Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the March 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.
The new 18 registration plate has come out, and first local vehicle noted is an Irizar i6 of South East Coaches at South Woodham Ferrers.
Ensignbus has revised its Thurrock and Brentwood  networks and published timetable booklet no 30.
First Essex has upgraded its Colchester fleet with some ex West of England Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis.
On Good Friday, Hedingham ran an X76 special, using 2 Volvo B10M coaches. It is understood this type will be retired from pcv use later in 2018.
The month ended with drama at Stansted Airport, when one of the car park shuttle buses caught fire – outside the terminal building. There was much disruption to flights (and trains), and the airport was criticised over how it handled the situation.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Above: VDL200/Wright 3379 (KX09 KDU) at Southend Travel Centre in March 2018. (Connor Hamilton).

VDL200 3379 was used in Southend between 6/3/18 and around 25/3/17. It had been in Short Street workshops for the previous 6 months as a major rebuild project. It has now returned to Stevenage.
ADL/Enviro 400MMCs 6501/4/15 were loaned to Arriva Colchester over the Easter weekend for a Colchester-Hythe Rail replacement. DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3529/34 (LF02 PNJ/U) were borrowed from Colchester in exchange.

Above: 6515 at Hythe rail station, Colchester on 31/3/18. (Simon Austin).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Ex Arriva London Sojuth ADL/Enviro 200 ENL3 was allocated to Barking (DX), but quickly moved onto Grays (GY). Sister ENL6 also came to DX. Both had previously been at Wood Green (WN).
Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis VLW467/91/92 have been allocated to Edmonton (EC) for TfL123 (Wood Green-Ilford).

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 142 is reinstated.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 566 (W428 WGH) has seatbelts.
Withdrawn is Volvo B10M/Van Hool accessible coach 3 (M655 KVU).

CITYJET.
New is CRJ900LR EI-FPX.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof R319 NRU is ex Avalon of Gladstonebury.

COLAS RAIL.
6/3/18: 60002 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock.
7/3/18: 66848 on 6L37 Hoo Junction-Whitemoor.
8/3/18: 60026 on 6L44.
15/3/18: 66848 on 0L47.
22/3/18: 60076 on 6L44. 66846 on 0L37.
26/3/18: 70805 on Acton Lane-Barnetby via Cambridge.
29/3/18: 66848 on 6o36 Whitemoor-Hoo Junct.

CT PLUS.
Returned to their lessor are ADL/Enviro 200s DA2-12 (YX62 DHC/D/Y, DKD/E/L/ DMU, DPF, DSZ, DTV/Y).

DBS.
37606 has been stored at Derby.
6/3/18: 59001 on 0L21 from Dagenham to Acton, light through Leyton Midland Road @ 1919. 66170 on Wakefield-Felixstowe.
7/3/18: 66053 on Potters Bar-Whitemoor autoballasters.
13/3/18; 90034 at Ilford.
14/3/18: 66080 on Wakefield-FLX.
19/3/18: 66167 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX.
21/3/18: 66012 on Chelmsford stone.
25/3/18: 66075 on Knebworth-Whitemoor engineers. 66152 on Whitemoor-Alexaner Palace engineers.
27/3/18: 59101 on 6L21 Whatley-Dagenham. 66035 on 4L18 Trafford Park-FLX.
28/3/18: 66086 on 4L40 Cowley-Purfleet.

DE VERE, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
Has acquired ex Turners of Essex Leyland Olympian/NC K735 ODL, ex loan.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
From Blue Triabgle are Scania N230UD/Olympuses 741/44/47-51.
ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolution AE56 OUK has gone to Shelton Motors, Ely, for scrap – via Ensign.

DRS.
19/3/18: 37405 with 5 GA MkIIIs on 5P82 Ilford-Norwich. 57312 with 1 DVT on Cardiff-Norwich via GEML. 88008 on 0Z88 Norwich-Crewe via GEML, after visiting MNR gala.
22/3/18: 37405 on 1Z99 Norwich-Liverpool St light engine, to collect ECS back to Norwich as 5P04. Dead GA 90015 was on rear.
23/3/17: 37607 + DBSO 9701 in Felixstowe area – late at night.
24-25/3/17: 37607 + 9701 on 3Z66 Colchester-Derby.
27/3/18: 90034 at Ilford depot.
29/3/18: 37608 on Old Oak-Ilford light engine.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Former Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 THG, latterly with London General; has gone to Shelton Motors, Ely, for scrap – via Ensign.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZRP/U, A320-251n G-UZHE.
ES-SAP is an A320-323 wet leased from Smart Lynx Airlines.

EASYJET EUROPE.
New are Airbus A320-214 OE-LJE; A319-111s OE-LKG/J/I, LQB-F/L/R/S/U.

EASTERN NATIONAL.
It’s 45 years since the depot and bus station at West Mersea closed.

Above: The West Mersea bus station office, seen around 30/3/1973. (Ron Green Collection-Mersea Museum).

Below: Staff line up at West Mersea depot/bus station on 30/3/1973, the penultimate day of operations. The Bristol MW in the background was the last bus kept there. (Ron Green Collection-Mersea Museum).

Above: Bristol K5G/ECW no 1294 (MPU 17), on the forecourt of West Mersea garage/bus station. Worked as am outbase of Colchester, the premises had been acquired with the Berrys business in 1935. (R A Jenkinson-Mersea Museum).

ENSIGNBUS.
There were changes to the main Thurrock network from 3/3/18.
12 – revised to run between Aveley The Village Estate and Ockendon Station to a revised timetable. It finishes on Friday 25/5/18 when funding ends.
22 – will operate via Lakeside Tesco and Retail Park at all times to a revised timetable with reliability measures.
22A – ceased. Sun and hol service covered by 22 and 66.
33 – Additional M-F peak journeys, revised timetable.
44 – Additional M-F peak journeys, revised timetable to improve reliability.
66 – revised timetable and new Sunday service. M-F, every other journey will be a 66A which will take a different route between Grays and Lakeside.
66A – revised timetable. Between Grays and Lakeside, buses will operate between London Road, Weston Avenue and Lakeside Tesco.
73/A, 83 – Revised timetables to improve reliability. Some additional M-F journeys.
88 – Withdrawn from Lakeside. M-F off-peak frequency altered to 60 mins.
88A – new M-F service Stifford Clays-Lakeside.
X80 – new Sunday service introduced.
Changes to the Brentwood network from 26/3/18:
21 – M-F, 10:50 and 19:08 from Ongar extended to Lakeside as X21. X21 returns to Ongar @ 09:48, 16:05.
81 – M-F, all peak journeys extended to/from Warley Eagle Way.

Above: Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 131 at Ongar on 21/10/17. (John Podgorski).

Fleet news is that ex Stephensons of Easingwold ADL/Enviro 200 SK15 HBB has been added, as no 719, while short ADL/E200 650 is reinstated.

EUROWINGS.
New is Airbus A319-112 D-ABGP.

EUROWINGS EUROPE.
New Airbus A319-132s OE-LYU/V/W.

FIRST ESSEX.

From First West of England at Bristol are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 37009/10 (WX55 VHU/V), 37015 (WX15 VJC), 37016/17 (WX55 VJD/E), 37020 (WX55 VJJ) – all allocated to Colchester (CR). 37009 (seen above) at Highwoods Square, Colchester on 14/3/18 by Simon Austin.
Scania Omnicity 65028 (YN06 TDO) is now in refreshed livery. 65031 (YN06 TDX) is the last of the type at Chelmsford.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65689 (YS03 ZKJ) has move from CR to Clacton (CN). 65748 delicensed due to chassis failure.

Above: Omnicity 65028 at Colchester bus station on 12/3/18. It is on the fast 76A service, which competes against Hedingham X76 and by-passes Little Clacton and Weeley. (Simon Austin).

Optare Solo 53123 (EO02 NFE) is now a crew shuttle at Chelmsford (CF). Pictured (above) on 11/3/18 by Simon Austin. It is not that long ago that new cars and minibuses replaced old buses as crew ferries at First Essex.
Optare Solos 53113 (EO02 NDY), 53133 (EO02 NFR) are withdrawn. 53133 has gone to store at Clacton. Indeed, all of the 02 reg Solos looked to have been taken out of revenue service, by the end of March. They have been replaced, in the main by the ex London/Potteries Dart SLF/Caetanos. Regular haunts for the 02 Solos had included routes 14/15 (Chelmsford-Wickford), 37 (Warley-Brentwood-Bishops Hall), 40 (Galleywood-Chelmsford-Broomfield), 41 (Galleywood-Chelmsford-Chignal), 351 (Chelmsford-Brentwood). Also occasional appearances on 73 (Chelmsford-Heybridge-Maldon) and even the odd run on 71 (Chelmsford-Colchester).

Above: Optare Solo 53136 outside Chelmsford bus station on 10/2/18. (John Podgorski).

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42900 has lost its super rear advert for Haynes International Motor Museum.

From 26/3/18, was rerouted in Chelmsford, due to forthcoming appearance of double deckers. All journeys from Southend revised to run via Parkway, Rainsford Road to the bus station. Towards Southend, via Coval Lane to Parkway. This is to avoid the arched railway bridge on Duke Street.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32476 (AU53 HJK) at the top of Market Hill, Halstead on 2/3/18, on a Colchester bound 88. (Simon Austin).

Below: Wright Streetlite 63334 at The Commons, Prettygate, Colchester in March 2018, on a Sunday working of Essex CC 1A. (Daniel Pretty).

Ancillary vehicles: Ford Transit NA64 CDV is in use as a staff shuttle.

FLAGFINDERS.
VDL Bova SO15 UBS is here. It arrived in orange livery.

FREIGHTLINER.
7/3/18: 66619 at Bow Olympic. 66621 on Chaddesden-Broxbourne.
15/3/18: 66618 on Bow-Tunstead.
18/3/18: 66602/597 top and tail through Cambridge North on 6Y71 Finsbury Park-Whitemoor engineers.
22/3/18: 66516 on 6L04 Wembley-Barrington and 6M07 return.
23/3/18: 66516 on 6L04/6M04 again. 66617 at Bow Olympic.
26/3/18: 66532 on 6L04/6M04.
27/3/18: 66428 on 6L48 Daventry-Purfleet.
28/3/18: 66532 on 6L04/6M04.
29/3/18: 66540 on Whitemoor-Parkeston.

GBRf:
Ex DBS 66783 has received Biffa red/orange livery and named ‘The Flying Dustman’.
4/3/18: 66725/40/45/58 on 0L33 Peterborough-Ipswich-Felixstowe/Parkeston Quay light engine.
6/3/18: 66724 on 4MO6 Felixstowe-Hams Hall. 66725 on 4M23. 66740 on 4M29 Felixstowe-Birch Coppice. 66725 on FLX-Hams Hall. 66747 on 4Z33. 66757 on 4R03 Hams Hall-FLX. 66758 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks. 66765 on FLX-Doncaster.
7/3/18: 66724 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 66726 at Bow Midland.
8/3/18: 66728 dead in 4M02.
9/3/18: 66714 on 4L18 Trafford Park-FLX. 66758 on 4L02. ‘Large logo’ 66789 at Bow Midland on 6O60/6O74 from/to Tonbridge empty hoppers.
12/3/18: 66770 on FLX-Hams Hall.
13/3/18: 66702 on Parkeston-N Walsham light engine.
14/3/18: 66740, 66758 at Bow Midland.
15/3/18: 66726 on 4L02. 66740 at Bow Midland.
16/3/18: 66789 on 6L36 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
18/3/18: 66740/727 top and tail on 6T60 Straford-Whitemoor engineers.
19/3/17: 66732 on 6P40 Parkeston-N Walsham tanks, unusuall routed via Chelmsford, Stratford, Tottenham Hale, Audley End, Cambridge, Ely, Thetford. 66740/727 on 0L33. 66751 on 0M02 PBO-FLX light engine. 66754/701 on 4Z26.
20/3/18: 66761 at Bow Midland.
21/3/18: 66701 on 4L02. 66764 at Bow Midland.
22/3/18: 66702 at Bow Midland.
23/3/18: 66703 on 4M21 FLX-Trafford Park. 66754 on 4Z02 Masboro-FLX. 66765 on 4M04 FLX-Hams Hall.
25/3/18: 66727/51/55/73 on 0L33.
26/3/18: 66751 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66753 on 4L22. 66781 on 6L37 – on hire to Colas.
27/3/18: 66701 on 6L36. 66761 at Bow Midland on 6M47 aggregates to Bardon Hill.
28/3/18: 66751 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66756 at Bow Midland on 6M47.
29/3/18: 66751 on Harwich-N Walsham. 66774 on 6T60 Whitemoor-Romford engineers.
30/3/18: 66702 on engineers at Gidea Park. 66772 on 4L02.

GOLDSMITHS OF SICKLESMERE.
A visit on 31/3/18 found the old depot now occupied by Limelite Graphics Company, having previously been used as a car sales lot. All of the remaining coaches have gone, except for the Bedford/Plaxton in the lean to, which has been there since at least 1975.

Above: A view of the rear of Goldsmiths premises in November 2004. The Dutfield bodied Vulcan in the foreground went for preservation, as did ex Surrey Motors of Sutton AEC Reliance/Plaxton Panorama Elite II LGH 431P (right).  The lean to is out of the picture to the left. (John Podgorski).

GREAT NORTHERN.
The Class 365 Networkers are now being withdrawn, as new Class 700s come on stream for the Cambridge services.
14/3/18: 365503/19 through Cambridge North to Ely @ 1649 for storage behind 47301.
15/3/18; 365529/35 through Cambridge North @ 1321 behind 47301 and to Ely for storage.
365501/505 also stored at Ely.
The Class 700s employ ATO (Automatic Train Operation) on the section through central London, between Kings Cross Thameslink and Blackfriars. This is a first on the UK main line railway.

GREATER ANGLIA.
Ex Great Northern 321403 has been received.
To the new livery are Turbostar DMU 170205 and EMU 317512. Now in Renatus colours are EMUs 321312-14/16.
321312 is no longer named ‘Southend on Sea’.
4/3/18: A Class 317 headed by DTSO 77068, leading a UID 321 “up” through Ingatestone @ 1653. Also of note that the GEML south of Witham was closed for engineering that day.
8/3/18: 321323/305 on 5M70 Ilford-Wolverton ECS.
On 14/3/18, there were two incidents which disrupted train services.
There was a landslip on the Clacton line between Alresford and Great Bentley, while on the Felixstowe branch, there was a collision between a freight train and road vehicle on the level crossing at Liberty Park, between Derby Road (Ipswich) and Trimley stations. Replacement buses ran Colchester-Thorpe Le Soken and Ipswich-Felixstowe respectively and rail tickets were valid on parallel local bus services. Normal rail services did not resume until w/c 19/3/18. There was a second, smaller landslip on 28/3/18.
15/3/18: 90003 + 82133 and set running in reverse formation. 321313 on Doncaster-Ilford ECS.
16/3/18: 90003 + 82133 again running in reverse.
19/3/18; 170202 running with 2 rather than 3 cars.
26/3/18: 321426 on 1P24 1130 LST-NOR. 322484 on 5E22 Ilford to Leeds Neville Hill ECS.
29/3/18: 321316 on Doncaster-Ilford ECS.

HAILSTONE, WICKFORD.
New is HT18 BUS, an iveco 60C/Excel 16 seater, named ‘Storm’.
Iveco 45C15/Excel 16 seater FJ09 NEO has passed to Richards of Cardigan. Sister MX07 UFB is now with Woodlands School, Basildon.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere no 5 at Ridgewell on 19/3/18. It is on an ex Turners of Essex contract to Hedingham School. (Laurence Kinsella-Ilot).

Above: B10M/Premiere 8 at Colchester on 30/3/18. See text below. (John Podgorski).

On 30/3/18, Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premieres 8 (R453 FWT) and 10 (S291 TVW) worked a Good Friday Special on X76 (Clacton-Colchester). Takings went to charity. X76 doesen’t normally run on Suns/public holidays.
From Konect is former Anglian Scania Omnicity double decker 552 (AO57 HCD). It is at Clacton (CN). It normally works on the ST2 Stanway School run.
Another driver training vehicle is ex London General Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 9016 (PJ02 REU).
Three Scania Omnidekkas have been used at KN during March. 1512 (YN55 PZR) and then 1514 (YN55 PZV) were there at the end of the month, alongside regular 1518 (YN06 JYC).
ADL/Enviro 200 262 (EU58 JCJ) was in use at Kelvedon (KN) for the first time during early March. It is a HD vehicle. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 290 (EX02RYR) was on loan from HD to CN in early March.
Withdrawn Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 739 (T117 DBW) has been cannibalised. Parts have been used to repair 737 (T107 DBW).
Volvo Olympian/NC 95 (R279 LGH) was collected from Kelvedon by Alpha Recovery on 20/3/18.
Some CN route 63 duties are now covered by HD. There is also a Saturday 63 duty where CN drivers crew KN vehicles on meal reliefs.

Above: Ex London General North Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 517 in Halstead on 13/3/18. Note is currently retains dual doors, limiting it to school contracts. The site of the old Eastern National bus garage is just out of the picture to the left. (Simon Austin).

HIRE YOUR TRANSPORT, TADWORTH.
R436 FWT is a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere, ex International Coaches of Thornton Heath and understood to be on loan. It was at Rochford outstation in late March.

Above: R436 FWT at Ingatestone on Greater Anglia rail replacement on 30/3/18. (John Podgorski).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Two more ex Metroline Scania Omnicity ‘deckers 46/47 (YR61 RPX, RVA).
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 6 (LG02 FCE) and DAF DB250LF/EL Lolander 58 (PJ53 OLA).
Trident 14 (LG02 FDJ) went to PSV Recycling, Hadleigh for scrap, while also sold are Tridents 4, 17 (LG02 FEV/M) respectively and Dart SLF/EL Myllenium 86 (PJ53 OLG).

JET2.COM.
New are Boeing 737-800s G-JZBK/L.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
Setra S315 IJZ 474 has reverted to its W213 UGX mark.

KIRBYS OF RAYLEIGH.
Setra S250 K19 BYS has been re-registered to R958 AEV and sold to Kevendy’s of Wickford. Sister K100 BYS is now 761 UAR and with Stainton of Crooklands, Cumbria.

KLM CITYHPPER.
New are Embraer E175TSTDs PHEXW/X, E190STD PH-EXY.

MTR CROSSRAIL/TfL RAIL.
Class 345 deliveries have reached 345034. 345020/22/23/29 have appeared on the GWR for staff training. 022/23 at Old Oak Common and 029 at Maidenhead. 020 was seen running at Ealing Broadway on 7/3/18.
Withdrawn are 315855/58.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
On 30/3/18, one of the Mb Citaro bendybuses, 8541 (R500 LSA ex KX58 GUA) was destroyed by fire at Stansted Airport. The terminal was evacuated as a result. There was damage to some surrounding infrastructure. Flights were delayed or cancelled.
An application has been made to put the Stansted and Luton operations on the West Midlands Travel O licence.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Essex CC contracted Sun/hol Route 501 was withdrawn after 25/3/18. Replaced by Trustybus service 420 from Good Friday 30/3/18.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Mb Sprinter AB03 PAN at South Woodham Ferrers rail station, on the shuttle for Greater Anglia to Battlesbridge and Wickford. Taken before dawn on 9/3/18. This runs M-F Peak hours only and is because platform works at Battlesbridge are temporarily preventing 12 car trains from stopping there. (Alex Hazell).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KV51 KZK on a rural stretch on the X15, between the Oakleys and Wix on 2/3/18. (Chris Sampson).

Above: The new Northumberland Park outstation at Meridian Way. Plaxton Primo SB07 PAN and Mb Sprinter LF/Koch BX56 VTE get ready for another day’s duty in March 2018. This is located in the Meridan Waters construction compound of Volker Fitzpatrick.  (Alex Hazell).

Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther AB53 PAN is back in use. Sister ex Turners YN54 WWT entered service at Great Dunmow outstation in late March. YN54 WWT has been fitted with a led destination and is initially running in plain white.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
The Rochford compound had been cleared by early March. It to be occupied by Southend Airport Car Parking.

ROG.
15/3/18: 47848 at Ilford.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Irizar i6 YN67 VDD has received silver lettering on its metallic light blue base livery.

RYANAIR.
New are Boeing 737-800s EI-GJE-K/M.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.

New is Irizar i6 YN18 ZNY. It was pictured (above) at Witham on 25/3/18, on Greater Anglia rail replacement to Newbury Park. (John Podgorski).

Scania K114/Irizar GRZ 4247 is now with Sovereign Coaches of Walsall.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: The only Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLFs left with Stagecoacgh East London are driver trainers. In a new livery is 34362 (LV52 HKO), at West Ham depot on 28/3/18. It contrasts with 34353 (LV53 HKE) in “tradional” colours. (D W Rhodes).

For the new Megasightseeing Tour are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18467/71/73-75/77/82/96/97 (LX55 EPV, ERK/U/V/Y, ESF, BDZ, LX06 AHC/D). They were converted to open top by ADL at Harlow and are in the blue/yellow Magabus livery.
Trident/ALX400 driver trainers 17363/64/68/95-97/99, 17426/27/34, 17834 have moved from West Ham (WH) to Rainham (RM). Tridents 18467/71/75/77/82/96/97 have moved to Bow (BW).
Also reallocated from WH to RM are driver trainer Optare Versas 25301-5 and Daer SLF/Pointers 34535/55/57/58/62.
Withdrawn are Trident/ALX400s 17788 (LX03 BWB), 17845 (LX03 BYY), 17993 (LX53 KCA), 18215 (LX04 FXC), 18480 (LX55 ESO), 18452, 18477.
Trident 18202 (LX04 FWM) has been donated to the Metropolitan Police, while 18210 (LX04 FWW) has gone for scrap.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17820 (LX03 BXR), 17907 (LX03 OSA) have gone to Shelton Motors, Ely, for scrap – via Ensign.
17889 (LX03 OPY) is now with Nu Venture, Aylesford – via Lister PSV, Bolton (dealer).

Above; Engineering Training Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17810 and 17807 at West Ham depot on 28/3/18. (D W Rhodes).

Below: Still in the old livery are Dennis Trident/ALX400 driver trainers 17397 and 17363 at West Ham depot on 28/3/18. (D W Rhodes).

Overall advert changes:
ADL/Enviro 40H 12142 (LX61 DDV) – back to red.
New Routemasters LT239 to Go Kerela; L241 to Michael Kors; LT249 to Ralph Lauren; LT367 to Coach; LT385 to Breyers Delight; LT387 to DKNY.

STEPHENSONS.
From the now defunct Stephensons of Easingwold are ADL/Enviro 200s SN66 WKF/G.They have been numbered 467/68, with 468 posted to Rochford.
Ex Express Motors Scania N230UD/Enviro 400s CY12 EMS, CX14 EMS are numbered 609/10. They are allocated to Rochford and Haverhill respectively.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 455 (EG02 NZO) has been on loan to Galloway. This is from Stephensons Reserve fleet.
The Bury St Edmunds outstation allocation at 31/3/18 was:
ADL/Enviro 200s 431/32 (EU10 NVP/R); Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 414 (EU03 CFY).

SUFFOLK NORSE.
No longer provides rail replacement control for Greater Anglia.

SWISS.
New are CS300s HB-JCH/J.

TALISMAN, GREAT BROMLEY.
Sold are Scania K360/Irizars YR10 BEO, YT10 WLH.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Has ex Turners of Essex Setra S315 LSU 788.

THOMAS COOK.
G-TCVC/D are Airbus A321-231s leased from Aviation Capital.
Leased from Avion Express are A320-214 LY-VEF, A320-233 LY-VEN.

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: Van Hool electric bus BH63102 at London Bridge on 13/3/18. (Simon Austin)

Sold to Ensign are ADL/Enviro 400s SN12 AVR/T/U/V/W/X. SN12 AVU/V/W/X. They were quickly resold to Sullivan Buses.

Above: SN12 AVV/U await collection by Sullivans from Ensign on 24/3/18. (John Podgorski).

Dennis Trident/Plaxton President TN32822 (T822 LLC) has passed to the Bromley Bus Preservation Group.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Supplied via Ensign are ex Go South Coast Dennis Dart/Plaxton Mini Pointers SN03 EBU, HW54 BTZ. EBU ex Bluestar, BTZ ex Salisbury Reds.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar NK53 UNW entered traffic in March, after repaint.
From 30/3/18, a Sun/hol service was introduced on 420 (Harlow-Ongar/North Weald).
There had been this facility on the now withdrawn 420A. The new order replaced axed NIBS 501.

TURNERS OF ESSEX.
The Great Maplestead depot has been sold, via Rightmove to a building design company.
Scania K340/Irizar SN57 BKD is now with Guru Travel of Warley.

WOW AIR.
New is Airbus A321-211 TF-CAT.

With thanks to: Anglia Gen, S Austin, EBN, Ensignbus, R Green, C Hamilton, A Hazell, Hedingham, RA Jenkinson, LOTS, Mersea Museum, Panther Travel, D Pretty, PSVC, DW Rhodes, J Sadd, C Sampson.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the February, 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.
This month saw the end of Turners of Essex. There had long been suggestions that this north Essex independent was to close. It’s work mostly passed to Hedingham and Chambers, plus Flagfinders.
Stephensons, meanwhile relocated in Braintree, from a yard near Railway Street to the old Wicks Coaches site at Driberg Way, in the south of the town. Co-incidentally, Wicks had latterly been owned by Turners.
First Essex instigated major route revisions in mid February with some cuts. Hedingham stepped in for one case – to maintain a bus service to the community of Peldon – between Colchester and West Mersea.
On the railways, the Crossrail project continues apace, with further deliveries of new Class 345 trains and more testing of these in the tunnels. The remodelling of Gidea Park depot has also been completed.
And on 22nd February, Britannia Class steam loco 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ made a return to its old haunts, hauling a London to Norwich excursion.
Finally, February ended with artic type weather sweeping in from Russia. Dubbed ‘The Beast from the East’, there was heavy snowfall across the UK, disrupting transport links and life in general. And from the west, came ‘Storm Emma’.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
Scania K410/Caetano C650 BX65 WBN now has a super rear advert for Arsenal Stadium Tours.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
The old workshop has found other industrial use, while the old parking area is now occupied by Essex Scaffolding. Both are at Rawreth Industrial Estate.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3420 in the snow at Highwoods on 28/2/18. (Daniel Pretty).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Withdrawn is former Sovereign Volvo B10BLE/Wright 3312 (PN02 HVL).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Stored at Short Street depot in February were delicensed DAF SB120/Wright Cadet GN04 DFX; withdrawn DAF DB250LF/EL Lolanders 6254 (FE51 WSV), 6258 (FD02 UKN); DAF DB250LF/Plaxton President LJ51 DLD; DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3501 (KE51 PTZ), ex Arriva London DWL42 (LF02 POA) (still in London red); ex Arriva Kent and Surrey Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s 3339/42 (W475/78 XKX) (3342 branded for ‘The Oaks’ service); Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3296 (Y296 HKJ); Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer Y385 HKE; former Sovereign Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 3309 (PN02 HVR); TGM liveried Volvo Olympian/NC 5944 (R614 MNU).
Plus other DB250LF/ALX400S, DB250LF/ELs, DB250LF/Geminis. Also Southend SOS Bus Dennis Dominator/EL G648 EKA.
Trainers seen at Southend during February were DAF SB120/Wright Cadets LJ51 DDX, LF02 PNK; New Enterprise liveried Dennis Javelin/Plaxton YN53 VBX.
A third party maintenance contract with Veolia, sees Southend Borough Council dustcarts, gritters and roadsweepers visit Short Street workshop.

Above: SLF/ALX200 3339 at Short Street on 3/2/18. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
VDL SB300/Wright Gemini DW224 has moved from Grays (GY) to Barking (DX).
New Arriva London South Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini3s HV400/3 (LC67 AKK/N) were stored at Edmonton 9EC) – pre service.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP264 has come from London Central.
Former Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers DP193/97, DP200/3 have been withdrawn by London General.
Former Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers EU53 PYG/P are now with Seaford and District, via Ensign. But they are for spares only.

CHAMBERS:
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH), was briefly on loan to Hedingham at Kelvedon on 20th-21st February.
Long term VOR Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 252 (EU03 BZK) is being used as a source of spare parts and its future is undecided. It needs a replacement engine to be serviceable again.

Above: 252 at Sudbury depot on 20/2/18. (John Podgorski).

Gained from Turners is the Glemsford-Stour Valley Academy at Clare SC725 contract.
(Stour Valley Academy was previously Clare Middle School).

CITY JET.
New is CRJ900LR EI-FPW.

COLAS RAIL.
1/2/18: 60002 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock.
5/2/18: 70802 on 6L37 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
6/2/18: 60002 on 6L44.
9/2/18: 66850 on 6O36 Whitemoor-Hoo Junct.
11/2/18: 70802/15 top and tailing engineers at Pudding Mill Lane.
12/2/18; 66850 on 6L37.
14/2/18: 70813 on 6L37.
15/2/18; 60002 on 6L44. 70813 on 6L37.
16/2/18: 66847 on 6L37.
26/2/18: 66847 on 6L37.
27/2/18: 60002 on 6L44.
28/2/18: 37099 at Stratford @ 1254 with test train from west direction. Later paired with 37421 and headed north via Broxbourne.

CT PLUS.
Irizar i2E electic YN67 VDK finally entered revenue service from 9/2/18 – on TfL W13. By the end of the month, it had moved on though – to Heathrow Airport Ltd.
ADL/Enviro 200s DA1-11 (YX62 DHC/D/Y, DKE/L, DMU, DPF, DSZ, DTV/Y) are withdrawn following the loss of TfL153 (Finsbury Park-Moorgate) to Go-Ahead from 3/2/18.

DANS LUXURY TRAVEL.
Has moved from South Woodford, to Waltham Abbey. The new OC address is Pear Tree Farm. The old depot has been redeveloped for housing.

DBS.

Above: 66098 departs Chelmsford yard on 23/2/18, on 6V12 to Acton. (Steve Simister).

1/2/18: 66090 on 4L40 Cowley-Purfleet. 66100 at Bow Midland. 66111 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton.
2/2/18: 66171 at Bow Olympic.
5/2/18: 59204 at Bow Midland.
6/2/18: 59202 on 7V57 Harlow Mill-Acton.
7/2/18: 59204 on 7V57.
8/2/18: 66095 at Bow Midland.
9/2/18: 59001 on 6V57 Harlow Mill-Acton.
12/2/18: 66098 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich.
13/2/18; 66025 on 6M67 Broxbourne-Mountsorrel. 66133 at Chelmsford yard on stone train.
16/2/18: 66133 at Bow Olympic.
18/2/18: 66132 “down” through Witham @ 2335 with consist of mixed flats and ballast hoppers.
20/2/18: 59206 at Bow Midland.
23/2/18: 66098 at Chelmsford on 6V12 stone train to Acton.
26/2/18: 59205 at Bow Midland.
28/2/18: 66018 at Marks Tey sand yard.

Above: 59205 at Westbourne Park in August 2003. This is one of the ex National Power Class 59s. (John Podgorski).

DRS.
15/2/18; 57002 hauled GA 90002 and NR DBS0 9707 on Crewe-Norwich via GEML.
16/2/18: 37608 on 5Q45 Old Dalby-Straford with new Class 345021. Entered Crossrail eastern portal as 6X51.
21/2/18: 57002 dragged GA 90010 on 0Z56 Norwich-Bounds Green.
27/2/18: 37605 at P6, Colchester.
28/2/18: 37605 at Colchester, up loop as 0Z99.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Withdrawn are ADL.Enviro 200 MCV Evolutions ED15 (AE56 OUO), ED18 (LX07 BYJ). They have been returned to their lessor.

EASYJET.
New is Airbus A320-214 G-EZRS.

EASYJET EUROPE.
New are Airbus A320-214s OE-ICT, OE-IZD/E/F/H/N/S/T.
Transferred from the UK fleet are Airbus A320-214s OE-IJL ex G-EZUG, OE-IJP ex G-EZTV, OE-IVX ex G-EZTL; Airbus A319-111s OE-LKK ex G-EZDE, OE-LKL ex G-EZFK,OE-LKM ex G-EZDP, OE-LQH ex G-EZBY, OE-LQM ex G-EZFE, OE-LQO ex G-EZDX, OE-LQP ex G-EZFD, OE-LQQ ex G-EZFG, OE-LQT ex G-EZBL, OE-LQV ex G-EZFR.
On wet lease from Condor is Airbus A320-212 D-AICE ex F-WWDI.
Leased from ICBC are Airbus A310-214s OE-IZO ex D-ABNJ and OE-IZP ex D-ABHJ.

ENSIGNBUS.
BCI Excellence 150 (LX15 GKL) has been on loan to Reading Buses.

Above: 150 with Reading Buses, at Langley on 10/2/18. (Daniel Acott).

EUROSTAR.
A new direct London-Amsterdam and Rotterdam service began on 20/2/18.
To the revised livery are 373221/22.
373011/12 have gone to EMR, Kingsbury – for scrap.

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

FIRST ESSEX.
Following the trial of a First Eastern Counties ADL/Enviro 400 double decker on X30 (Southend-Chelmsford-Stansted) in October 2017, two Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s have arrived from First Berkshire. They were surplus following the end of Green Line route 702, and its transfer to Reading Buses.
Further repaints into Refreshed colours are Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66719 (WX54 XDC), 66794/96/99 (MX05 CBF/V, CCD).
Another Optare Solo withdrawn to storage at Braintree is 53129 (EO02 NFL). Also withdrawn are Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 65670 (SN51 UYC), 65674 (SN51 UYH) – now parked at Clacton.
The fire damaged remains of Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33133 (LT02 ZBZ) have been removed from Clacton depot for scrap.

Above: Peldon residents protest about the withdrawal of the regular bus service through their village on 22/1/18. (Colchester Gazette).

From 18/2/18, there were major changes to some routes.
3 (Clacton-Harwich) – revised early mornings.
4 (Jaywick-Telford Road), 4A (Jaywick-Bockings Elm). New Clacton town services replacing 10, 11, 12 and part of 17, 18.
5 (Pitsea-Basildon) . Extended to Langdon hills replacing route 15 and frequency increased at peaks. Alternate journeys terminate at Basildon Hospital replacing 25A.
6 (Clacton-Point Clear). New Clacton town sevice, replacing 17, 18 M-Sats days and Sundays.
10, 11, 12 (Jaywick-Clacton-Telford Road). Withdrawn, replaced by new 4/A.
15 (Langdon Hills-Runwell) – withdrawn. Replaced by 5 and 25.
16 (Runwell St Lukes Park-Wickford rail station) – new service.
17, 18 (Clacton-Point Clear). To an evening service only. Replaced by 4/A, 6 at all other times.
25/A (Basildon-Wickford-Southend). M-Sat extension to to Basildon Hospital replaced by route 5. Diverted in Westcliff from Carlton Avenue to Prittlewell Chase.
27X (Canvey Leigh Beck-Benfleet rail station) – revised.
31 (Chelmsford-Maldon/Burnham) – revised and double deck operation introduced.
32 (Chelmsford-Ongar). Revised and extended off peak from Chelmsford bus station to Chignall Estate.
33 (Broomfield Hospital-Southminster) – revised Sunday timetable.
36 (Chelmsford-South Woodham) – revised Sunday timetable.
37 (Brentwood-Bishops Hall Estate). Revised M-Sat to run via Ongar Road instead of Doddinghurst Road.
40 (Broomfield Hospital-Chelmsford-Great Baddow). Revised to run as Broomfield Hospital-Chelmsford-Boreham, replacing part of route 72.
41 (Galleywood-Chignall Estate)- withdrawn and replaced by an 32, 54, 47.
42/A/B (Galleywood-Broomfield Hospital). 42 extended from Broomfield to Braintree. 42B withdrawn.
45 (Moulsham Lodge-Writtle) – revised.
51 (Galleywood-Channels). Rerouted in Great Baddow.
54/A/C (Beaulieu Park-North Melbourne). Diverted via Chignal Estate.
55 (Beaulieu Park-North Melbourne) – withdrawn.
57/A (Beaulieu Park-Westway). Revised to run as Beaulieu Park-Great Baddow-Galleywood. Revised in central Chelmsford to provide more direct link with Anglia Ruskin University.
61 (Wivenhoe-Colchester-Highwoods). Some evening journeys extended from Osborne Street bus station to Head Street.
62/A (Colchester-Brightlingsea) – revised M-F.
65 (Tollgate-Colchester-Highwoods) – M-F peak extension to Severalls Business Park ceased. The Park perimeter is still served along Severalls Lane.
66 (Rowhedge-West Bergholt). Revised. Rowhedge terminus moved to second northbound stop in Rectory Road, after the turning circle.
67 (Colchester-West Mersea) – revised.
67A (Colchester General Hospital-Peldon-West Mersea) – withdrawn. Replaced by extension of Hedingham route 63, between Blackheath and West Mersea via Peldon. Peldon village thus no longer served by 67 group. Other 67s still running.
70 (Colchester-Braintree-Chelmsford) – revised. Braintree outstation allocation reduced from 6 to 5.
71 (Colchester-Chelmsford) – revised.
72 (Chelmsford-Witham Conrad Road)- withdrawn. Covered by existing route 71, revised route 40 and Stephensons 38/A.
74 (Clacton-Colchester) – revised.
76 (Clacton-Colchester) – revised. New 76A express variant, fast between Clacton and Frating, in competition against Hedingham X76.
94C (South Woodham Circular) – revised on Sundays.
200/X (Basildon-Grays) – revised.
351 (Chelmsford-Brentwood) – revised.
561 (Basildon-Chelmsford St John Payne School) scholars service. Revised.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43561 on service 11 at Station Road, Clacton on 30/12/17. (John Podgorski).

