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

Welcome to the May 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

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

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

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

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 Withdrawn are Volvo B6BLE/Wright X926 CNO, Ford Transits YF02 XVX, YN53 SVX.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.

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

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

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

BEESTONS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENSIGNBUS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST ESSEX.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.

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

GREATER ANGLIA.

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

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

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

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

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

HEDINGHAM.

(Courtesy Hedingham Omnibuses).

(S Austin).

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

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

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

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

KIRBYS OF RAYLEIGH.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARC1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.

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

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

No 64 MIX AND MASH.

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

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

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to the April 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C2C.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COLCHESTER COACHES.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST ESSEX.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(D Bell).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GREATER ANGLIA.

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

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

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

HEDINGHAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEO’S PLAYBUS, CHELMSFORD.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below: Improvements at MTR Gidea Park depot.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.

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

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

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

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

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

PANTHER TRAVEL.

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

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

REGAL BUSWAYS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.

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

STANSTED CITYLINK.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUFFOLK NORSE.


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

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

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

SWISS.
Withdrawn is BAe Avro RJ100 HB-JMM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the March 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

Professional drivers have a big responsibility for safety and it was disturbing to hear about an Essex bus driver who concealed his type 2 diabetes from his employer. As a result he was involved in an accident which resulted in the death of an 82 year old pedestrian. The driver had been employed for 5 years by a well known and respected operator, who were completely aware of his medical condition. It also appeared that prescription drugs to control his condition were not used. On the 28th February, 2017, the now former driver was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment, having pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and committing fraud for personal gain. He was also banned from driving for 3 and a half years and ordered to take an extended driving test at the end of the ban.
This has parallels with the incident in Glasgow in December 2014, when a dustcart ran out of control and killed 6 pedestrians. It was later found that the driver had become incapacitated as the result of a medical condition he had kept hidden from his then current employer, and a previous employer who was a large bus company. In his penultimate job, he had been found unconscious in the cab of a static bus. He was later convicted of being unfit to drive when found behind the wheel of his own car.

On the afternoon of 22/3/17, there was serious terrorist incident on Westminster Bridge, in the heart of London. A Hyundai car, driven at speed – deliberately collided with pedestrians on the south side of the bridge, before crashing into a wall outside the Houses of Parliament. The car’s driver then ran towards the grounds of Parliament and stabbed a police officer on guard at the main gate. The policeman later died from his injuries and the attacker was shot by armed police and also subsequently died. Additionally there were three fatalities amongst those people run down on Westminster Bridge. A further 40 people were injured (including 3 off duty police officers), some seriously. A fifth victim later died in hospital.
The immediate area was locked down. 11 buses were abandoned on the bridge and its approaches (7 red London vehicles, 2 Big Bus open toppers, 1 OLST open topper and one Duck Tours DUKW). Much road traffic was diverted via Vauxhall Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. Bus routes directly affected were 12, 53, 148, 159, 453. Other local thoroughfares closed were Lambeth Bridge, Millbank, Parliament Square, Victoria Embankment, Victoria Street, Whitehall. The bridge re-opened mid 23/3/17.
The only Busmopolitan linked routes which regularly use Westminster Bridge are National Express 481, 484, which then follow the South Bank and London Bridge.
Our thoughts go out to all affected by this dreadful incident.

(Graham Bishop).

ACME, MOLEHILL GREEN.
Sold is Mb 811D/Reebur coach RIB 9468 ex F74 SHY.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
Ex Terravision Scania K360EB6/Irizars YN64 AMO/U are now here. They are 63 seaters.

AMBASSADOR TRAVEL, GREAT YARMOUTH.
From National Express Operations, for continued NX use are Scania K340/Caetano Levantes 124/29/32/34 (FJ11 MKF/V, MJU/X) respectively.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Since its acquisition by NIBS of Wickford; some NIBS vehicles have appeared on Ambus routes. These were Optare vSolo MX08 UZK, Scania N230UD/Olympus EU59 BFK and Scania Omnicity ‘decker LX08 ECW. Stephensons Dennis Daret SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer EU03 CFX also appeared, having been hired by NIBS – see below.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3818 (GN07 AVE) was still in SxConnect colours in March, while last TGM Liveried Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3314 (S312 JUA) was towed to Southend for disposal.
Dart SLF/Pointer 3329 is now at Stevenage.
An ancillary vehicle to report is Vauxhall Combo van 499 (AR07 HWO).

Above: Ex SxConnect Volvo B7RLE/Wright no 3819 heads into Colchester along Maldon Road on 4/3/17.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
VDL300/Wright 3784 (MX61 AVZ), previously at Stevenage – has been noted.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Above: DAF DB250LF/EL no 6256 at Southend Travel Centre on 11/3/17. (Simon Austin).

ADL/Enviro 400MMCs 6500/11/16 have gone on loan to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone. DAF DB250LF/ELs 6255/58/60 (FD02 UKK/N/S) have come in exchange.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.

Above: Short ADL/Enviro 200 EN14 on TfL379 heads long ADL/Enviro 200 ENX5 on TfL313 at Chingford Station on 17/5/15.

