gidea Park depot-Ilford depot ECS.

Above: 345011 at Liverpool Street on 25/7/20. (John Podgorski).

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
Services resumed from 1/7/20. These were to a limited network of 106 routes nationwide. In the Busmopolitan area, only 075 (ex 010) (Cambridge-Stansted-Stratford-London) and 491 (Gt Yarmouth-Norwich-Stratford-London) operated. London Victoria Coach Station reopened at the same time, but with entry limited to customers and staff only, with Covid-19 secure features in place. More services will return later.

PANTHER TRAVEL. ADL/Enviro 200 YX10 BFJ has ben re-registered DB10 PAN. Leyland Olympians B693 BPU, J114 KCW ex BIG 9249 have been sold to preservationists.
Route 2/A (Mistley-Clacton), passed to Ipswich Buses from 27/7/20, on Essex CC retender.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 SB09 PAN on route 2, at Pier Avenue, Clacton on 23/6/20. (Simon Austin).

ROG.

Above: 37608 with 745001 passes Colchester on 25/7/20 on a BN to NC ECS move. (James Cole).

6/7/20: 57310 to Ilford as 0L50, then towed GWR 387138 Ilford-Oxford as 5Q74.
8/7/20: 37608 on Orient Way-Norwich light loco.
10/7/20: 37608 on Norwich-Orient Way light loco.
13/7/20: 37608 on Manningtree-Orient Way light loco.
15/7/20: 37611 at Manningtree.
19/7/20: 37608-11 on Norwich-Manningtree light loco.
20/7/20: 37611 on Manningtree-Orient Way light loco.
21/7/20: 37608 on 1Z99 Manningtree-Diss light loco and return. 37611 on Orient Way-Stansted light loco to collect failed GA 745103.
24/7/20; 37608 on Manningtree-Norwich light loco. 37611 on Orient Way-Manningtree light loco.
25/7/20: 37608 towed GA 745001 Bounds Green-Norwich.
27/7/20: 37611 on NorwichOrient Way light loco.
29/7/20: 37608 on 0Z99 Mannigtree-Cambridge light loco. 37608 thaen towed GA 755411 Cambridge-Norwich via Stratford and Colchester. 37611 on 0M01 Norwich-Orient Way light loco.
31/7/20: 37800 + 57312 on 0L53 Leicestr-Ilford. Then 37800 on 5Q60 to Sims Metals, Newport Docks; 57312 on 5E46 to Ely Papworth Sidings.

SBC LEISURE, WICKFORD. SDcania N230UD/Optare Olympus PN10 FNO is ex Courtney, Bracknell.

SOUTHEND PIER RAILWAY.
Two new electric trains have been ordered for delivery in 2021. They will be built by Severn Lamb and be in a green/cream livery. They will replace the current rolling stock; two Servern Lamb diesel push/pull units, dating from 1986.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
More Guided Busway and ex Busway vehicles have received the new sea green livery, ex two tone green.

Above: Scania N230UD/Enviro 400 15216 departs Drummer Street, Cambridge on 25/7/20. (Tracy Carpenter).

Above: Volvo B8TL/Enviro 500 MMC 13912 at Emmanuel Road, Cambridge on 25/7/20. This was delivered new in sea green. (Simon Austin).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
TfL425 (Ilford-Stratford-Clapton) was gained from Tower Transit from 4/7/20. New for this were ADL/Enviro 40H MMCs 11376/77 (SK20 BBE/F) 11378-399. However, due to late delivery of some of these new buses, older vehicles were initially used. As a result of this change, the daytime TfL277 (Blackwall-Finsbury Park) moved from BW to WH, with ADL/E400s 12403-425. Also new are BYD D8UR electric buses 29201/02 (LF20 XKO/P), for the forthcoming conversion of TfL323. Received from Selkent were ADL/Envioro 40Ds 11069-074 (YX68 UTM/N/O/P/R/T) and ADL/Enviro 40Hs 12300/03 (SN14 TXV/Y) – all allocated to Bow. ADL/E40H 12344 is withdrawn. ADL/E400 19137 (LX56 EAP) has received driver training livery.

Above: Scania Omnicity 15019 (LX58 CFK) does a crew change at South Hornchurch on 4/7/20, with Hyundai MPV ferry DV68 TTZ from Rainham depot. (John Podgorski).

STEPHENSONS.

Scania Omnilink trainer 7054 (YN54 AHC) has been reregistered A19 SOE.
In early July, the Great Bromley allocation was ADL/Enviro 200s 425 (MX62 APK), 440 (SN16 ORS), 469 (SN66 WLL). By the end of July, 425 had been swapped with 422 (EU60 CAV) from Boreham.

Above: Recently repainted out of Your Bus into fleet livery, 469 at Stanwell Street, Coclhester on 20/7/20. (John Podgorski).

TfL.
From the start of July, social distancing rules were relaxed to 1 metre from 2 metres, meaning that capacities on buses could be increased. On double deckers from 20-25 to 30-35. On large single deckers from from 10 to 14-18. On small single deckers from from 7 to 11-14.
The reversion to front door boarding on multi-doored buses was completed during July.
A £5bn operational shortfall has been reported due to Covid-19. This has delayed certain capital projects, including Crossrail yet again.

TOWER TRANSIT.
TfL425 (Clapton-Stratford-Ilford) was lost to Stagecoach on retender from 4/7/20. The last Tower Transit workings on 425 were by ADL/Enviro 400 DN33793 – on the 0015 from Clapton, and Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini VN37853 from Ilford.

Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis VN36125-29 have moved Lea Interchange (LI) to Westbourne Park (X). VN37995/96 moved X to LI.
The hydrogen buses, VDLSB200/Wrights WSH62991-98, along with BH13101/02, were still stored at Lea Interchange depot in July. They are owned by TfL, who will be responsible for their disposal. Various withdrawn DN Class ADL/Enviro 400s and VN Class Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis were also parked up there.
A large number of ex First London buses were sold to Ensign.
They were Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s BJ11 DVC, DUA, DUV, DVM, DTF, DVF, DUU, DSY, DRZ, DSE, DSU, DTV, DVL, DVP, DZX, EBP, EAM, EAG, EAX, EBG, EBL, EAK, EAW, EAO, EAE, DVX, DZZ, DZY, EAG, EBA, EBO, DSX, DTZ;
ADL/Enviro 400s SN13 CGY/Z, CHC/D/F/G/H/J/K/L.
Ensign resold BJ11 DUV, DVM, DTF, DVF, DUU, DSY, DRZ, DSE/U, DTV, DVL/P to Vision Bus, Bolton. BJ11 DVU went to MP Travel, Warrington.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON. Reregistered are Optare Solos SF05 NXD/E to RRZ 5463, 5654; YJ05 XOR to RGZ 7808; AE06 TWN to RGZ 7810.

WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS.
4/7/20: 172342 on 5Q50 Tyseley-Ilford ECS.
25/7/20: 172334 on Ilford-Tyseley ECS.

With thanks to: AngliaGen, S Austin, T Carpenter, J Cole, M Hough, S Milton, D Pretty, S Smiler, R West.