Due to the above, there was a reduction in peak vehicle requirement, and the Scania Omnicities – 65028-32 (YN06 TDO/U/V/X/Z) transferred from Chelmsford (CF) to Clacton (CN), displacing ADL/Enviro 200s 44596-599 (EU60 LFS, EJ58 YSL, KX57 BWF, YX08 HJF) to CF. Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 62408-10 (YS03 ZKE/G/F) moved CR to CN. Dart SLF/Caetanos 41513/20 (LK03 NGF, UEX) have moved from BN to CF. 65032 was still at CF on 20/2/18 though. Scania/Wright 62407 is delicensed due to accident damage, by the way.

Above: Omnicity 65028 at Clacton rail station on 17/2/18. (Simon Austin).

FRAGERS (GAMEBUS), ARDLEIGH.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZMU is ex Go-Ahead London and supplied through Ensign.

FLAGFINDERS.
Two Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis have been acquired from Regal Busways; LF52 ZSD, ZTL. They have been converted to single door and repainted. A third is for spare parts only. Also now into the new white/blue fleet livery are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer YN04 PZY (ex Regal red) and Iveco Euromidi/Maxim YN 05 ASZ (ex silver).

FREIGHTLINER.
1/2/18: 66598 on 4L30 Bristol-London Gateway.
2/2/18: 66543 on 4L79 Tees Dock-Felixstowe.
3/2/18: 66593 on 4L65 Leeds-London Gateway.
8/2/17: 66541, 86612/27 on IPS-Trafford Park. 86627 had failed.
9/2/18: 66509 on 4L79.
12/2/18: 66534/99 topped and tailed Parkeston-Whitemoor engineers. 66610 on 6L63 Chadesdon-Broxbourne Redland HIAs and JGAs.66614 on 6M80 Bow-Tunstead MWAs
14/2/18: 66621 at Bow Olympic.
16/2/18: 66559/99 on Whitemoor-Parkeston engineers.
18/2/18: 66593 “down” through Witham @ 2315 with ballast wagons.
20/2/18: 66505 on 6L63 Chaddesdon-Broxbourne. 66588 on Ipswich-Lindsay tanks.
21/2/18: 66610 at Bow Olympic.
24/2/18: 70020 + 66550 on 4M87 FLX-Basford Hall.
25/2/18: 66952 on Ripple Lane-Whitemoor engineers.
26/2/18: 86609/10 on “down” intermodal at Colchester with 66567.
28/2/18: 66602 at Bow Olympic.

GALLEON TRAVEL.
Has moved from Roydon to Nazeing.

GBRf.
66789 has received retro BR Large logo livery and named ‘British Rail 1948-1997’. It is ex DBS 66250.
4/2/18: 66745/57/62/70/79 on 0L33 Peterborough-Ipswich light engine.
5/2/18: 66767 on 4Z81 Masborough-Felixstowe.
6/2/18: 66748 at Bow Midland.
8/2/18: 66746 on Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
9/2/18: 66738 at Bow Midland.
10/2/18: 66718 4L20 Hams Hall-Parkeston. 66740 on 4Z26 FLX-Masboro. 66753 on 4M26 FLX-Hams Hall. 66762 on 4L29 Birch Coppice-FLX, then 0E06 FLX-PBO light. 66766 on 6T65 Enfield Lock-Whitemoor engineers. 66767 on 4Z81 Masboro-Parkeston, the 0E04 Parkeston-PBO light. 66770 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
11/2/18: 66740/58/59/64/67 and 2 oil tank wagons on 6P41 Peterboro-Harwich/Felixstowe loco positioning move. 66758 on 6T60 Beccles-Whitemoor engineers – via Ipswich.
12/2/18: 66740/58 on 0L33 Ipswich-FLX light engine. 66766 on 4L2 Hams Hall-FLX.
13/2/18: 66764 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66765 on 4L22 Hams Hall- FLX.
14/2/18: 66753 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66770 on 6M14 Harlow Mill-Bardon Hill.
16/2/18: 66718 on 4Z27.
17/2/18; 66726 on 0E04 Parkeston-Peterborough.
18/2/18: 66716/40/58/70 on 0L33.
19/2/18; 66719 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66740 on FLX-Hams Hall. 66753 on FLX-Doncaster. 66758 on Parkeston-FLX. 66765 on FLX-Masboro. 66770 on FLX-Birch Coppice.
21/2/18: 66766 on 6O76 Harlow Mill-Grain empty JGAs. 66776 at Bow Midland.
22/2/18: 66716 on 6E06 Parkeston Quay-PBO with 1 wagon. 66761 on 6L98 at Broxbourne on Doncaster-Ferme Park.
23/2/18: 66765 on 4Z27. 66777 on 6T60 Whitemoor-Romford engineers.
24/2/18; 66740 on 4M23. 66758 on 4L02. 66769 on 6T66 Enfield Lock-Whitemoor engineers.
25/2/18: 66725/61/70/79 on 0L33.
26/2/18: 66761 on Harwich N Walsham tanks.
27/2/18: 66766 on 6M47 Bow-Bardon.
28/2/18: 66767 at Bow Midland.

GRANGE TRAVEL, GRAVESEND.

Above: Grange vehicles appear of rail replacements in Essex. Yutong Tc9 YH66 VMT was at Witham on 11/2/18 for Greater Anglia; running to/from Newbury Park. (Simon Austin).

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: Renatus 321305 at Witham on a Braintree shuttle on 11/2/18, due to engineering works. (Simon Austin).

To the new livery are DMU 170207, EMU 317884. To Renatus colours – EMU 321308.

1/2/18: 156422 on Ipswich-Felixstowe.
6/2/18: 321323 on 0900 Norwich-Liverpool St. 321323/419 on 1400 Norwich-Liverpool St.
7/2/18: 317502/651 on 1Y61 Ipswich-Liverpool St.
11/2/18: 90008 powering 1P19 Norwich-London and 1P20 return, but at Country end, rather than usual London end.
21/2/18: 321326/427 on 1P04 London-Norwich.
22/2/18: 90014 light engine “up” past Chitts Hill, near Colchester @ 1142.

Above: A solitary 90014 – as described in the text. (John Podgorski).

HEDINGHAM.
From 5/2/17, the remaining ex Turners of Essex school runs were taken on, following the closure of Turners (see below). Bus 12 Pebmarsh, Gosfield, Halstead to Hedingham School was involved.
Also from 5/2/17, routes 82/83 were temporarily diverted away from Great Tey, until 27/4/18, due to roadworks. They terminated at Wakes Colne instead. Arrow Taxis provided a Great Tey Shuttle.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 561 at Berchurch Hall Road, Colchester – on the first day of route 63’s extension to Peldon and West Mersea. (John Podgorski).

Below: Scania Omnidekka 1518 at West Mersea (High Street) on 19/2/18. The building behind the bus shelter used to be an Eastern National bus garage. Closed in 1973, it was used as a basis for a leisure centre in 1979. Some locals still refer to this stop as “West Mersea bus station”. (John Podgorski).

From 19/2/18, some journeys on route 63 was extended from Berechurch to Peldon and West Mersea. This was in response to the withdrawal of First 67A. Clacton’s Scania Omnidekka 1518 (YN06 JYC) was sub shedded at KN for the new service, which is worked by KN and CN. 1518 and B7TL/President 561 (V301 LGC) worked the inaugural journeys to West Mersea. From the same date, Hedingham began serving the Tudor Estate in West Clacton, after First’s service review left that neighbourhood without a bus service. Omnidekka 1520 (YN06 JYC) also arrived at KN on 22/2/18 but returned to CN the following day.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 743 (X386 NNO) is reinstated.
Chambers Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH) was briefly loaned to KN on 20th-21st February.

HIRE YOUR TRANSPORT.
Has ex RATP London Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH J332 BSH – via Ensign.

IPSWICH BUSES.
The full batch of ex Metroline Scania Omnicity double deckers is 30-43 (YR61 RPV/Y/U, RRV, RSV, RTV, RUC/H/U/V/W, RVF/J/L). Still in red are 44, 45 (YR61 RRZ, RVE). 45 had latterly been with Border Buses.
On loan has been Mb Sprinter 516/Mellow Sreata demonstrator LO67 CGX.
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 4 (LG02 FEV), 5 (LG02 FCA) – both ex Carters; 17 (LG02 FEM), 21 (Y458 NHK) and Dennis Dart SLF/EL Spryte 94 (X94 LBJ).
Tridents 17 and 21 have paased to Shote Line Suncruisers at Scarborough.
New route 7 (Dale Hall-Aldi-Meredith Road-Anglian Retail Park) began from 18/2/18. Also frequency enhancements to 1 and 2 (Greenwich-Ipswich), with 1 now running via the Waterfront.

JET2.COM.
New are Boeing 737-800s G-GZBI/J.

KEANE, MUCKINGFORD.
Supplied through Ensign is ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka YV03 PZH.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
Setra S415 BX06 UMV is now IJZ 1447.

KEVENDY’S, WICKFORD.
M665 KVU is a former Shearings Volvo B10M/VH, ex Davies of Pontyberem.

KLM CITYHOPPER.
New are Embraer 175STDs PH-EXU/V.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
New for ex CT Plus TfL153 (Finsbury Park-Moorgate) are BYDs SEe 65-76 (LJ67 DKM/N/O/U/V/X/Y, DLD-F/K/N). This commenced from 3/2/18.
Contract losses from 3/2/18, were of TfL W4 to Arriva London North and TfL299 to Sullivan Buses. As a result, the DMN Class Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capitals and most of the SEN Class ADL/Enviro 200s are withdrawn. These include DMN1 (LT02 NUK).

MASTER TRAVEL, HERONGATE.
Has Yutong Tc9 YJ15 HKG -ex Collier of Earith.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
The Gidea Park depot upgrade was completed at the start of February.

P and M, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere GNZ 6494 is ex Windcrest of Ivybridge.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
From 26/2/18, a new rail replacement contract began for Greater Anglia. It is a shuttle serving Wickford, Battlesbridge and South Woodham Feerers, running with the “tidal flow” of peak hours, Mon to Fri. This is to do with platform works at Battlesbridge meaning 12 car trains cannot stop there. It is due to run until April 2018. Panther is using Mb Sprinter AB03 PAN from Witham.

Above: Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9895 at Cambridge in the early hours of 23/2/18, on a Greater Anglia late night RRP from Bishops Stortford. (Alex Hazell).

(John Podgorski).

Ex ATS Minibuses of Romford Mb Sprinter/Koch low floor BX56 VTE is now here. Pictured (above) at Matching Green base on 24/2/18. It entered traffic on 27/2/18 – on the Northumberland Park Shuttle; releasing Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KV51 KVK onto other duties. Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YN54 WWT has come from the now defunct Turners of Essex.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KP02 PUH, PVD have been acquired from Regal Busways – for spares only. Also from Regal is a selection of workshop equipment.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther AB53 PAN is delicensed due to engine failure.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN, passes through the grounds of the University of Essex, along Boundary Road, on 10/2/18. (Simon Austin).
Below: A snowbound Colchester outstation on 28/2/18. (Alex Hazell).

QUOOKER INSTALLATIONS, BRENTWOOD.
Acquired via Ensign is ex Go-Ahead London Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZNV.

REGAL BUSWAYS.

(John Podgorski).

The last vehicle present at Cooksmill Green (Chelmsford) depot was Scania/Irizar YN56 FGJ. It was moved to Rochford on 3/2/18, joining Optare Tempo PO1 (YJ56 WVX) and MAN NL270LF/Wright 801 (RG09 BUS). 801 had gone by 10th February.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KP02 PUH, PVD has passed to Panther Travel for parting out (qv).
Although some vehicles and equipment were sold in the weeks before and after Regals’closure, the remainder were offered via auction between 19th and 26th February 2018 via John Hill Coach Sales in conjunction with Shouler and Son.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer NA52 AWF is now with A2B Bus and Coach, Cambridge. Tempo PO3 (YJ56 WVY) has also been sold – after being repainted silver.

ROG.
12/2/18: 47848 on 0L47 Eastleigh-Ilford.
28/2/17: 47848 at Ilford.

RYANAIR.
More new Boeing 737-800s are EI-GDX/Y/Z, GJA-E.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
ADL/Enviro 400 12323 (SK14 CTU) has an overall advert for Oyster Hoppa.
Volvo coaches 54051-53/55 (KX09 NCE/J/N/O) have moved on.

STEPHENSONS.
From the now defunct Express Motors of Pennygroes are Scania N230UD/Enviro 400s CY12 EMS, CX14 EMS. A number of ADL/Enviro 200s have been acquired from Abellio London – most in a dealer capacity.

Above: Reserve fleet Volvo Olympian 808 at St Andrews Street North, Bury St Edmunds on 16/2/18. It is on a schools working of route 385, which is otherwise operated by Galloway of Mendlesham. (Colin Lloyd).

Below: Scania Omnidekka 649 most unusually on Bury St Edmunds town service Breeeze 2 on 16/2/18. It is turning into the bus station. The bus was one of a pair new to Blue Triangle and acquired via Ensign. (Colin Lloyd).

SULLIVAN BUSES.
TfL299 (Cockfosters-Muswell Hill) was gained from London General North from 3/2/18, using new Wright Streetlites SL90-97 (CP, JF, JJ, KT, LW, MH, PJ, SL67 SUL), and ex Demonstrator SL98 (SL15 ZGR).

TENDRING TRAVEL.
Further full size additions are Dennis R410/Caetano FN02 RXS and Dennis R410/Plaxton Panther AM52 MXW. Both are ex the now defunct Abacus of Grantham.
S678 PAG is a former Dublin Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH, from JR Executive Travel, Copdock.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Wright StreetLites WL44700/1 (DRZ 61818, 9420) have gone to store.
Sold to Ensign are ADL/Enviro 200s DML44163/64 (YX10 BGV/Y); DMV44250-52 (YX12 AKP/U/V); DM44260/62/64/65 (YX61 FZC/E/G/H).
ADL/Enviro 200s DMV44224-28/30/31/33/34/50/51 (YX12 AKN, AEW/Y/O/P, AGY, AXV/N, AJY, AKP/U) have passed to RATP Yellow Buses, Bournemouth, via Ensign.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Ex Go North East Scania L94UB/Wright Solars NK53 UNW/Y; ex Go South Coast Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer HW54 BUJ; ex Stagecoach East Midland Optare Solos SF05 NXD/E have been supplied through Ensign. Sisters DML44163/64 (YX10 BGV/Y), DM44260/62/64/65 (YX61 FZC/E/G/H) are now with Red Rose, Aylesbury – also via Ensign.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Ceased operations after 1/2/18. A number of school contracts have passed to other operators, including Hedingham and Chambers. Flagfinders has the sports and swimming contracts.
Mb 709D W364 SNN and Renault Master B10 OVV have passed to Decker Bus, Whittlesea.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH K873 CSF has been sold to Llan y Pwll Farm, Wrexham – for conversion to a mobile caravan.
Setra S415 MY53 TRA has passed to Nationwide, Peterborough.
Also sold are Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YN54 WWT; Setra S315 LSU 788.
Leyland Olympian/NC K735 ODL is on hire to De Vere, Sible Hedingham and will continue to be so.

Above: MAN18.290/Jonckherre Deauville VBZ 1450 at Wickham St Paul depot on 22/9/17. This coach had been withdrawn by that time and was sold not long after. (John Podgorski).

Vehicles remaining at the depot in early February were: Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH K873 CSF; MAN/Noge YN03 AXD, Mb 709D W364 SNN; Optare Solo S627 JRU; Renault Master B10 OVV; Setra S315 LSU 788. (Note LSU 788, K873 CSF, B10 OVV, W364 SNN were subsequently sold – see above). Renault Master KN52 XND meanwhile, was parked behind the local pub. It is understood that the main premises were cleared by the end of February.

WEST COAST RAILWAY COMPANY.

Above: 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ at Chitts Hill near Colchester on 22/2/18. (John Podgorski).

22/2/18: 47804 with 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ on 1Z70 London-Norwich steam charter. 47804 worked the return, as 70013 was defective and left at Norwich for repairs. It returned south on 28/2/18.

Above: 47804 brings up the rear of the same train. (John Podgorski).

With thanks to: Anglia Gen, D Arnold, S Austin, Colchester Gazette, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, Hedingham Buses, C Lloyd, LOTS, D Pretty, S Simister, M Stokes, D Tredwell.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the January, 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.

We have said goodbye to two Essex independants this month. Regal Busways finished its last two routes on 26th January, while Turners was due to close at the end of the month. Regal had ceased most of its work during December 2017. Virtually all of it has passed to other operators. Turners was a smaller operation and had latterly included Wicks Coaches. Likewise, contracts were redeployed. Affected staff also moved with the routes, but the vehicles were all sold. An interesting result with Regal was the passing of its rail work to a Surrey operator – with an outbase in Essex. Meanwhile, Stephensons moved its Braintree base into the old Wicks yard and Blueline relocated most of its vehicles from Rochford (where it had shared some space with Regal), to Wickford.

24/7, STANSTED.
Sold are Vauxhall Vivaro 8 seater EJ14 AVX, EN15 EKC, ET15 UZW, EY65 RJJ/X.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Transferred from Southend is DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3528 (LF02 PNE).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 1559 (EU56 GVG) and Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3817 (GN07 AVD), returned from loan at Southend at the start of January.
The Braintree Freeport Shuttle contract was gained from Regal Busways, from 27/1/18.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 4017 on the first day of Freeport Shuttle operation by Arriva. (Simon Austin).

The use of crew ferries appears to have ceased. The two Peugeot 208s OU16 BEY, BJO have gone.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Ex Arriva Kent and Surrey is ADL/Enviro 2100 4067 (GN59 FVJ). It quickly moved to Stevenage, however.
Back from Stevenage is Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3859 (KE54 LPJ).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
A batch of ex Tower Transit Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s has been acquired through Ensign. They are VLW901-10 (BG61 SXK, BN61 MXJ/M/N/T/U/W-Y, MYA). They are allocated to Tottenham (AR) and have replaced VLA Class Volvo B7TL/ALX400s on TfL123 (Turnpike Lane-Ilford).

Above: Ex Tower Transit Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini VLW907 at Ilford on 11/1/18. (Daniel Acott).

Edmonton (EC) has been reopened operationally, due to building works at Tottenham (AR). TfL123 has been reallocated to EC, along with overflow from TfL149. The allocation for the latter is fluid, with different buses outstationed from AR each night. Transferred into EC for TfL123 are VDL SB300/Wright Geminis DW493-99, Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s VLA1, 2, 6, 8, 15, 101-3; and ex Tower Transit B9TL/Gemini2s VLW901-10.
Transferred to Barking (DX) are VLA99, 100.
VLA122/23 (LJ05 BKV/X)have been delicensed again from Grays (GY) and are stored at EC.

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
New are Mb Sprinter/EVMs AY67 PXL/M.

Above: Mb Sprinter/EVM AY67 PXM at Chelmsford on ex Regal Busways service 3 on 27/1/18. The tender was awarded to Essex and Suffolk Dart CIC, who is owned by Arrow. (Simon Austin).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
S8 COA is a Mb 1223L/Ferqui, previously FX51 BSY and ex TKG of South Bermondsey, London SE. Also acquired is ex Cranberry of Great Harwood, Blackburn Neoplan Skyliner CN05 APX.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas Y327 AUT is now 6884 YG.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
New Routemaster LT873 is red again, ex Xmas overall advert.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
All of the vehicles, except AEC PRV Routemaster RML2613, have moved to a new base at Wickford, shared with L and R Travel. This is located near to the NIBS depot.
Another ex Stagecoach East London Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 is LX03 NGU.

BRENTWOOD COACHES.
Ex Harry Shaw, Coventry is Scania Touring/Higer YR16 BNY.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH) was on loan to Hedingham during mid January.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 261 at High Street, Halstead on 3/1/18. It is on the 89X from Sudbury (Chiltern Industrial Estate) which is essentially a M-F peak hours works service, and was previously route 111. (Simon Austin).

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Withdrawn are Ford Transits Y658 RHR, WX57 XOH; 101 (RX06 KPT), 103 (LG06 DTU), 123 (EJ56 YOV).
Sold are Ford Transits 26, 28 (EO57 BFV, KBZ), 42 (EK07 VUT).

COACH SERVIXCES, THETFORD.
From 7/1/18, the Suffolk CC Sunday and holiday contracts for the Bury St Edmunds town services passed to Mulleys of Ixworth.

COLAS RAIL.
4/1/18: 37116/254 on NR Test Train on GEML/WAGN. 70802 on 6L37 Hoo Junction-Whitemoor.
5/1/18: 70802 on 6L37 return.
8/1/18: 70809 on 6L37 and 6O36 return.
9/1/18: 70802 on 6L37.
16/1/18: 70809 on 6L37.
23/1/18: 60095 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement.
25/1/18: 60002 on 6L44.
30/1/18: 60002 on 6L44. 70803 on 6L37.
31/1/18: 37219/54 on 3Q72 Norwich-Colchester.

CROSS COUNTRY.

Above: Turbostar 170638 at Stansted Airport on 21/1/18, awaiting departure for Birmingham. (John Podgorski).

CT PLUS.

Above: ADL Enviro 40H City 2514 at the temporary Cassland Road terminus of TfL26 on 6/1/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: The normal terminus of route 26, the TfL owned turning circle at Eastway, Hackney Wick is undergoing refurbishment. (John Podgorski).

DBS.
3/1/18: 66037 at Bow Olympic.
8/1/18: 66138 at Cambridge North.
9/1/18: 66005 at Bow Olympic. 66092 at Chelmsford yard.
10/1/18: 66092 at Bow Olympic.
11/1/18: 66039 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX. 66125 on IPS Griffin Wharf-Watford London Concrete.
13/1/18: 59104 at Chelmsford on stone train.
15/1/18: 66160 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill.
16/1/18: 66136 China branded on Broxbourne-Mountsorrel. 66174 on 4L85 Wakefield-FLX.
17/1/18: 66030 at Chelmsford. 66129 at Bow Olympic. 66185 at Marks Tey.
18/1/18: 66129 at Bow Olympic.
23/1/18: 66015 at Bow Olympic. 66111 on 6M67 Broxbourne-Mountsorel aggregates – 22 HOAs.
24/1/18: 66015 at Bow Olympic.
25/1/18: 66143 at Bow Olympic.
26/1/18: 66024 on Wakefield-FLX.
30/1/18: 66167 on 6M67 Broxbourne-Mountsorrel.
31/1/18: 66194 departed Marks Tey yard with an “up” sand train @ 0947.

DRS:
5/1/18: 37606 hauled 90003, 82121/39 from Bounds Green to Norwich via GEML.
11/1/18: 37608 running light at Stratford.
19/1/18: 37606 towed MkII carriage 9521 from Norwich to Willesden down GEML.
28/1/18: 67611 on 3Z01 Colchester-Derby RTC.
30/1/18: 37611 on 3Z01 Colchester-Derby RTC NR.
31/1/18: 37605/425 towed GA DVT 82136 from Norwich to Crewe via London, en route to Cardiff.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZRO/R.
Also new are Airbus A320-214s ES-SAO/Q; YL-LCN/S/T/U.

EASYJEY EUROPE.
New aircraft are Airbus A320-214s OE-ICT, IJO, IVH, IZG/L/Q/S/T; and Airbus A319-111s OE-LKD-F, LOG/J/K/N, LQW/X/Y.

Above: One of the Easyjet Europe fleet. Airbus A320 OE-LQN at Stansted on 21/1/18. (John Podgorski).

ENSIGNBUS.
From Eifon Coaches, Wales is ADL/Enviro 200 601 (CX65 BUF).
ADL/E200 651 (YX09 FMJ) has passed to Grant Palmer, Flitwick. E200 701 (PX61 AXZ) went to CVA Auctions, Doncaster (dealer).

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Ex Docklands Buses Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions LX07 BYK/L/N/T are via Ensign.
ADL/Enviro 200 KX58 BGY is now with Falcon Coaches of Shepperton and West Byfleet.

EUROSTAR.
373009/010 have gone for scrap to EMR, Kingsbury.

EUROWINGS.
New are Airbus A319-112s D-ABGJ/R and Airbus A320-214s D-ABNK/L.

FIRST ESSEX.
From First Berks, via First Hants and Dorset, are Green Line liveried Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis 37985/86 (BJ11 ECY/Z). They are for X30 (Southend-Chelmsford-Stansted Airport).
More Volvo 7900Hs to become blue and green are 69901/7/14 (BV13 ZBC/L/W). 69912 (BV13 ZBT) was unusually on X10 (Basildon-Stansted Airport) on 14/1/18.
ADL/Enviro 200 44599 (YX08 HJF) has moved from Clacton (CN) to Chelmsford (CF). The other E200s at CN will follow, in exchange for the Scania Omnicities from CF. Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses 41521/22 have moved from HH to CF.
Optare Solos 53112/26/28/31 (EO02 NDX, NFH/K/N) are withdrawn and have gone to store at Braintree. 53130 (EO02 NFM) is also withdrawn, and was towed from CF to BE. Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65683 (YR52 VEU) is withdrawn again after chassis failure.
Gone for scrap to Alpha Recovery are Solo 53130 and Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41730 (X503 JLO).

Above: 66719, one of the recently acquired ex First West of England Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipses, at Church Street, Coggeshall on 27/1/18. It is working from Braintree outstation. (Simon Austin).

Above: 69432, one of the ex First Eastern Counties Volvo B7RLE/Wrights displaced from Colchester by the ex First Borders Scania L94UB/Wrights last summer, at its new home of Chelmsford on 7/1/18. (Simon Austin).

Below: X30 branded ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 66168 was unusually on 70 on 26/1/18, and seen at Colchester. (Simon Austin).

Above: 41494 is one of the pair of ex First Potteries Caetano bodied Dennis Dart SLFs recently allocated to Chelmsford. Here, it awaits departure from its home town on 27/1/18. (Simon Austin).

Above: Double deckers sometimes appear on 103/4 (Colchester-Harwich). Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 37140, at Harwich bus station on 26/1/18. (Simon Austin).

FLAGFINDERS.
The Silver End-New Rickstones Academy, Witham contract has been taken over from Regal Busways.
Ex Regal Busways Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer YN04 PZY entered service as acquired in red. It is used on a Halstead-Honywood School, Coggeshall run and has displaced SLF/Pointer W138 ULR to a new Heybridge-Thurstable School, Tiptree run (numbered Heybridge 4), which had previously been subcontracted to Stans of Great Totham. Although W138 ULR is the regular bus for this, Mb 814D S190 SLL has also been noted.

FORD, ALTHORNE.
Trident/ALX400 T697 KPU has come from Regal Busways; but for spares only.

FREIGHTLINER:
66564 now has recruitment vinyls.
2/1/18: 66505 on 4E50 Felixstowe-Leeds. 66509 on 4E60 Felixstowe-Tees Dock.
3/1/18: 66501 on 1Z99 light engine – south through Ipswich @ 1430. 66520/952/955 on 4E22 Ipswich-Leeds.
4/1/18: 66514 on 4E64 FLX-Tees Dock. 66544 + 70011/20 on FLX-Trafford Park.
6/1/18: 86627/38 on Crewe-Ipswich.
7/1/18: 66534 on Gidea Park-Whitemoor engineers.
10/1/18: 66620 at Bow.
13/1/18; 66590/92 at Gidea Park on engineers. 66952 + (dead) 90016 on IPS-Crewe intermodal.
15/1/18: 66559/69 on 4E23 IPS-Leeds.
18/1/18: 66951/57 on 4E23.
21/1/18: 66590/92 on Gidea Park-Whitemoor engineers.
22/1/18: 66508 on 6L63 Chadesdon-Broxborne Redland with HIAs and JGAs.

GALLEON TRAVEL, ROYDON.
Sold to Moseley, South Elmsall (dealer) are VDL Synergy ‘decker WA08 APO and Bova Futura WA09 HTX.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
Withdrawn are accident damaged VDL SB180/MCV Evolution 332 9YJ60 GGY) and Mb 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah 170 (Y733 OGV ex 5516 PP), DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 258 (Y294 HUA ex 1754 PP) and Volvo B10M/VH Alizee 340 (P736 UAH ex NJI 9241).

GBRf:
1/1/18: 66710 on 6T61 Ingatestone-Whitemoor engineers. 66779 on 6T60 Ipswich-Whitemoor engineers.
2/1/18: 66713 on 4Z81 Masborough-Felixstowe. 66735 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks. 66763 on 4L22 Hams Hall-Felixstowe.
3/1/18: 66709 on 4Z27 Masboro-FLX. 66713 on 4Z81 Masboro-diveted to Parkeston Quay. 66735 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
4/1/18: 66709 on 4Z81. 66764 on 6O76 Harlow Mill-Tonbridge aggregates.
5/1/18: 66735/68 on 6E06 Harwich-Peterborough with two bogie tankers.
6/1/18: 66714 on 4M23. 66733 on 4Z81.
7/1/18: 66701 on 6T60 Temple Mills-Whitemoor. 66714/26/66 on 0L33. 66748/64 on 6T61 Temple Mills-Whitemoor.
9/1/18: 66733 on 4Z27 Masboro-FLX.
10/1/18: 66704 on 4Z82 FLX-Masboro. 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’ on “up” intermodal through Marks Tey @ 1155. 66759 at Bow Midland. 66766 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
11/1/18: 66718/72 on FLX-Hams Hall.
13/1/18: 66704 on 4Z81 Masboro-Parkeston Quay. 66726/35 on 0E06 IPS-Peterborough light engine.
15/1/18: 66701 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66740 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66779 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
16/1/18: 66702 on4L22 Hams Hall-FLX. 66708 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 66718 assisted failed 66704 on “down” FLX intermodal in east London. 66735 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66740 on FLX-Doncaster. 66750 on 0X66 PBO-Parkeston Quay light engine. 66779 on FLX-Hams Hall.
17/1/18: 66728 at Bow Midland. 66735 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66779 on 4M23.
18/1/18: 66705 on 4Z27.
19/1/18: 66735/50 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
20/1/18: 66704 on 4M28. 66757 on 0E33 FLX-PBO light engine.
21/1/18: 66701/8//18/50/68 on 0L33 on PBO-FLX.
22/1/18: 66701 on 0P41 Parkeston Quay-North Walsham light engine. 66718 on 4M23. 66768 on 4M29.
23/1/18: 66701 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66729/82 on 6L37 Hoo-Whitemoor.
24/1/18: 66723 at Bow Midland.
26/1/18: 66701 on 0P41 Harwich-N Walsham light engine.
27/1/18: 66702/45/69 on 4L20 to Harwich. 66735 on 6T60 Temple Mills-Whitemoor engineers’.
28/1/18: 66757/62 on 0L33 FLX-PBO light engine. 66772 on 4L28 Hams Hall-Colchester.
31/1/18: 66702 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66711 on 4Z27 Masboro-FLX.

GALLOWAY.
National Express Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante FJ61 EVN has lost its Route 250 (Ipswich-Stansted-Heathrow) branding.
The driver of a National Express contracted route 250 coach, which collided with the back of a broken down lorry on the A120 westbound, between Braintree and Stansted in July 2017; has been banned from driving for two years and fined £850.00. The defendant entered no plea and was found guilty at Colchester Magistrates Court in his absence. He no longer works for Galloway. Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante FN62 CAA suffered extensive front nearside damage in the collision and two passengers were seriously injured.

GREATER ANGLIA.
Parkeston Quay yard is now used to stable Class 321 EMUs.
To the new livery are 170202, 317883/85.
153322 still retained its old ‘Abellio Greater Anglia’ fleet names in January.
321308 is now in Renatus livery.
15/1/18: 90004 light engine Norwich to Ilford as 5V91 for tyre turning.
18/1/18: 156402 collide with a fallen tree on the Marks Tey-Sudbury branch. Luckily moderate damage and no injuries. Bus replacement for rest of day.
19/1/18: 321308 ran as 5L50 Doncaster-Ilford.
20/1/18: 156418 ‘ESTA’ on Marks Tey-Sudbury; unusual for a Saturday. 37515/650 on 1P42 1600 Liverpool Street-Ipswich.
21/1/18: 321405/23 on 1P12 Shenfield-Norwich.
23/1/18: 90009/13 and DVT 82102 from Norwich to Ilford for tyre turning.
28/1/18: 321303/421 on 1P12 Shenfield-Norwich.
31/1/18: DVT 82136 from Norwich to Cardiff for AC3 overhaul.

HACKNEY PLAYBUS.

Above: DAF DB250LF/Plaxton President T138 AUA, “on shed” on 6/1/18. (John Podgorski).

HAILSTONE, WICKFORD.
New is Iveco 60C/Excel HT67 BUS, named ‘Lightning’.

HEDINGHAM.

Above; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 at Colchester bus station (working from Kelvedon), on 27/1/18. (Simon Austin).

Turners of Essex has ceased to be a subcontractor on the Hedingham School contract. This is now completely done “in house” by Hedingham and Chambers. This follows serious reliability issues with Turners.
From Go-Ahead London General North is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 517 (LX05 EZR).
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH) was on loan from Chambers in mid January and used at Kelvedon (KN). 575/78 (W516/19 WGH) are back in use, ex VOR.
Seasiders branded Scania Omnidekka 1517 (YN06 JYB) appeared at Kelvedon on 10/1/18, but was used on schools only. It returned to CN on 22/1/18.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) was at KN again from 17/1/18.
Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 743 (X386 NNO).
From the end of January, the Saturday run-out from KN has been all single deck.

Above: Driver trainer Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere no 9, at Clacton depot on 3/1/18. (John Podgorski).

HIRE YOUR TRANSPORT, TADWORTH.
Has opened a base in Essex, at Rochford (Purdeys Wharf boat yard). Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere SIG 4227 was the first vehicle to be kept there, for rail replacement.

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: Scania Omnicity no 30 enters Tower Ramparts bus station on 13/1/18. (John Podgorski).