TfL379 (Chingford Station-Yardley Estate) passed to London General North, from 11/3/17.
TfL397 (Debden-Crooked Billet) lost to CT Plus.
ADL/Enviro 200 ENS27 (WLT 807) has gone from Edmonton (EC) to Arriva London South.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 ENS27 at Loughton on an eastbound TfL397 on 19/12/15.

ATS MINIBUSES, BRENTWOOD.

Has been providing a shuttle between Shrub End and Layer Breton on behalf of Hedingham route 92 (Colchester-Tollesbury). This is due to a road closure. See more below. ATS Mercedes Sprinter YN53 CVO was seen at Shrub End on 30/3/17, awaiting connection with a southbound 92 service.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
RHZ 4345 is a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur.
Setra S250 6884 YG has reverted to its original registration of N117 FHK. It was new to Crusader Holidays, Clacton.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
New Routemaster LT888 initially entered service here on ELT, but it was soon to be transferred to London General North for TfL76 (Tottenham-Waterloo).
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED13 (AE56 OUM) has passed to Ensign.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 SE20 on High Road, Chadwell Heath, on 17/9/15.

TfL101 (Wanstead-Gallions Reach) was gained from Stagecoach East London, from 4/3/17. WVL Class Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2s, displaced from East London Transit by New Routemasters, have been allocated to 101.
TfL167 (Debden-Ilford) passed to Stagecoach East London from 11/3/17. The Loughton-Debden section was withdrawn.
TfL362 (Grange Hill-Little Heath) and TfL462 (Limes Farm-Ilford) to Stagecoach East London from 25/3/17.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED6; devoid of fleet names, on TfL167 at Loughton High Road, in December 2009.

Above: Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED22 at Loughton in February 2008. At this time Docklands was the TfL167 contractor, with Blue Triangle taking over subsequently.

Above: Wright Streetlite WS1 in Ilford on 9/3/17, during the last weeks of Blue Triangle working 462. (Daniel Alcott).

BLUELINE. ROCHFORD.
Ex Yorkshire Tiger Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President X675 YUG has been acquired. It was unfortunately damaged (on tow) while on delivery and is now to be used for spare parts.

CROSSRAIL.
A Class 345 EMU appeared at Southend Victoria on test on 30/3/17.

CT PLUS.
TfL397 (Debden-Crooked Billet) has been gained from Arriva London North.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
TfL549 (Loughton Station-South Woodford) passed to Stagecoach East London from 11/3/17.

Above: In original Docklands livery, Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED18 departs Loughton Station on TfL549, in December 2008.

Below: Arriva East Herts and Essex ran 549 before Docklands. Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beaver 2195 at Buckhurst Hill in June 2003.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Former vehicles latterly with London General, and now resold through Ensign are:
Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis VWL29 (LF52 THZ) – to Crosskeys, Folkestone; VWL25/27/28 (LF52 THN/V/X) – to Sheil Buses, Argyll; VWL43 (BX04 BKK) – to York Pullman.

Above: BX04 BKK being prepared at Ensign on 11/2/17. (Nigel Eadon-Clarke).

ENIGMA TRAVEL, COLCHESTER.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas FN02 VCD is ex Martin of Welling.

ENSIGNBUS.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution 785 (AE55 EHM) has been on loan to Nu Venture, Maidstone.

Former St Helens RT BDJ 807 was donated to the Heritage Fleet and is undergoing a major restoration. It had latterly been with Harper Brothers of Heath Hayes, Staffordshire.

EOS LONDON.
Mercedes Sprinter City demonstrator BV66 GYJ is on loan, having previously been on trial with Stephensons of Essex.

EUROSTAR.
The power cars from long stored sets 373101/102 were moved by road from Temple Mills depot to Long Marston on 29/3/17.

EUROWINGS.
New is D-AEWW, another Airbus A320-214.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: At 0600 on 21/3/17, Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 no 32067 at The Walls, on the Mistley/Manningtree border. In the background is the estuary of the River Stour, with the shores of Suffolk beyond. (Wayne Bell).

From First Buses of Somerset are Volvo B10BLE/Wright Endurances 62191 (X685 ADK), 62242 (Y939 CSF). Both are for driver training.
ADL/Enviro 200s 44076/77 (YX58 HVF/G) have gone to First in Somerset.
Ex Chelmsford Park And Ride Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Ecipses 69512-14 have moved to First South Yorkshire.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipses 69515/6 (BJ11 ECN/E) entered traffic from Hadleigh (HH) on 8 and 9/3/17 – still in Chelmsford Park and Ride black. 69515 carries silver route branding for 22, 28. By 31/3/17, 69517/9 (BJ11 ECD/V) were also in traffic – by which time all were route branded.
Now into Refreshed livery are Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipses 66818/30 (MX05 CEA, CFJ). Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43845 (SN55 CXH) now has a non standard front ‘First’ fleet name – in purple and smaller font.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33184 (LR02 LZD) has gained a super rear advert for CO OP Funeralcare.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66829 (MX05 CFG) has lost its super rear advert for Essex Fire and Rescue Service. 66804 (MX05 CCO) now has leather upholstery.

Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32480/1/3 (AU53 HJX/Y, HKA) now have led destinations, ex dot matrix. 32480 was seen (above) at Headgate, Colchester on 30/3/17.
Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41730 (X503 JLO) was withdrawn from HH after 8/3/17 – to become a staff bus at Chelmsford (CF), leaving 47135 (X735 HLF) as the last of the type in revenue service here.
Above: 41735 changes crew outside Hadleigh depot on 13/12/14.

Withdrawn and cannibalised are Optare Solo 53135(EO02 NFU) – at CF, following a rear end shunt, and Scania L94UB/Wright Soloar 65683 (YR52 VEU0 at CR – following mechanical failure.

FLAGFINDERS.

Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH R141 EVX is now in fleet livery, ex Buses Ecetera. It is pictured (above) on London Road, Lexden near Colchester, on 23/3/17.
Observed at Tollesbury outstation during March were Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents LK03 NHF/G/V, Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royales P418 KSX, P263 PSX, Volvo Olympian/Alexander R141 EVX. On Fridays (in term time), a coach works a Thurstable School run into Tollesbury, but this vehicle is from Braintree.

Above: Flagfinders Volvo Olympian P418 KSX squeezes through Tollesbury on 2/3/17.

FLYBE.
New is Dornier DHC-8 402 turboprop G-PRPN.

FREIGHTLINER.
70018 is another of the ‘Fugleys’ stored for repairs – (DHLT pool). 70020 was also briefly stored then reinstated.
Preserved 47771 has come from the Colne Valley Railway for restoration at Eastleigh.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Ingatestone station has received major improvements, including platform upgrades, better customer facilities, including a new coffee shop and newsagent. The historic station house has also been restored.
Southend depot and sidings has been upgraded with new lighting and pathways.
Class 153 DMU 153322 retained the old Abellio Greater Anglia branding in March.
The first Class 170 DMU to be outshopped in the new livery, following refurbishment is 170270.The work was done by Arriva Traincare at Crewe, and 12 ‘170s are being treated. Also now into the new GA scheme are Class 317 EMUs 317882/86. Class 321 EMU 321321 has received Renatus red/white colours.
Class 317 EMUs returned to Stansted Express on 20/3/17, when 317510/664 appeared.
Ex GTR Class 317 EMUs 317345/46/48 were moved from Ilford TMD (IL) to Parkeston Quay Yard (PQ) on 2/3/17 for storage. They are due to enter GA service in May 2017. 317347 is stored at IL.
‘Pretendalino’ DVT 82126, which GA had used between 2014 and 2016, has been put into sore by DRS at Longtown, Cumbria.

HEDINGHAM.

On loan from Chambers was Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 566 (W428 WGH). It was used on schools at Kelvedon (KN) on 2nd and 3rd March only. B7TL/President 561 (V303 LGC) now has two rear fleet numbers. Ex Chambers 569 (W484 WGH) has received full new Hedingham livery with the addition of a red front dash panel, ex a maroon one.
B7TL/Wright Gemini 510 (LB02 YWX) has been returned to Konect, after repairs following its mechanical failure. B7TL/Plaxton President 577 (W518 WGH) is long term VOR at Sible Hedingham (HD) with gearbox problems.

Scania Omnidekka 1513 (YN55 PZU) appeared at Kelvedon (KN) on 28/3/17. First appearance of a Scania at this depot. It was pictured, above – at Plume School (lower), Maldon on 30/3/17.
Between 13th and 31st March, a minibus shuttle (provided by ATS of Brentwood) replaced route 92 between Shrub End and Layer Breton, due to roadworks at the latter. The main route was diverted via Kingsford and Layer De La Haye. On 30/3/17, it was announced that this arrangement would continue until 2/5/17.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Optare Versas 146/47/49/52 (YK08 EPC/D/F/V) have been repainted out of Park and Ride livery into a revised fleet livery.
On loan was Scania N250UD/Enviro 400 MMC YN66 BBV, with temporary fleet no 500. It came from Reading Buses and then moved onto Border Buses (West Coast Motors).

JET2.COM.
This Leeds-Bradford based low cost air carrier, commenced scheduled operations from Stansted on 30/3/17, to Alicante, Faro, Lanzarote, Majorca. It already provided holiday charters from the Essex airport. The new itinery sees 21 destinations for summer 2017 and 21 for winter 2017/2018.
A fleet of new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft has arrived for these operations, along with 100 extra cabin crew.  New B737 G-JZHW was the first to appear at Stansted.
Acquired is Boeing 737-85P G-DRTA ex EC-JBJ.

LEACH & PALMER, WICKFORD.
Sold is Fird Transit 16 seater EY03 VNP.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Mb Tourismo BG58 OLO has been exported to Cyprus and is now registered MTH 0905.

LONDON CENTRAL.
DWL Class DAF SB120/Wright Cadet and ED Class ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolution operation has ceased, with TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) being scheduled for MEC Class Mb Citaros.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
TfL379 (Chingford Station-Yardley Estate), was gained from Arriva London North from 11/3/17.

MARC 1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.
Additions are Scania/Berkhof TUI 4741 and Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere NIL 3181.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
New is Class 345 EMU 345005. It has appeared on staff training on the London end of the GEML.