The ex Metroline Scania Omnicity double deckers are progressively entering service. Noted in January were 30 (YR61 RPV), 31 (YR61 RPY), 32 (YR61 RRU), 35 (YR61 RTV), 36 (YR61 RUC), 37 (YR61 RUH), 38 (YR61 RUU), 40 (YR61 RUW), 41 (YR61 RVF), 43 (YR61 RVL). YR61 RUV and two others were awaiting service prep and repaint at Constantine Road depot at this time.
Ex Carters Volvo Olympian/NC 29 (ex 42) (P915 RYO) was in store at Constantine Road in January. It was renumbered to make way for the Omnicities.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 15 (LG02 FDK) has gone to Scania, Worksop (dealer) in part exchange for the Omnicities.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 23 (SN51 AXF) has passed to Nu Venture, Aylesford.

Above: SN51 AXF at Chatham on 23/1/18, as Nu Venture fleet no TPL601. (DW Rhodes).

JACKSONS OF BICKNACRE.
Scania K360 Touring/Higer YR16 BNZ, is ex Shaw of Coventry.
DAF SB/Marcopolo PO53 OFA is sold.

JET2.COM.
New are Boeing 737-800s G-JZBG/H.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
AC15 HCL, is a Mb Tourismo.
Kellys worked duplicates on National Express route A6 (Stansted-London Victoria) in mid January.

KLM CITYHOPPER.
New is Embraer 175STD PH-EXT.

L&R TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N142 LAT is now K20 LNR.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Ex Westbus, Heathrow is VDL SB4000/VH TJ07 JFK.
Mb Tourismo BG58 OLO has been exported to Cyprus and re-registered MTH 0905.

Above: DAF SB200/Wright Commander F20 DGE at Duke Street, Chelmsford, on stage service 17 from Great Dunmow, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays only. Taken on 6/1/18, by Simon Austin.

LONDON CENTRAL.
The SE Class ADL/Enviro 200s from TfL286 (Greenwich-Eltham), have moved to London General, with Wright Streetlites coming the other way. This is to do with the change of the height of a low railway bridge in Battersea.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
BYD SEe65 (LJ67 DKL) has arrived from London Central for staff training, in advance of the takeover of TfL153 (Finsbury Park-Moorgate) from CT Plus in February.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

This rail maintenance vehicle was seen being craned into Northumberland Park Victoria Line depot, by Alex Hazell in late January, 2018. There is a physical connection between the Victoria and Piccadilly Lines at Kings Cross St Pancras, but there is a length restriction over what stock can use it.

MTR CROSSRAIL.

Above: 345010 at London Liverpool Street on 13/1/18. (Simon Austin).

345005-12/15-17 are so far in passenger service.
345001/2/13/18/22 – Old Dalby.
345003/4/24-27 – Derby Litchurch Lane.
345014 – Ilford – not in service.
345023 – Old Oak Common.
Other deliveries up to 345033 by late January.
6/1/18: 315853 + sister unusually stabled at platform 1 at Shenfield.
20/1/18: 315823 + sister stabled at Shenfield, platform 1.

Above: 315853 at Shenfield, platform 1 on 6/1/18. Also note the Shark brakevan (to the right).
(John Podgorski)

MULLEYS, IXWORTH.
From 7/1/18, the Suffolk CC Sunday/holiday Bury St Edmunds town service contracts were gained from Coach Services.

NATIONAL EXPRESS CONTRACTORS.
Whippet of Swavesey took over 727 (Cambridge-Stansted-Heathrow-Gatwick) from NX Ops from 15/1/18.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.

(John Podgorski).

Volvo B11RT/Caetano Levante BX65 WCO now has a super rear advert for CNN.
Several subcontractors were used on routes A6 and A8 during January. These included Ambassador Travel, Clarkes of London, I Coaches of NW London, Kellys of Nazeing, London United, Semmence of Wymondham.

Above: London United Scania K340/Caetano Levante SL65014 at Stansted on 7/1/18. (John Podgorski).

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: A classic pairing at Colchester outstation on 5/1/18. All Leyland Olympian BIG 9249 ex J114 KCW and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer BIG 7006 ex S303 JUA. The Olympian was new to Preston Bus and ex Regal, the SLF was new to TGM Group. BIG 9249 is on the Manningtree High School contract 30, which is subbed from Hedingham Omnibuses. (Chris Sampson).

Above: The enlarged depot at Parkeston, on 1/1/18. Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther Y5 TRU, Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 611 ex S314 SRL and Mb Sprinter engineer’s van AD08 PAN are visible, along with the photographer’s Ford Focus. In the background is the railway line from Harwich International to Dovercourt and Harwich Town. (John Podgorski).

Above; Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale BIG 9210 at Dovercourt Boating Lake on 18/1/18. The seafront is in the background – beyond the beach huts. (Alex Hazell).

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Commercial route 3 (Southend-Chelmsford) has been taken over by Arrow Taxis owned Essex and Suffolk Dart CIC, using a 16 seat minibus. There is no replacement for service 1 (Canvey-Chelmsford) however. The First Data staff shuttle in Brentwood has passed to NIBS of Wickford. Route 10/A (Pleshey-West Hanningfield) has passed to Arrow Taxis.

Above: YJ03 PGZ at Ingatestone on 28/12/17. (John Podgorski).

DAF SB3000/VH YJ03 PGZ worked the last Regal provided GA rail replacement, the 0052 Shenfield-Ingatestone – early on 2/1/18.
All operations ceased, with the withdrawal of the 900 Braintree Freeport Shuttle and 3A/D Sweyne Park school runs after 26/1/18. 900 passed to Arriva Colchester (see above). Cooksmill Green depot, and the outstations at Braintree and Rochford have closed. Braintree and Rochford were the last in use. The fleet is up for sale. Rail work has passed to Hire Your Transport of Kingswood, Surrey – who has opened an additional base in Essex. (qv).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 616/17 (KP02 PUH, PVD) were retained until the close of the Regal business, but the rest of the fleet was withdrawn from 2/1/18.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZSD was at MC Truck and Bus, Witham in mid January.
Dwennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 1302 (X312 NNO) has passed to Coach Stop, Rettendon. DAF SB3000/VHs YJ03 PGZ, PKK are now with Harris of Accrington.

Above: KP02 PVD at Ingatestone on 31/12/17, working the shuttle to Shenfield. (John Podgorski).

Below: KP02 PVD on the Braintree Freeport Shuttle on 6/1/18. (Simon Austin).

ROG.
47815/48 on Barrington spoil as per usual.
9/1/18: 56301 on 6T02 Barrington-Wembley.
13-14/1/18: 56301 stabled at Barrington.
17/1/18: 47815 stabled at Barrington after failure.
19/1/18: 37884, 47813/15 at Barrington.
w/c 22/1/18: 56303 on Barrington-Wembley.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Bova Futura YJ11 ANU has passed to Moseley, South Elmsall (dealer).

RYNANAIR.
More new Boeing 737-800s are EI-GDP/R/S/T/V/W.

SOUTHERN STAR, HARLOW.
Now has SS58 PAT ex BN58 AJU, an ex Lodge of High Easter Setra S415 tri-axle,  named ‘Miss Jessica’. Sold is Neoplan Tourliner YR02 UOG.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Withdrawn are the last of the MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300s; 22058/59/60 (KV53 FAF/J/K), 22332 (AE51 RZL) and the final closed top Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17452 (Y452 NHK), 17484 (LX51 FMC), 17500/4 (LX51 FNC/G). The MANs had latterly been mostly used on route 26 (Cambridge-Royston) and have been replaced by ADL/Enviro 200s, while the Tridents were for a closed contract. The open top Trident/ALX400s continue in use. Also withdrawn is ex Reserve Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 34422 (KV53 EYY).
A clearout at Cambridge depot has seen the following dispatched to PVS, Carlton – for scrap; Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17151/75 (V151/75 MEV), 17180 (W187 CNO); MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300s 22313/15/19/30 (AE51 RYN/P/V, RZJ). 22330 had been stripped of parts following accident damage.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above; ADL/Enviro 40D MMC 12424 at Lauriston Road shopping centre, Victoria Park on 6/1/18. (John Podgorski).

Received from Selkent is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17844 (LX03 BYW).
Trident/ALX400 17844 transferred internally to Barking. Withdrawn are 17788, 17993, 18480.
Latest overall adverts:
New Routemasters LT239 – Amex Rewards; LT241 – Converse; LT360 – Mango; LT367 – Red Bull.
Back to red fleet colours ex overall adverts: LT244/47/56/70, 362/65/75/84. LT244/70, 362/84 were ex Xmas adverts.
Vehicles out: ADL/Enviro 40H 12304 (SN14 TXZ) – to Selkent; Trident 18202 (LX04 FWM) – to Metropolitan Police; Trident 18207(LX04 FWT) – to Stageocach South for spare parts only; Trident 18210 (LX04 FWW) – scrapped by the company; ADL/Enviro 400 19748 (LX11 BCF) – to Selkent.

STEPHENSONS.
Acquisitions are ex Express Motors of Penygroes, Wales Scania N230UD/Enviro 400s CY12 EMS, CX14 EMS. Express recently ceased trading.
Withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 411/12 (SK02 XGO/P). 411 has been cannibalised, while 412 has gone on hire to Galloway. Also withdrawn is accident damaged Dart SLF/Pointer 457 (GU52 HJY).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer no 456 at High Street, Halstead on 3/1/18. It is working from Braintree depot. (Simon Austin).

Braintree depot has been relocated from Benfield Way to Driberg Way (the Wicks Coaches/Britannia Removals yard), on Skitts Hill Industrial Estate in the south of the town.

SULLIVAN BUSES, SOUTH MYMMS.
Has taken over the TfL Rail/Crossrail replacement contract from Ensignbus.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH.
Ex Viceroy of Saffron Walden Volvo B10M/Jonckherre M618 ORJ, is now L80 PCC.

TITAN AIRWAYS, STANSTED.
New is Boeing 737-436 G-POWS.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Van Hool hydrogen fuel cell buses BH63101/2 entered service on RV1 in late January.
ADL/Enviro 400 DNH39113 (SN12 ARF) has an overall advert for Air India.
Withdrawn are Volv oB7TL/Wright Geminis VNW32362.72.73.94, 32407/17.

Above: ADL/Enviro 40D DN33624 departs Victoria Park on 6/1/18. (John Podgorski).

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Via Ensign are ex Docklands Buses Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions AE56 OUP/S.
Withdrawn are Scania Omnilink/ELs NNZ 7336 ex YR52 VFH, YR52 VFN; Volvo B10BLE/Wright WNZ 1490 ex X913 WGR.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar YN05 WKJ has passed, usused to Harogate Coach, Tockwith.

TURNERS OF ESSEX.
Was due to cease trading at the end of January. Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YN54 WWT was noted working at Stansted Airport on 28/1/18.
Setra S315 LSU 113 has suffered a major engine failure. It has been broken for spares.
Sold for scrap are Dennis Javelin/Neoplan Transliner X293 AKY, Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Excalibur R123 XWF. Also sold are Setra S315 MY53 TRA and the Scania/Irizar SN57 BKD.

Above: Former Lothian Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH K873 CSF at High Street, Halstead on 18/12/17. (Simon Austin).

ULTIMATE, BULHAN.
VDL Bova YN07 EDX has passed to AP Travel of Cowbridge, Wales.

VICEROY, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Volvo B10M/Jonckherre M8 HCT has been re-registered back to M618 ORJ and sold to Thorn of Rayleigh.

WICKS OF BRAINTREE.
The Driberg Way depot is now shared with Stephensons. Vehicles also park at Turners depot. At Driberg Way in January were Dennis Javelin/Neoplan Transliners PIB 2344 ex DUI 672, X294 AKY and Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas X638 GJU. All were in withdrawn condition.

With thanks to: Anglia Gen, S Austin, EBN, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, J Sadd, C Sampson.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the December 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

Snow on 10/12/17, brought disruption to the transport network; especially around Ipswich. In Colchester, after lunch – First only ran routes within the town, while Hedingham managed to run 87 to Brightlingsea. Earlier in the day, First had suspended all services in the area, although an 88A made it to Halstead (see below). As this was a Sunday, the problems were probably less than on a weekday. Trains ran normally, but there were significant issues at Stansted Airport, with many flight cancellations and diversions. There were further problems at Stansted, involving snow on 27/12/17, when 300 passengers were stranded at the airport overnight.

Above: First Essex Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62409 stuck in Halstead; at the junction of Colchester Road and Market Hill, on the morning of 10/12/17. It was on an 88A working from Colchester. It was later driven back under its own power. (Simon Austin).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 1559 (EU56 GVG) and Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3817 (GN07 AVD) were on loan to Southend in late December. This was due to ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs being used on rail replacement from Southend. Some Colchester staff were also loaned for the rail job.
LDV Convoy crew ferry FJ05 KWV looks to be withdrawn ?

Above: 1559 at Southend Travel Centre on 28/12/17. (Simon Austin).

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3414 (SN54 HXA), which moved to Arriva Guildford and West Surrey earlier in 2017, is now a driver trainer.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3856/74 (KE54 LNR, EPC) have returned here from Stevenage.They are for an extension of service 9 to Epping.
Optare Solo 2488 (YJ57 EJK) has been transferred from Ware.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (WARE).
A visit to Ware depot on 16/12/17, found Optare Solos 2464 (KE55 KPG), 2483 (YK07 BCZ) parked up in a withdrawn condition. Also present was Medway Mainline Dart SLF/MPD 1610.

Above: Arriva Kent Thameside Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3858 is one of the buses transferred from Harlow to Stevenage last summer, following receipt of the new ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs for the 508/9/10 Harlow-Stansted Airport services. It was seen at the old Sovereign Babbage Road depot, Stevenage on 16/12/17. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Grays (GY) allocated VDL DB300LF/Wright Gemini2 DW246 (LJ59 ACX) retained its Ash Grove (AE) depot codes, and DW249 (LJ59 AAU) retained its Brixton (BN) depot codes in late December.

BANYARDS TAXIS, MALDON.

Above; The only pcv licensed vehicle in this old established fleet, is Ford Transit 16 seater YB08 XMY. It was pictured at The Bentall Centre, Heybridge, on 23/12/17. (John Podgorski).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.

(John Podgorski).

Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas Y327 AUT has been acquired, repainted into the new white/orange livery and re-registered 6884 YG. It is seen (above) on GA RRP at Ingatestone on 24/12/17. Ex TKG, South Bermondsey is Mb 1223L/Ferqui S8 COA ex FX51 BSY. From Cranberry, South Harwood is Neoplan Skyliner CN05 APX. Setra S250 P901 OKP is now YSV 645. Volvo B10M/Jonckherre MKZ 9880 is here in red and with Barkerbus fleet names.
EOS H18 HEV has been offered for sale, while Dennis Javelin/Marcopolo M707 HBC is sold.

BEESTONS.
Volvo B12M/Jonckherre MV08 DMF has passed to Plaxton, Anston (dealer). Sister SF08 VTK ex NSV 371, is now with Houston of Lockerbie. Volvo B10M/Van Hool Alizee W207 JBN ex UGP 69 has gone to Silverdale, Airdrie and sister X777 GSM ex 226 LRB, went to Nesbit Bros of Somerby.

BLUE TRIANGLE.

Above: The ex East London Transit (ELT) Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s are now receiving standard red livery. WVL345 was seen at Barking on 10/12/17. (Daniel Acott).

Below: The current ELT buses are New Routemasters. They can also appear on TfL15. LT946 was captured on The Strand on 16/12/17. (Simon Austin).

Ex Metrobus are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 231/32. From London General are ADL/Enviro 200s SE219/32/34 and Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WVL274-76.
LT906 is the latest in East London Transit livery. LT873 has a Reserved Xmas overall advert.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers DP195/99/202/4 (EU53 PYA/G/L/P), latterly with London General at Stockwell, have passed to Ensign. PYG/P for resale; PYA/L for breaking. They had been replaced on TfL170 (Victoria-Roehampton) by new Wright Streetlites.

Above: DP204 and DP199 at Ensign on 23/12/17. (John Podgorski).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17880/LX03 NGU is being converted to single door. 17885/LX03 OPT is regular on 888 (Basildon-Shenfield High School via Laindon, Langdon Hills, Herongate).
With the impending end of Regal Busways, the overflow parking at Regal’s Rochford outstation has ceased, with all Blueline vehicles stabling at Welton Way.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
New is Fors Tourneo 8 seater YP67 VHY.

COLAS RAIL.
5/12/17: 60056 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement.
12/12/17: 60056 on 6L44.
14/12/17: 60056 on 6L44.
18/12/17; 70802 on 6L37 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
19/12/17: 60076 on 6L44.
19/12/17: 70802 on 6L37.
20/12/17: 70802 on 0L37 at Royston.
22/12/17: 70813 on 6L37.
28/12/17: 60096 on 6L44.
29/12/17: 70813 on 6L37.

COLCHESTER BUS STATION.

(John Podgorski).
The site of the old buildings had been completely cleared by the start of December. This view is dated 3/12/17.

CT PLUS.
The TfL managed turning circle/crew facility at Hackney Wick is temporarily closed for refurbishment. TfL26 (Waterloo-Hackney Wick) terminated at Cassland Road for the duration.

Above: CT Plus ADL/Enviro 40H City no 2523 turns from Well Street onto Mare Street in South Hackney on 29/12/17. (John Podgorski).

ADL/Enviro 200/EL Esteem DE5 (PN07 KRF) is now with Hunt of Alford, Lincs.

DANS LUXURY TRAVEL, SOUTH WOODFORD.

Above: Yutong Tc12 YG65 APK at Duke Street, Chelmsford on 9/12/17. (Simon Austin)

DBS.

Above: 66070 at Kelvedon on 8/1/15, on an “up” sand, from Marks Tey. (John Podgorski).

5/12/17: 66070 on 6M67 Broxbourne-Mountsorrel Redlands empties.
6/12/17: 66085 on 4L45 Wakefield-Felixstowe.
7/12/17: 66158 at Bow Olympic.
8/12/17: 66009/99 on GN RHTT. 66158 at Bow Midland.
10/12/17: 66006 on Peterborough-Bow. 66069 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton Junction.
12/12/17: 66085 on Wakefield-FLX. 66102 at Bow Olympic.
14/12/17: 66177 on Mounsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66182 at Bow Olympic.
15/12/17: 59203/4 on Purfleet stone. 66006 on Bow Midland Plasmor. 66080 on Mossend-Dagenham automotive. 66182 on Chelmsford stone.
21/12/17: 66075 on PBO-Ripple Lane. 66107 at Chelmsford.
29/12/17: 66128 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX.

DRS.
5/12/17: 37422 towed GA 90007 from Crewe back to Norwich. 57305/12 on Bath Spa to Norwich ECS via NLL and GEML.
11/12/17: 66419 on Wembley-Ipswich.
12/12/17: 66421/24 on 3S60 visited Parkeston on their RHTT travels.
19/12/17: 37606 on Stowmarket-Ilford light engine; then towed GA DVT 82118 back to Norwich.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
From Metrobus is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 230.
Ex Mandela Way ADL/Enviro 200 SE221 had received SI depot codes by mid December.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini VWL23 (LF52 THG) – latterly with London General, is being broken for parts by Ensign.

EAYJET.
New is Airbus A320-214 G-EZRN.

ENSIGNBUS.
An aditional BCI Excellence is 151 (LX67 DDU) It was diverted from Aintree Coachline.

Ensign held its annual Running Day on 2/12/17.

Above; Ensign’s superb ex Southend Corporation Transport Massey rebodied Daimler CWA no 263, enters Lakeside bus station. When new with London Transport, this had a utility body. (Simon Austin).

Above: Seaford and District former Crosville Bristol SC4LK/ECW 241 SFM departs Lakeside bus station. (Simon Austin).

Below: Ensign Heritage fleet Leyland Titan T986 at Gravesend. (Simon Austin).

Above: Ensign’s lovely ex Jones of Flint Leyland Tiger Cub/Burlingham Seagull JCK 892 making its operational debut on the Running Day at High Street, Brentwood. Following is Ensign’s preserved ex Southend Transport Leyland Tiger/Duple Carribean 250 (A250 SVW). (Simon Austin).

Above: On 24/12/17, there was a special running day to commemorate the end of operation of Green Line 702 by First. Ensign’s RT3232 was seen at Slough. Reading Buses has taken over the 702. (Daniel Acott).

EOS LONDON.
Acquire are Mb Sprinter/UVMS BG63 VUV/W, ex AVIS, Heathrow.

FIRST ESSEX.
From First Potteries are two more Caetano bodied Dennis Dart SLFs – 41493/94 (LK03 LLX/Z). From First West of England are Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solars 66719/30 (WX54 XDC, XCP). All are at Chelmsford (CF)

(John Podgorski).
Volvo 7900Hs 69903/6/12 (BV13 ZBE/J/T) now have a blue/green ‘City County Connections’ livery. 69912 is pictured (above) at Chelmsford on 9/12/17.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 32640 (KP54 AZB), Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 42939, 42968 (WX06 ONC); Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 62408 (YS03 ZKE), 65687/89 (YS03 ZKG/J) are the latest repaints into Refreshed colours. 32640 completes its batch, while 65689 has lost its “lipstick front”.
Optare Solo 53209 (CN07 KZM) has lost its super rear advert for Wayne Walker Chicken Breasts – which it carried while with First Potteries, while 53130 (EO02 NFM) is delicensed at CF with mechanical problems.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton midi Pointer 42557 is delicensed at Clacton. Also now VOR (at CF) are Volvo B10BLE/Wright driver trainers 62195/97, Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66829, BMCs 68535/51 (EU05 DXR/S).
The remains of fire damaged Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33133 (LT02 ZBZ) were still at Clacton depot on 31/12/17.

(Simon Austin).
From First Bath are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 42895/900 (WX05 RUW, RVF). They are at Chelmsford (CF). 42895 was pictured (above) on 13/12/17.

Above: Ex First Borders Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 61230 at Colchester bus station on Sunday 3/12/17. It is on the Sun/hols only 88A to/from Halstead which had previously been contracted to Regal Busways. Note that the Nisa Convenience store has yet to open ! (Simon Austin).

(John Podgorski).

The old enquiry office on Queen Street, Colchester is now occupied by Fresh Beginnings, a charity for migrants and refugees. This replaced their old premises at Whitewell Road. Pictured (above) on 3/12/17.
Following problems with trespass and vagrancy, culminating in a fire, the old depot at Magdalen Street, Colchester has had extra security barriers installed.

FLAGFINDERS.
Has ex Regal Busways Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer YN04 PZY.

FREIGHTLINER.
66524/64 now have bodyside vinyls for staff recruitment
4/12/17: 66529 at Gidea Park CS with MHAs, MTAs, MPAs.
6/12/17: 66529 at Gidea Park CS with NR bogie wagons. 66539 hauled a failed 70007 on 4L93 Lawley St-FLX intermodal.
7/12/17: 66598 at Gidea Park. 66607 at Bow Olympic.
8/12/17: 66529 at Gidea Park with JNAs. 86609/5 on 4L89.
9/12/17: 66515/66/98 all on engineers trains at Gidea Park.
11/12/17: 66515/98 at Gidea Park.
12/12/17: 66515 on Parkeston-Whitemoor engineers. 66556 at Gidea Park with JNAs.
13/12/17: 66598 at Gidea Park. 66622 on Mantle Lane-Chesterton Junction.
14/12/17: 66515 at Gidea Park with track train.
15/12/17: 66556 (?) at Gidea Park.
17/12/17: 66515 on Gidea Park-Whitemoor engineers.
18/12/17; 66515 at Gidea Park.
19/12/17: 66515 at Gidea Park. 66536 on Ipswich-Lindsay tanks.
20/12/17: 66515 on Whitemoor-Parkeston engineers. 66522 “Thunderbird” from Ipswich following OLE failure. 66598 at Gidea Park. 66607 on 6L44 Tunstead-West Thurrock.
21/12/17: 66598 at Gidea Park. 66957 on Whitemoor-Parkeston.
22/12/17: 66418/504 on 6Z74 Whitemoor-Parkeston. 66505 at Bow Olympic.
29/12/17: 66415 on Whitemoor-Ingatestone autoballasters.
30/12/17: 66585 and 66954 on Ingatestone-Whitemoor engineers.

Above: EMD Class 66 diesel electric locomotive 66565 heads a Felixstowe bound intermodal past Church Street level crossing, Kelvedon at 1430 on 16/12/17. (John Podgorski).

GALLEON TRAVEL, ROYDON.
Irizar i6 YN62 DNO has passed to Prentice Westwood, West Calder, Scotland.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
Setra S416s 289 (BV10 ZKL), 309 (BN12 EOO) have been re-registered to 5048 PP, and 3379 PP respectively.
Vehicles sold are Van Hool TX15 Alicrons 322/23 (YJ13 GWG, GXG) – to Limburg Tours, Sheffield; Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 351 (N827 FKK) – to Homeless Street Club, Westcliff. Vo Olympian/RH 253 (L842 SNO0 is also sold.

GBRf.
Tilbury steel contract gained from DBS/Colas w/c 18/12/17.
1/12/17: 66703 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks. Was running 1 day late this week.
2/12/17: 66767 on 4Z26 FLX-Masborough, but failed near Needham Market.
3/12/17: 66703/6/42/79 on 6P41 Peterborough-Ipswich light engine. 66708 on 6T60 Shenfield-Parkeston engineers. 66710/23 on 4Z66 Broxbourne-Peterborough RHTT. 66752 on 6T62 Broxbourne-Parkeston engineers. 66758 on 4R33 Colchester goods-FLX. 66763 on 4R28 Parkeston Quay-FLX.
4/12/17: 66706/79 on 0L33 IPS-FLX light engine. 66710/18 on 3S81 West Anglia RHTT. 66711 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX.
5/12/17: 66779 on 4M23.
6/12/17: 66759 at Bow Midland on 6M47 to Bardon Hill.
7/12/17: 66769 at Bow Midland.
8/12/17: 66703 on N Walsham to Harwich tanks.
9/12/17: 66709 on 4L29.
10/12/17: 66706/42/44/47/68 on 0L33.
11/12/17: 66744 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
12/12/17: 66732 on 4Z26. 66744 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66770 at Bow Midland.
14/12/17: 66739 at Bow Midland.
15/12/17: 66744 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66770 at Bow Midland.
17/12/17: 66718/25/42/56 and one oil tank wagon on 6P41 PBO-Parkeston Quay.
18/12/17: 66779 on 4Z26.
19/12/17: 66718 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66752 at Bow Midland. 66779 on 4Z26/27.
20/12/17: 66776 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
21/12/17: 66739 at Bow Midland.
22/12/17: 66709 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66717 on 4M02.
24/12/17: 66778 on 6X63 Gidea Park-Whitemoor engineers.
26/12/17: 66717/18/26/35/65 on 0L33.
27/12/17: 66717 on 4Z26. 66720 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX.
28/12/17; 66717 on N Walsham to Harwich tanks.
30/12/17: 66726 on 4M23. 66765 on FLX-Whitemoor light engine.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
Sold are Bova Futura 415 (XO13 BOY), Volvo B12B/VH Alizee 419 9OO03 BOY), Mb Sprinter 461 (BB62 BOY).

GREAT NORTHERN.
365534 at Ilford Depot on 12/12/17 for maintenance.

GREATER ANGLIA.
321307 is the latest into Renatus livery. Ex GN 321401 has appeared in service.
1/12/17: 90011 hauled from Norwich to Crewe by 37716 as 0C95. 156407 on Cambridge-Norwich rather than usual Class 170. Ex GN 317342/38 on 1204 Cambridge-Liverpool St. Ex GN 317343 with native 317659 on 1215 Cambridge North-Liverpool St.
7/12/17: 90007 ran light Norwich to Orient Way, Leyton to collect 90005 and its set, which had suffered wheel flats. 90007 returned to Norwich with the carriages but not 90005.
14/12/17: DVT82118 towed from Norwich to Ilford by 37422 90002 ran light engine from Norwich to Crewe for overhaul, via the GEML and NLL. 90011 ran light from Crewe back to Norwich via sane route.
18/12/17: 321409 on 1A95 lost pantograph at Witham – resulting in motor car of unit, plus OLE damaged. Severe disruption between Colchester and Shenfield as a result, with SLW Kelvedo to Boreham until 1625 and replacement buses required until around 1900.
18/12/17: 321314 on Ilford-Doncaster ECS.
19/12/17: 153322 on Marks Tey-Sudbury.
20/12/17: 321324 on 5L46 Wolverton-Ilfrod ECS.
21/12/17: 321319 Ilford-Wolverton for retraction.

Above: Another view of the Northumberland Park station remodelling project. This shows the eastern side of the site, looking south (towards central London). It will form part of a new railway track alignment. This is why the portakabins and Panther Travel outstation had to be moved to Willoughby Mews, to the north of the station. The London Underground Victoria line depot is on the left. (Alex Hazell).

HEDINGHAM.
Ex Thames Travel ADL/Enviro 200s 295/97 (SN10 CCX/Z) have returned, ex loan at Konect.

(Simon Austin).

295 is now in service (from Sible Hedingham (HD)). Pictured (above) at Colchester bus station on 12/12/17. It moved to Kelvedon (KN) on 14/12/17, by which time its new fleet number had been physically applied. Seen (below) on 17/12/17.

(John Podgorski).

ADL/Enviro 200 296 (SN10 CCY) is now in fleet livery. It entered service from KN on 20/12/17.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) returned to HD at the start of December, following a month at KN. 258 (EU56 FLN) arrived at KN from HD instead. 251 then moved to CN (on loan) from HD, and returned later in December. These long SLFs can only be used on KN routes 91/92/95 as D1, D2 cannot physically accommodate such vehicles. An example is where the D1 turns around at St Lawrence Bay. 258 returned to HD in mid December. 255 now has an additional fleet no on its offside below the cab window.

(John Podgorski).
Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking driver trainer 416 (PL51 LGO) has come from Plymouth Citybus, and been renumbered 9000 in the Hedingham ancillary fleet. It is at Clacton (CN). It was seen (above) on High Street, Colchester on 15/12/17.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 574/75/78 (W506/516/519 WGH) are all VOR at CN, with engine defects. 574 was however back on the road in mid December. Trident 739 (T117 DBW) is withdrawn following its engine failure.

Above: Dennis Trident/EL 722 at Colchester on driver instruction duties on 12/12/17. (Simon Austin).
Below: Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere no 8 on driver training at Colchester bus station on 29/12/17. (Simon Austin).

(John Podgorski).

The old Tollesbury depot is For Sale via Gerald Eve. There is planning permission for 10 private houses. It was seen (above) on 9/12/17.
The former Burnham on Crouch outstation site, at Springfield Business Park, has now had an industrial unit erected which is occupied by Integral Technical Services Ltd and Caprice Yacht Charter Ltd. The previous occupant, Hill Piling, has moved to a larger yard on the same industrial estate.

IPSWICH BUSES.
ADL/Enviro 200 77 (KX59 GNY), now has a revised livery of purple roof and skirt, lime green main bodywork and white trim.

JET2.COM.
New are Boeing 737-800s G-JZBE/F.

KLM CITYHOPPER.
New is Embraer 175STD PH-EXS.

L and R TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N142 LAT is now K20 LNR.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
From Blackpool Transport are Dennis Trident/EL Lolynes E14 BTS, E15 BTS. They were new to IOMT as EMN 52Y, EMN 49Y respectively.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
From Metrobus is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 256 (SN54 GRK). This has received ivory/purple driver training livery. From London Central is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL392 (LX54 HAO). Commercial Services Volvo B10M/Plaxton coach VC2 is also now here.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital DMN4 (LN51 GWO).

Above: Wright Streetlite WF WS49 at Chingford Station in the early hours of 17/12/17. (John Podgorski).

MALCOLMS BUS SERVICE, CLACTON.
Ex the now defunct Venturer of Clopton is Leyland Tiger/EL rebody WPH 135Y. It was new to London Country as an ECW bodied Green Line coach.
Mercedes 709D/Reebur Beaver E343 TYD has been sold to Mr F Lawrence of Colchester.

MISCELLANEOUS.
The old trolley poles at St Helens Street, Ipswich have been replaced by new
street lamp standards.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
345014/17 were delivered to Ilford on 15/12/17. 345017 then ran to Southend Victoria and back.
In early December, Gidea Park depot had all track lifted (including the long ladder crossover), except for two through sidings. This site was first opened in 1910.
315832/61 are withdrawn. They were returned off lease from Ilford to Wolverton as 5Z15 on 13/12/17. 315835/40 also moved from Ilford to Wolverton in December.

Above: 315861 – still in ONE livery, leads 315828 on a Liverpool Street-Shenfield service at Brentwood on 16/5/15. (John Podgorski).

Over the Christmas-New Year break, 345008/15 and one other ‘345 were stabled at Liverpool Street, due to the engineering blockade on the GEML south of Ingatestone.
They shared platform space with assorted Class 315s.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.

Scania K340EB6/Caetano Levante SH18 has been VOR at Start Hill Scania, Stansted since September, 2017. It was pictured on 16/12/17. (John Podgorski).

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Volvo B6BLE/Wrights X974/76 CNO have retutned to Lufkins Farm depot, ex outbased at Harwich International Port.

(John Podgorski).

Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 V124 MEV has become the Double Deck Diner, at Essex Motors, Bockings Elm, near Clacton. It was pictured (above) on 30/12/17. Sister X331 HLL appears to have been resold via Essex Motors, while Trident/Plaxton President T97 KLD has moved from Bockings Elm to storage at Essex Motor’s compound in Clacton railway station yard. Seen (below) also on 30/12/17.

(John Podgorski).

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Has gained Essex CC routes 103/4 (Pitsea-Langdon Hills) from Regal.

Above: NIBS Scania Omnidekka no 304 departs Basildon on a 104 on 28/12/17. (Simon Austin).

PANTHER TRAVEL.
DAF DB250LF/EL Lolander AB02 PAN has been re-registered back to FD02 UKR and sold to Reading Buses.
Withdrawn is Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount BIG 8856.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 DC62 PAN on a morning schools journey on route 81. Pictured at North Station Road, Colchester on 17/11/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843 and Plaxton Primo DC04 PAN at Parkeston depot on 24/12/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: A very dilapidated Optare Solo S626 JRU is the current store shed at Matching Green workshop. New to Wilts and Dorset, it was ex K Line of Huddersfield. Seen on 16/12/17. (John Podgorski).

PEGASUS AIRLINES.
New are Airbus A320-251ns TC-NBM ‘Ekin Naz’, TC-NBN ‘Bahar’, TC-NBO ‘Asya’.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Local bus operation ceased after 29/12/17. This company is to close in early 2018.
Rail replacement contracts were honoured over Christmas and New Year, and the final activity will be the Braintree Freeport Shuttle.
The bus services withdrawn are commercial 1/A/B/X (Chelmsford-Canvey), 3/A/B/D (Oxney Green/Chelmsford-Southend); privately contracted B2 (Basildon Festival Park-Shoeburyness); council contracted 10/A (Pleshey-West Hanningfield), 71/72 (Blackmore-Warley), 104/6 (Pitsea-Langdon Hills), 322 (Old Harlow-Saffron Walden – schooldays only). Arrow Taxis has registered commercial/flexible replacements for 1 and 3; 71/72 have passed back to Stephensons; 104/6 went to NIBS. The last day for 1, B2 and 104/6, 322 was 22nd December; 3, 71/72 – 23/12/17; 10/A – 29/12/17.
Sweyne Park (Southend) school journeys on the 3 will continue until the end of January 2018.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 601 on a 72 at High Street, Brentwood on 2/12/17. This bus has now passed to Flagfinders (see above). (Simon Austin).

DAF SB3000/VH YJ03 PKK has been repainted and returned to service. White Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KP02 PVD now has a front panel in Regal livery.
MAN NL270LF/Wright 802 (WX08 DFN) has been sold to Ensign. Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 USV has been offered for sale on e-bay.

ROG.
11/12/17: 47813/15 on 6T02 Barrington-Wembley.
13/12/17: 47813/15 on Wembley-Ilford with barrier wagon.

ST LAWRENCE MARINE AND EDUCATION INSTITUTE.

Ex NIBS of Wickford former Amber of Rayleigh Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano HV52 WTA is here. It was pictured on 9/12/17. It was acquired in summer 2017. (John Podgorski).