NATIONAL EXPRESS CONTRACTORS.

A most unusual visitor to Stansted on 4/3/17, was Redfern of Mansfield DAF SB4000/Van Hool Alizee 63 RT, on route 350 from Nottingham. Redfern is owned by NX contractor Johnsons of Hodsthorpe, Worksop. It is pictured awaiting departure from Broadmarsh Bus Station, Nottingham.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/EL BIL 4539. It has reverted to T410 SMV.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN at St Georges Church, Great Bromley, on a private hire on 15/3/17. (Steve Barham).

Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther AB07 PAN has reverted to its original SF07 YTP mark and passed to Harlequin Coaches of Edinburgh. After a period of loan, Leyland Olympian BIG 9248 has been sold to Ward’s of Alresford and re-registered back to G296 UYK. It retains ‘car themed’ livery from its Lodge of High Easter days.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843. Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA has been upgraded to DDA specification.
Offered for sale are Darts BIG 8843, S303 JUA and Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9807.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer BIG 9856 has gone back on hire to Regal, along with S303 JUA.
Three Plaxton Primos were acquired from Scraggs of Stoke on Trent; L12 PPN, MX55 WDT, YX55 DSE. They have chassis numbers 2, 6, 8. No 6 is for spare parts only.

Above: SLF/Pointer S303 JUA on loan to Regal and seen at Braintree Bus Park on 25/3/17. (Simon Austin).
Below: SLF/MPD BIG 9856 at Chelmsford Bus Station on 17/3/17 and on hire to Regal. (Dale Bell).

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
The old Langford and Ulting station platform has been restored. On the former Witham to Maldon line, it is now in a country park.

RYANAIR.
New are Boeing 737-800 8ASs EI-FZB-H.
Boeing 737-8AS EI-EFP has been re-registered HL8090 for Jeju Air.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Received from Stagecoach Lincolnshire are Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panthers 54051/53-55 (KX09 NCE/J/N/O). They are for rail replacement.
Resold through Ensign are:
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18239/40 (LX04 FYF/G) – to Brylaine, Boston; 18253/56 (LX04 FYW, FZA)- -to First Bus Stop, Gravesend.
17790 (LX03 BWD) is now with Youngs of Cambridge, via Stagecoach Yorkshire and Ensign.

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17580 at Beckton Bus Station on TfL101 in September 2011.

TfL101 (Wanstead-Gallions Reach) was lost to Blue Triangle from 4/3/17.
TfL167 (Debden-Ilford) and TfL362 (Grange Hill-Little Heath) were won from Blue Triangle from 11/3/17. “Cross border” Debden-Loughton section withdrawn, following end of Essex County Council subsidy.
TfL462 (Limes Farm-Ilford) gained from Blue Triangle from 25/3/17.
TfL549 (Loughton Station-South Woodford) won from Docklands Buses from 11/3/17.
TfL677 (Wanstead-Gallions Reach) is a new school derivative of 101, which started on 11/3/17.
TfL165 (Romford-Hornchurch) has temporarily received some double deckers, to release saloons for TfL167, 362 (above) – pending delivery of new ADL/Enviro 20Ds.

Above: Stagecoach had the TfL101 contract for many years. Scania N113/Wright Pathfinder 28628 was pictured on High Street, East Ham, heading towards Wanstead, in January 2004. This was originally SLW28, and was one of the earliest low floor buses in London; being new in 1994. The 101 was double decked from 2006.

Above: 28617 heads southbound, at the same time and place. Note these were effectively Scania N113 double deck chassis adapted to take single deck low floor bodies. Whatever happened to Henry Kelly, by the way ?

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
Ex demonstrator Wright Streetlite WF SK65 PWV is now here. Mb Sprinter City demonstrator BV66 GYJ has moved on to EOS London.
Dennis SDart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 413 (EU03 CFX) has returned from NIBS, off loan.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paragon 200 (X400 MTT) has been repainted white and passed to Galloway.
Suffolk Express Scania K114/Irizar 203 (OW03 OFL) is at Rochford depot.
Two derelict ex Taw and Torridge Ford Transit, C546/50 BHY are also at Rochford.

THOMAS COOK.
G-JMOF is a Boeing 757-330, ex German registered D-ABOF.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Sold is short Dennis Javelin/UVG TJI 4147.

TOWER TRANSIT.
TfL308 (Wanstead-Clapton) has gone over to double deck operation, upon re-tender, using new MV Class Volvo B5LH/MCV EvoSetis. TfL58 has also received a part allocation of MVs.

Above: Tower Transit  ADL/Enviro 400 DN33643 at Plaistow Station on 26/3/17, on ex Stagecoach East London TfL69.

TRUSTYBUS.
Loaned Mercedes Citaro BT66 ZVE has moved on.
Scania Omnilink/EL YR52 VFL has returned from its loan to Barkerbus and is now delicensed. Sister YR52 VFN is relicensed.
Scania Omnicity YN53 RXO is now in fleet livery, ex plain red.

TUI.
G-TAWV is an ex German registered Boeing 737-8KS. Previously D-ATUP.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.

Above: Accessible Mercedes 614D Vario/Frank Guy W364 SNN at Head Street, Halstead on 22/3/17. It was new to Leicestershire County Council. (Simon Austin).