Above: HV52 WTA in its Amber days. At Basildon bus station on 14/7/16. (Simon Austin).

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
A clearout at Cowley Road, Cambridge depot saw the dispatch of te following buses to PVS, Carlton for scrap: Dennis Trident/ALexander ALX400s 17151/75 (V151/75 MEV), 17180 (W187 CNO), MAN18.220 /Alexander ALX300s 22313/15/19/30 (AE51 RYN/P/V, RZJ).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: Following recent TfL contract changes, the ranks of the Dennis Trident have continued to diminish. One of the later examples, no 18466 was caught at Abbey Wood Lane terminus, Rainham on 10/12/17. (Daniel Acott).

Optare Electrocity demonstrator 80037 (YJ65 EOV), has returned to Optare – off
loan.
Transferred to Selkent is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 18451 (LX05 LLM).
To overall adverts for Reserved Xmas are New Routemasters LT244/70, 362/84.
Back to fleet livery ex overall adverts are ALD/Enviro 400 10181 (SN63 JWJ); New Routemasters LT312/64/73/83/85.
ADL/Enviro 40H 12322 has a super rear advert for Veetee Rice; 12323 for Car Finance. ADL/Enviro 40D 19575 has a super rear advert for Alphabet Cars; 19773 has a super rear advert for Geo News on Sky TV.

STAGECOACH HUNTINGDONSHIRE.
Scania N280UD/Enviro 400 gas bus DD16 GAS was evaluated on North Cambs Busway services during December.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
From 27/12/17, routes 71/72 were regained from Regal, while ex Regal schools service 322 (Saffron Walden-Newport–Takeley) was also gained, extended to Old Harlow and renumbered 441.
The management of Clacton outstation yard has now been taken over by Dura Composites, having previously been owned by John Canham Recovery. Security has been improved with a fence and lockable gate being added.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 413 at Braintree Bus Park on 12/12/17. Note the ‘UK Bus Awards Winner’ branding, which has been applied across the fleet. (Simon Austin).

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
VIL 8682 is a Volvo Olympian/NC Palatine II ex Decker Bus of Whittlesea. It was originally N598 CKB with Merseyside Transport. Sister N593 CKB has come along too. They are the first double decker buses here.

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: One of the oldest buses still on TfL work is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini VNW32405, seen at Aldwych on 16/12/17. Aldwych is the new eastern terminus of the truncated TfL23 service. (It had previously run to Liverpool Street). (Simon Austin).

Above: Wright Streelite DF WV46220 at Covent Garden on 16/12/17. This batch was actually bought for TfL236 (Hackney Wick-Finsbury Park), but they also often appear on TfL RV1, alongside Enviro 200s and the hydrogen buses. (Simon Austin).

The TfL owned turning circle/crew facility at Hackney Wick has been temporarily closed for refurbishment. Routes 30 (Hackney Wick-Marble Arch), 236 (Hackney Wick-Finsbury Park) had to terminate at Eastway for the duration.

Above: The temporary Eastway terminus on 28/12/17. (John Podgorski).

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Acquired via Ensign are ex Stagecoach Merseyside Scania L94UB/Wright Solars YN05 WKD/E and ex Stagecoach Midland Red Scania Omnicities YN56 NNE/G.
Scania L94UB/Solar YN05 WKC has received fleet livery.
Sold are Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents TP 431/64-64 (LK03 GFX, GJY/Z, GKA/C).

ULTIMATE, BULPHAN.
YN07 EDX is a VDL Bova ex AP Travel of Cowbridge, Wales.

UNO.

(Simon Austin).

Over the Christmas-New Year holiday, University of Hertfordshire branded Scania Omnidekka 203 (UH55 UNO) and Alban Way branded Scania N230UD/Olympus 207 (PN08 SWF) were used on the TfL Shenfield to Newbury Park rail replacement, on sub contract to Ensignbus. Both pictures were taken at Romford on 30/12/17.

(Simon Austin).

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Ex Cambridge Bus and Coach is former Shearings Volvo B10M/Alexander (Belfast) RIG 9303 ex H82 DVM.

With thanks to: D Acott, Anglia Gen, S Austin, A Barham, M Cole, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, Hedingham Omnibuses, J Sadd, M Woodgate.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the November, 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.
In response to the shortage of qualified pcv drivers. Hedingham and Chambers has taken the initiative of starting driver training in house. The main shortages are at Clacton and Chambers and two instructors have been appointed; based at each of these locations. Most training is centred on Clacton, where a dedicated training vehicle is based, and part of the yard is being set aside for reverse practice etc. It is understood that there was much interest for the trainee driver vacancies at Clacton.
Currently, some drivers from fellow Go-Ahead companies Konect, Plymouth Citybus and Southern Vectis have been seconded to Clacton and Chambers.
In early November, the Maldon Road/Southway area of Colchester resembled a building site. At the western end of Southway, ongoing work to make this section of road into “shared pedestrian and vehicle space” was well in hand, while the junction with Maldon Road was temporarily closed for 6 days, to allow replacemnent of a water main. Most affected bus services, were diverted out of Colchester through the old garrison, with only Arriva using the “traditional” diversionary route along Beverley Road and Cambridge Road. It is understood this was due to low tree branches along the latter throughfares and the fact Arriva’s fleet is now all single deck.
Ipswich Buses has made more second hand acquisitions to upgrade its fleet – this time the the shape of ex London Scania Omnicity double deckers.
On the railway, works for the Crossrail project continue. Following the completion of track laying in the running tunnels, Gidea Park depot is now being remodelled, to make it suitable for the new Class 345 trains and improve access from the country end. Deliveries of Class 345s continue apace, with around half the new fleet delivered by the end of November.

24/7, STANSTED.
New are Renault Trafic 8 seater LJ67 ACX-Z, ADX, AGX, AHE.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3817/18 (GN07 AVE/F) were loaned to Southend for 1 day on 18/11/17. This was to cover for double deckers on Greater Anglia rail replacement.
Between 6 and 11/11/17, Ambrose Avenue bound route 1s and Tollgate bound 4s were diverted via Lexden Road, Beverley Road and Cambridge Road due to Maldon Road being closed at its junction with Southway for water main replacement. Greenstead bound 1s and town centre bound 4s were rerouted via Salisbury Avenue and Butt Road.

Above: DAF SB120/Wright Cadet no 3527 turns out of Cambridge Road into Maldon Road on 10/11/17. (John Podgorski).

Route 4 has been diverted at its outer end along Church Lane and Plover Road, in the new Hampton park housing development at Tollgate. It then runs to/from its terminus at the Medical Centre along the new Stanway by-pass.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
From Arriva Kent & Surrey is Optare Versa 4235 (KX13 DHE).

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 MMC no 6503 at Newbury Park on 29/10/17, on GA RRP to Wickford. (John Podgorski).

BALFOUR BEATTY.

Above: Colchester depot, seen on 17/11/17. (John Podgorski).

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution AE56 OUL has gone to Shelton Motors, Ely – for scrap, via Ensign.

CHAMBERS.
A driver training school has been established, with certain functions shared with Hedingham.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 260 (EU56 FLR) transferred from Hedingham during November.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Sold is Mb Sprinter 413/UVM welfare bus 116 (WX55 HXF).

COLAS RAIL.
2/11/17: 60087 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock. 70817 on 6L37 Hoo-Whitemoor.
6/11/17: 70808 on 6L37.
7/11/17: 70811 on 6L44.
8/11/17; 37219 + 37611 + 6261 on 1Q90 NR test train up GEML.
10/11/17: 70809 on 6L37.
14/11/17: 56301 on 6L74 Wembley-Barrington. 70814 on 6L44.
16/11/17: 70807 on 6L37. 70811 on 6L44.
20/11/17: 70809 running light, “down” through Stratford @ 1649. On 0V30 Hiksey Yard to Dagenham, to form 6V30 return to Bridgend.
21/11/17: 60095 replaced 70814 on 6L44 and ran 4 hours late. 66850 on 6L37.
28/11/17: 60056 on 6L44.
30/11/17: 60095 replaced 60047 at Toton on 6L44. 66850 on 6L37.

DBS.

Above: Bow Midland yard on 17/11/17. The wagons are defective, or “cripples” in railway parlance. (John Podgorski).

1/11/17: 66108 at Bow Olympic
2/11/17: 66108 at Bow Olympic.
3/11/17: 66044 on 4L45 Wakefield-Felixstowe. 66164 at Bow Midland on Plasmor.
w/e 4/11/17: Burton to FLX flow ceased; replaced by GBRf Hams Hall to Southampton flow.
6/11/17: 66053 on sand at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich.
7/11/17: 66011 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66108 at Bow Olympic.
8/11/17: 66108 at Bow Olympic. 66176 on 6L53 Mounsorrel-Chesterton Junction.
12/11/17: 66009/174 on 3J32 GN RHTT.
13/11/17: 66158 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich on sand @ 0800.
14/11/17: 66125 on Wakefield-FLX. 66176 at Broxbourne on 6M76.
15/11/17: 66053 at Bow Olympic.
16/11/17: 66053 at Bow Olympic.
20/11/17: 66155 at Bow Midland on Yeoman hoppers.
21/11/17; 66075 on Broxbourne-Mountsorrel aggregates.
23/11/17: 66040 at Bow Olympic. 66119/165 now on GN RHTT
24/11/17: 66011 on West Thurrock-Mountsorrel STP.
27/11/17: 59104 at Bow Midland. 66059 on Wakefield-FLX. 66070 at Cambridge North.
30/11/17: 66083 at Bow Olympic.

Above: 59201 brings up the rear of a west bound aggregates train formed of HKA hoppers at Iver, Buckinghamshire on 14/3/15, (66200 was leading). The service would have likely originated from Marks Tey sand yard or Purfleet Stone Terminal in Essex and travelled via Acton. 59201 is one of the former National Power Class 59s. When this picture was taken, the OLE for Crossrail had yet to be erected. (John Podgorski).

DLR.

Above: Bombardier B92 Stock unit no 52 awaits departure from Woolwich Arsenal on 4/11/17. (John Podgorski).

DRS:
66421/24/26 on GEML RHTT in early November.
6/11/17: 37405 + 37419 + 57303 + DBSO 9705 on Norwich-Crewe, past Witham @ 1047.
7/11/17: 37059/69 – Stowmarket to Ilford.
9/11/17: 66116 at Bow Olympic.
10/11/17: 66116 at Bow Olympic.
14/11/17: 37059/69 on Southend Victoria line with 3S60 RHTT. 66421/24 at Ilford for tyre turning.
15/11/17: 37425 on Norwich-Willesden light engine.
20/11/17: 66303 on Wembley-Stowmarket light engine move. Then paired with 66426 for RHTT.
21/11/17: 37218/419 on GEML RHTT. 57301 + 37606 on Willesden-Norwich light engine move up GEML.
23/11/17: 37059/69, 57002/7, 66434 on 0A81 Stowmarket-Willesden Brent light engine move. 37259 + 37605 on Willesden-Stowmarket light engine.
25/11/17: 66421/24 on Stowmarket to Doncaster Roberts Rd light engine.
27/11/17; 37218/606 on GEML and Clacton line on 3S60 RHTT. 66304 on 4L48 Daventry-Purfleet.
28/11/17: 37607 with ultrasonic test train down West Anglia line from Cambridge in late evening.
30/11/17: 37607 and test train stabled at Colchester.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Belvedere depot, latterly with Go-Ahead London (London General), has closed, with work moving to Morden Wharf at North Greenwich and London Central at Bexleyheath. It was originally opened by Harris Bus for TfL contracts in south east London, and replaced an outstation at Crayford. It had been coded as BV with London General.

Above: Back in April 2012, Belvedere was being used to store withdrawn Mercedes Citaro bendybuses. MAL49 (BD52 LNF) was pictured on April 30th. (John Podgorski).

ENSIGNBUS.
Sold are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 902 (LJ54 BCZ) to Goodwins of Eccles; 904 (LJ54 BDU) to Kent Coach Tours of Ashford and Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 157 (LX04 FXS ex WLT 307) to Aintree Coachline of Bootle.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Ex AVIS, Heathrow is Mb Sprinter BG63 VUV, It is now plain white with led destinations.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents LK03 CEU, UFU have gone for scrap to Shelton Motors of Ely, following a period of store at Ensign. Also gone for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 754 (KX03 HZW) and 758 (LK03 NLF).

FIRST ESSEX.
Ex First West of England is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42968 (WX06 ONC). It is at Chelmsford (CF).
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62409 (YS03 ZKG) is the latest repaint into Refreshed livery. Sister 65683 (YR52 VEU) has moved back to Colchester (CR) from Clacton (CN), while 65688 (YS03 ZKH) now has Route 74/76 branding. 62407 (YS03 ZKB) and 65683 (YR52 VEU) have had their dot matrix rear service number apertures replaced by led units.
The last Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLF, 41730 (X503 JLO) is withdrawn, while sister 41735 (X735 HLF) has gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap.

Between 6 and 11/11/17, Maldon Road in Colchester, was closed at its junction with Southway, for water main replacement. Routes heading south from the town centre were diverted through the Garrison, with 64/A, 75/A being affected. 75/As running into Colchester were rerouted via Salisbury Avenue and Butt Road.

Above: Wright Streetlite no 63344 on diversion at Napier Road, Colchester Garrison on 10/11/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 37138 at Colchester Bus Station on 12/11/17, but not calling at the usual stop for an eastbound 62A. The stand it is on, at Stanwell Street – is for express coaches. This was due to High Street being closed for the Remembrance Day parade. (Simon Austin).

Above: X30 branded ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 66167, at Chelmsford rail station on 17/11/17, on town service 42. They have also been noted on 71 to Colchester and the Chelmsford Park and Ride, on occasions, and 66171 was seen on 31X on 21/11/17. (Simon Austin).

Below: X30 E200 MMC 66170 at Chelmsford, on a 71 on 25/11/17. (Simon Austin).

Above: Ex First Essex Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66979 was one of a batch which moved to First Eastern Counties in 2014; initially at Ipswich and later to Norwich. This shot, taken on 18/11/17, shows it at Castle Meadow in Red Line livery. (Simon Austin).

Below: Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32801 is one of three ex First Essex Tridents on loan to First Eastern Counties at Great Yarmouth; the others being 32809/49. It was seen at Caister Road depot on 18/11/17, in company with ex First West Yorkshire Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 36187. (Simon Austin).

FREIGHTLINER.

(John Podgorski).

2/11/17: 66606 on 6M80 Bow Olympic-Tunstead.
4/11/17: 66563 at Stratford on ballast. (Pictured above).
8/11/17: 66606 on 6L71 Coalville-Chesterton Junction. 86604/8 on 4L91 Trafford Park-Ipswich/FLX.
9/11/17: 66529 dragged 86604/8 from Ipswich on 4M88 FLX-Crewe.
12/11/17: 66555 on Ruckhold Junction (Leyton) to Whitemoor engineers’.
15/11/17: 86609/4 on 4M88 Ipswich-Crewe.
16/11/17: 66505/64 on 4E22 IPS-Leeds. 66601 on Dowlow Sidings to Chesterton.
17/11/17: 66602 with rake of WWAs, “up” through Colchester @ 0822. 66614 ‘Poppy’ at Bow Midland @ 0928.
20/11/17: 86609/4 + dead 70015 on 4M88 FLX-Crewe.
24/11/17: 66596/8 light “down” through Romford @ 1400. 66603 at Bow Olympic.
25/11/17: 66596 on up slow at Gidea Park.
27/11/17: 55568 with JNA wagon at Gidea Park CS on construction duties.
66549 at Gidea Park with JNAs and one MLA.
29/11/17: 66615 at Bow Olympic. 86638/39 on 4M88 IPS-Crewe.
30/11/17: 66613 on Tunstead-Marks Tey stone.

Above: 66602 heads through Colchester on 17/11/17. (John Podgorski).

GBRf.
2/11/17: 66728 at Ilford depot on 3Z40 EMU move from Wolverton, with 321320. 66765 at Bow Midland.
3/11/17: 66776 on 6T63 Whitemoor-Shenfield engineers’ and returned on 5/11/17.
6/11/17: 66702/67 on 0L33 to FLX.
7/11/17: 66718/24 on 4L02. 66771 on North Walsham-Harwich Tanks.
8/11/17: 66702 on 4L29 Birch Copice-FLX. 66705 on 4M21 FLX-Trafford Park. 66765 on 4Z27 Masborough-FLX.
11/11/17: 66720/28 on 3S70 RHTT along Southend Victoria line. 66763 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX.
12/11/17: 66718 on 6T66 Whitemoor-Tottenham South Junction engineers’. 66724/53/56/57/62 on 0L33 PBO-IPS light engine.
13/11/17: 66724/62 on 0L33 IPS-FLX. 66744 on 4Z81. 66747/29 on 4Z27 Masboro-FLX. 66753/56/57 0L33 FLX to Parkeston.
14/11/17: 66769 at Bow Midland.
15/11/17: 66753 on 6P41 Parkeston-Walsham empty tanks. 66769 on 4L02.
16/11/17: 66710/23 on 3S81 West Anglia RHTT.
17/11/17: 66771 at Bow Midland @ 0928.
18/11/17: 66729 on 4Z26 FLX-Masborough. 66747 on 4L29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66770 on 4M28 FLX-Hams Hall.
20/11/17: 66705 on 4Z27. 66779 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
21/11/17: 66705 on 4Z26. 66724 on 4Z81. 66769 on 6M47 Bow-Bardon Hill. 66770 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66772 on 4M29. 66779 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
22/11/17: 66779 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
22/11/17: 66705 on 4Z27.
23/11/17: 66753 on 4M23. 66779 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
24/11/17: 66748 at Bow Olympic. 66758 on 4Z33. 66772 on 4M29.
26/11/17: 66703 on 6T63 at Ipswich. 66739 on 6T61 at Ipswich. 66756 on 6T62 at Ipswich.
27/11/17: 66739/64 on 0L33 IPS-FLX light engine. 66779 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX.
28/11/17: 66710/23 on 3S81 Broxbourne RHTT. 66716 on 6M14 Harlow Mill-Bardon Hill aggregates. 66769 on 6M47 Bow-Bardon Hill. 66779 on Hams Hall-FLX.
29/11/17: 66746 on FLX-Hams Hall.
30/11/17: 66703 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66779 on 4L02.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
Mb Sprinter VU53 FYR has been repainted.

GREATER ANGLIA.
5/11/17: 90008 at Bounds Green depot.
8/11/17: 90008 back to Norwich via NLL and GEML as 0Z38.
10/11/17: 90005 towed 37423 light engine down the GEML from Norwich.
16/11/17: 321342/440 on 0900 Norwich-Liverpool St.
17/11/17: 90004 back from Bounds Green. 317501/667 + 321304 5F98 ECS at Witham @ 1135. 321320/409 on 0900 NOR-LST.
20/11/17: 321409 on 1P04 and 1P23 Liverpool St-Norwich and return.
21/11/17: 90002 light from NC to Bounds Green with DRS 57301, with 90010 returning.
22/11/17: 321447 + 344 on 1P23 NOR-LST.

HEDINGHAM.
A driver training school has been established, based at Clacton depot. Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere coaches 8 (R453 FWT) and 9 (S290 TVW) have been converted into driver trainers, but remain available for pcv use too.

Above: Volvo B7TL 510 at Coggeshall on 2/11/17. (John Podgorski).

Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 510 (LB02 YWX) has been received from Konect. Retaining blue/yellow, but now with Hedingham fleet names, it had briefly been at Hedingham before – in late 2016/early 2017 – but had been returned following an engine failure. It it allocated to Sible Hedingham (HD), which required an extra double decker following the taking back “in house” of Honywood school bus 3.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) appeared at Kelvedon in early November, and was used on 91/92/95. 260 (EU56 FLR) has been transferred to Chambers. (qv).
Ex Thames Travel short ADL/Enviro 200 507 (SN10 CCY), moved on from Kelvedon to Sible Hedingham on 1/11/17; for repaint into fleet colours, and service prep. 504 (OU57 FGZ) entered traffic from Clacton (CN) in late November, retaining its overall advert but with red Hedingham fleet names added. 504/506-8 (OU57 FGZ, SN10 CCX/Y/Z) have been renumbered 294-97 in the Hedingham series. 295/97 subsequently moved on to Konect, for use on ex Anglian services.

Above: Ex Thames Travel ADL/E200 294 ex 504 at Colchester Bus Station on 22/11/17. (Simon Austin).

Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 739 (T117 DBW) is delicensed due to major engine failure.
Collected by Alpha Recovery, for scrap are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premieres 4 (M571 XKY), 6 (N667 THO), 7 (P530 CLJ); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 84 (M276 UKN); Volvo Olympian/NC 93 (R259 LGH). 4 has minor rear accident damage and 7 had been cannibalised. Volvo Olympian/NC 90 (N427 JBV) has been donated to a school.
The “native” Scania Omnidekkas are having their heating systems modified, so that they can be controlled from the cab, rather than by a thermostat in the engine bay.
Scania Omnidekka 911 (OY54 PGZ) was deemed to be unsuitable and has been returned to Carousel Buses. It had been long term VOR at Carousel, and defects found were considered beyond economic repair. The wording on its overall advert is somewhat ironic …………………….

Above: Omnidekka 911 at Clacton depot on 30/10/17. (John Podgorski).

Ancillary vehicle news is that ex Go-Ahead London Ford Transit SWB mid roof engineers van EX61 MZL is now here, numbered 9001 and at Clacton. Vauxhall Combo van W761 TRE is back at Kelvedon from Sible Hedingham. It is used as a depot runabout at KN.

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: 13 ex Metroline Scania Omnicity ‘deckers are being acquired. no 43 was pictured at Colchester bus station on 22/11/17. They were new to First Centrewest and sourced through Scania. Hants & Dorset Trim refurbished., repainted and converted them to single door. (Simon Austin).

Below: Vehicles to be replaced by these “new” Omnicities include ex London United Dennis Tridents, such as no 16. This was caught on Crown Street in Ipswich, on 22/11/17. It retains the old IB livery. It is on the Monday to Friday only 37 service, which is a town centre circular. (Simon Austin).

Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17 (LG02 FEM).

KLM CITYHOPPER.
New is Embraer 175STD PH-EXR.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
The overhead wires on the ramp at Woodgrange Park, were installed by 20/11/7.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: 1996 Tube Stock units 96023 and 96063 at the Stratford terminus of the Jubilee Line on 4/11/17.  The crowds are a combination of shoppers for Westfield and football supporters attending a match at West Ham, who are now located in the Olympic Park. (John Podgorski).

MTR CROSSRAIL.
New is 345023. 345002/15 were delivered to Ilford on 16/11/17, ex tests at Old Dalby. 345002 went to Old Dalby in late November.
Gidea Park depot was been temporarily closed for remodelling from 25/11/17. Work expected to take 10 weeks. Displaced stabling moved to Ilford and Shenfield for the duration. 345012 on 5C87 was the last train to depart. The work involves renewal of all OLE and the installation of a new crossover at the country end to allow access from the Shenfield direction.

Above: Gidea Park depot, looking west, on 11/11/17. (John Podgorski).

MULLEY, IXWORTH.
From Crawley Luxury is Volvo B10MT/Plaxton Excalibur X661 NWY. Sold are Volvo B12T/Jonckherre S64 UBO ex WCF 99, 5304 VC – to Travelsafe, Swilland and Iveco Eororider/Beaulas X888 MUL to Cawthorne, Barnsley.

NATIONAL EXPRESS CONTRACTORS.
Oxford Bus Company: New for NX 737 (Oxford-Stansted Airport) are Volvo B11RT/Caetano Levantes 56, 57 (BV67 JYR/S).

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante BX64 FKM has a super rear advert for ‘Ben 10’ on VUER.
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante FJ12 FYR has a super rear/wrapround advert for the Scouts.
Scania K340EB4/Caetano Levante SH18 (MIG 9443) is long term VOR at Start Hill Scania, having been there since September.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
There have been some changes to the Northumberland Park shuttle. The western terminus is now at the TfL bus stand on Northumberland Park Road, as due to construction works, buses can no longer turn around on Marsh Lane.
Northumberland Park outstation has moved to the Volker Fitzpatrick Meridian Waters construction compound on Meridian Way, from alongside the railway station at Marsh Lane; again due to construction works.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DC56 PAN outside the old First depot at Harwich in October 2017. (Alex Hazell).

Optare Excel R835 FNG has gone to Takeley Metals for scrap. It had never been used by Panther, having lain at Parkeston depot, since it was taken over from Hedingham in July 2014. It had been a static store.
Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843 has moved from secure storage to Parkeston to take this role, but is mobile and no longer for sale. Parkeston parking area has been extended and a larger office has been occupied in the Mack Transportation building. This follows GBN Logistics leaving the Iconfield Park site.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL store K508 ESS has gone from Matching Green to the secure storage site. Its place has been taken by ex K Line Optare Solo S626 JRU.

Above: K508 ESS at Matching Green on 28/10/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DC02 PAN at Harwich Quay on 11/11/17. The ship in the background is ‘Galatea’, owned by Trinity House. (Chris Sampson).

PURLING, IPSWICH.
Withdrawn is LDV Convoy P78 UCL.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
6/11/17: 2-6-4T steam tank loco 80078 transferred from Epping & Ongar Railway to Mangapps Farm Railway, by road.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Optare Tempo PO1 (YJ56 WVX) is now a store shed.
Optare Solo M780s 210/11 (YJ60 KHB/C) have passed to Rotala Group PLC. 210 was allocated to Wessex Bus, while 211 went to Diamond West Midlands.
Gone for scrap are Optare Solo M780 204 (YJ58 CDE), Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 614/15 (Y252/58 NLK) and Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 1304 (X263 NNO).
613/15 retained Metroline livery, ableit with the blue skirt repainted dark red, while 1304 retained overall blue from its time with Quentin Kynaston Academy in north London.

ROG.
10/11/17: 37601 + 345021 on 5Q45 Maryland-Old Dalby.
13-17/11/17: 47815 + 47848 on Wembley-Barrington 6L04 and 6M07, for Colas. Apparently due to RMS/Locotech putting their fleet up for sale. But Colas 56301 also used, on loan to ROG.
w/c 20/11/17: 47815/48 on 6L04 again.
20/11/17: 37601 on 0L50 Wembley-Ilford light engine; then 5M42 Ilford-Crewe with 345002 – 345 eventually to Old Dalby.

SOLITAIRE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.
This small (8 vehicle) operator, the trading name of Godfrey of Rochford, has gone into administration.

Above: Ex Viking Coaches of Swadlincote Setra S315 KIG 3581 ex RG51 FMV, 02-TN-1 at Kelvedon on 5/11/14. This was one of three full size coaches at Solitaire, the others being mini/midis. (John Podgorski).

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Green Scania N230UD/Enviro 400 15463 (AE09 GYN) is VOR at Cowley Road depot, Cambridge following a major mechanical failure. Also parked up there in late November were Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 34420 (KY53 EYW), and Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17175 (V175 MEV), 17180 (W187 CNO), 18355 (AE55 DJU). MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 22021 (AE51 RYX) remains there in a cannibalised state.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Preserved Euro6 repowered AEC PRV Routemaster RM1005 (5 CLT) was at West Ham (WH) in late November for examination.
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Alaxander ALX400s 17898/99 (LX03 ORN/P), 18213 (LX04 FXA).
Scania Omnicity ‘decker 15131 (LX59 CMK) is now with Morton, Dublin.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
The Taylors End, Stansted depot is now To Let, by Glenny.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos D1, 2 (X2 SUL, DN02 SUL) have been re-registered X314 BBY, LM02 NYT.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
All Leyland Olympian H47 MJN has been sold to Mr J Patterson, in Norfolk.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
The first double decker here is Neoplan Skyliner KP04 GJX, ex Barkerbus of Roydon.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Having acquired the lease of Atlas Road at Park Royal depot from Tower Transit, RATP London United took over TfL18 (Sudbury-Euston) and N18 (Harrow Weald-Trafalgar Square) from Metroline from 11/11/17. RATP initially used a mixture of new and existing VH Class Volvo B5H/Wright Gemini3s and some ADE Class ADL/Enviro 40Hs. Meanwhile, Westbourne Park (X) garage has been extended with an open air “bus deck” which was built to replace space lost by adjacent Crossrail works.
Resold via Ensign are Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini VNW32380 9LK04 HZL) – to Elite Chaffeurs, Limerick and Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 VN32691 9BX12 CVO) to Yellow Buses, Bournemouth.

TURNERS OF ESEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Gone for scrap are long withdrawn Dennis Javelin/Neoplan Transliner X293 AKY and Dennis Javelin/Placton Excalibur R123 XWF.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Acquired through Ensign are former Southern Vectis ex Go North East/Plymouth Citybus/Damory Optare Solo M850 NM02
Scania L94UB/Wright Solars YN04 GMG, YN05 WKC now have led destinations.DNU ex ON02 DTX, and ex Metrobus Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers SN03 YBK/S.
Gone for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 754 (KX03 HZW), 758 (LK 03 NLF).

UNO.
DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 201 (YJ53 VBN) has passed to enthusiastic Optare user Lynx of Kings Lynn.
Withdrawn is sister 202 (YJ53 VBO).

VLM.
This Belgian airline, which ceased operations in June 2017, after filing for bankruptcy, has resumed – on its Antwerp – London City route.

WHIPPET.
Ex Cardinal Buses, New Haw, via Chartwell, Horsham 9dealer) is ADL/Enviro 300 SN04 EFS.
Sold are Scania L94UB/Wright Solar WS313 (X474 AHE) and Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral WC203 (H129 YCL ex Y391 KBN).

With thanks to: M Allen, Anglia Gen, S Austin, A Barham, R Delahoy, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, L Kinsella, LOTS, R McGregor, C Sampson, T Smethers.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the October 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

Stansted Citylink suddenly ceased operating on 28/10/17. Its Facebook page stated that affected customers could use Citylink tickets on parallel services. Citylink began its 767 Stansted Airport-London Kings Cross/St Pancras route in October 2015. Originally run by Comfort Del Gro subsidiary Braddell Ltd, the service was launched with borrowed Volvo B10M coaches, which were quickly replaced by brand new Mercedes Tourismos. Initially, these were based at Metroline’s Kings Cross depot and maintained at West Perivale. From spring 2016, Callinan Coaches of Stanmore became the contractor, and the coaches were moved to a base at Stansted. Citylink gave “high airport access charges” as the reason for pulling out, but there was also much competition from the incumbent National Express, and fellow newcomer Airport Bus Express.

The first train to run through one of the new Crossrail tunnels did so on 28/10/17.
ROG Class 37 diesel loco 37601 hauled “dead” 345021 between Pudding Mill and Abbey Wood and return. This was for clearance and gauging test, in advance of the OLE being energised.

On 2/10/17, it was announced that Monarch Airlines had ceased trading, with effect from 0400. This charter carrier had been established in 1967 and it was based at Luton. It was the 6th largest UK airline at the time of its demise. The CAA launched a “rescue”, to bring around 110,000 stranded Monarch customers back to Great Britain, using alternative airlines.

Hedingham Omnibuses has upgraded its fleet, with some arrivals from Thames Travel.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Sold is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer P508 RYM ex SIL 6719.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
The last bus in SxConnect blue livery, Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3818 (GN07 AVE) is now in Interurban colours.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs 4084/85/87 (YX17 NHB/C/E) have now received branding for Harlow-Stansted Airport routes 508/9/10. There were delivered unbranded.
Optare Solo 1466 (KE55 KTD) is now in Interurban livery, ex TGM blue. Only 1454 (YJ06 FXT) is left in this scheme.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Interesting acquisitions via Ensign are ex Tower Transit, former First London Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s BG61 SYK, BN61 MXJ/M/R/T/U/W-Y, MYA. Numbered DW901-10 they have replaced VLA Class DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400s at Tottenham (AR) on TfL123 (Wood Green-Ilford).
From 14/10/17 Arriva gained TfL 103 (North Romford (Chase Cross)-Rainham Interchange), 175 (North Romford (Hillrise Estate)-Dagenham New Road) from Stagecoach East London.
Existing and cascaded from elsewhere in Arriva London DW Class VDL SB300/Wright Gemini2s are being used by Arriva for the new contracts. Noted are ex Clapton DW243/44; ex Ash Grove DW245, DW246 (LJ59 ACX), DW247/48; ex Arriva London South (Brixton) DW249 (LJ59 AAU).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 111/15/19 (LJ05 BLZ, BKF/N) have been reinstated at Grays.

Above: Arriva has run TfL103 before. In fact it has effectively regained this contract from Stagecoach. This October 2003 view at Chase Cross, shows Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH L317 and a colleague. These buses were new to Leaside at Clapton and Stamford Hill in 1992, and several were displaced to Barking in 2003, by low floor conversions on their original 253/254 routes. They in turn replaced former County Bus single door ‘H-GEV’ batch Leyland Olympian/NCs from the 103. Stagecoach took over 103 in 2005. (John Podgorski).

From 7-8/10/17, N38 (Walthamstow-Victoria) was reduced in frequency, due to the Night Tube on the parallel Victoria Line.

Above: DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400 DLA16 at Victoria, on the N38 in September 2003. (John Podgorski).

Below: Victoria Line 2009 Stock train, headed by 11058, at Oxford Circus on 20/5/16. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA SOUTHEND.
At least 3 DAF DB250LF/EL Lolanders remained active in October; 6259/60/62 (FD02 UKO/S/U).

Above; DAF DB250LF 6262 in central Southend on 21/10/17. (Simon Austin).

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Mb Sprinter AY17 UGK was on loan from Orwell Trucks in nearly October, covering for the D1 allocated Sprinter AY17 UVL.
D1 passed back to Hedingham from 14/10/17.

Above: AY17 UGK pauses at Hedingham Kelvedon depot on 5/10/17, en route from Orwell Trucks to Arrow’s Maldon depot. It was returning a spare ticket machine which had been required for the D1 service. (John Podgorski).

BALFOUR BEATTY.
23/10/17: Track machine DR75409 at Ipswich on 1220 Colchester-Whitlingham Junction.

BLUE TRIANGLE.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 SE100 was away from its usual east London haunts on 28/10/17, when it was seen at Three Bridges, West Sussex, on a Southern Railway replacement to Brighton. (Daniel Acott).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
From Stagecoach London are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17850/80/84/85/88 (LX03 BZD, NGU, NHA, OPT/W).

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 565 (W425 WGH) has transferred to Hedingham.

COBALT AIR.
SX-MAI is a leased Boeing 737-4K5.

COGGESHALL COMMUNITY BUS.

Above: New Mb Sprinter AY67 ODW at Kelvedon railway station early in the morning on 3/10/17. It is on the regular M-F peak hour commuter feeder service from Coggeshall. (John Podgorski).

COLAS RAIL.
5/10/17: 56301 + 56081 on 6Z17 Wembley-Foxton Exchange Sidings. 60076 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement PCAs.
6/10/17: 56301 + 56081 from Wembley to Foxton again, this time as 6Z16.
9/10/17: 37254 and 37057 on 1Q90 Derby RTC-Ferme Park via Audley End. 56081 + 56301 on 6Z16 again.
10/10/17: 56081 and 56301 on 6Z16.
11/10/17: As above on 6Z16. 37254 and 37057 top and tailing test train at Chelmsford.
w/c 16/10/17: 56081 and 56303 on 6Z16.
w/c 16/10/17: 70810 on 6L37.
19/10/17: 70814 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement with Tarmac JGAs
21/10/17: Track machine DR73925 ‘Europa’ stabled at Broxbourne.
23/10/17: 66847 on 6L37.
24/10/17: 60047 on 6L44.
30-31/10/17: 70810 on 6L37.

CT PLUS.
The all-electric Irizar i2E demonstrator YN67 VDK has arrived, for trials on TfL W13 and 153.
Optare Solo M880 OS18 (YJ60 LRY) has passed to Rotala Group, via Ensign.
ADL/Enviro 200/EL Esteem DE5 (PN07 KRF) is now with Hunt of Alford – via Ripley, Carlton (dealer).