UNO.
Accident damaged ex First Yorkshire Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini YN07 MLF has been acquired and repaired. It came via GKN Technology of Templeborough, where it had been used as a hybrid drive test vehicle. It has been re-registered C14 UNO.
From 26/3/17, route 601 extended from St Albans to Borehamwood, replacing 655 – while 341/641 and 614/644 rerouted in Hatfield to replace Hatfield town services.

WARD’S, ALRESFORD.
All Leyland Olympian G296 UYK has been bought from Panther Travel (qv).
The part of Cockaynes Farm where the fire was, is no longer used for parking.

With thanks to: D Alcott, S Austin, A Barham, S Barham, W Bell, G Bishop, N Eadon-Clarke, EBN, Ensign, A Hazell, J Lidstone.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the February 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

There was a serious accident at Witham on 8/2/17, which resulted in chaos to the local road transport network.
At approx 1545, a MAN TGA articulated lorry, carrying 26 tonne uniterupted industrial power supply , for some reason failed to negotiate the bend on the sliproad at Witham North and careered off Colmans Bridge and onto an embankment alongside the southbound carriageway of the A12. The ISO container it was carrying split open, and the hazardous load caught fire. Sadly, the driver was declared dead at the scene.
The bridge and A12 south were immediately closed. The northbound A12 was shut for around 2 hours. However, the London bound A12 remained closed until the following evening – February 9th, and Colmans Bridge was still closed on 10th February. This cut a major road link through Essex, as well as access to Witham from the north.

Above: The stricken lorry.
(R Watson-Lang)
Below: The same truck, taken 8 days earlier, on 31/1/17, coming off Colmans Bridge and into Witham. The spot where it crashed is in the middle distance. The driver is not the gentleman who sadly lost his life in this tragic accident.

Bus and coach services directly affected by this incident were:
71 (Colchester-Chelmsford) – operated by First Essex.
91 (Tollesbury-Witham) – Hedingham and Stephensons.
481 (Felixstowe/Ipswich-London) – National Express.
484 (Walton-Clacton-London) – National Express.
School services:
505 (Colchester-Danbury) – Stephensons.
506 (Colchester-Heybridge) – Stephensons.
521/3 (Colchester-Chelmsford) – First Essex.
676 (Colchester-Chelmsford) – Stephensons.
Feering-Ipswich Schools – Suffolk Norse.
HN1 (Silver End-Honywood School) – Hedingham.
Maldon-Bicknacre-Danbury-Colchester Schools – Graham’s of Kelvedon.
Works services:
T1 (Ipswich-Witham) – Beestons.

Bus and coach services indirectly affected were:
38/A (Witham-Braintree-Halstead) – Stephensons.
39 (Powers Hall End-Witham Morrisons) – Stephensons.
65 (Highwoods-Colchester-Tollgate) – First.
70 (Colchester-Braintree-Chelmsford) – First.
72 (Witham-Chelmsford) – First.
73/A (Chelmsford-Maldon) – First.
82 (Colchester-Fordham) – Hedingham.
83 (Colchester-Great Tey) – Hedingham.
88 (Colchester-Halstead) – First and Hedingham.
90 (Witham-Maldon) – Stephensons.
250 (Ipswich-Stansted-Heathrow) – National Express.
School services:
623 (Chelmsford-Witham) – Stephensons.
673 (Chelmsford-Maldon) – Stephensons.
HN4 (Easthorpe-Honywood).
HN7 (Marks Tey-Honywood).

One correspondent reported that the 505 took 2 hours 40 minutes to travel 2.4 miles, after it was halted in the tailback at Kelvedon. It arrived at its destination 209 minutes late.

The A12 South was partially reopened on the evening of 9/2/17,after the wreckage had been recovered – but the bridge and sliproad remained shut. This was reopened, Witham bound only, on 10/2/17.
The lorry driver who died was named as Mr G Johal, aged 30, from Witham. He was an employee of the local branch of Harris Truck and Van – DAF, Iveco and MAN agents. An inquest into his death was opened at Chelmsford on 15/2/17, with the cause of his death being multiple injuries caused by the crash. The inquest was then adjourned until July 2017.
Thoughts go out to all affected by this dreadful accident.

AH MINIBUSES, LITTLE CLACTON.
There are two bases. The main depot/office on London Road, and an outstation at Holland Road.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Was sold to NIBS of Wickford on 17/2/17, following retirement of Amber’s proprietor.

Above: Amber DAF MB230/VH YNJ 214 calls at Southend Airport on an Abellio Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Stratford on 20/9/15.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3817 (GN07 AVD) has returned from Arriva Network Harlow.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3329 (X521 GGO) is now with Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
On loan from Optare was orange liveried Optare Solo SR YN64 DWD. This was to cover for Optare Versas undergoing warranty work.
One time Southend Transport Leyland Fleetline/NC MRJ 241W has gone to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap – via Ensign.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Took over TfL48 (Walthamstow Central-London Bridge) from Stagecoach East London on 25/2/17. DW Class VDL300LF/Wright Gemini2s are being used from Ash Grove (AE) depot.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
On loan from Trustybus is Scania Omnilink/EL YR52 VFL.

BLUE TRIANGLE.

TfL387 (Creekmouth-Little Heath) was renumbered EL3 and converted to LT Class New Routemasters, upon transfer of this contract from Stagecoach on 18/2/17. It is the first wholly suburban route to be worked by LTs. LT907 was pictured at River Road, Barking on the first day. The entire batch for East London Transit is LT903-953 (LTZ 2013-53). EL1 and EL2 were progressively converted during late February.
The last Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLFs working on TfL Contracts, are with Blue Triangle. DMN6 was pictured (below) at South Street, Romford on 26/2/17, by S Austin.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
From Xplore Dundee are Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents V42, 45 MOA. From National Express West Midlands are V423/31/99 MOA. V45 MOA is allocated to registered schools service 888.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 583 is delicensed and stored at H&B Commercials, Ipswich.

CITY JET.
New are CRJ900s EI-FPI/J.

COLAS RAIL.
On 15/2/17, 66846 was seen at Stratford on a Hoo Junction to Shoeburyness light engine move.

CT PLUS.
New ADL/Enviro 20D MMCs are 1238-59 (YY66 PYB/D/F/G/H/J/L/O/P/S/T/U/V/W/X/Z, PZA/B/C/D/E/F). And new ADL/Enviro 40H MMCs are 2522-37 (SN66 WRE/G/J/K/L/O/P/R/T/U/V/W/X/Z, WSD/E). These are for new and renewed TfL contracts.

DBS.
66017 was at Marks Tey Sand Yard on 22/2/17.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini VWL42 (BX04 BKL), latterly with London General, has been resold via Ensign, to York Pullman.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DW12 (LF52 TKA), latterly with London Central has gone to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap – after cannibalisation by Ensign.

EASY JET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPV/W/X/Y, EZRA.

EUROSTAR.
Withdrawn are Class 373 EMUs 373013/14. They were moved from Fawkham Junction, Kent to Temple Mills on 25/2/17.

FIRST ESSEX.
The new Chelmsford Park and Ride Buses are ADL/Enviro 200s 67189-97 (SN66 WKK/L/M/O/P/R/S/T/U). The previously used Volvo B7RLE/Wrights, 69512-20 have transferred from Chelmsford (CF) to Hadleigh (HH) – mainly to upgrade route 27 (Southend-Canvey).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32068 (KP51 VZS) and Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66797 (MX05 CMY) are the latest in Refreshed livery. All such repaints now have ‘Essex’ fleet names.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43801 (AO02 ODM) has gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap – despite having relatively received Refreshed livery.

Above: Seen in February 2012, when still quite new, Chelmsford Park and Ride Volvo B7RLE/Wright no 69519 exits Victoria Road into Duke Street.

The driver of the lorry, which shed its steam engine load onto a First Essex bus at West Mersea on 23/9/15 – injuring 23 people – 6 seriously, pleaded guilty to the charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving (insecure load) on 28/2/17. Philip Last, aged 53 of Great Yarmouth, was driving a DAF XF low loader for R M Cowels of Lowestoft, when the Burrell steam engine on the back, fell onto Scania N113/Wright 65573 (S573 TPW), crushing the front offside of the bus. Mr Last will be sentenced on 20/4/17 at Ipswich Crown Court.

Ancillary vehicles: 90590 (EX55 ZHA) is a Ford Fiesta van, seen both at Colchester and Hadleigh.

FLAGFINDERS.
Seen at Tollesbury outstation during February, were Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents Y184 NLK, LK03 NHF; Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH G805 GSX and Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale P418 KSX.

FLYBE.
New is Dornier DHC-8 402 turboprop G-PRPK.

FOURWAYS COACHES, HIGHWOOD, CHELMSFORD.
Sourced through Ensign are ex London United Volvo B7TL/EL Vykngs PG04 WHD/M.

FREIGHTINER.
Diesel 70003 is reinstated.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Sold is Volvo SBR/Berkhof double deck coach WA08 APO.

GBRf.
66717 was at Bow Midland on 9/2/17.

GREATER ANGLIA.
On hire from Rail Support Services (RSS) diesel electric shunter 08511. It is based at Cambridge.
Further Class 321 EMUs transferred from Great Northern/GTR are 321405/07.
Also ex GTR are Class 317 EMUs 317345/46/47/48.
The majority of stock has now received the new ‘Greater Anglia’ branding.

EMUs 379012/028 still retained ‘Abellio GA’ names at the end of February. 379028 leads a London-Cambridge service into Audley End on 25/2/17.

Above: With the new ‘Greater Anglia’ fleet names, Class 317 EMU 317510 calls at Audley end on the Cambridge-Stansted Airport service on 25/2/17.

HEDINGHAM.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 259 (EU56 FLP) has moved from Clacton (CN) to Sible Hedingham (HD).
Dennis Trident/EL 723 (W823 NNJ) now has red Hedingham fleet names on Konect blue/yellow livery.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 510 (LB02 YWX) has gone for repair.

Above: Clacton allocated SLF/MPD 290, on the 82 at Southway, Colchester on 31/5/16.
Below: Deniis Trident/EL 723 at Sible Hedingham depot on 23/2/17.