DBS:
2/10/17: 66041 on 4L07 Burton-Felixstowe.
3/10/17: 66024 on 4L07. 66083 at Bow Olympic. 66084 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill.
4/10/17: 66041 on 4L07. 66063 on Wakefield-FLX.
6/10/17: 66185 on 4L07.
8/10/17: 66098 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton.
9/10/17: 59201 at Bow Midland.
10/10/17: 66030 on 6M50 Bow Midland-Acton Yard. 66098 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66109 on 4L07. 66167 on 6L59 Peterborough-Bow Midland.
11/10/17: 66030 at Bow Olympic. 66149 on 4L07. 67023 and 67027 on 1Q18 Derby RTC-Reading via GEML.
13/10/17: 66129 on Wakefield-FLX.
14/10/17: 66100 at Bow Olympic.
15/10/17: 66104 on Wakefield-FLX.
16/10/17: 59206 at Bow Midland. 66097 on 4L07.
17/10/17: 66095 on 4L07.
18/10/17: 66056 at Bow Olympic with Acton stone train. 66151 and 66111 on 3J32 RHTT at Royston. 66167 on 4L07.
19/10/17: 66056 at Bow Olympic. 66065 at Bow Olympic. 66135 on 4L07. 66160 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX.
20/10/17: 66040 on 4L07.
23/10/17: 59104 at Bow Midland. 66111/51 on 3J32 RHTT. 66238 on 4L07.
24/10/17: 66187 on Wakefield-FLX.
25/10/17: 66005 at Bow Olympic.
26/10/17: 66009/174 on 3J33 GN RHTT. 66057 on 4L07. 66168 at Bow Olympic.
27/10/17: 66168 at Bow Olympic again.
28/10/17: 66168 at Bow Olympic.
30/10/17: 59203 at Bow Olympic. 66065 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich on sand.
31/10/17: 66120 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill aggregates. 66168 at Bow Olympic.

DLR.
Unit 116 visited Bombardier, Ilford (by road) on 23/10/17.

DRS.

(John Podgorski).

3/10/17: 37605 hauling dead 90002 and DVT 82112 “down” through Kelvedon @ 1643. Running from Ilford to Norwich Crown Point.
14/10/17: 37069, 57002/7, 57303 all at Stowmarket for RHTT.
18/10/17: 66421 + 66424 on Willesden-Stowmarket light engine move, via GEML.

(John Podgorski).

11/10/17: 57303 on 5Z21 Norwich-Eastleigh ECS with MkII BSO coach 9521. Via GEML.
16/10/17: 37059 and 37069 on overnight RHTT along GEML. 57002 and 57007 on RHTT on Clacton branch.
17/10/17: 57002 + 657007 on 3S10 overnight RHTT along GEML.
18/10/17: 37059/69 on 3S10.
19/10/17: 66421/24 on 3S10.
20/10/17: 57303/6 on 3S10.
21/10/17: 57303/6 on RHTT along Clacton branch.
26/10/17: 57303/6 on 3S60 RHTT, seen heading “up” past Parsons Heath, near Colchester @ 0908.
30/10/17: 56s on 3S60 RHTT down Clacton branch.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis LF52 TGU/Y, THK, TJU, latterly with London General, have been resold via Ensign, to Skills of Nottingham.

ENSIGNBUS.
A temporary addition from Sales Stock is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 920 (LB02 YXD); ex London General but new to East Thames Buses. It is plain white.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 158/59 (WLT 428, WJY 759) have passed to Aintree Coachlines, Bootle.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Ex Go North East is former London General Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking PJ02 PZF. It retains red livery and dual door, but now has led destinations.
Former Compass of Worthing, ex Ensignbus ADL/Enviro 200 GX09 AGZ has been re-registered EOS 711 and repainted into fleet livery, ex white.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 104 (PN03 ULY) is back in service, ex long term delicensed.

EUROSTAR.
373308 has gone to EMR, Kingsbury for scrap. It was collected by road from Temple Mills depot.

FIRST ESSEX.

(Simon Austin).

ADL/Enviro 400 33308 (YX63 LJO) was on loan from First Eastern Counties, for trials on X30 (Stansted-Chelmsford-Southend). It was seen (above) at Chelmsford on 8/10/17. It stayed in Essex for five days. This bus had been blown over in a gale in February 2017, while working on its usual X1 route for Eastern Counties, and was recently outshopped from repairs.
Into Refreshed livery are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42484 (SN03 WLW); Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 65683 (YR52 VEU), 65743 (SN55 JVH); Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66825 (MX05 CEY); Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 32641/42 (KP54 AZC/D), Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 37140 (SN57 CHZ). Fitted with led destination is 42484. 42484 has also moved from Chelmsford (CF) to Hadleigh (HH) – joining the rest of its batch there. 65683 has gone from Colchester (CR) to Clacton (CN), although it had latterly been stored at the latter.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33080 (LN51 GNP) is delicensed.
Withdrawn is penultimate Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41735 (X735 HLF).

Above: Dart SLF/Pointer 42485 on route 28 at Canvey on 8/10/17. (Simon Austin).

FLAGFINDERS.
Subcontracted operation of Honywood Schoolbus 3 (JHalstead-The Teys-Coggeshall) ceased after 20/10/17, with it returning to Hedingham.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.

Above: Bedford YNV/Van Hool C658 KVW is privately preserved by an owner in Kent. It was seen at the Canvey Museum Open Day on 8/10/17. (John Podgorski).

FREIGHTLINER.
1/10/17: 66601 and 66620 on engineers train at Stratford.
3/10/17: 66529 + 66595 on intermodal at Colchester “down” goods loop @ 1700. Departed 1708. 66569 + 66539 on 4L89 Coatbridge-Felixstowe.
4/10/17: 66529 on same train again at Colchester “down” goods loop.
9/10/17: 66416 on Bow-Whitemoor move.
10/10/17: 66510 on Ipswich-Lindsey tanks.
11/10/17: 66588 on Shenfield ‘Thunderbird’.
13/10/17: 66605 on 6E80 Bow-Tunstead.
14/10/17: 66588 on Shenfield ‘Thunderbird’. 86638 + 86628 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX.
w/c 15/10/17: 66588 on Shenfield Thunderbird.
22/10/17: 66617 on Whitemoor-Shenfield engineers’.
27/10/17: 66523 towed 90041 from Midland Road depot, Leeds to Ipswich after repairs to the ’90.
28/10/17: 66534 and66606 top and tailing ballast train at Stratford.

GBRf.
2/10/17: 66735 ON 4L02 Hams Hall-Felixstowe.
3/10/17: 66731 at Bow Olympic. 66744 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX. 66745 on 6T70 Whitemoor-Gidea Park. 66758 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
4/10/17: 66731 at Bow Midland.
5/10/17: 66756 on 6A33 Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
6/10/17: 66773 on 6Y24 Whitemoor-Parkeston.
7/10/17: 66728 running light towards Felixstowe (am). 66779 ‘Evening Star’ on 4L02 Hams Hall-FLX.
8/10/17: 66760 + 66765 + 66756 + 66758 + 66726 plus 1 oil tank wagon on Peterbough-Harwich Refinery Carless Sidings movement.
9/10/17: 66765 + 66760 on 0L33 light engine to FLX North. 66771 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX.
10/10/17: 66706 at Bow Midland. 66756 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.
11/10/17; 66727 ‘Maritime One’ at Bow Midland.
12/10/17: 66760 on “up” intermodal through Marks Tey @ 1201.
13/10/17; 66727 at Bow Midland.
14/10/17: 66710/20/23/8 at Broxbourne for RHTT. 66759 on 6T64 Whitemoor-Stansted engineers’. 66765 on 4Z81 Rotherham Masborough-Parkeston intermodal. 66768 on 6T63 Whitemoor-Stansted engineers’.
16/10/17: 66719 on Carless empty tanks from Harwich to North Walsham. 66720 and 66728 topping and tailing 3S81 RHTT at Royston.
17/10/17: 66706 at Bow Midland on 6M47 to Bardon Hill. 66719 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.18/10/17: 92028 on 6L48 Garston-Dagenham car transporters.
19/10/17: 66720/28 on 3S81 Broxbourne RHTT. 66769 on North Walsham-Harwich Tanks.
20/10/17: 66714 at Bow Midland. 66720/28 on 3S70 Broxbourne RHTT. 66729 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster.
21/10/17: 66723/28 stabled with RHTT train at Broxbourne. 66729 on 4M28 FLX-Hams Hall – additional run.
22/10/17: 66748/59/57/63/68 on 0L33 Peterborough-Parkeston light engine. 66725 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX then 4M02.
23/10/17: 66718 on 4L27 Masboro-FLX. 66748 on 6P41 Harwich-North Walsham tanks. 66725 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX. 66758 on 4Z81. 66763 on 4M23.
24/10/17: 66706 at Bow Midland on 6M47 to Bardon Hill. 66716 light engine, southbound through Ipswich @ 1058.
25/10/17: 66710/23 on 3S70 Broxbourne RHTT. 66710 has replaced 66728. 66748 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
27/10/17: 66720/28 on 3S81 GN RHTT.
28/10/17: 66718 on 4M23. 66725 on 4Z27. 66759 + 66745 on 4L02; failed at Shenfield; rescued by light engine off RHTT. 66732/65 on 6T64 Whitemoor-Marks Tey ballast.
29/10/17: 66767/09/68/29 on 0L33 Peterborough-FLX light engine move.
30/10/17: 66709 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
31/10/17: 66731 at Bow Midland.

Above: 66723 and 66728 at Broxbourne on 21/10/17. (John Podgorski).

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
Mb 816/Cheetah YX14 EFS has come via Ensign.

GOLDEN BOY COACHES, HODDESDON.
New is 402 (VO67 BOY), an Irizar i6 named ‘Master Patrick’.

GREAT NORTHERN.
700019 was at Cambridge depot on 24/10/17.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: The senior conductor awaits passengers as DVT 82139 forms the rear of a Norwich to London service at Colchester, at 0630 on 4/10/17. (John Podgorski).

On 3 and 5/10/17 there was industrial action by guards/conductors belonging to the RMT union. This was to do with concerns that the guards’ role would become diminished, when the new Stadler trains appear from 2019. Services were not affected by this action.
158854 was on short term hire from East Midlands Trains in early October.
The Class 153 and 156 DMUs have been retro-fitted with anti slip brakes. This is to prevent adhesion issues during the leaf fall season.
6/10/17: 90006 ran light engine from Norwich to Bounds Green (via GEML, NLL, ECML) for tyre turning.
7/10/17: 317515 + 317347 on 1F46 Liverpool St-Braintree.
10/10/17: 9006 light engine down GEML to rescue 1P30.
16/10/17: 321305 on Doncaster-Ilford ECS.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200s 508/7/6 upon arrival at Clacton depot from Thames Travel, at teatime on 26/10/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 507 at Kelvedon depot on 31/10/17, with Volvo B7TL no 581. (John Podgorski).

From Chambers is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 565 (W425 WGH). It is at Clacton (CN).
Short ADL/Enviro 200s 504 (OY57 PGZ), 506/7/8 (SN10 CCX/Y/Z) have been transferred from Thames Travel, and Scania Omnidekka 911 (OY54 FGZ) from Carousel Buses. 504 is in an overall advert for the Carousel Buses/Thames Travel app, while 911 has an overall wrap for Amersham and Wycombe College. All were initially delivered to Clacton (CN), with 507 moving to Kelvedon (KN) on 31/10/17.
D1 (Maldon-Bradwell on Sea) was brought back “in house” from 14/10/17, ex being subbed to Arrow Taxis. From 30/10/17, PL1 (Tollesbury-Maldon Plume School) became part of the service rota, while HN2 (Kelvedon-Coggeshall Honywood School) returned to the school rota. From 30/10/17, Honywood Schoolbus 3 (Halstead-The Teys-Coggeshall) was taken back from Flagfinders, again ex subcontract.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 11 (W649 FUM) and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 75 (S300 XHK) have passed to preservationists.
Collected by Alpha Recovery for scrap were Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 83 (M273 UKN), Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 74 (R702 DNH), Volvo Olympian/NC Countybuses 67 (P605 CAY), 70 (P612 CAY), 72 (R629 MNU). 71 (R626 MNU) has been donated to a school in Norfolk, for static use, having latterly been stored at Ellough.

Above: Volvo Olympians 83 and 95 await collection from Kelvedon on 20/10/17. (John Podgorski).

A “new” ancilliary vehicle is Ford Transit 85T280 MWB van 8035 (EK56 MGE), from Go-Ahead London. It was pictured (below) at Kelvedon on 5/10/17. The fleet no was subsequently altered to “035”. (John Podgorski).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Ex Metroline former First London Scania Omnicity ‘deckers YR61 RUH/W, RVL have been acquired via Scania. More are due.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 11 (LG02 FCX) has been sold to Scania, Worksop (dealer). Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 138 (Y262 FJN) is now with Eastley and Otley College.
DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 53 (X153 LBJ) has passed to Lynx of Kings Lynn, as that operator’s first double decker.

KLARNER, COLCHESTER. Setra S315 T55 KCL has reverted to its original identity of LV51 ZHL and been sold.

KLM CITYHOPPER.
The last Fokker 70 was withdrawn after service on 28/10/17. This ended a 97 year association between the Dutch Flag Carrier and the Dutch aircraft manufacturer. PH-BZU was the very last on KL1070 from London Heathrow to Amsterdam, which traversed “Busmopolitan airspace”.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
DAF SB200/Wright Commander E20 DGE is YJ03 PFG again, with the E20 DGE mark transferring to Toyota Coaster/Caetano Optima BU08 EJF.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet YG52 CLY has ben donated to a school for use as a classroom.
Unusuad Dennis Trident/EL Lolyne T272 BPR is scrapped. All Leyland Olympian G297 UYK is now with My Fun Bus, Scarborough, while open top Leyland Olympian/NC Countybus tree lopper PJZ 9463 ex K110 YNN has passed to Essex Arboriculture, South Woodham Ferrers.
Bedford OB/Duple CFV 851 has been named ‘Diane’.

Above; Line up of Bedford OBs at the Canvey Museum Open Day on 8/10/17. LTA 752 (far right) is a ‘toastrack’, by the way. (John Podgorski).

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL203 at Whipps Cross on a TfL257 short working on 20/9/15. This was one of a batch of ex London General (Putney) vehicles used. (John Podgorski).

TfL257 (Walthamstow-Stratford) has been lost to Stagecoach East London. (qv). The WVL Class Volvo B7TL/Geminis that were used on it have moved to London Central (as paint floats) or been redeployed on other work at Northumberland Park.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Class 315s and Class 317s now work on the Romford-Upminster branch.

Above: 315803 at London Liverpool Street on 30/9/17. Note the fashionable ripped jeans to the right. (John Podgorski).

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: 1992 Tube Stock 91003 on the rear of an Epping bound service at Theydon Bois on 14/10/17. This is one of the Central Line stations which is beyond the Greater London boundary in Essex. It’s in a surprisingly rural location. (Simon Austin).

MILESTONE, CANVEY.
Neoplan Skyliner SF56 TYT has been noted.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
New are 345020/21. Delivered so far are 345001-21. 345010 has been used for staff training at Gidea Park.
315851/54 had moved to the back road at Aldersbook CS on 9/10/17. They are Reserve rather than withdrawn.
345007 visited Gas Factory Junction on training on 27/10/17.
On 28/10/17, 345021 was used for clearance/gauging tests between the tunnel portal at Pudding Mill Lane and Abbey Wood. ROG 37601 provided the traction.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Scania/Levante tri-axle BK14 LGL now has a super rear advert for ‘Powerpuff Girls’, a cartoon available on NX VUER. Several sisters have super rear adverts for VUER.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President T97 KLD and Trident/Alexander ALX400 X331 HLL have passed to Essex Motors, Clacton (dealer) – for resale.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Ex Amber Optare Versas YJ57 XWD/F/G have passed to Centrebus, via Ensign. Ex Amber ADL/Enviro 200 KX08 HMD is now with Ago/ATG, Coventry. Other ex Amber buses sold are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos KM51 BFY, KV02 YBE, HV52 WTA/K, CC05 BLU.
Dennis Trident/ELs BIL 4419, BIL 6538 have reverted to their original T401/4 SMV marks, and been sold.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: A pleasant autumnal scene at Dedham on 21/10/17, featuring ADL/Enviro 200 DC62 PAN, shortly before it went for repaint (see below). (Alex Hazell).

Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N611 APU has passed to a preservationist. It joins some other ex Eastern National/Thamesway vehicles.

Above: N611 APU at Matching Green depot on 23/9/17. (John Podgorski).
Below: N611 APU making its preservation debut at the Canvey Museum open day on 8/10/17. It was seen at the seafront with preserved former London Transport Leyland National LS24. (John Podgorski).

ADL/Enviro 200 DC62 PAN has received full fleet livery.
DAF DB250LF/EL AB02 PAN has been offered for sale.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA has been re-registered BIG 7006, received Panther fleet names and is no longer for sale.
Accident damaged Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer BIG 7006 was re-registered back to Y182 CFS. It was then collected for scrap by Takeley Metals.
All Leyland Olympian BIG 9249, which had been in store, was in use again in mid October. It was still for sale at this time.
Plaxton Primo DC04 PAN made its first appearance on X15, 80/81 on 25/10/17, covering for SLF/Pointer DC02 PAN.

Above: DC04 PAN in Dedham on 25th October. (John Podgorski).

Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL K508 ESS has appeared as a seat store at Matching Green, having been moved over from the airfield.

ROG.
3/10/17: 37884 at Ilford EMU depot, having arrived from Leicester via ECML.
27/10/17: 37601 hauled Class 345021 on Old-Dalby-Ripple Lane move. Also see MTR Crossrail notes.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
New is Irizar i6 YN67 VDD – named ‘Aurora’ and delivered in plain light metallic blue. Scania L420/Irizar PB V23 ROM has reverted to its original PB10 BUL mark, and sold to Irizar (dealer), Worksop.

RYANAIR.
On 4/10/17, a flight from Lithuania to Luton was diverted to Stansted after a hoax bomb scare. It was escorted by two Typhoon jet fighter planes.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, WICKFORD.
Mb Sprinter 515/KVC OIG 2895 ex YN08 HZC, has been sold.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 22060 (KV53 FAK), now has led destinations, ex dot matrix.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Megabus liveried ADL/Enviro 400 19825 (LX11 BLF) is now at Romford North Street (NS). This has been at various Stagecoach London garages.
TfL257 (Walthamstow-Stratford) was gained from London General North from 14/10/17. New for this are ADL/Enviro 40H MMCs 12426-32. They work alongside existing (mostly 62 plate) E40Ds, from Leyton (T).
TfL 103 (North Romford Chase Cross-Rainham Interchange) and TfL175 (North Romford Hillrise Estate -Dagenham New Road) passed to Arriva London North from 14/10/17. This has resulted in the withdrawal of more Tridents, such as 18201 (LX04 FWL).

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17791 at the southern Terminus of 175 – Dagenham New Road, on 31/1/15. (John Podgorski).

Trident/ALX400 18478 is delicensed.
Trident 17883 (LX03 NGZ) has passed to Lombard (dealer), Rotherham.
Tridents resold through Ensign are:
LX03 BXS, BYA, OSB – to Springfield Coaches, Warrington; LX03 BXY – to First Bus Stop, Gravesend.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
Ceased operations after 28/10/17. It had run its 767 Stansted Airport-London Kings Cross-St Pancras route since October 2015.

Above: Mb Tourismo BG65 VXK at St Pancras International on 30/3/17. (Tony Smethers).

STEPHENSONS.
Three Rivers ADL/E200 477 (EU66 AVB) was working at Maldon w/c 2/10/17.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale N119 UHP has been returned, ex loan to Turners of Essex.
Several heritage vehicles have been offered for sale. These include AEX PRCV Routemaster JJD 535D; Bristol KSW/ECW open topper WNO 480; Bristol LHL6L/Plaxton Panorama Elite UAR 929M; Bristol LHS6L/Plaxton Supreme ESU 815X; Bristol MW6G/ECW 573 UVX; Bristol RELH6L/Plaxton Panorama Elite SGF 483M; Bristol VRT/ECW open topper CBV 2S; DAF MB200/Plaxton Supreme YJN 455S; Leyland Atlantean/ECW RVW 90W; all Leyland Olympians H47/48 MJN; Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH open topper J343 BSH; Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen CAZ 2747; Leyland Titans OHV 747Y, A620 THV; VH T815 G103 CJN.

THOMAS COOK AIRLINES.
New is Airbus A320-214 G-TCAE.

TITAN AIRWAYS.
New is SX-ORG, an Airbus A320-232.

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 DN33641 at Marble Arch on 10/10/17. (Daniel Acott).

ADL/Enviro 400 DN33784 has moved internally to Lea Interchange (LI).
Withdrawn are ADL/E400s DN33776-81 and Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis VNW32364/75.
The old Atlas Road garage has had its lease transferred to RATP London United. This was effective from 19/10/17. RATP will run ex Tower Transit TfL18, N18 from there from 11/11/17. Vehicles for this began to arrive from late October.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Has Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer SN54 GPV, via Ensign.
Sold to Shelton Motors, Ely – for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y243 FJN, Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KM51 BFO and spares donor Volvo B10BLE.Wright Renown W129 XRO.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Scania Omnidekkas YN03 DFV/X have been sold.

WEST COAST RAILWAYS.
9/10/17:
47237 on 1Z73 Southend East-Gloucester ‘Steam Dreams’ charter train. This was steam hauled from Southall.
20/10/17: 47760 on 5Z60 Norwich-Southall ECS via Broxbourne.

With thanks to: D Acott, M Allen, Anglia Gen, S Austin, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, Hedingham & Chambers, L Kinsella, LOTS, P Mullender, J Sadd, T Smethers, A Spooner, B Sycamore, S Walsh.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSC, CMILT.

Welcome to the September 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

Unfortunately, there was another terrorist attack in London on 15/9/17, with the District Line on the Underground being targeted. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt, but it shows that we must continue to be on our guard.

Out in the provinces, the usual shuffle of local bus contracts has now settled, and this was followed by many changes to school contracts, for the new academic year. Panther Travel has meanwhile launched a new commercial service – X15, offering a more direct link between Harwich and Colchester than incumbent operator First.

At First Essex, repaints into Refreshed livery seem to be gathering pace, while on the railway, the entry to service of the new Class 345 EMUs for Crossrail is advancing, with the first withdrawals of Class 315s taking place.

And in the skies, Ryanair has caused disquiet by announcing mass flight cancellations into the autumn, due to “a staff shortage”. Up to 18000 flights are reported affected. The “shortage” is actually down to poor personnel rostering, with apparently “too many staff booked for leave at any one time”.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
The last bus in SxConnect livery, Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3818 (GN07 AVE) is now in Interurban colours.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Southend DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3529 (LF02 PNE) was again on loan in September.
Optare Solo 1518 (YJ07 VRC) is delicensed.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

(John Podgorski).

Withdrawn is DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3507 (KE51 PUO). It is pictured (above) in its previous life as a Transport for London contracted bus, at Upminster in March 2008. Route 370 is now double deck worked.
3507 was replaced by the reinstatement of DAF DB250LF/EL 6255 (FD02 UKK).
The ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs are no longer diagrammed to work on Sundays, their place being taken that day by Optare Versas. The MMCs have also appeared on rail replacement, marking a return by Arriva Southend to this work after several years. 6499 from this batch now has a tachograph.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Later model DW Class VDL300/Wright Gemini2s have arrived at Grays (GY) from north London (Tottenham), to replace VLA Class Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s on TfL370 (Lakeside-Romford). Existing DWs have made appearances on TfL370 already. Those moved to GY are DW222/23/25/26/28/29/38-40/42/44. DW225 (LJ59 AEU) was the first noted. DW222/23 (LJ59 AEO/P) were observed later. The DWs will also be used when TfL 103 (Chase Cross-Rainham), 175 (Hillrise Estate-Dagenham New Road) are gained from Stagecoach in October. VLA operation at GY ceased at the end of September. The last were VLA111/15/16/18/19 (LJ05 BLZ, BKF/G/L/N) which are now delicensed and stored at Edmonton (EM).
Meanwhile, Barking (DX) has received DW250 (LJ59 AAV) from London South and DW326/29/31 from north London.

Above: DW225 at Lakeside on 2/9/17. (John Podgorski).

Further ex Arriva London South New Routemasters at Ash Grove (AE) are LT317/22/25.

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.

Above: Mb Sprinter/UVM AY17 UVM, at Butler Road bus park, Halstead, on 1/9/17. It is on the ex Regal service to Sudbury. (Simon Austin).

Below: Sister AY17 UVL in Maldon on the first Saturday of D1 operation, 2/9/17. This is due to last for two months initially. (David Arnold).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Sold is Setra S315 N11 HCL ex EK51 KZB.

Above: EOZ E180 H18 VEW departs Colchester North Station on 30/9/17, on GA RRP to Witham. (Simon Austin).

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Some of the ELT branded LTs have appeared on other routes; such as the 5 and 15.
LT950 was on 15 on 4/9/17. The ex Stagecoach LTs on TfL15 are currently running in red with LBL roundels but no fleet names.

Above: The second of the ex Blue Triangle Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2s, now with Metrobus, to be converted for use on TfL X26 (West Croydon-Heathrow Airport) is WVL343. It was seen at Kingston on 2/9/17. (Daniel Acott).

BRENTWOOD COACHES, HUTTON. Mercedes 0184D/Plaxton Cheetah YN60 FMC has passed to Bagnall, Swadlincote.

CHAMBERS.
Ex Anglian Bus Scania Omnidekka 556 (YN55 PZF) has been taken into stock, as no 1504.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 571 (W488 WGH) has transferred to Hedingham.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 291 (EU06 KCX) was on loan from Hedingham in early September.
New contracts are some of the Hedingham School runs, shared with Hedingham Omnibuses.
Stanway Schoolbus 1 (Mount Bures-Wakes Colne Green-Chappel-The Teys) has been transferred from Hedingham.

Above: Dennis Trident/EL no 724 at Stanway School on 22/9/17. This and no 725 are not fitted for OPO, so are restricted to schools. (John Podgorski).

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
VW LT46 welfare bus 102 (LF08 XGD) has passed to Wadsworth, Tamworth.

CITYJET.
New are CRJ900LRs EI-FPP/R.

COLAS RAIL.
6/9/17: 70808 on 6L37.
7/9/17: 66847 on 6L37. 70802 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock.
12/9/17: 60002 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement tanks, instead of usual ’70.
13/9/17: 37254 top and tailing 37057 on Network Rail inspection train on GEML and Harwich branch.
14/9/17: 60021 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock.
15/9/17: 70814 on 6L37.
18/9/17: 60076 on 6L44 and return on 19/9/17.
21/9/17: 60095 on 6L44.
26/9/17: 60021 on 6L44.
28/9/17: 60095 on 6L44.

DBS.
1/9/17: 66077 on Burton-Felixstowe.
4/9/17: 66040 on Wakefield-Felixstowe. 66061 on Burton-FLX. 66182 at Bow Olympic.
5/9/17: 66069 on 4L40 Cowley-Purfleet. 66102 at Bow Midland. 66182 at Bow Olympic.
6/9/17: 66102, 66198 at Bow. 66188 at Bow Olympic.
7/9/17: 66188 at Bow Olympic.
12/9/17: 66023 on 4L07 Burton-FLX. 66066, 66182 at Bow Olympic.
13/9/17: 66088 at Bow Olympic. 66102 at Bow Midland on Plasmor. 66171 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX. 66199 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
14/9/17: 66086 on Wakefield-FLX. 66133 on 4L07.
15/9/17: 66121 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66199 on 4L07.
18/9/17: 59206 at Bow Midland. 66030 at Bow Olympic.
19/9/17: 66030 at Bow Olympic. 66135 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill but failed and replaced by 66102. 66176 on 4L07.
20/9/17: 66012 on 4L07.
21/9/17: 59004 at Bow Midland. 66070 at Bow Olympic. 66086 on 4L07.
22/9/17: 66012 on Wakefield-FLX. 66044 at Bow Olympic. 66133 on 4L07.
24/9/17: 66137 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich on sand.
25/9/17: 59101 at Bow Midland. 66012 on Wakefield-FLX. 66013 on 4L07.
26/9/17: 66084 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66116 on 6M67 Broxbourne-Mountsorrel. 66162 on Barrington-Wembley spoil.
27/9/17: 66197 on 4707.
28/9/17: 59203 at Chelmsford. 66004 on 6V47 Margam-Tilbury. 66034 at Ripple Lane on 6M95 from Peak Forest. 66089 on 6X77 Warrington-Dagenham Dock. 66100 at Bow on 6M50. 66114 on 4707. 66144 on Dagenham Dock-Ripple Lane trip. 66197 on 4M07.

DE VERE, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
The Hennys-Lamarsh feeder for the Turners Hedingham School run, has passed to Chambers.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Most of the ex London General ADL/E200s on TfL100 (Wapping-Barbican) retained their MW depot codes in September, and the batch is generally kept to that route.

DRS.
5/9/17: 68001 + 37425 on 0Z19 Crewe Gresty Bridge-Norwich, seen Chelmsford @ 1320.
8/9/17 was the last day of Class 68 operation in East Anglia.
12/9/17: 37419 on Norwich-Willesden light engine, via GEML.
13/9/17; 57002 + 68034 seen passing Kelvedon @ 1220 on Willesden Brent-Norwich light engine move.
16/8/17: 68001 + 68034 on 1G03 Norwich-Liverpool Street excursion.
18/9/17: 37419 towing 57007 up GEML.37422 and Caroline on 2Z02 Richmond-Hackney.
28/9/17: 37716 hauling GA DVT 82112 on 5P94 Norwich-Ilford inter depot move. Seen Marks Tey @ 1124. 57002/007 on 0Z60 Tonbridge West Yard-Stowmarket light engine move via NLL and GEML.
29/9/17: 37716 towing GA 90007 on 0Z56 Norwich-Crewe light engine.

EASYJET.

Above: Airbus A320 G-EZBC at Jersey on 23/9/17, having just arrived from London Southend. (Colin Garnier).

ENSIGNBUS.
New is BCI Excellence 151 (LX67 DDU).
Vehicles sold are:
Dennis ADL/Enviro 200 GX09 AGZ and Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 798 to EOS London, Rainham; Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 156 to Carters of Kettering; ADL/Enviro 200 651 to Grant Palmer of Flitwick; Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 903 to Goodwins of Eccles.
ADL/Enviro 200 701 (PX61 AXZ) has been written off due to fire damage.

Above; BCI Excellence no 146 begins its day’s work at Tilbury, Civic Square, on 2/9/17. (Daniel Disbury).

A staff contract has commenced for Amazon. It transports workers to the warehouse at Tilbury, from neighbouring towns.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 713 at Dorking station, Surrey on 10/9/17 – on an e-rail to West Croydon for Southern. (Chris Carmen).

EOS LONDON.
Ex Ensign are ADL/Enviro 200 GX09 AGZ and Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 798.
From 4/9/17, service 87 (Harlow-Staple Tye-Epping) became M-F peak hours only.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 KX58 BGY on the 87 at Epping station on 11/9/17. (Daniel Acott).

EUROSTAR.
373321/32 have gone to EMR, Kingsbury, for scrap.

Above: 373213 heads towards London at Rainham Marshes on 2/9/17. (John Podgorski).

FIRST ESSEX.

(Wayne Bell).

From First Potteries is Optare Solo 53209 (CN07 KZM). Solo 53123 (EO02 NFE) is back here via First Potteries. Both are at Chelmsford (CF). Another ex First Borders Scania L945UB/Wright Solar is 61230 (YM52 UWH) – seen (above) at Quayside depot on 19/9/17.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents 33186 (LT02 WVB), 33190 (LT52 XAA) have transferred from Colchester (CR) to Hadleigh (HH), while 33044 (LN51 DVH) was on loan from CR to HH during September. Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 69421/30/32/33 (AU58 FFH/S/V/W) are now at CF ex CR. Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33086 (LN51 GMG) is back in use at CR, ex long term VOR.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 32087 (KP51 WBX) 32477 (AU53 HJN), B7TL/Wright Geminis 32628/31 (KP54 KAU, KBF) and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42932 (SN05 EAP) are now in Refreshed livery. 32477 was the last of its batch to be treated. All of the Solos are now in Refreshed colours, bar 53123.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41735 (X735 HLF).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42933 at Brentwood (High Street) on ex Regal Essex CC route 565 on 6/9/17. (Simon Austin).

Below: ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 44660 at Willingale on 6/9/17, on ex NIBS Essex CC route 46. (Simon Austin).

Above: Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 32628, newly into Refreshed livery, heads into Colchester along Maldon Road on 23/9/17. (John Podgorski).

FLAGFINDERS.
Is running the Halstead-Honywood School (at Coggeshall) ‘Bus 3’ contract, on behalf of Hedingham.
Bova Futura GB55 FLG has received the new livery.
Scania K113/VH XIL 8427 is sold.

Above: GB55 FLG at Ipswich on GA RRP on 24/9/17. (John Podgorski).

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: 86607 at Ipswich in October 2003. Although in the newer livery, the picture is dated by the grey liveried ’86 and ’47 either side. (John Podgorski).

66501-66599, 66951-66956 are now all in the Intermodal Pool. The 66/6s are in the Heavy Haul Pool.

1/9/17: 66567 + 66543 on Lawley St-Felixstowe.
5/9/17: 86607 + 86628 on 4L91 Traffod Park-FLX.
12/9/17: Heavy Haul 66614 at Bow Olympic – on 6E80 to Tunstead.
13/9/17: Heavy Haul 66620 at Bow Olympiac. Intermodal 86614 on 4L91 to Ipswich.
14/9/17: 66953 + 66416 + 66531 on 4E22 Ipswich Leeds ! Lineside fire at Headstone Lane on WCML caused disruption and diversions.
18/9/17: 66606 on Bow-Barrow Hill. 66622 on West Thurrock-Tunstead.
24/9/17: 66520 and 66616 on Gidea Park engineer’s.
27/9/17: 66619 at Bow Midland.
28/9/17: 66760/65 at Felixstowe.
30/9/17: 66548 on Shenfield ‘Thunderbird’.

(John Podgorski).

GBRf.

Above: 66765 on an “up” intermodal at Ipswich on 9/9/17. (Simon Austin).

1/9/17: 66717 at Bow Midland.
5/9/17: 66726 at Bow Midland.
6/9/17: 66715 on 4M29. 66770 on 4L02. 66772 on Harwich-North Walsham Tanks.
10/9/17: 66715/51/64/78 at Ipswich on engineers’.
11/9/17: 66727 + 66754 with 2 tank wagons on Parkeston-Ipswich movement.
13/9/17: 66722 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX. 66756 on 4Z26 FLX-Masborough. 66779 ‘Evening Star’ on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
14/9/17: 66727 on 6A32 North Walsham-Parkeston Quay empty tanks. 66732 on 4M29 FLX-Basford Hall. 66744 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66756 on 4Z26 FLX-Masborough. 16/9/17: 66732 on Birch Coppice-FLX.
17/9/17; 66705 + 66765 + 66753 + 66727 on 6P39 Peterborough=Parkeston Quay hauling 1 oil tanker.
18/9/17: 66756 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 66765 + 66705 on 0L33 Ipswich-Felixstowe.
19/9/17: 66747 at Bow Midland.
20/9/17: 66753 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks and return.
21/9/17: 66754 on 4Z26 FLX-Masboro.
22/9/17: 66750 at Bow Midland. 66735 replaced 66709 on 4M29 FLX-Hams Hall.
24/9/17: 66760 + 761 + 765 on 0L33 Peterborough-Ipswich.
26/9/17: 66741 and 66766 on West Horndon-Whitemoor engineer’s. 66747 at Bow Midland. 66760 on 4M23. 66765 on 4M29.
27/9/17: 66721 at Bow Midland. 66761 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
28/9/17: 66761 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
30/9/17: 66774 at Kelvedon on 6T64 ballast train from Whitemoor (March).

(John Podgorski).

GOLDEN BOY COACHES, HODDESDON.
New is Mb Sprinter 516/UVM X-Clusive XO67 BOY.

GREAT NORTHERN.
8/9/17: Networker EMU 365511 on Hornsey-Ilford inter-depot move (via Stratford).

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: Northumberland Park Station, looking south (towards central London), in August 2017. The London Underground Victoria Line depot is to the left. The strip of land in between, with the security hut, is where the Panther Travel shuttle buses are parked when not in use. The to be replaced level crossing is in the foreground. Ultimately this station will be replaced by a new structure, which will incorporate 4 through running lines. (Alex Hazell).

1/9/17: 170203 on Ilford-Ipswich ECS.
2/9/17: 321443 on 1P23 London to Norwich. Covering for failed 90008.
17/9/17; Renatus 321301 + 303 on 3Y17 Parkeston- Ipswich, then 1Y17 Stowmarket-Liverpool Street.
22/9/17: 317664 + 672 on Liverpool St-Braintree.
29/9/17: 317502 + 317514 on 1653 Liverpool St-Witham.
30/9/17: 317504 + 511 on 1F63 Liverpool St-Braintree. 317655 + 665 on 1F51 LST-BTE. 317656 + 666 on 1F30 LST-BTE.

HEDINGHAM.
From Chambers is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 571 (W488 WGH). It is allocated to Clacton (CN) but may also work from Kelvedon (KN). It initially entered traffic at CN unbranded, except for Chambers route branding on the nearside, and then had a spell at KN.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 291 (EU06 KCX) was loaned to Chambers in early September. 290 (EX02 RYR) moved from CN to KN on 11/9/17.
The first Saturday of Hedingham operation of 91, 95 (2/9/17), saw Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 573/74 (W491/506 WGH) in action.
From 4/9/17, 63, 82, 83 reverted to joint Clacton (CN)/Sible Hedingham (HD) operation. Over the summer vacation, HD had been the sole operator of these routes.
New school contract gains are of Hedingham School (from Turners), and Manningtree School (from Wards). Some of the Hedingham School runs are covered by Chambers.
There have been some changes to existing school contracts. Honywood 1 and 2, plus Plume 1 and 4 have been merged into single routes; Silver End-Coggeshall and Tollesbury-Maldon respectively. The latter is virtually a duplicate of registered service 95A and is numbered PL1. PL5 (Mundon-Plume) is now PL4. Honywood schoolbus 4 (Easthorpe), and 122 (Birch-Stanway School) are back at Kelvedon (KN) from Sible Hedingham (HD).  Honywood schoolbus 3 (Halstead) has been subcontracted to Flagfinders.
Layer-Stanway School is revised. It no longer starts at Maypole Green and no longer runs via Friday Woods and Malting Green. It now originates at Little Wigborough, before running along the B1023 through Layer. At Kingsford Cross Roads it turns right, then left at Maypole Green to serve St Michaels Estate as a loop – before continuing to Stanway School. Dennis Trident 743 was seen (below) at Maypole Green on 5/5/17, about to depart on a morning journey along the old route. This new route partly replaces a run previously subbed to Stans of Great Totham (St Michaels-Stanway School).

(John Podgorski).

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 no 141 (Y273 FJN), seen after withdrawal – at Constantine Road depot on 24/9/17. (John Podgorski).

KINGS TOURS, COLCHESTER.

Above: Van Hool TX Alicron KC14 ABC at Blankenberge, Belgium on 14/9/17. (Marc Marangou).

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Reinstated is DAF SB120/Wright Cadet YG52 CLY.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.

(Thomas Drake).

The 68 Southend seafront service finished for the season on 2/9/17. AEC PRV Routemaster open topper RML2318 (CUV 318C) made a special appearance.

Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capitals DMN1, 2 (LT02 NUK/V), 142/43 (LT02 ZDR/S) are here. 143 is being used for spare parts, but the others are active, mostly on TfL W4 (Oakthorpe Park-Jarrow Road) and W11 (Chingford Hall Estate-Walthamstow), but also occasionally on TfL192 (Enfield-Edmonton Grenn), 299 (Cockfosters-Muswell Hill) and 379 9Chingford-Yardley Lane Estate). They are the last Marshall SLFs on TfL work. DMN1, 2 were new to First Capital at Dagenham, while 142/43 were originally with First Orpington Buses.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
9 & 11/9/17: 315817 was on Romford-Upminster, instead of the now usual ‘317.
315810 on 14 & 16, 17/9/17. 315807 on 21/9/17. 315802 on 30/9/17.

Above: 315812 and 315803 at Seven Sisters on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

Below: Ex Stansted Express 317714 at London Liverpool Street on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: S7 unit 542+543 – a sister to the train involved in the explosion, heads a District Line service on the approach to Wimbledon on 9/4/17. To the right is South West Trains (now South Western Railway) Wimbledon Park depot, with the central London skyline in the distance; 6 miles away at this point. (John Podgorski).

At 0820 on 15/9/17, there was an explosion on board District Line S7 Stock train unit 535 (car 22535) at Parsons Green station. This was forming the rear of a Wimbledon-Edgware Road service, with unit 536 leading. A white bucket within a plastic carrier bag caught fire as a result. Subsequent examination found it to be a bomb. 29 people were injured – with flash burns and crush injuries, the latter sustained in the frantic exit from the train and station. All trains in the area were stopped. Their passengers and the station itself were all evacuated. The Wimbledon branch was suspended south of Earls Court.
The bomb itself was confirmed as being an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), consisting of an explosive mixture with battery powered timer and detinator, placed within a plastic builders’ bucket and concealed in a LIDL plastic carrier bag. The device ignited, but did not fully explode. If it had properly gone off, the results would have been carnage.

Above: Scene of the incident. The front of the stricken (Edgware Road bound) train (unit no 536) can be seen in the platform, with another (Wimbledon bound) S7 Stock unit, stopped just short of the station. In the distance is Parsons Green train crew and stabling depot. (ATN).

Above: One of the ex District Line D Stock units converted to a Rail Adhesion Train (RAT) at Neasden on 7/9/17. To the left is its predecessor, an ex Metropolitan Line A Stock RAT. The Wembley Arch can be seen above the cab of the D unit. (Justin Marquis).

Above: Victoria Line 2009 Stock no 11020 forms the rear of a Walthamstow Central-Brixton service, as its departs Seven Sisters on 30/9/17. 11019 was leading.  (John Podgorski).

Below: At Seven Sisters, there is a branch, which surfaces to access Northumberland Park depot. This is the signal box/control tower at the depot throat, seen on 30/9/17. In the background can be seen major building works to the Tottenham Hotspur football ground at White Hart Lane. (John Podgorski).

Above: 2009 Tube Stock 11094 at the end of the line at Northumberland Park depot on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

Above; The maintenance shed at Northumberland Park depot, built for the 2009 Tube Stock. Seen on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

MTR CROSSRAIL.
New are 345012/13/16/17. 345012 on test on Southend Vic line on 25/9/17. Most are running from Ilford, but Gidea Park is also seeing the type stabled.
Further Class 315 withdrawals are of 315820/35/51/54.
315820/35/40/48 are stored at Ilford Car Sheds. 315851/54 are stored at Aldersbrook Sidings, by the CrossRail Tunneling Academy. 315851/54 are “warm stored”, meaning they are often still connected to “the juice”.
Tracklaying was completed on 15/9/17, with the insertion of the final clips in a ceremony at Whitechapel.

Above: Class 315s at Shenfield sidings on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

Below: New (left) and old at Gidea Park depot on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: Class 345s and 315s at Ilford depot (new sidings) on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Acquired through Ensign are ex Abellio London Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis BX54 DJZ and BX55 XLW.

NIBS, WICKFORD.

Above: Ex RATP London Volvo B7TL/EL no 154, departs Basildon Bus Station on 6/9/17. (Simon Austin).

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN at High Street, Dovercourt on the first day of X15.
(Simon Austin).
Below: DAF DB250LF/EL DC52 PAN at Colchester bus station on the initial X15 return journey. ADL/E400/Olympus VB08 PAN has since been allocated as the regular double decker. (Simon Austin).

From 4/9/17, X15 – a commercial Harwich-Colchester express service started, running every 2 hours M-Sat daytimes. It follows the line of First 104 between Harwich and Wix (via the Oakleys), before running along the A120 to Great Bromley, and then following the line of First 76 from Elmstead Market into Colchester. School journeys are extended to/from Norman Way. This is an alternative to the “slow around the houses” 103/4 First services via Manningtree. DAF DB250LF/EL Lolander DC52 PAN ran the inagural X15, with ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN also appearing on the first day.
From Mid Wales Travel is long ADL/Enviro 200 YX62 FCA.
Plaxton Primo DC04 PAN has been named ‘Aldo’.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer BIG 7006 is withdrawn due to accident damage.
The White Notley school contract 110 has been taken completely in house. It had previously been subcontracted from Fargo. The St Osyth school contract 135 is no longer run.

Above: YX62 FCA being collected from Aberystwyth on 31/8/17. (Chris Sampson).
Below: YX62 FCA at Southway, Colchester on 7/9/17. It is on the schooldays only extension of 80A to/from Norman Way. (Simon Austin).

Above: DC62PAN shows off its white livery (and X15 rear advert) as it approaches North Station, Colchester on 30/9/17. (John Podgorski).

ADL/E200 YX62 FCA has been named ‘Karen’ and re-registered DC62 PAN. It is currently running in white, with only front in fleet livery. Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9807 has reverted to its original N611 APU mark. Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale BIG 9210 has been upseated from 84 to 87.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount G737 REG ex SIL 6719 has gone to Takeley Metals for scrap after cannibalisation.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Optare Tempo PO1 (YJ56 WVX) is withdrawn due to accident damage.
DAF SB3000/VH YJ03 PKK is delicensed.

Above: Short ADL/Enviro 200 no 652 at Brentwood (High Street) on ex Stephensons Essex CC route 71 on 6/9/17. (Simon Austin).

Below: Former Stagecoach East London Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 T697 KPU at Braintree Freeport on 18/9/17. It is on the shuttle to/from Braintree Bus Park. It also works the Silver End-New Rickstones Academy in Witham contract, and is now the only vehicle at Braintree outstation. (Simon Austin).

RYANAIR.
New Boeing 737-800s are EI-FZY/Z, GDA-C.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New are ADL/Enviro 40H MMCs 12426-32 (YX67 VBC/D/E/F/G/J/K). They are allocated to Leyton 9T) and are for the forthcoming TfL257 (Walthamstow-Stratford) contract, won from London General North. The new Enviros were initailly stored at West Ham (WH).
Optare Metrocity demonstrator YJ65 EOW was on loan at Romford North Street (NS) during September, and used on TfL165 (Romford-South Hornchurch).
The latest New Routemaster overall adverts are LT239 – Wolfenstein and LT383 – Replay Jeans.
New Routemaster LT264 (LTZ 1264) was badly damaged when it crashed into the Renzo Piano building at Covent Garden, during the late evening of 18/9/17, while working an eastbound TfL8 (Oxford Circus-Bow Church). Fortunately there were no serious injuries. The bus was recovered to Bow (BW) depot for eventual repair.
From 1-2/9/17, N8 (Hainault-Oxford Circus) was reduced in frequency, due to the Night Tube on the parallel Central Line.

Above: A late night Central Line (westbound) service calls at Newbury Park on 14/3/16. 1992 Tube Stock car 91195 is leading. This is one of the stations which the N8 night bus passes near, although not immediately past. The nearby Gants Hill Underground is directly served by N8. (John Podgorski).

Trident disposals are of 17890 (LX03 OPZ), 17955/56 (LX53 JYV/W) – to Lister PSV, Bolton (dealer), and 17935/37-40 (LX53 JXV/Y/A-C) to Stagecoach Lincolnshire.

STAGECOACH HUNTINGDONSHIRE.
New cfor the Cambridge Busway ar Volvo B8RLE/Wright Eclipse3s 21311/12 (BF67 GOH/J).

STANS, GREAT TOTHAM.
Now operates just one school contract; for Great Totham Primary.

SWALLOW, RAINHAM.
Volvo B7R/Plaxton YX60 BZU is named ‘Toby’.

TITAN AIRWAYS.
G-EUNB is an Airbus A318-112 leased from British Airways.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
This operator continues to trade, but under a new O Licence. The new holder is A1 Taxis of Coggeshall. A new title of TG Travel is being used. Dennis Javelin/Berkhof M348 MCY, Javelin/Caetano YIL 5494, LDV Convoy BX06 XZA, Mb 0814D L111 ANT, Renault Master X256 XBX are in use. School contract 583 (Wickham Bishops-Colchester Schools) is run again. Talisman had operated it in the latter part of the last academic year.

TOWER TRANSIT.

(John Podgorski).

Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 34427/13 (LK04 HYG, HZP) have gone to Ensign for breaking. They were seen (above), at Purfleet on 23/9/17.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Sold are Dennis Trident/Plaxton Prsidents TPL425/28 (LK03 CGF/V).

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.

Above: Now privately preserved Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL H817 CBP at Braintree Bus Park on 22/9/17. The owner is on the platform, with his father at the wheel. (John Podgorski).

The Hedingham School contract has been lost to Hedingham and Chambers.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH K973 HSC has been sold for conversion into a motorhome.
Volvo B6/Plaxton Pointer M832 CVG has gone to Cornwall, for conversion into a mobile caravan. Volvo B10M/Alexander PS P859 GND has passed to a buyer at Tunbridge Wells for continued pcv use.
MAN13.220/Noge YN03DXD and Scania Omnidekka YN03 DFX are long term VOR.
Withdrawn are ex Wicks Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Excalibur R123 XWF; MAN16.290/Jonckherre Deaville VBZ 1450, Mb 614D/Frank Guy W364 SNN, ex Wicks Neoplan Transliner X293 AKY; Renault Master Y507 CCY.

Above: Parked up at Wickham St Paul depot on 22/9/17, were ex Wicks of Braintree Neoplan Transliner X293 AKY, ex Wicks Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Excalibur R123 XWF and Turner’s ex Metrobus via Ensign Scania Omnidekka YN03 DFX. The first two were withdrawn, while the Scania was awaiting gearbox repairs. (John Podgorski).

Above: On loan to Turners from Ensign, ex Wilts and Dorset Leyland Olympian/NC K736 ODL, on one of the Hedingham School contracts at Halstead on 2/3/16. (Simon Austin).

Below: Turners ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka YN03 DFV, on the same run and at the same location on 17/3/16. (Simon Austin).

UNO.
New at Northampton, for ‘Violet’ route 19 (Town-University) are ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs 289-93 (YX67 VFR-W/Y) and ex demonstrator 286 (YY64 GXG).

WARD’S OF ALRESFORD.
The Manningtree School contract has been lost to Hedingham. Panther Travel continues to run contract 030 from Manningtree to Harwich.

With thanks to: Anglia gen, D Alcott, D Arnold, ATN, S Austin, A Barham, C Carmen, R Delahoy, T Drake, Ensign, C Garnier, A Hazell, L Kinsella, S Kinsella, J Lidstone, LOTS,  M Marangou, J Marquis, C Sampson.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the August 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.
As per usual, the end of August saw the usual reshuffle of Essex County Council local bus contracts. Significant was the large reduction in work carried out by Regal, and also the complete withdrawal of some services, including 2 evening and one Sunday “trunk routes”. Some other (deep rural) routes have gone from conventional bus to community bus/flexible timetable.
There have additionally been some interesting Transport for London contract changes during this month.

ACME TRANSPORT, STANSTED.
Tendered ECC bus work ceased after 26/8/17. 7/A (Bishops Stortford-Stansted Airport), 306 (Bishops Stortford-Wicken Bonhunt) passed to Trustybus and 322 (Harlow-Saffron Walden) to Regal. School contracts etc continue.

Above: Acme Bus Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KN52 NFV departs Stansted Airport on route 7 on 14/3/16. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
OU16 BEY, BJO are Peugeot 208 5 door hatchback ferry cars. They have replaced the LDV Convoys.
Last TGM liveried bus, Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3314 (S312 JUA) was collected from Southend, by Hardwick of Carlton, for scrap.
The former bus turning circle on Boxted Road, at the entrance to the old Severalls Hospital, has been severed, to provide an access road to a new housing development.
This had once been the northern terminus of Colchester Corporation/Colchester Borough Transport route 8 from Monkwick. A derelict bus shelter remained in mid August, but was soon dismantled. A peak hour Arriva 8B service had served Boxted Road until quite recently, but now the only bus is the 80/A provided by Panther Travel on Essex CC contract. The main service 8 these days, terminates at Highwoods.

Above: The old Severalls bus terminus, as seen on 13/8/17. (John Podgorski).

(John Podgorski).

DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3520 (LJ03 MZL) caused problems on 14/8/17, when it failed at the exit of Colchester Bus Station in the evening rush hour.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
The following Essex CC contracts were gained from Regal, from 27/8/17:
Harlow town services on Sundays and Public Holidays.
1/B (Harlow-Sumners); 2/3 (Harlow-Staple Tye); 4 (Harlow-Latton Bush); 6 (Harlow-Little Parndon); 8 (Harlow-Old Harlow); 10 (Harlow-Church Langley). Plus 418B (Harlow-Loughton).
There were also revisions to the existing evening Essex CC local contracts. Withdrawn were:
1B (Harlow-Sumners); 3A (Harlow-Staple Tye); 6A (Harlow-Little Parndon), 8A (Harlow-Old Harlow).
On loan during August were: Optare Versa 2454 (YJ58 PFV) from Ware; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3285 (Y385 HKE) from Stevenage; Volvo B10BLE/WrightS 3312/13 (PN02 HVL/M) from Stevenage; DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3528 (LF02 PNE) from Southend; VDL SB200/Wright 3780 (KX09 KDV) from Stevenage.
Optare Solo 1473 (YJ56 ATY) has passed to Hardwick, Carlton, for scrap.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Further New Routemasters transferred into Ash Grove (AE) (for TfL48) from Arriva London South at Brixton are LT318-20/23/24/40/50.
ADL/Enviro 200 EN9 didn’t stay at Enfield (E) long, and then left the area, going to the ex TGM outpost at Heathrow (HE).
Grays (GY) has received VDL SB300LF/Wright Geminis DW225/41 from Tottenham (AR). Barking (DX) has DW248 from AR.
Overall adverts: LT4 to Heineken; LT498 for Rimmel.
LT346, 467 are back to red ex overall adverts.

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
New are Mb Sprinter/EVM low floor minibuses AV17 UVL/M.
They are for existing Dengie Link 99 and newly gained Essex CC routes 11,12,13 (Gosfield-Halstead-Sudbury), the latter from from Regal on re-tender. These are now part of the DART demand responsive network and renumbered to service 315.
Dengie Link D4 (Tillingham-Burnham) (except school journeys) has come from Stephensons and is also now a DART route.
Additionally won is ex Regal 31A (Chelmsford-Maldon) – M to F, but no longer Sats.

Above: Regal Optare Solo no 206 at Chelmsford on 31A on 6/5/17, when a Saturday service was still run. (John Podgorski).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Duple 425 SIB 3277 is delicensed. Offered for sale are Mb 0404/Hispano YSV 645, Neoplan Skyliner KP04 GKY and Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere M888 ALP.

BEESTONS.
New is Volvo B8R/Plaxton Panther YX17 OHR.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
On hire in August were: Maymist of Barking Volvo B12B/Caetano FH05 URP; Red Route of Northfleet Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther FJ55 XBC, and Waymour of Reigate AEC PRV Routemaster RM1063 (63 CLT).

Above; One of the ex NX West Midlands Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents now with Blueline; V45 MOA at Newbury Park on 27/8/17, on GA RRP to/from Billericay. (John Podgorski).

BLUE TRIANGLE.
From 26/8/17, TfL5 (Canning Town-Romford), TfL15 (Blackwall-Trafalgar Square), N15 (Romford-Trafalgar Square), 115 (Stepney-East Ham) were gained from Stagecoach East London. 5 and 115 have mostly new hybrid double deckers, while 15/N15 are using the existing, ex Stagecoach LT Class New Routemasters. This has seen a major allocation increase at River Road (RR) depot. Brand new buses for 5 and 115 are ADL/Enviro 40H MMCs EH131-61. New Routemasters LT391-416 have transferred from Stagecoach. The balance was initially made up by existing WVN Class Volvo/Wright Geminis.
The LTs on East London Transit are now receiving ELT Livery. LT942 was one of the first. Many of the displaced WVLs, now mostly on TfL101 (Galleons Reach-Wanstead) – also retained ELT colours during August.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions ED18, 25 have come from London Central.

CARTERS HERITAGE BUSES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LK05 GFV is via Ensign.

CITYMAPPER.

(Citymapper).

This travel app company, working with Transit Systems, has another “pop up” inner London bus route in the pipeline.
Proposed to run between Barnsbury and Shoreditch as a nightbus, it would utilise green coloured “big buses”. In fact Impact of Perivale ADL/Enviro 200s YX11 AEA/B/F/K/T plus one other are now green, and were seen at Transit’s Atlas Road depot on 2/8/17. AEK, AEA, AET have fleet nos CME1, CME2, CME3. The E200s came via DawsonRentals.

CENTREBUS (STEVENAGE).
This runs some of the former Harlow operations, which had been acquired from the old Trustybus.
Optare Solo 389 (Y39 HBT) is withdrawn.
VDL200/Centro 606 (FJ56 YBW) has returned from Grantham.
Ex Trustybus Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 542 (LN03 AYM), 544 (EU04 BZY) have moved from Luton to Grantham.

COLAS RAIL.
On 1/8/17, 70802 was on 6L43 Oxwellmains-Thurrock cement tanks. Again on 10/8 and 22/8.
16/8/17: 37254 + 37057 seen Witham, northbound @ 1512.
24/8/17: 56313 at Foxton exchange sidings on 0Z56 route learning.
30/8/17: 66850 at Cambridge on 6L37.

Above: Foxton exchange sidings on 28/11/15. These served the now mothballed Barrington cement works. (John Podgorski).

COLCHESTER BUS STATION.

(John Podgorski).

The remaining buildings of the old bus station (off Queen Street) were demolished during early August. These dated from 1961, when the previous bus station on St Johns Street had been replaced. Queen Street had closed completely in 2012 (having become a smaller “temporary” facility from 2006), but the buildings saw further uses- including a community cafe and a staff room for Arriva Colchester. The majority of the Queen Street site was redeveloped as the VAF arts gallery from 2006.

COMMUNITY LINK.
From 29/8/17, the following new services began:
SB11 (Matching Green-Epping Tesco) – M to Thu, one return journey.
SB12 (Harlow-Toot Hill) – Wed and Thu only, with one return journey.
From the same date, SB46 (Matching Green-Epping rail station) was withdrawn, replaced by SB11 and SB12.

CROSS COUNTRY.
Stansted Airport to Ely shuttle 14-21/8/17, due to Freightliner derailment at Ely.

DBS.
On 1/8/17, 66061 at Bow Olympic. 66125 on 4L07 Burton-Felixstowe. 66129 was on 6L26 Acton-Dagenham. 66128 on Wakefield-Felixstowe.
2/8/17: 66012 on Bow Plasmor blocks-Langley Junction. 66082 at Bow Olympic. 66128 on Wakefield-FLX. 66136 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
6/8/17: 66162 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton. 66221 on Westerfield engineers.
7/8/17: 59005 at Bow Midland. 66121 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
8/8/17: 66047 at Bow Midland. 66085 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
9/8/17: 66047 at Bow Olympic. 66121 on 4L07.
10/8/17: 66041/47 at Bow Olympic.
11/8/17: 66133 at Bow Olympic.
12/8/17: New liveried 66020 working with Peppercorn A1 steam loco 60163 ‘Tornado’ on 1Z13 Liverpool Street-Colchester-Walton excursion and Walton-Colchester Town shuttles.
14/8/17: 66133 at Bow Olympic.
15/8/17: 66017 on 4L08 Wakefield-Thames Gateway. 66082 at Bow Olympic.
16/8/17: 66011 at Bow Olympic.
21/8/17: 66009 on 4L07 Burton-FLX. 66161 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX.
22/8/17: 66118 on Broxbourne-Mountsorrel La Farge. 66161 on Wakefield-FLX. 66167 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
23/8/17: 66097 and 66147 at Bow Olympic. 66199 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
24/8/17: 66097 at Bow Olympic. 66161 on Wakefield-FLX. 66167 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
28/8/17: 66118 on Mounsorrel-Broxbourne.
29/8/17: 66135 at Bow Midland. 66175 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
30/8/17: 66023 on Marks Tey-Crawley sand. 66094 at Bow Olympic. 65165 on 4L07 Burton-FLX.
31/8/17: 66023 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich. 66044 at Bow Midland.

Above: 66020 at Frinton on Sea on 12/8/17, heading the Walton-Colchester ‘Pier’ excursion train, with ‘Tornado’ on the rear. (Simon Austin).

DE VERE TRAVEL, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
RE17 EZL is a Mb 516/EVW low floor minibus.

DRAGON OVENS, BURES.
This occupies the old Chambers depot. In the yard is a red open top MCW Metrobus, ex Teracotta Lounge.

(John Podgorski).

EAST THAMES BUSES.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadets BX04 BXL, FJ54 ZVA – latterly with Go-Ahead London Central, have been resold by Ensign to Shelton Motors, Ely – for scrap.

ENSIGNBUS.

Above: Demonstrator liveried BCI Excellence no 150, on depot in August 2017. This appears on a variety of duties, when not on demonstration. (Chris Carmen).

BCI Excellence 144 (LX17 DZE) is on loan to Borderbus at Beccles. Seen in Loddon on 5/8/17, by Simon Austin.

EOS LONDON.
Ex Abellio London is Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 742 (KP02 PWV). It was new to Armchair and retains dual doors.
Scania Omnicity 701 is now orange/black on its lower panels, with the remainder staying silver.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KX06 LXG/H have gone, off loan.

EUROSTAR.
373231/32 are “stopped” at Temple Mills depot.
373101 has passed to the National College of High Speed Rail at Doncaster, while 373101 has gone to the same college’s Doncaster site.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30888 was previously with First Essex at Braintree. Now it’s with First Eastern Counties and in Lowestoft Corporation heritage livery. It was seen departing Lowestoft (Gordon Road) Bus Station on 5/8/17. The local municipal (by then called Waveney District Council Transport), sold out to Eastern Counties in 1977.
(Simon Austin).
Below: ADL/Enviro 200 44517 was new to First Essex at Harwich depot. It later passed to First Eastern Counties at Norwich, and was branded for Route 40. Now it is at Lowestoft, and was pictured heading out of the town centre on 5/8/17, on a local service. Note it retains its (now) debranded ‘Charcoal Line’ colours from Norwich. (Simon Austin).


Above: Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32478, freshly repainted, at Wivenhoe Rail Station on 7/8/17. (Simon Austin).
Below: Refreshed Scania L94UB/Wright 65688 at Frinton on 12/8/17. (Simon Austin).

From First Borders are Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 65742/43/45/46/50 (SN55 JVG/H/K/L/A respectively). They are at Colchester (CR).
Into Refreshed livery are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32478 (AU53 HJO), Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 43845/46 (SN55 CXH/F) and Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65688 (YS03 ZKH).
Route 62/A branded Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2s 37138/39 (SN57 HCX/Y) entered service at CR in early August.
62/A branded Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s seen “off route”: 37134 on 75 on 2/8/17; 37136 on 61 on 3/8/17. 37133 on 88 on 9/8/17. 37139 on 88 on 10/8/17. 37136 on 65 on 11/8/17. 37139 on 75 on 14/8/17. 37134 on 88, 37135 on 65 on 15/8/17.

(Simon Austin).

Loaned from CR to Clacton (CN) as airshow extras on 24-25/8/17, were B7TL/ALX400 32475 (AU53 HJJ) and Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33195 (LT52 XAF). 32475 actually stayed at CN longer. Scania L94UB/Solar 65668 (SN51 UXX) was loaned from CN to CR in exchange.
Driver trainer Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 60808 (S659 RNA) replaced Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon 20515 (WV02 EUR) on loan from First Eastern Counties during August, but had been returned later in the month.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65683 (YR52 VEU) was at Truck East, Witham during August, but then went to store at CN depot.

(Simon Austin).

Withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer crew ferry 43480 (R680 DPW), Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43802 (AO02 ODN) and Optare Solo crew ferry 53008 (W808 PAF).
Dart SLF 43480 and Optare Solo 53008 have gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap. They had latterly been a crew ferries at Chelmsford (CF) and were the last ex service buses used for this.
From 28/8/17, the following Essex CC contracts were gained:
32 (Chelmsford-Ongar) – M-Sat – from Stephensons.
46 (Chelmsford-Ongar) – M-Sat – from NIBS.
71C (Chelmsford-Colchester) – Suns/hols – from Regal. Worked by CF depot.
88A (Colchester-Halstead) – Suns/hols – from Regal. Was 88 with Regal.
565 (Brentwood-Bulphan) – M-Sat – from Regal.
Meanwhile, in Colchester – 66A (Old Heath-Colchester via Barnhall) ceased after 26/8/17. There are alternative facilities on the parallel 66, 66B. However, Abbots Road, Barnhall and Roberts Road are no longer served. This is the first time in living memory that Barnhall Estate has not had a bus service.
From 29/8/17, an additional commercial evening journey was added to 75,  the 1915  (Colchester-Maldon), to compensate for the loss of the Essex CC Regal contracted runs from that date.
The first 88A was worked by Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32068 (KP51 VZS), while the first day of 71C had Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66795 (MX05 CBU).

The old Queen Street depot at Colchester continues to find further uses. In mid August there was a ‘Street Photography’ exhibition there.

(John Podgorski).

Ancillary vehicles: Renault Trafic crew ferries 90637/38 (NX16 VCT, VGD) have left the fleet. They were replaced by Ford Tourneo MM66 LSU and Vauxhall Movano NX16 VEB. More permanent replacements are Vauxhall Movanos 90666 (FM17 YNS), 90671 (FA17 EVN). All of these are/were at Colchester.
SW17 HPE is a Nissan Kubistar publicity van at Chelmsford.

FLAGFINDERS.

(John Podgorski).
Bova Futura GB54 FLG is in a revised white/blue livery – similar to that on the buses. It was pictured on GA rail replacement at Newbury Park, on 27/8/17.

Another ex Go-Ahead London General Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini, via Ensign is LB02 YXK.

FLYBE.
DHC-8 402 G-JECH is withdrawn. It has returned to its lessor World Wide Aircraft Ferrying as C-FWUC.

Above: Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 G- JECG at Aberdeen on 2/8/17, awaiting departure for London Southend. (Lee Pardoe).

FRAGERS LTD (GAME BUS), ARDLEIGH.
Ex Go-Ahead London General Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LX03 EXV, is via Ensign. It is now a mobile exhibition unit.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: Shanks 66522 at Ipswich on 17/8/17. (John Podgorski).

66507/13/16/22/23/25/31/32/36/45/48/53/58/69/98, 66953/55 – further Heavy Haul to Intermodal.
66522 is the Shanks two tone green liveried loco.
66585 on Ipswich-Lindsay tanks on 1/8/17.
4/8/17: 66537 on 4L30 Bristol-London Gateway.
9/8/17: 66416 on 4L92 Dutton-FLX. 66522 on 4L86 Trafford-FLX. 66953 on 4L90 Crewe-FLX. 66548 on 4L71 Ditton-FLX.66545 on 4L60 Garston-FLX. 66569 on 4L95 Ditton-FLX.
10/8/17: 66523 + 66560 light engine Whitemoor-Ipswich. 66532 4E63 FLX-Doncaster.
11/8/17: 66606 at Bow Olympic. 86607 + 86622 on Trafford Park-FLX.
13/8/17: 66525 on Shenfield ‘Thunderbird’; last day of this duty.
14-21/8/17: Due to derailment of Freighliner at Ely, many services to Felixstowe diverted via Huntingdon or London.
15/8/17: 86637 + 86608 on 4L90 Basford Hall-FLX.
17/8/17: 66552 on Leeds-FLX.
29/8/17: 66418 on Ipswich-Lindsey tanks.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
Suffolk CC route 387 (Stowmarket-Stowupland) was withdrawn without replacement at the end of August.

GBRF.
1/8/17: 66713 on 4Z81. 66747 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster.66765 on 4L02/4M02 Felixstowe-Hams Hall and return. 66767 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall. 66779 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice.
2/8/17: 66766 at Bow Midland. 66434 = 66763 on Parkeston-Whitemoor.
3/8/17: 66779 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66754 at Bow Midland. 66755 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
4/8/17: 66730 on 6L19 Bardon Hill-Chelmsford.
6/8/17: 66701 on Westerfield engineers. 66749 on 4L20 FLX-Hams Hall. And a cavalcade of 66754 + 66775 + 66709 + 66739 + 66776 on 6P39 Peterborough-Harwich Carless oil refinery with 11 tanks.
8/8/17: 66739 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.
9/8/17: 66702 on 4L18 Trafford Park-FLX. 66765 + 66758 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX.
10/8/17: 66709 on 4L02 Hams Hall-FLX. 66749 on 4Z27 Masborough-FLX.
12/8/17: 66719 at Bow Midland.
14/8/17: 66755 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks. 66772 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX; diverted via Huntingdon due to Freightliner derailment at Ely.
14-21/8/17: Many services diverted via Huntingdon or London due to Ely derailment.
15/8/17: 66713 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66746 on 4L22 Hams Hall-Felixstowe. 66756 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 6670 on FLX intermodal. 66765 on FLX-Maasborough.
16/8/17: 66719 at Bow Olympic. 66735 on “virtual” 4L29 Peterborough-FLX. 66760 on 4Z33 FLX-Masborough.
17/8/17: 66718 on 4L18 Trafford Park-FLX. 66735 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66746 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX. 66752 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall. 66755 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks. 66765 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX.
19/8/17: 66760 on 4Z27 Masborough-FLX.
20/8/17: 66709/79 on 6T60 West Ham-Whitemoor engineering. 66727 + 66710 + 66772 on 6P39 Peterborough-Parkeston Quay oil tanks – with 2 wagons.
21/8/17: 66719 at Bow Midland. 66760 on 4Z26 FLX-Masborough and 4Z27 return. 66769 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX.
22/8/17: 66754 on 4M06 FLX-Hams Hall.
23/8/17: 66719 at Bow Midland. 66727 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
25/8/17: 66766 on 4Z81.
26/8/17; 66709 on 4L02 with 66746 dead in tow. 77766 on 4Z80.
29/8/17: 66704 on 4Z8166735 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
30/8/17: 66712 on 4L02 Hams Hall-FLX. 66723 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.66766 on 4Z27 Masborough-FLX. 66767 at Bow Midland.

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.

(John Podgorski).

New is Irizar i6 AC17 PGC. It was seen (above) on 27/8/17 at Newbury Park, on GA RRP to/from Ingatestone. Also new is Irizar i6 CC17 PGC.
GY52 YKC is a Nissan X-Trail crew ferry.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 321436 at Shenfield on 2/8/17. Note the fresh ballast, from the recent Crossrail works. (Daniel Pretty).

Below: Ex GN Class 317342 leads 317341 at Kelvedon, London bound on 10/8/17. (John Podgorski).

Into the new livery are Turbostar DMU 170203 and ex GN EMUs 317345/46/47. 321309 has received Renatus colours.
On 6/8/17, 3x Class 360s (360104 + 111 + 115) were used on an ECS test “timing trials” run (3P90) from Liverpool Street to Norwich. This was in advance of the new Stadler trains entering service from 2019. The Desiro 360s are considered to be closest in spec to the new stock. On 20/8/17, 360102 + 109 appeared on the same run.
321401 is ex GN.
321312 is re-tractioned.
321302/05/11 at Doncaster for refurb. 321309 refurbished at Doncaster and re-tractioned at Wolverton. Test bed 321448 back at Doncaster for modifications.
On 9/8/17, 90008 made a rare appearance light engine at Chelmsford, to assist 90004 and its train, after the DVT failed.
Peppercorn Class A1 steam locomotive 60163 ‘Tornado’ ran a LST-Walton excursion (1Z13), plus Walton-Colchester Town shuttles on 12/8/17, with DBS Class 66 EMD diesel electric loco 66020 as back up.
On 22/8/17, 321339 was unusually paired with MTR 315831 on 5L17 Hornsey-Ilford ECS.