JET2.COM.
New Boeing 737-800-8MGs are G-JZHU/V, which will likely appear at Stansted, when ops start there at the end of March.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.

HOW 3R is a Van Hool T917 tri-axle – ex Howards/Springfield Travel. It has been re-registered KX05 AYM. Pictured on Greater Anglia rail replacement at Witham on 25/2/17.

IPSWICH BUSES.

The remaining Ipswich Park and Ride will passed to First Eastern Counties as a commercial operation. This is the Copdock P and R, which had opened in November 1997. Originally operated by Ipswich Buses; First Eastern Counties was the contractor between 2008 and 2013, after which Ipswich Buses returned. For its second tenure, IB used ex Nottingham City Transport Optare Versas, including no 150, seen (above) on the bridge over the River Orwell at Princes Street on 28/10/16. Ipswich rail station is in the background. First will take over from July 2017.

Another Dennis Dart SLF/EL Spryte to be withdrawn is 89 (X89 LBJ).
Sold for scrap to PSV Recycling, Hadleigh (Suffolk) are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 6 (LG02 FCE), 18/19 (V126/62 MEV) and ex Carters Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 43 (R156 LHK ex 98 D 20388). The last retained red/yellow livery.

KLM.
The Dutch flag carrier airline has returned to London City Airport. From 6/2/17, a service from Amsterdam Schipol commenced, initially once daily, but to increase to four return trips from March 2017. It marks a comeback by KLM to this air hub, after an eight year absence. The route is worked by Embraer 190s, such as PH-EZB, pictured (below) at Stuttgart, Germany on 22/5/16.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Class 317 EMU 317891 is now in LOROL colours.

LONDON UNDERGROUND. Mid-life refurbishment has commenced on the Jubilee Line 1996 Tube Stock. The work is being carried out at Stratford Market depot and is projected to take around two years to complete.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
New is Scania K440EB6/Caetano Levante SH225 (BV66 WRC)

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Sold is Volvo Olympian/NC R549 LGH.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Acquired the business of Amber Coaches, Rayleigh on 17/2/17. The portfolio includes a selection of school contracts.

Above: NIBS ex Docklands Buses Scania Omnicity LX08 ECF at the Canvey Museum Running Day of 12/10/14.

P&M COACHES, WICKFORD.
Sold is Mb 0814D/Mellor welfare bus L702 VHY.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer BIG 7006 has been named ‘Paige’.
Plaxton Primo MX55 WDT is ex Scraggs of Stoke on Trent, pictured (top) at Matching Green depot on 25/2/17.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer BIG 9856, has returned, off loan from Regal.
Leyland Olympian BIG 9248 is on loan to Ward’s of Alresford (qv).
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9807 has been repaired using parts from N615 APU.
Ancillary vehicles: Ford Transit Connect van YP13 LRX is now AB13 PAN. VW Caddy van AB57 PAN has reverted to its original BF58 EZK mark and been sold to its regular driver – engineer ‘Ziggy’ – picture below. Peugeout 106 P568 LKE has gone to Takeley Metals for scrap, while Rover 200 T913 LRT is withdrawn.
Traffic: The route 60 Audley End/Saffron Walden-Hempstead shuttle ended on 17/2/17, when the road was reopened.

REGAL.

Acquired is Scania K114/Irizar YN56 FGJ. It was previously with Lucketts, Fareham. It is seen (above) on Greater Anglia rail replacement at Ingatestone on 18/2/17.

Above: The ‘Regal Explorer’ Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah, at Witham on 23/2/17.

RYANAIR.
More new Boeing 737s are 800-8AS models EI-FTS/T/V/W/Y/Z, FZA.
Boeing 737-8AS EI-EFP has passed to Jeju Air, following repaint at Bournemouth.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

TfL48 (Walthamstow Central-London Bridge) passed to Arriva London North from 25/2/17 (qv). Dennis Trident no 17799 was seen on the route at Bishopsgate in June 2004.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17925 (LX03 OTA) has been resold by Ensign to Fast Point Plus, Sofia, Bulgaria. Tridents 17157/77 (V157/77 MEV), 17549 (LY02 OAZ) went to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap – after spares recovery by Ensign.

STEPHENSONS.
Mercedes Citybus 45 demonstrator/EVM RE66 KKY was on loan in mid to late Feberuary. It was trialled on route D4 (Bradwell-Southminster circular). It then moved onto Arrow Taxis at Maldon and was replaced by orange/red liveried BV66 GYJ.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 413 (EU03 CFX) is on loan to NIBS, Wickford.

SWIFT TRAVEL, NORTH WEALD.
Optare Alero S24 WFT has been re-registered back to YL51 ZTO.

SWISS.
Withdrawn is BAe RJ100 HB-IYR. It has gone to store at Cranfield, UK.

TERRAVISION.
Scania K360/Irizar YT12 YUA has passed to Hebridean Transport, Sandwick, Isle of Lewis, Scotland.

THOMAS COOK.
New are Boeing 757-330 G-JMOE and Boeing 767-31KER G-TCCA.