Above: ‘Tornado’ arrives at Frinton on Sea from Walton on the Naze on 12/8/17. DBS diesel 66020 was hauling this train, with the ‘A1’ on the rear. This ‘top and tail’ consist shuttled between Colchester and the coast all day, before reversal at Colchester Town meant ‘Tornado’ could lead back to London in the late evening. (Simon Austin).
Below: ‘Tornado’ in full flight at Hythe, Colchester. (John Podgorski).

HAWK EXPRESS CABS, IPSWICH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus LN51 DUA has gone for scrap.

HEDINGHAM.

(John Podgorski).

D1 (Maldon-Bradwell on Sea), D2 (Maldon-Southminster) have been gained from Stephensons, along with Stephenson’s remaining workings on 91 (Witham-Tollesbury) and 95 (Maldon-Tollesbury). The picture at Tollesbury Square on 24/4/17 (above), shows Hedingham Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 578 having just arrived on the day’s last 92 from Colchester with Stephensons ADL/Enviro 200 no 479 awaiting departure for Witham. D1 on Saturdays is subbed to Arrow Taxis initially. Saturday 92s are now worked from Kelvedon (KN) rather than Clacton (CN).
345 (Fuller Street-Witham) and the one weekday plus all Saturday journeys on 95 (Tollesbury-Maldon) have come from Regal. Short ADL/E200 292 (EU59 AFF) worked the first Hedingham 345 journey on 30/8/17.

(John Podgorski).

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 289 (EJ02 KYY), is in the new livery. 289 and SLF/MPD 291 (EU06 KCX) moved from Clacton (CN) and Sible Hedingham (HD) respectively to Kelvedon (KN) for the new D routes. These buses are now both attached to HD depot for heavy maintenance. Long SLF/Pointer 258 (EU56 FLN) is now at HD ex CN. SLF/MPD 289 is at HD ex CN (see above). Short ADL/Enviro 200s 292/93 (EU59 AFF/J) have gone from HD to CN.
Anglian Bus Scania Omnidekka 556 (YN55 PZF) was at Sible Hedingham (HD), during August and also at Truck East, Witham – (Scania agent).
Vauxhall Combo van W761 TRE is on loan from HD to KN for route learning.

(John Podgorski).

IPSWICH BUSES.
The last leyland Atlantean, open top Roe bodied 9 (MRT 9P) was withdrawn at the end of August, for further use as a non pcv tree lopper.

KLARNERS, COLCHESTER.
New is Yutong Tc9 YF17 LTV.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.

Above: MAN14/EL Millenyum FY52 PMU is now with Semmence of Wymondham. It was pictured at Castle Meadow, Norwich on 7/8/17. (Roger Pope).

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Now in LOROL colours are EMUs 317890/92.

MTR CROSSRAIL.

New are 345009/10.
‘345s now in service are 345005/7/8/10. 345005 was the first in peak hour service, on the 1650 Liverpool Street-Gidea Park on 24/8/17. They have ‘Elizabeth Line’ branding.
The first Class 315s to be withdrawn are 315840/48. They were last used on 25th July.
315831 was paired with GA 321339 on the 5L17 Hornsey-Ilford ECS on 22/8/17.

Top: 315840, forming the rear of a Liverpool Street to Shenfield service, calls at Brentwood on 20/6/15. (John Podgorski).
Above: 315848, also at Brentwood. It is departing on the rear of a Shenfield to London Liverpool Street working, on 16/5/15. (John Podgorski).

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPS.
Volvo B11R/Caetano Levante tri-axle BX16 CMZ, has a super rear advert for VUER.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING. Sold are Mb 0814D/Euros AE56 SPU/V. SPU went to Johnson, Randon, Eire, while SPV passed to O’Sullivan, Bally dehob, Eire.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
ECC 46 (Chelmsford-Ongar) has passed to First Essex on re-tender, while 46A-G are now Community Link operated.

Above: Wright Streetlite no 11 turns from Victoria Road South into Duke Street, Chelmsford, on a 46 journey on 8/5/17. (Dale Bell).

Service 269 has been revised to run Grays-Brentwood and no longer continues to Blackmore.

P and R TRAVEL, MATCHING TYE.
Mb 0815D/Sitcar WJ02 KDV is ex HOuston, Lockerbie.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Work on the upgrade at Greater Anglia Northumberland Park railway station is progressing. In this view, taken on 20/8/17, the former level crossing can be seen cordoned off on the left, while the station complex is to the right. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DC56 PAN awaits its next shuttle to the other side of the station. (Alex Hazell).

(Mark Stokes).

ADL/Enviro 200 MMC demonstrator YX17 NNM arrived on 23rd August. It entered traffic the following day on the 80/81 group of routes, and was pictured (above) at Dedham.
It left on 31st August.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 DC61 PAN at Parkeston Village on 11/11/16, when covering route 2 for Hedingham. (Chris Sampson).

The newly contracted Harwich/Dovercourt town service 2 started from 29th August. Previously, Panther had covered this route on various occasions, on behalf of Hedingham, with Panther taking over the previous contract completely from Hedingham early in June.
ADL/Enviro 200s DC61 PAN, AB62 PAN, Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DC02 PAN have appeared with rear advertising for the forthcoming X15 Harwich-Colchester “Fast” service.
Plaxton Primo DC04 PAN entered service from Parkeston on the Harwich/Dovercourt town service in early August. The other Primos will not be used by Panther.
Acquired from Stephensons of Essex (at Haverhill) is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KV51 KZK. It entered service at Northumberland Park in (basic) fleet livery and converted to LEZ, in late August. SLF/Mini Pointer BIG 9856 has returned off loan from Regal.
ADL/Enviro 400/Olympus PN08 SVZ is now VB08 PAN. Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther AB53 PAN has had its wc removed and upseated from 53 to 57.
Delicensed due to accident damage is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer BIG 7006.
Offered for sale are Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount BIG 8856 and All Leyland Olympian BIG 9249. Dart SLF/Pointer S303 JUA, Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843, Dennis Javelin/UVG BIG 8796 and Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9807 remain on offer.
Ipswich outbase has temporarily re-opened for rail standby work.

Above: Panther Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DC02 PAN at Dedham terminus on 7/8/17. It had arrived as an 81A from Colchester via Langham and departed as an 80A. (John Podgorski, with thanks to Alex Hazell).

PEGASUS AIR.
New is Airbus A320-251 TC-NBK – named ‘Alya’.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Contracted local bus operations have mostly ceased. The only gains have been 71/72 (Brentwood-Blackmore) from Stephensons; 104/106 (Basildon-Langdon Hills) from NIBS and 322 (Harlow-Saffron Walden) from Acme Bus. The business is now focused on coaching, rail replacement, school contracts and limited commercial/contracted bus routes.
Most of the council bus services were reallocated to other operators, from 27-28/8/17.
1A (Basildon-Pitsea) – Sats only – to NIBS.
4 (Little Parndon-Harlow) – Suns/hols – to Arriva.
5 (Maldon-East Hanningfield) – Thurs only. Withdrawn.
9 (Great Bardfield-Braintree) – Sats only – to Stephensons.
10 (Harlow-Church Langley) – Suns/hols – to Arriva.
11 (Harlow-Little Parndon) – Suns/hols – withdrawn. Replaced by Arriva 4.
11A (Southend (Sutton Cemetery)-Chelmsford) – Suns/hols. Withdrawn.
11, 12, 13 (Gosfield-Halstead-Sudbury) have passed to Arrow Taxis, Maldon, as part of the DART network.
12 (Old Harlow-Staple Tye) – Suns/hols – withdrawn. Replaced by Arriva 2, 3 and 10.
31A (Chelmsford-Maldon) – to Arrow Taxis. Saturday service withdrawn.
45 (Oxney Green-Chelmsford-Moulsham Lodge) – M-S eves – to First Essex.
47, 146, 147 (Ongar-Harlow) – to Community Link.
71C (Colchester-Chelmsford) – Suns/hols – to First Essex.
88 (Colchester-Halstead) – Suns/hols – to First Essex as 88A.
89 (Great Yeldham-Braintree) – M-F am peak only. Withdrawn. Rest of 89 with Hedingham anyway.
95 (Maldon-Tollesbury) – Sats – to Hedingham.
146 (Hatfield Heath-Ongar) – to Community link.
211/212 (Waltham Cross-Breach Barns) – to Community Link.
213/214 (Epping-Waltham Cross) – to EOS as service 13.
240/250 (Debden-Waltham Cross – Suns/hols – to EOS as 66A.
250 (Debden-Waltham Cross).
251 (Waltham Cross-Upshire).
322 (Old Harlow-Saffron Walden) – schooldays.
341 (Fuller Street-Witham) – Thur. Withdrawn.
343 (Braintree-Fairstead) – Sats. Withdrawn.
344 (Black Notley-Chelmsford) – Fri. Withdrawn.
345 (Fuller Street-Witham) – Wed – to Hedingham.
380/1/2/4 (Ongar-Harlow) – to Community Link and now all numbered 381.
501 (Fyfield-Epping) – schooldays. Withdrawn.
503 (High Ongar- Epping) – schooldays. Withdrawn.
504 (Tysea Hill-Epping) – schooldays. Withdrawn.
552/553 (Ramsden Heath-Basildon) – to NIBS.
565 (Brentwood-Bulphan) – to First Essex.
Evening 70 (Colchester-Braintree), 75 (Colchester-Maldon), withdrawn without replacement. “Those affected advised to contact their parish council”.
52 (Pleshey-West Hanningfield) has been retained by Regal and renumbered 10A.
The last day of the Sunday contracts was on 20/8/17. The final 71C journey was worked by Optare Tempo PO3 (YJ56 WVY). The last 88 duty was operated by MAN NL270LF/Wright 801 (RG09 BUS).
The other contracts finished on 26/8/17, except for the market day routes which ceased after their particular day of operation.

Above: Regal Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KP02 PUH on a Sudbury bound 12 in Halstead on 23/6/17; covering for a defective Optare Solo. (Simon Austin).

Above: Explorer Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah YN06 RVP “dressed” for 345, but seen in Chelmsford on 26/7/17. It was on 344 on 5/8/17, and also reported on commercial service 3 (Southend-Chelmsford). (Dale Bell).

Above: MAN NL270LF/Wright no 801 on the penultimate Regal service 88 journey; the 2048 from Colchester, on 20/8/17. (John Podgorski).
Below: Optare Tempo PO3 on the very last Regal 71C journey; the 2210 from Colchester on 20/8/17, and seen at Crouch Street. (John Podgorski).

Long disused Optare Solo 204 (YJ58 CDE) has gone for scrap, having been heavily cannibalised. It retained the old maroon/cream livery.

RICHMOND AVENUE SCHOOL, SHOEBURY.
Hs ex Arriva Southern Counties DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400 Y466 UGC.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Bova Futura WA08 AOX has passed to Moseley, Wellington (dealer).

SBC LEISURE, WICKFORD.
New is Irizar i6 tri-axle HM17 SBC – in maroon livery.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
An ancillary vehicle is NH57 YVS, a Ford Transit SWB van.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 no 17998 on route 5 at Dagenham on 6/5/17. (John Podgorski).

The following TfL contracts were lost to Go-Ahead Blue Triangle from 26/8/17.
5 (Canning Town-Romford), 15 (Blackwall-Trafalgar Square), N15 (Romford-Trafalgar Square), 115 (East Ham-Stepney). The LTs off 15, N15 have transferred to Blue Triangle.

Above: New Routemaster LT270 arrives at Blackwall DLR Station on 30/5/15. (John Podgorski).

On 27-28/8/17, for the Notting Hill Carnival, a limited stop 205X route was operated between Whitechapel and Paddington.

Optare Versas 25307/9 (LX58 CHN/V) have passed to Go-coach, Otford.
Further Scania Omnicities with Sullivan Buses are 15142-45 (LX59 CNK/N/O/U).

STEPHENSONS.
From 7/8/17, commercial Sunday service 6 (Southend-Southchurch) ceased.
From 27/8/17:
Gained from NIBS – 12 (Billericay-Wickford).
ECC 7 and 8 (Rayleigh-Shoebury) – M to Sat evenings – to Arriva; 32 (Chelmsford-Ongar) lost to First Essex. 71/72 (Stondon Massey-Warley) went to Regal Busways. D1 (Maldon-Bradwell on Sea) and D2 (Maldon-Southminster) passed to Hedingham, with D4 (Tillingham-Burnham) (schools) retained as service 104 but the rest of D4 to Arrow. D6 (Southminster-Althorne) is withdrawn. The Saturdays only Clavering section of 59/60 (Audley End-Haverhill) withdrawn.
As a result of the above changes, there have been reallocations of some duties between Boreham and Braintree, affecting routes Boreham now runs 9/A, 16 ond one duty on 38A while Braintree now has 21, 30 and 38/A. The outstation at Fourways Coaches, Highwood has also ceased. This ran 71/72. Additionally, all Optare Solos are now concentrated at Haverhill depot.

Above: Optare Solo no 322 on a D2 at Purleigh on 1/9/16. (John Podgorski).
Below: 322 on a 71 at Brentwood on 9/2/13. (John Podgorski).

Scania N230UD/Enviro 400 603 (EU13 EBK) unusually appeared on 61 (Southend Travel Centre-Garons Park) on 24/8/17. Following the vend of developer funding of the 61, Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 417 (EU07 FRN) has lost its ‘Fossetts Park Clipper’ branding.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 410 (KV51 KZK) has been sold to Panther Travel.
Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 435 (LX51 FGE) has passed to a private buyer, while 437 (LX51 FGG) is now with A2B Bus & Coach Ltd, Cambridge.
Former fleet member Leyland Olympian/NC 859 (H159 BKH) was still extant at the premises of PVS (breaker), Carlton in August. After sale by Stephensons, it passed to JP Travel of Middleton which was acquired by Stagecoach Manchester soon after. 859 passed to PVS early in 2016.

SWISS.
Another Avor RJ100 withdrawn is HB-IYZ. It has gone to Prestwick, Scotland for storage.

TENDRING CVS.
New is Mb Sprinter AV17 UBP, in Hospital Hopper livery.

TOWER TRANSIT.
New are Van Hool A330FC electric buses BH63101/2 (LJ67 HTF/G). They have initially been put into store at Lea Interchange (LI).
Atlas Road (AT) site has been vacated, with its residual functions moved to Westbourne Park (X). The premises are For Sale/To Let.

TRUSTYBUS.

Above: An earlier generation of bus that served The Pinnacles. London Country Bristol LH/ECW BN61, now preserved at part of London’s Transport Museum Collection and seen at Acton depot on 23/4/17.  It is in the company of RT, RTW and STL London buses.(‘Bradley the Bus’).

The following service changes were effective from 27/8/17:
Essex CC 5 (Harlow-Pinnacles) – M to Sat – withdrawn. Replaced by new route 14.
New Essex CC contract 5 (Harlow-Sumners Farm).
7/A (Bishops Stortford-Stansted Airport) – gained from Acme Bus.
306 (Bishops Stortford-Wicken Bonhunt) – gained from Acme Bus.
The Sun/hol service on 418/B (Harlow-Loughton) ceased. A Sun/hol service was introduced on 420 (Harlow-Epping). Also revisions to 420 and 424 (Harlow-Hertford).

Above: Volvo B10BLE/Wright WNZ 1589 enters Harlow Bus Station on a 418B working on 15/7/17. (John Podgorski).

Further Scania Omnicities acquired through Ensign, are YN04 GMG, GNU, YN05 WKC.
ADL/Enviro 300 EDL35 (LY58 PFX) remains stored, having been withdrawn in 2016 due to electrical failure. Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse YK53 GXJ is delicensed due to engine failure. It is intended to repair both.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL H817 CBP has passed to a preservationist.
Volvo B6/Plaxton Pointer M832 CVG, has been offered for sale.

VICEROY, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur R154 SSN is now with Bishop, Barroway Drove.

YOUNGS, HADDENHAM.
Scania K112/Jonckherre UIL 2090 has been re-registered to A577 GAP.

With thanks to: Anglia Gen, M Allen, S Austin, D Bell, ‘Bradley the Bus’, C Carmen, P Layzell, K Nason, L Pardoe, M Penn, R Pope, D Pretty, J Sadd, C Sampson.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the July 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.
In late July, the UK government announced that from 2040, new “straight” fossil fueled vehicles would no longer be sold in the UK. This is in line with other European countries, such as France. From a bus point of view this will mean more hybrid and pure electric types; a species now spreading across London, but still less familiar in provinces. And there are other forms of propulsion available, including hydrogen, solar and even wood acid.
The end of conventional diesel and petrol power won’t happen overnight though. It will likely be a protracted affair, like to ousting of step entrance buses by low floor vehicles from 1999 onwards. This was not completed until low floor became law for registered bus services from 1/1/17.
Go-Ahead London has opened a new depot at North Greenwich, not far from the O2. At Morden Wharf, this replaced Mandela Way, which was located on the old Bricklayers Arms railway goods yard. On the fringes of the Busmopolitan area, the Mandela Way routes were distributed between the new depot and other local garages, including Docklands Buses at Silvertown. This happened on 13/7/17.
Also on the edge of the area covered by this website, the Anglian Bus depot at Ellough near Beccles has closed, with only outstation facilities remaining. Maintenance and paying in have moved to New Rackheath (Norwich) and Konect at Dereham, with Hedingham additionally carrying out some repairs on vehicles.
A long term rail replacement has started at Northumberland Park station in north east London. Running until Autumn 2018, it utilises a shuttle bus, while the level crossing is replaced by a footbridge and the area generally modernised. Panther Travel has the contract.

ADL, HARLOW.

(John Podgorski).
The sub yard is now used by Bibby Distribution for its Unipart Rail contract.

Above: ADL, Harlow on 15/7/17. Present were CT Plus Optare Solos, Abellio and Go-Ahead London ADL/Enviro 400s and an unidentified red Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400. (John Podgorski).

AH MINIBUSES, LITTLE CLACTON.
Acquired is Fd Transit 16 seater HN16 YUV.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: DAF SB120/Wright Cadet no 3534 in the evening rush hour traffic on East Hill, Colchester on 26/7/17. (Simon Austin).

DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3516 (LF52 USZ) has gone to Arriva Southend (qv).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 1558 (KX56 HCP) continues with a rear roller blind and side blind route number display, but normally set to blank. SLF/Pointers 3416/17 (SN54 HXC/D) additionally still retain theirs – but again, set to blank.

Above: SLF/MPD at Colchester Bus Station on 7/7/17. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).

Above: One of the new ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs; 4083 is branded for the 508/9/10 Harlow to Stansted Airport routes. It was seen at Harlow Bus Station on 15/7/17. (John Podgorski).

New ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 4087 (YX17 NHE) is not branded.
Optare Solo 1466 (KE55 KTU) is the last bus in TGM blue.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
From Colchester is DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3516 (LF52 USZ). It has replaced 3504 (KE51 PUH) which is withdrawn. DAF DB250LF/EL 6255/61 (FD02 UKK/T) are also retired.
SB120 3528 is back off loan from Stevenage.
Current driver trainers are DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3521 (LJ51 DDX), Scania K340/Caetano Levante FJ56 PDO.
From 23/7/17, there were the following service changes:
New route 6 (Southend-Temple Sutton) – M to Sat.
Revisions to 7/8 (Landwick-Rayleigh), 9 (Rayleigh-Shoebury).
On 29 (Belfairs-Temple Sutton), the Southend to Temple Sutton section was replaced by new route 6.
A selection of withdrawn buses has collected at Short Street depot, prior to disposal. They are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets; DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400s/Plaxton Presidents; Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s, SLF/Plaxton Pointers; Volvo B10BLE/Wrights, Volvo Olympians – from other Southern Counties fleets.
Noted on 29/7/17 were:
DAF DB250LF/ALX400s V332 DGT, 6001 (KL52 CWO) – plus one other.
DAF DB250LF/President 4167 (LJ51 DLD).
Dart SLF/ALX200 3334 (W466 XKX) – plus 4 others.
Dart SLF/Pointers 3295/97 (Y295/97 TKJ) – plus 5 others.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright 3304 (W132 XRO).
Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus 5944 (R614 MNU) – in TGM livery.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (WARE).
ADL/Enviro 400 MMC 6491 (YY16 YLB) has been named ‘Hope Crane’.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Edmonton (EC) depot closed operationally on 14/7/17, but continues for storage and engineering. The premises at Towpath Road had originally been opened as a bendybus base in 2003, for TfL149 (Edmonton Green-London Bridge); and TfL34 (Walthamstow-Barnet) was also initially worked out of there when Arriva regained that contract. There were two previous London bus depots in the area; at Lea Valley Trading Estate (ED) – for the erstwhile London Suburban Bus (1994 to 1997 – and later taken over by MTL London Northern and ultimately Metroline), plus the original Edmonton London Transport garage at Tramway Avenue. Coded EM, this closed in 1985.

Above: One of the more quirky corners of Edmonton depot, seen in July 2004. (John Podgorski).

Vehicle news is that New Routemasters LT326-28/31/33/34/37/38/41-46/49, 471 have been received from Arriva London South. They are allocated to Ash Grove (AE) to convert TfL48 (Walthamstow-London Bridge) from DW Class DAF DB300LF/Wright Geminis.
The closure of EM depot (above), saw ADL/Enviro 200s EN1-11 delicensed, although EN9 quickly reappeared at Enfield (E).
Overall adverts: LT219, 519 – to Chiquita Bananas, LT588 to Magnum.
LT183, 209 back to red.

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Ex London Borough of Hounslow are Iveco 45C15/Stanford welfare buses GN09 LKX, GN59 FFO.

Accessible Mb Sprinter 513 AY17 UGK (in Dengie Dart white/red livery), Sprinter 516 RJ17 OCY (in EVM demonstrator white/blue livery), were on loan from Orwell Trucks at Ipswich and EVM at Craley, respectively in late July. Pictures taken by Paul Layzell on 11/7/17, at ‘Dart Day’, County Hall, Chelmsford. Mb Sprinter 516/Mellor accessible DF66 AEC was also on loan (from Mellor) over this time.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Mb 814D CIB 331 is withdrawn.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
The first of the ex East London Transit Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis transferred to Metrobus, for X26 to be converted for its new role, is WVL334. All initially ran in “as acquired” condition.
Delicensed are Marshall Capital – Dennis Dart SLFs DMN10, 14.

Above: ADL/Enviro 40D E281 at Southend Travel Centre on 25/7/17 – on the 575 commercial service. (David Arnold).

BLUELINE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.

On hire from Maymist Coaches, Barking between 14 and 21 July was Volvo B12B/Caetano FH05 URP. This was new to National Express. It was covering Bova Futura T322 KNN.
John Podgorski spotted FH05 URP on the A12 south at Marks Tey Racecourse, on 17/7/17.
The Regal yard at Millhead Way Rochford, is being used for overflow parking. The main Blueline yard is at Welton Way.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZND is currently delicensed and stored at Millhead Way. With it on 29/7/17 was ex NXWM B7TL/Plaxton President V427 MOA.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP192 (EJ52 WXF), latterly with London General, has been resold through Ensign, to Bear Buses at Feltham.

BRENTWOOD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
Route 898 (Brentwood-Blackmore) ceased after 28/7/17.
808 (Brentwood-Warley) was revised from 31/7/17.

C2C.
Trenitalia branding is now appearing on trains.

CHAMBERS.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 252 (EU03 BZK) is delicensed due to engine failure.

COLAS RAIL.
37057 + 37116 were on a NR test train on the GEML on 19/7/17.

DBS.
66111 was on 4L07 Burton-Felixstowe on 4 and 12/7/17. 66085 was on Wakefield Europort-London Gateway.
66080 was at Bow Olympic on 5/7/17, while 66069 was seen at Ipswich on 4L07 Burton-Felixstowe. And 66133 on 6X77 Dagenham-Mossend, seen Leyton Midland Road.
66089 on London Gateway-Wakefield International on 12/7/17. 66030 on Wakefield-Felixstowe, also on 12/7.
66206 on 4L07 on 13/7/17. 66050 on 20/7.
66121 was at Bow on 13-14/7/17.
19/7/17: 66004, 66050 on 4L07 Burton-Felixstowe. 66188 at Bow Olympic.
66186 at Harlow Mill on 20/7/17. 66177 on 6Z57 Broxbourne Redland-Wembley empties. 18 HOAs and IIAs.
20/7/17: 66198 on Wakefield-Felixstowe.
23/7/17: 66050 on 4L07 Burton-Felixstowe.
24/7/17: 66030 at Bow Olympic.
25-26/7/17 saw 66006 at Bow Olympic.
DB red liveried 66097 on Marks Tey sand on 26/7/17.
66230 on London Gateway-Wakefield on 31/7/17.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Following the closure of the London General depot at Mandela Way (MW) on 29/7/17, TfL100 (Wapping-Elephant and Castle) is now operated.

Above: Mandela Way site seen in May 2004, before it became an operational bus depot. The Metrobus former London Central Volvo Olympians were stored there. (John Podgorski).

DRS.
On 5/7/17, 37419 ran light from Willesden to Norwich up the GEML as 0Z37.
37059 + 37069 (topped and tailed) were used in the ‘Buffer Puffer’ night time tour on 28-29/7/17. It ran as Eastleigh to Walton on the Naze, also visiting Colchester Town and Clacton.

EASTERN NATIONAL.

Preserved Bristol VRT/ECW 3072 at Marks Tey on 7/7/17. (John Podgorski).

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZRK/L/M, G-UZHB.

ENSIGNBUS.

Above: The two-axle BCIs are now on local bus services around Thurrock. No 142 at Lakeside Bus Station on 29/7/17. (Simon Austin).

BCI Excellence 143 (LX17 GZD) has been on loan to New Adventure Travel, Cardiff.
Sold are: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 799 (KU02 YTX) – to First Great Western, for rail replacement. ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolution TT57 BLU – to Hulleys of Baslow, following temporary use on ex Amber bus routes.
The ex Amber routes taken on emergency Essex/Thurrock CC contracts, have passed to long term operators.
Routes 11 (Aveley-Basildon), 374 (Grays-Basildon) passed to First Essex from 1/7/17.
Service 61 (Brentwood-Blackmore) passed to EOS from 21/7/17 (see below).

EOS LONDON.
ADL/E200 MMC 8.9m demonstrator YX17 NXA was on loan in late July.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus LK03 NLT has been broken up for spares, having not been used.

EOS took over service 61 (Brentwood-Blackmore) from Ensign from 21/7/17. This poster was at Blackmore. (Daniel Disbury).
From 22/7/17 route 87 (Harlow-Staple Tye-Epping) was revised to improve connections with London Underground at Epping.

EPPING FOREST COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
Route C392 (Water Lane-Rye Park) was revised from 31/7/17, with a Saturday service introduced.

ESSEX LUXURY COACHES, ROCHFORD.
Vehicles noted are Mercedes Touro SK57 CHX in gold and Mb 0814D Y30 CHT in silver/black. The Touro is kept at Rettendon, due to space limitations at the main Rochford OC.
The Rettendon site is on the plot previously used by Elite Engineering some years ago.

FARGOLINK, BRAINTREE.
Hyundai i800 8 seat minibus PJ10 HNP has fleet no 124.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
First took over the Ipswich Park and Ride commercially from Ipswich Buses, from 3/7/17.
Ex First Borders ADL/Enviro 300s are being used; 67752/60/63/73-76 (SN62 APF, AUC/K, AXH/K/O/U). All bar 67776 were initially delivered to Great Yarmouth, with some being used there short term. Four Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solars have also been displaced from Ipswich. They are 66850 (KX05 MHN), 66979/81/84 (KX05 MHF/A/N). Initially they went to Great Yarmouth on loan for the summer, but ultimately are for use at Norwich.

Above: One of the original First Ipswich Park and Ride buses; Volvo B7RLE 69430 is seen after repaint into standard livery. Caught on Norwich Road on 18/8/12, on the former ‘Superoute 88’ to Stowmarket. First initially ran Ipswich P and R between 2008 and 2012. (John Podgorski).

Above: The “new” Ipswich Park and Ride buses came from First Borders on the Scottish/English border, where they had been displaced by the sale of this operation to West Coast Motors. ADL/Enviro 300 67779 was seen at Carlisle on 15/5/17. This did not go south. (Murdoch Currie).

Above: 67760 in Ipswich depot on 9/7/17. (John Podgorski).

FIRST ESSEX.
Further ex First Potteries Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos are 41512/14/40, but for Basildon (BN).

Above: 41522 is one of the two ex First Potteries Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses now at Hadleigh. Spotted at Southend Travel Centre on 9/7/17 by Simon Austin.
Below: Ex Chelmsford Park and Ride Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69516 is now one of those at Hadleigh (HH), and branded for the 22 and 28 services. It was departing Southend Travel Centre on 25/7/17. (David Arnold).

Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 65690/91/92 (YS03 ZKK/L/M) have been branded for Clacton-Colchester routes 74 and 76. 69433 (AU58 FFW) has lost its Ipswich fleet names.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65673/74/77 (SN51 UYG/H/L) now have led displays all round. 65688 (YS03 ZKH) now has a led display on its nearside only.

ECC routes 11 (Aveley-Basildon), 374 (Grays-Basildon) were gained from Ensignbus from 1/7/17. Ensign had run them as emergency contracts following the collapse of Amber Bus.

Volvo B10BLE/Wright 62139 (X618 NSS) is now in the new “chevron” driver training livery, ex Aberdeen heritage colours.
Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon coach 20515 (WV02 EUR) is on loan from First Eastern Counties for driver training.

Above: 20515 at St Johns Street, Colchester on 26/7/17. (James Pretty).

Above: B9TL/Wright 37134 at Head Street, Colchester on 4/7/17. (John Podgorski).

The first sighting of a 62 branded Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 “off route” was on 3/7/17, when 37134 (SN57 HDJ) appeared on 65 (Highwoods-Tollgate) in the evening peak. 37135 (SN57 HCU) appeared on 24th July, again on the pm peak.
Not all of the ex First Borders Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s were in service by July – 37138/39 outstanding, so a variety of buses continued on 62/A (Colchester-Brightlingsea) – including single deckers. The standard substitutes on 62/A are the ex Leicester 54 plate B7TL/Geminis.

Above: B9TL/Gemini2 37133 at Brightlingsea on 26/7/17. (Simon Austin).

On 2/7/17, youth orchestras performed in the old Queen Street bus garage in Colchester, which had closed in August 2015.

Above: Some of the ‘Green’ Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solars at Colchester (CR) depot have received leather seating. 66816 (MX05 CDY) was seen on the 88 in Halstead on 15/7/17. 66804/28 (MX05 CCO, CFE) also have this interior. (Simon Austin).

Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33086 (LN51 GMG) is long term VOR at CR with and engine fault, and will eventually be repaired. 33184 (LR02 LZD) is back in use at CR after a replacement engine was fitted at an external location.
Further crew ferries for Colchester (CR) are Vauxhall Movano minibuses FA17 EYM, FM17 YNS – downseated to 8 from 14. These have replaced the Renault Trafics.
Plain white Ford Transit Custom hi cube van BT17 YUR has been noted at Hadleigh (HH). It was supplied via Lex Automotive.

FLAGFINDERS.

Above: Ex Go-Ahead London/former East Thames Buses Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LB02 YXG.
Below: Ex RATP London United Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking PG04 WHF.
Both seen at Coggeshall on 5/7/17. (John Podgorski).

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH H699 PTW is withdrawn.

FREIGHTLINER.
66564 was on GE metals on 4/7/17 – seen Ipswich on 4L40 Doncaster-Felixstowe. On 13/7/17 is was on 4E22 Felixstowe-Leeds. 66591/419 also on Leeds-Felixstowes on 13/7.
Heavyhaul 66613 on Marks Tey-Barrow Hill 6M81 empty 4 wheel hoppers.
66597 was on 4L40 Doncaster-Felixstowe on 13/7/17.
66598 was ‘Thunderbird’ at Shefield on 14/7/17.
66420 at Bow Midland on 20/7/17; 66610 at Bow Midland on 21/7/17.
23/7/17: 66551 on 4E50 Felixstowe-Leeds FLT.
24/7/17 saw 6655 on 4E82 Felixstowe-Doncaster Freightliner. 66570 + 66598 + 66537 on 4E22 FLT – only 66570 on power. 66433 on 6L40 Daventry-Purfleet intermodal on same date.
66550 on 4E63 Felixstowe-Doncaster on 31/7/17.

Above: On Heavy Haul duty, 66553 at Stratford on 2/7/17. (S Austin).

Above: 66598 at Shenfield on 15/7/17. Greater Anglia 321345 is on the left, on a Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street service. (John Podgorski).

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
FJ12 FYA is a Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante from National Express, for continued use on NX work. It has fleet no 362. It has replaced accident damaged FN62 CAA.

GBRf.
On 4/7/17, 66705 was on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.
66706 was at Bow Midland on 5/7/17.
On 13/7/17, 66705 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks; 66712 was on 4M23 Felixstowe-Hams Hall; 66730 was on Harlow Mill-Bardon Hill aggregates.
66778 worked the Ipswich-Peterborough part of the ‘Charitable Chibble’ rail tour on 16/7/17.
19/7/17: 66755 on 4Z81 Masborough-Felixstowe. 66742 on this previously.
66720 on Chelmsford stone and 66753 on Harwich Carless Refinery to Long Marston on 20/7/17. 66755 on 4Z81 Masborough-Felixstowe. Metronet liveried 66721 on 4L21 at Felixstowe. 66723 at Bow Olympic. 66747 on N Walsham-Harwich Parkeston Quay tanks.
66723 at Bow on 20/7. 66720 at Chelmsford yard.
21/7/17: 66727 on 4M29 Felixstowe-Birch Coppice.
On 23/7/17, a convoy of light engines appeared at Ipswich from Peterborough; 66747 + 66755 + 66767 + 66769. 66702 on 4Z81 Masborough-Felixstowe on same date. 66756 on 4L22 Hams Hall-Felixstowe.
24/7/17: 66702 on 4Z80 Felixstowe-Rotherham intermodal.
25/7/17: 66720/54 at Bow. 66730 on 6A32 North Walsham-Parkeston Quay tanks.
26/7/17: 66721 at Bow Midland.
3E1/7/17:
66769 on Masborough-Felixstowe.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 321350 awaits departure from Braintree to London Liverpool Street, on a sunny morning on 2/7/17. (Simon Austin).
Below: Renatus 321321 at Clacton on 23/7/17. (Simon Austin).

The first of the Renatus refurbished + re-tractioned Class 321 EMUs have entered revenue service. They are 321303/04/21.

HEDINGHAM.
From 24/7/17, partial responsibility for maintenance of Anglia Bus vehicles was taken on. This is because Anglian Ellough site has been downgraded to an outstation and storage facility only. Most functions have transferred to New Rackheath and Konect at Dereham. From the same date, operation of 63/A (Berechurch-Colchester-Mason Road/North Station) was transferred wholly from Clacton (CN) to Sible Hedingham (HD). This was only for the six week summer school holiday however.
The Alec Hunter Academy-Silver End contract has not been renewed. This is due to diminished loadings for 2017/18.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 573 at Silver End Broadway on 4/1/17, having just arrived on the afternoon run from Alec Hunter Academy. (John Podgorski).

Dennis Trident/EL 723 (W823 NNJ) has been repaired for further service from HD.
Ford Transit 16 seater YT12 RBZ has been returned permanently to Robertson Van Hire off loan, as it is no longer required. The school contract on which it was used (Toppesfield), specifies a larger vehicle for 2017/18.

Current OCs:
Clacton (CN) (Stephenson Road).
Kelvedon (KN) (High Street).
Sible Hedingham (HD) (Wethersfield Road).
OCs closed:
Tollesbury depot (New Road) ceased 7/16.
Harwich outstation (Iconfield Park, Parkeston) ceased 7/14.
Little Tey outstation (Church Road) ceased 7/14.

Above; Trident 723 awaits attention at Sible Hedingham depot on 24/6/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: Seasider branded Hedingham Scania Omnidekka 1515 at Brightlingsea, Victoria Place on 26/7/17. The 87 interworks with X76. (Simon Austin).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Council contracted operation of the Ipswich Park and Ride ceased after 1/7/17, with First taking over commercially from 3/7/17.
As a result, the Optare Versas 145-152 (YK08 EPA/C/D/E/F/J/U/V) have replaced the ex Stagecoach London Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s 138-144 (Y262/71/72/73/92/94/95 FJN) on normal bus work. The ALX200s are withdrawn and gone to store at Constantine Road depot.
DAF DB250LF/EL Vyking 54 (PF04 WML) is now in a livery of green/cream, with light blue front and no fleet names.

Above: In the new livery, IB Optare Versa on the Park and Ride at Princes Street on 3/6/17. (S Austin).
Below: DAF DB250LF/EL no 54 at Headgate, Colchester on 11/7/17. (John Podgorski).

KINGS TOURS, COLCHESTER.
Irizar i6 demonstrator YN63 ZHR has been on loan from Irizar at Worksop. It had previously been at Woods of Leicester.

KLM CITYHOPPER.
New is ERJ170 PH-EXP.

LONDON CENTRAL.
From 29/7/17, most of the duties on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) were transferred from New Cross (NX), to the new London General depot at Morden Wharf (MG), along with the MEC Class Mb Citaros. NX retains 2 lines, along with evening Lewisham-Greenwich shorts. The latter uses WVLs off TfL321.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.

A Southend seafront service, numbered 68, was registered from 24/7/17, for the school holiday period. Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL224 (Y824 TGH) is the regular bus, with B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL93 (LF52 ZNE) as reserve. These are both open toppers. There was an official launch at Southend on 19th July.
The illustration (by David Arnold), shows PVL224 passing Southend Pier on 25/7/17.

MAYHEM EVENTS, ABRIDGE.
Ford Transit HF03 JGU is withdrawn.

MISCELLANEOUS.
A verdict at Chelmsford on 17/7/17, concluded that the death of the lorry driver, whose truck crashed off Colemans Bridge at Witham in February, was accidental.
Mr G Johal, aged 30 – who was a technician at the local branch of Harris Truck and Bus, was taking the MAN articulated vehicle on a pre MOT test drive when the accident happened. The truck had a load which was a sealed ISO container. The vehicle’s owner had advised it contained a generator – when in fact it was an uninterruptible industrial power supply with many batteries. This resulted in an unusually high centre of gravity, which in turn caused loss of control on the right hand bend on the bridge. A “conventional” load, with a lower centre of gravity, would not have resulted in loss of control.
Colemans Bridge fully reopened in early July. There is once again access to the A12 southbound at Witham North junction.

MTR TfL RAIL.
Further new Class 345 EMUs are 345007/8.

Above: One of the soon to be replaced Class 315 EMUs. 315855 at the buffer stops at London Liverpool Street on 2/7/17. They have been a fixture on inner suburban routes in north east London since 1981. (S Austin).

315840/48 were damaged in a shunting accident at Gidea Park depot. 315848 was subsequently reformed with a DMS from 315840.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
From 24/7/17, 350 (Liverpool-Southend) was revised to run as Liverpool-Stansted Airport. 370 (Runcorn-Clacton), became Birmingham-Clacton from the same date. The contractor has changed from Selwyns of Runcorn to Chalfont of Uxbridge.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Suppied through Ensign are ex RATP London United Volvo B7TL/EL Vykings PA04 CYK, PG04 WHU. Similar PA04 CYL is here for spares only.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Acquired is ex CT Plus ADL Enviro 400/Optare Olympus PN08 SWJ. It is now led destination fitted and converted to single door. It was supplied via Ensign.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 BIG 7758 on a private charter to Jimmy’s Farm at Wherstead near Ipswich, on 13/7/17. (Steve Barham).

Due to the closure of the level crossing at Northumberland Park, a cross platform shuttle is being provided at this Greater Anglia (GA) railway station in north east London. The regular buses are Enterprise Primo SB07 PAN and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DC56 PAN. The latter was pictured (above), by Alex Hazell on the first day of operation – 1/7/17. They are outbased at the station and maintained from Matching Green. PVR is 1 bus with 1 as spare. Staff ferry in from various Panther depots/outstations. The contract is on behalf of both GA and Network Rail and is to do with improvement/redevelopment works at the station. The duration is from 1/7/17 until Autumn 2018. The project includes the replacement of the level crossing at Park Lane with an accessible footbridge and the addition of a third track through the station.
DAF DB250LF/EL Lolander AB02 PAN has received a replacement engine through Ensign, from ex Arriva Southend DB250LF/EL FD02 UKL. AB02 PAN has also been retrimmed by Duoflex and re-entered service by late July.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9807 is still at Matching Green, while ex Enigma Travel, Colchester Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount SIL 6719 has moved there from the airfield for cannibalisation.
Current OCs:
Harwich depot (HR) (c/o Mack Transportation, Iconfield Park, Parkeston).
Matching Green depot (WS) (Housham Hall Farm, Harlow Road, Matching Tye).
Colchester outstation (CR) (Sheepen Road).
Great Dunmow outstation (DW) (c/o Dons Coaches, Parsonage Down).
Northumberland Park outstation. (NP) (Temporary until autumn 2018). (c/o Greater Anglia, Marsh Lane, Tottenham, London N).
Witham outstation (WT) (Swanvale Industrial Estate).
OCs now closed:
Stansted depot (ST) (Eleventh Avenue) ceased 9/16.
Clacton outstation (CN) (c/o Canham, Telford Road) ceased 6/17.
Ipswich outstation (IP) (c/o Greater Anglia, Burrell Road) ceased 1/17.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
The former goods shed at Bury St Edmunds has been demolished. Since 1984, it had been used for leisure purposes; the ‘Rollerbury’ roller skating rink/roller disco, then a young people’s indoor activity centre and finally a health club. It it’s ‘Rollerbury’ days, a prefabricated extension was erected housing a nightclub, which was originally called ‘Reflex’ and later ‘Club Brasilia’. This was relatively short lived compared to the main building.

REGAL BUSWAYS.

Above: Panther Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF BIG 9856 is on loan to Regal again. It was seen at Rayleigh Station on 4/7/17, on route 3 (Chelmsford-Southend). (Tim Webb).
Below: BIG 9856 at Sudbury Bus Station on the 11/12/13 group of services to Gosfield, on 24/7/17. (Simon Austin).
These two pictures illustrate the geographical extremes of Regal’s operations.

Current OCs:
Cooksmill Green depot (c/o Heavyhaul, off A414 Ongar Road West).
Braintree outstation (c/o London Hinge Company, Swinbourne Drive).
Rochford outstation (Millhead Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate).

RYANAIR.
New is Boeing 737-800 EI-GDD.

SCENIC TRAVEL, RETTENDON.
The plot formerly used by this long ceased operator is now used for car and van sales.

STANS, GREAT TOTHAM.
The Stanway School-St Michaels Estate contract (subbed from Hedingham) and the Thurstable School-Wickham Bishops contract – (subbed from Flagfinders) ceased after 21/7/17. Stan is to retain one contract for 2017/18 – for Great Totham Primary School.
Bova Futura VWH 836 has been offered for sale. It has reverted to its original R932 JYG registration.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Transferred to Selkent are ADL/Enviro 400s 19849-51 (LX12 CZC/D/E).
19794 (LX11 BHN) was briefly loaned to Stagecoach South for the Goodwood Festival of Speed event in late June/early July.
Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panthers 54051/53-55 (KX09 NCE/J/N/O) have gone to store at Plaxton, Anston.

STEPHENSONS.
Mb Sprinter 516/Mellor Strata accessible demonstrator DF66 AEC was on loan from Mellor at Rochford depot in mid July, and appeared on 61 (Southend-Fossetts Park). From 24/7/17, the 61 became off peak M-F and ceased to operate at weekends. This was due to the end of subsidy by the Fossetts Park developers.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 411 on the 61 in central Southend in June 2007 – not long after the service started. (John Podgorski).

Current OCs:
Boreham depot (Waltham Road). Outstations at Braintree (Benfield Close), Clacton (c/o Canham, Telford Road).
Haverhill depot (Duddery Hill). Outstations at Bury St Edmunds (c/o Wash UK, Greyfriars Road, Moreton Hall), Great Dunmow (c/o Dons Coaches, Parsonage Down).
Maldon depot (Bates Road). Outstation at Fourways Coaches, Pools Lane, Highwood.
Rochford depot (Riverside).
The old Witham site is used for storage.

SULLIVAN BUSES.

Above: One of the ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs for the new TfL217 contract. E76 at the Alton Rally on 16/7/17.  (Simon Austin).

THOMAS COOK.
New is LY-OVEP, an Airbus A320-233.

TITAN AIRWAYS.
G-EUNB is a new Airbus A318-112.

TOWER TRANSIT.
From 1/7/17, TfL28 (Kensal Rise-Wandsworth), 31 (White City-Camden Town), 266 (Brent Cross-Hammersmith), 328 (Golders Green-Chelsea) moved from Atlas Road (AT) to Westbourne Park (X). This was to do with TfL contract changes, including the loss of TfL70 (Chiswick-South Kensington) to RATP London United – who has a depot virtually next door to Atlas Road.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.

(John Podgorski).

The yard at Parkway is now For Sale/To Let. Still there are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers V197 ERG (security post), Y161NLK; Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther CN05 DZF. At the former Burnt Mills site, the old workshop building has been demolished, and the new occupier (Herts Recycling), uses the land as a scrapyard. The former car garage has also closed. Townlink still owns the Burnt Mills premises as landlord.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Acquired via Ensign are ex Stagecoach Merseyside Scania Omnicities YN05 WKH/J/K.
The Scania Omnicities are now normally used on route 424 (Waltham Cross-Hertford), with the Volvo B10BLE/Wrights being mostly on more local runs.

Above: Still basically in its old Go-North East livery, Trustybus Volvo B10BLE/Wright WNZ 2353 at Harlow on 15/7/17. (John Podgorski).

Service revisions from 22/7/17 affected 418/B (Harlow-Loughton), 419 (Harlow-Epping), 420 (Harlow-Ongar), 505 (Harlow-Chingford).

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Operation of the Hedingham School contract has ceased. It has passed to Hedingham Omnibuses. Coach activities continue, along with two other school runs.
Withdrawn is Volvo B6/Plaxton Pointer M832 CVG.
Accident damaged MAN24.350/Jonckheere Monaco T616 DWL has passed to Lloyd, Hixon (dealer) as salvage.

UNO.
New are ADL/Enviro 400 Cities 250-255 (YK17 NPY/Z, NRE/F/J/K), for 614/644 (Hatfield-Barnet-Queensbury). This route has been rebranded as ‘Comet’.
Also new (at Northampton) are ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs 527-29 (YX67 UYA-C).

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Sold is long ADL/Enviro 200 SN56 AXF.

With thanks to: M Allen, Anglia Gen, D Arnold, S Austin, S Barham, J Benee, M Currie, East Norfolk Bus Blog, EBN, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, J Lidstone, LOTS, C Nixon/Ipswich Bus Blog, J Pretty, PSVC, J Sadd, R Sycamore, T Webb, R West.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the June 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

It is with deep regret that another terrorist attack in London has to be reported.
At 2208 on Saturday 3/6/17, a white Renault Master van was used to run over pedestrians on London Bridge. Once on the south bank of the River Thames, the van crashed into railings and its three occupants jumped out. Armed with knives they ran into Borough Market, randomly stabbing people as they went. Within 8 minutes, police were on the scene and the suspects shot dead. This was not before 8 civilians had been killed and 48 injured. This came less than two weeks since the suicide bombing in Manchester which claimed 21 lives.

The Capital suffered another catastrophe on 14th June, when in the early hours of the morning, fire broke out in Grenfell Tower, a high rise block of flats near Shepherds Bush. The blaze quickly spread to much of the building, claiming at least 72 lives, injuring at least 78 others, and making several hundred people homeless.

Then just after midnight on 19/6/17, a Citroen Relay luton van was deliberately driven into a group of people outside a mosque at Finsbury Park, killing one and injuring 10 others. The van driver, a 47 year old white male from Cardiff, was quickly apprehended.

Our thoughts go out to all affected by these dreadful occurrences.

Between 18th and 21st June, Great Britain experienced a heatwave, with the highest temperature being 34 degrees celsius; recorded at London Heathrow Airport on 21st June. The transport system struggled, with speed restrictions imposed on the railway, road surfaces melting, and people “sweating it out” on “poorly ventilated” buses and trains. Such weather had not reached the UK since June 1976. But this was “chilly”, compared to Phoenix, Arizona and Qatar, where temperatures were in the 40s.

Finally, First Essex has a pair of surprise vehicular arrivals. See below.

ADVANCE, SOUTHEND.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R917 ULA is now with Empress of Bethnal Green.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Most of this fleet has passed to Close Brothers for resale.
B10M/Caetano OIB 3514; B10M/Jonckherre Y875 XEO; Bova Futuras HIB 660, VDJ 660, KIG 1321, R59 BJC, YV03 VDY; Optare Versas YJ57 XWD/F/G had departed by June. YJ57 XWG subsequently appeared with CEN Group, Birmingham.

Bova Futuras KIG 1321 and YV03 YDY were parked at Ensign during June, on behalf of Close Bros. They are pictured above.
Another Bova Futura, believed to be VDJ 660, was seen broken down on the M4 west at Reading on 10/6/17.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 4012 heads down Maldon Road on an Ambrose Avenue bound 1A , on 11/2/17.

From 4/6/17, the 1A variant of (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead) ceased. This means that the Prettygate/Shrub End loop is now served in one direction only again. There were also frequency reductions on 2 (Highwoods-Horkesley Heath). As a result of the service 1 changes, the Volvo B7RLE/Wrights are mainly used only on 8 (Highwoods-Monkwick) and 133 (Braintree-Stanstead Airport) now.
ADL/Enviro 200 4018 (GN58 BUE) has lost its Guildford Route 91 branding. It retains generic ‘travel by bus’ branding on the rear, however. Sister 4017 (GN58 BUA) has also been debranded.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3534 has returned off loan from Stevenage, where it had been assisting with a vehicle shortage.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet driver trainer T942 (GK52 YVG) was on loan in early June. This is based at Hemel Hempstead.

A new ancillary vehicle is Ford Transit Connect van GM66 WWO. This has replaced Mercedes Sprinter engineer’s van MF04 DNJ – which dated back to TGM days.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
New ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs 4076-89 are here for Harlow-Stansted Airport routes 508/9/10. Registrations known so far are 4076 (YX17 NGJ), 4078 (YX17 NGO), 4079 (YX17 NGU), 4081/82 (YX17 NGX/Z), 4083/84/85/86/87/88/89 (YX17 NHA/B/C/D/E/F/G). Some are route branded, others not. They have replaced previous 509/10 branded Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3856/58/59/60 (KE54 LNR, LPF/J, HHF), 3873/74 (KE57 EPA/C), and ex Ware Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3875-80 (KX11 PVN, PUK/J, PVL, PUY, PVA) to Stevenage. The remaining B7RLEs at Harlow are 3857 (KE54 LPC), 3881-83 (KX11 PZY, PVD/E) and are normally on route 10 (Church Langley), where they have replaced smaller vehicles.
Service 59 (Harlow-Chelmsford) was extended from the bus station to/from Anglia Ruskin University from 4/6/17.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Above: ADL/E400 MMC 6505 departs Rayleigh Station on 1/4/17, on an eastbound route 1 working to Shoeburyness.

ADL/Enviro 400MMCs 6500/11/16 have returned off loan from Kent and Surrey at Maidstone. 6505 (SN66 WHZ) is back from collision repairs.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3528 (LF02 UNE) is on loan to Arriva Kent Thameside at Stevenage.
DAF DB250LF/EL Lowlanders 6256/8 are withdrawn. 6256 passed to Ensign and broken for spares. 6256 is pictured (below) on 17/6/17. Soon after, it was collected by MC Tractors of Ely, for scrap.

A new ancillary vehicle is Ford Transit Connect van GM66 WFA.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
VDL DB300LF/Wright Gemini2s DW219-223 have moved from Tottenham (AR) to Grays (GY).
Withdrawn as a result are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s VLA 110/12/13/17 (LJ05 BLX, BMO/U, BKD). They went to store at Edmonton (EC). VLA108 (LJ05 BLN) has passed to Ensign.
From 17/6/17, TfL48 (Walthamstow-London Bridge) was progressively converted to LT Class New Routemasters from DW Class VDL DB300LF/Wright Gemini2s. This was made possible by the truncation of TfL73 between Victoria and Oxford Circus. LTs from Tottenham (AR) and Arriva London South are being used, and transferred into Ash Grove (AE). Received are LT329/30/32/35/36/39/47/48/51 (from London South) LT352-55, 464-70/72-75 – from AR.
Route 48 was badly affected in the aftermath of the London Bridge/Borough Market terror attack of 3/6/17. The service had to terminate on the north side of London Bridge for 72 hours after the incident.
Several routes serving Finsbury Park Station were disrupted on 19/6/17, due to the terrorist incident on Seven Sister Road, which was closed as a result. Relevant to this website was TfL106 (Finsbury Park-Whitechapel). The curtailment lasted 0000 to 2200. Also affected were TfL29, 253, 254, 259, 279.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Received from London General Noerth are New Routemasters LT925/29/39/40/51. To London General North went LTLT891, 901, plus ADL/Enviro 200 SE234 (YX15 XMM).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP192 (EJ52 WXF), latterly with London General, has passed to Ensign.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
LF52 ZND is an ex Go-Ahead London Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini.
V499 MOA is the last of the ex National Express West Midlands Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents to arrive.

BRENTWOOD COACHES.
New is Scania K360 YR17 RJJ.

CARTERS HERITAGE BUSES.
Has moved from its long standing depot at Capel St Mary in Suffolk, to Great Bromley, Essex.

CEEFA, PITSEA.
Sold are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere NIL 8649 and Ford Transit 16 seater EA03 XEH.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
New is Renault Master EU17 DNO.
Withdrawn are Fiat Ducato 24 (EU03 EFR), Ford Transit 34 (EX06 CEA).
Previously sold Fiat Ducato EU03 EFS has been seen in Chadwell Heath.

CT PLUS.
ADL/Enviro 40H City 2510 (SN16 OHZ) is back in service ex fire damage repairs.
ADL/Enviro 200/EL Esteem DE5 (PN07 KRF) has passed to Ripley, Carlton (dealer) for resale.
The terrorist incident at Finsbury Park on 19/6/17, affected TfL153 (Finsbury Park-Moorgate). Curtailed 0000 to 2200.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 DA7 approaches Liverpool Street on 15/6/16. This was when the 153’s southern terminus was there.

DBS.
Class 66 EMD diesel electric locomotive 66061 was on 6V31 Dagenham-Didcot car transporters on 5/6/17.
At Bow Midland during June; 66041 on 5th, 66137 on 6th.
On 23/6/17, 66137 + 66170 were seen heading eastbound through Forest Gate Junction, down the Woodgrange Park line, with an aggregate train.

DE VERE, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
New is Mb Sprinter 516/EVM accessible minibus RE17 EZL.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.

Scania Omnicity double decker 967 unusually appeared on TfL135 on 23rd June.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
New are Euro 6 Neoplan Tourliner 63 seater DH17 DON and Volvo powered Sunsundegui SB3 72 seater DN17 DON.
Dennis Javelin/Marcopolo M707 HBC has passed to Barkerbus at Roydon.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZRG/H/I/J, and A320251 G-UZHA.

ENSIGNBUS.
BCI Excellence 141 (LX17 DZB) was on loan to First Eastern Counties in late June; for trials on their X1 Peterborough-Norwich service. The Excellences have entered revenue service on local services around Thurrock, alongside the Volvo B5H/Wright Gemini hybrids and the Volvo B9TL/Geminis and Olympuses. The BCIs have replaced the remaining Dennis Tridents and Volvo B7TLs on stage work, the latter types now usually appearing on contracts, private charter and rail replacement.

Withdrawn are the red/silver Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 901-7, following the end of the London Overground TfL rail contract on which they were used (Barking-Gospel Oak).
Ex Go-Ahead London Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LX53 AYY has been converted to open top, re-registered 392 MBF with fleet no 392. It has been repainted red and silver. Sister B7TL/Gemini LB02 YXD is temporary fleet no 920 in plain white.
AEC PRV Routemaster RM2203 has passed to Ghost Bus Tours, London EC1. Dennis Trident/Plaxton President open topper 301 (LK03 GHY ex FFY 401) has been exported to Grandpal SRO, Kabve, Czech Republic.

Above: Ex Abellio London no 792, one of the ADL/Enviro 200s acquired for Tilbury Port cruise ship shuttles. Seen on Purfleet depot on 17/6/17.

Recent heritage collection additions include former London Transport AEC Regent III 1RT ‘pre-war’ RT54 (above), and AEC Regent II STL recovery tender formerly bus AGX 517 (below). The latter has spent longer as a lorry than a bus.

EOS LONDON.
On loan are ex Globe of Barnsley Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KX06 LXG/H.

EUROSTAR.
Two Class 373 power cars are to be donated to the College of High Speed Rail at its Doncaster and Birmingham campuses. Power car 3308 is at the National Railway Museum, York.

EUROWINGS.
Withdrawn are Airbus A319-132s D-AGWP/Q. They are now OE-LYZ/Y respectively.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
Heritage liveried Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32479 (AU53 HJV) has been named ‘James “Jim” Long’. Jim was a well known local bus enthusiast, who passed away in June 2016, aged 72.

FIRST ESSEX.
Ex First Potteries Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 41521/22 (LK03 UEY/Z) are at Hadleigh (HH), to cover for a vehicle shortage. The type is already used by First Essex at Basildon (BN), with these and their ex Staffordshire sisters all being new to First London.
Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 37133/34/35/36/38 (SN57 HDH/J/K, HCU/X) have arrived at Colchester (CR), from First Scotland East. These and 37139/40 (SN57 HCY/Z), are being branded for route 62 with green fronts with repainting done by Mardens. only 37140 was still in standard livery by the end of June.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65688 (YS03 ZKH) has gone on loan to Clacton (CN) for the summer, from CR.
There were changes to route 42 (Chelmsford-Stansted Airport) from 4/6/17. A new 42B variant started, running to/from Westway Bus depot. This has replaced 42A on all but some peak journeys, the schooldays 542 has been replaced completely. From the same date, the service 75 terminus in Maldon was moved from the leisure centre to Colchester Road every day except Suns/hols.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33132 (LT02 ZBY) was destroyed by fire on 10/6/17. It was running light northbound on the A12, when it went up in flames at Feering. It was en route to the Ollie Murs concert at Colchester Community Stadium. 33132 was the first Trident at Hadleigh (HH) to be refurbished. The remains were recovered to Clacton (CN). The ex First Potteries Dart SLFs, mentioned above, have come as a partial replacement.

Above: 33132 at Hadleigh on 2/9/16, on a Southend bound 27 working.

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Sold is Vauxhall Movan/Euromotive welfare minibus X592 XKJ.

FLAGFINDERS.
Bova Futura YJ54 EXG has been acquired and is now GB54 FLG.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 S804 BWC is withdrawn.

FOURWAYS, CHELMSFORD.

Ex RATP London United Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking PG04 WHP, at Northern Approach, Colchester on 10/6/17. It is on a shuttle for the Ollie Murs concert at the Community Stadium. The destination, however is for Sandon School ! (S Austin).

Sold is Leyland Olympian/NC E856 DPN.

FREIGHTLINER.
Class 66 EMD diesel Electric locomotive 66524 was at Harwich International on 6/6/17.

GARDNER, RETTENDON.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas P120 KNO is reinstated.

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
Irizr i6 demonstrator YN66 VXZ was on loan from Irizar at Worksop.

GREATER ANGLIA.
A mock up of one of the forthcoming Stadler ‘Flirt UK’ trains has appeared at Norwich Crown Point depot, for staff training. The real thing is due from 2018.
There are two types. Class 745 (straight electric) and Class 755 (bi-modal).
Class 365 ‘Networker’ EMUs from GTR Great Northern are visiting Ilford (IL) depot for modifications.
On 19/6/17, exceptionally hot weather resulted in speed restrictions between Bow and Seven Kings, Brentwood and Shenfield and along the Southend Victoria line. This was due to expansion of OLE (Overhead Live Equipment), the older 1950s type being particularly affected. There were also significant cancellations. These continued until 21st June.
On 22nd June, self service ticket machines stopped working properly for around 90 minutes due to a software glitch. They were unable to process card transactions, and the issue affected customers not only on GA, but across the UK. The machines are owned and maintained for the railway TOCs by German company Scheidt and Bachmann.
Class 317s continue to appear on GE services. One working is the 1617 Liverpool Street-Witham M-F.

Above: 321423 meets 321437 at Hockley on 1/4/17. The original 1957 OLE is much in evidence.

Some Class 321 EMUs have appeared with dark blue – as illustrated by 321437, rather then red passenger doors. Some Class 317 EMUs now have light blue in lieu of red passenger doors.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Kelvedon depot gathering of Dennis Tridents (left) and Volvo B7TLs on 5th June 2017. (A Rawlinson).

Ex Anglian Scania Omnidekka 1512 (YN55 PZR) has received fleet livery, and entered traffic from Clacton at the start of June.
Anglian Bus Scania Omnilink AN61 BUS was at Sible Hedingham (HD) during June, but for maintenance only. This is because Anglian’s Ellough depot has now been reduced to outstation status, with most heavy maintenance passing to Konect at Dereham.

Operation of some duties on the following routes were transferred from Clacton (CN) to Sible Hedingham (HD) from 3/6/17: 50 (Colchester-Layer De La Haye/Tollesbury) – Sats only, 92 (Colchester-Tollesbury) – Sats only. These are in addition to certain workings of 63 and 83 reported in the May issue. They make up for the loss of 34/A from HD earlier in 2017, and allows CN to focus on its new X76 service and route 87.
Route 2 (Harwich-Dovercourt town service), passed to Panther from 3/6/17. Panther will run this contract on behalf of Hedingham until August, when it takes over fully, having won the 2 from this date on re-tender.

Above: Hedingham ADL/Enviro 200 no 265 on the Harwich town service on 27/5/17. (S Austin).

Dennis Trident/EL Lolyne 723 (W823 NNJ) is long term VOR at HD.
Former Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL 60 (H160 HJN) has been exported to the USA, via Nash (dealer), Wokingham.

JACKSONS OF BICKNACRE.
Mercedes Tourismo BF60 OFX has received fleet livery and is numbered 7.

KINGS TOURS, COLCHESTER.
Short Bova Futura KC57 ABC is now with Lewis of Carreglefn, Wales.

KLARNERS, COLCHESTER.
New is YF17 LTV, a Yutong ZK6938HQ midicaoch.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
New are Wright Streetlites WS79, 80 (SK17 HHE/F).

LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED.

The western end of the Hammersmith and City Line and Circle Line between Edgware Road and Wood Lane was closed on 14/6/17, due to the serious fire at Grenfell Tower, by Latimer Road station. The rest of the route (Edgware Road to Barking) experienced severe delays as a result. S7 Stock 51524 brings up the rear of a westbound H and C service at Euston Square on 7/4/17. Trains resumed on 15th June. However the service between these points was suspended again from 17/6/17, on recommendation from the police, due concerns about the stability of the fire damaged tower. There was a Hammersmith-Wood Lane shuttle running every 15 minutes, and tickets were valid on local TfL bus services. Services resumed again from 25th June.

LUCKETTS OF WATFORD.

Enterprise Primo BU08 ADX on the SC1 ‘Abbey Shuttle’ in St Albans on 17/6/17. This links the city centre and railway stations.

MALCOLMS BUS SERVICE, CLACTON.
Leyland National Greenaway HLZ 4439 is withdrawn.

MARC1, BILLERICAY.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibus NIL 8649 is ex Coxall of Pitsea.

MTR TfL RAIL.
The first of the new Class 345 EMUs, 345005 entered revenue service on 22/6/17.

NETWORK RAIL.

The materials depot at Chelmsford, located on the old coal yard – is pictured on 23/6/17. Previous uses have included parking for Chelmsford Taxibus, a Royal Mail terminal and sidings for Rowntree Mackintosh.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
From 3/6/17, Panther took over operation of Harwich-Dovercourt local route 2 from Hedingham; nearly 3 months early. Panther has been awarded the renewed contract from late August (qv). As a result, ADL/Enviro 200 DC61 PAN is no longer for sale. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA is also back in use, ex sales stock.

Ex Scraggs of Stoke on Trent Enterprise Primo MX55 WDT, has been re-registered DC04 PAN and received blue/white fleet livery.  Alex Hazell photographed it (above) on 26/6/17.
Leyland Titan PD3/4/NC convertible open topper BUF 426C has had an interior refresh.
Dennis Javelin/UVG BIG 8796 has returned from Turners of Essex, ex long term loan. It is withdrawn.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL F639 LMJ was driven to Southampton for export to the USA on 9/6/17. It had been repainted into allover red by Mardens. Its new operator is the Big Red Bus Company at Los Angeles. The voyage was made on MV Cronus Leader and the ship docked at Port Huerneme, California.

Above: F639 LMJ on the dockside at Southampton.
(A Hazell).

Clacton outstation closed after service on 30/6/17. The three vehicles moved to Colchester, Parkeston and Witham. Panther had used this location after leaving the nearby First Essex depot in 2015. Clacton was on rented land shared with Stephensons of Essex. Beestons also used to stable a coach there until July 2016. The site is owned by Canhams Recovery. The loss of the St Osyth school contract 135 from July, a rent increase and the proximity of other depots, contributed to the demise of Clacton site.

PEGASUS AIRLINES.
New is Airbus A320-251 TC-NBJ.

RICHMONDS, ROCHFORD.
Withdrawn is Ford Transit EG04 WHF.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
The sub yard at Rally Automotive is now longer used, with all vehicles parking at the main depot. The former was only suitable for minibuses.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300s continue to be active around Cambridge. On 24/6/17, 22058 (KV53 FAF) was on 26 to Royston (a regular haunt), while 22332 (AE51 RZL) was more unusually on cross city route 2. 22058 (KV53 FAK) – now unbranded, 22329 (AE51 RZH) were at the depot.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 18335 (AE55 DJU) is long term VOR at Cowley Road depot.
Mercedes Sprinter ancillary van Y134 AET is withdrawn.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
ADL/Enviro 200 36263 (LX11 AVT) has gone to Selkent.
Overall adverts: LT239 – to Magnum; LT312/60/66/76/83 – to Badoo.
LT315/75 back to red.

STEPHENSONS.
Scania K114/Irizar 203 (OW03 LFL) has been sold.
ADL/Enviro 200 434 (EU10 NVT) is back at Maldon; after spells at Bury St Edmunds and Braintree.

Above: ADL/E200 no 434 at Maldon High Street on 1/9/16; working the free service sponsored by Tesco. The following day it had been debranded, and had moved to Bury within a week. It and its sisters were displaced by the new 66 plate E200s for ‘Blackwater Link’, and they in turn replaced older Dennis Dart SLFs on ‘Breeze’ in Bury . The red brick building in the background is now the new HQ for Banyards Taxis. who are also a pcv operator.

SUFFOLK NORSE.
New is Mercedes Tourismo BN17 JJY.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
TfL217 (Enfield-Turnpike Lane) was taken over from Metroline from 3/6/17. New for this are ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs E70-81 (AD, AW, BW, JC, JS, PB, RC, RM, RS, RT, SG, WG17 SUL).

Above: DS53 is one of Sullivan’s  ex Stagecoach East London Scania Omnicities. It was seen on Fulham Palace Road on 17/6/17, on LUL District Line RRP.

TALISMAN COACHLINES.
Withdrawn is Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH open topper J343 BSH.

THOMPSON, LEIGH ON SEA.
Sold is Ford Tourneo ET53 FKM.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Withdrawn Ford Transit DV52 AFA.
Sold are Dennis Javelin/Caetano YIL 5494; Ford Transit DV52 AFA; LDV COnvoy/Excel YX53 CPO; Leyland Tiger/WS LUI 9954.
The old O licence has been surrendered. A new company has been set up to continue operations.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Further new Wright Streetlite WFs for TfL236 (Hackney Wick-Finsbury Park), to replace short ADL/Enviro 20Ds, are WV46204-20 (SK17 HGC-G/J/L-P/U/X-Z, HHA/B).

(C Maxfield/Friends of PSV Circle).

On 6/6/17, storms lashed London, and part of a tree fell onto Volvo B7RLE/Wright hydrogen bus WSH62998, on the South Bank at Waterloo/London Eye. Fortunately, there was no serious damage to the bus.
Service RV1 was seriously affected by the London Bridge Terror attack on 3/6/17. Much of its line was route along the south bank was closed for forensic investigations, (Tooley Street and Stamford Street). I understand it was diverted via Southwark Bridge.
On 14/6/17, there was disruption to some routes at the western end of the Tower Transit area, due to the serious fire at Grenfell Tower at Latimer Road. TfL295 (Ladbroke Grove-Clapham Junction) was directly affected. It could not follow its route on St Annes Road between St Marks Road and Queensdale Road. Also subject to diversion were 7 (Metroline), 23 (Tower Transit), 46, 52 (Metroline), 70 (Tower Transit) – (this passed to London United from 24/6/17); 228, 316 (Metroline) – directly affected by the fire, 452 (Abellio). On 14th June, there were delays of up to one hour and much of inner west London became gridlocked, due to the closure of the A40 Westway. The diversion of 295, plus 228 and 316 were “until further notice”. They were diverted via Notting Hill Gate, (228 northbound only). St Annes Road was closed due not only because of the fire, but the local gas supply having to be temporarily cut off. Normal services resumed from 25/6/17.

Above: ADL/Enviro 40H DNH39122 at Clapham Junction on 29/8/15.

The terrorist incident at Finsbury Park on 19/6/17, affected TfL236 (Hackney Wick-Finsbury Park). Curtailed 0000 to 2200.

Atlas Road depot (AS) at Harlesden, closed operationally after 30/6/17, but remains in use for engineering, storage and training. This was due to tender losses, with the AS routes moving to Westbourne Park (X).

Above: Atlas Road depot seen on 29/6/13, not long after it had passed to Tower Transit from First. (John Podgorski).

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
MAN24.350/Jonckherre Monaco T616 DWL has been withdrawn due to accident damage. It was rear ended by a lorry on the M25 anticlockwise, near the Dartford Crossing on 15/6/17. Luckily there were no serious injuries. The coach was ex Wicks and new to Stagecoach Oxford Tube as T50 UBE.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Ex Rambler of Hastings is TUI 9820, a Volvo B10M/Van Hool. It retains its old livery with Viceroy fleet names.
Volvo B12B/Van Hool 12 (UTR 705) is now SF07 DLY again.

WHIPPET.
On 21/6/17, Volvo B8RLE/Wright Solar WG105 (BT66 MVE) left the Guided Busway just south of Cambridge Railway Station, ploughed across the opposite track and cycleway/walkway, before demolishing a fence and hitting a retaining wall. 2 people were slightly injured, and severe front offside damage was caused to the bus. It was later found the bus had been speeding, and the driver was dismissed. This was the third serious incident on the southern part of the Cambridge Guided Busway in 14 months. WG105 has gone for repair.

With thanks to: Beds Bucks Herts Yahoo, ‘Cambus’, R Delahoy, Essex Buses Yahoo, M Gay, A Hazell, C Nixon/Ipswich Bus Blog, A Rawlinson, J Lidstone, LOTS, C Maxfield, RM.

/6(