TITAN AIRWAYS, STANSTED.
Boeing 737-436 G-POWP is now here.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
This operator has ceased most of its activities. One minibus school contract remains until the end of the 2016/17 academic year, and outstanding private hires are being honoured. Much of Glew’s work has been reassigned to other local operators. Its Wickham Bishops-Colchester Norman Way private school contract has passed to Talisman. Glew’s founder and proprietor George “Tony” Glew had passed away in 2016. The company was established in 1988 with two minibuses, initially run from the boss’s home. Larger coaches began to arrive from 1993 and a base at the Hythe in Colchester was set up. This was on a plot of land at the junction of The Quay and Maudlyn Road, and was shared with Tee Jays Travel (now Enigma Travel).
When it was redeveloped for housing in 1997, Glew moved to Great Tey, where it remained ever since, while Tee Jay’s went “around the corner”, to Fieldgates at Haven Road.
Once at Great Tey, Glew expanded – eventually running vehicles across the entire size spectrum, from minibuses to double deckers. Great Tey had ample secure parking and workshop facilities.
Glew’s work portfolio was a mix of school contract and private charter. It never ran any stage services. In 1997/1998 the works contract for Sovereign Chicken (now Grampian Country Foods) at Witham was run, launching this service which Fargo then held from 1998 to 2007 and Arriva/Network Colchester after that until late 2016 when Beestons took over. Originally running as Harwich to Witham, the “chicken run” eventually became a network (under Fargo and Arriva), also serving Braintree, Colchester and Ipswich. The school runs were of note as they included a long standing private contract between Wickham Bishops and Colchester (see above), along with some home to school services centred on the Kingswood Hoe School in Colchester.
Mr Glew had originally been a London bus driver, before working as a plastic injection moulding engineer for many years, prior to his own business venture.

Above: Just after acquisition by Glew, Dennis Javelin/Caetano YIL 5494 being prepared for service at PW Commercials, Witham on 24/7/15. It was subsequently repainted blue.

TOWER TRANSIT.
An ancillary vehicle is Ford Transit MWB hi cube van BG66 VKT – at Lea Interchange (LI).

TRUSTYBUS.
Mercedes Citaro demonstrator BT66 ZTE is on loan.
Scania Omnilink/EL YR52 VFL has been hired to Barkerbus at Roydon. Sister YR52 VFN is delicensed.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
This has been reconstituted as a new limited company.

Above: Turners ex Talisman Setra S415 MY53 TRA on Abellio GA rail replacement at Marks Tey on 1/2/15.

WARD’S OF ALRESFORD.

Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents X651/56 LLX were destroyed by fire at Cockaynes Farm depot on the evening of 6/2/17, in what was an arson attack. The remains were subsequently cut up on site.
Leyland Olympian BIG 9248 has been hired from Panther Travel to cover.

With thanks to: Essex Buses Yahoo; R Delahoy; R McGregor; J Sadd; D Tredwell; R Watson-Lang.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the January 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.
The main news this month is railway related. Both of the area’s passenger TOCs have seen ownership changes. One has completely changed management, while the other has a new minority partner. Both new players are from overseas.
Meanwhile, in the Capital, Go-Ahead has consolidated its bus operations by focussing them all on the London General operators licence. It is likely that the local identities of Blue Triangle, Docklands Buses, London Central and Metrobus will remain on vehicles and publicity. The fleets will continue to be reported separately.
We also have a bumper selection of aviation pictures this month.

AIR MOLDOVA.

Above: Airbus A320 ER-AXW lands at Stansted on a misty Saturday afternoon on 7/1/17. It is on flight 9U833 from Chisinau.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Received from Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford is ADL/Enviro 200 4018 (GN58 BUE). 4018 retains Guildford branding. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3414 (SN54 HXA) has gone in exchange.
An additional stop for the Park and Ride has been established on the Northern Approach Road, serving Colchester General Hospital.

Above: Route 4 is now worked by mini Dart SLFs again , after a spell with long SLFs. Mini Pointer no 1558 enters Maldon Road from Southway, on 6/1/17. Two buses are required for this route, and one later runs onto 1/A.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).

Above: Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse2 no 3880, still retaining its branding from its time at Ware, arrives at Stansted Airport on 7/1/17.

Mercedes Citaro 3898 (BU58 URL) , the last in Green Line livery, is long term delicensed.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
VDL SB200/Wright 3963 (GN04 UGA) has returned, off loan from Ware.
DAF DB250LF/EL Lolanders 6256/9/62 (FD02 UKL/O/U) are from Arriva Kent and Surrey.
Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3820/1/3 have moved to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Received from Arriva London South are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s VLA 109/56-61.
VLA109 is at Grays (GY);the rest at Barking (DX).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 VLA142 (LJ55 BTE) is now at Barking (DX) ex Ash Grove (AE).

ARROW TAXIS.
Dart 29 is a new demand responsive Saffron Walden town service, which started on 3/1/17.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
From w/c 15/1/17, the O licence was absorbed into London General. The Blue Triangle identity is retained on fleet names and publicity.
ADL/Enviro 200/EL Esteem SOE26 LX09 AZN has come from London Central.

Above: Blue Triangle Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 WVL461 departs Loughton on 20/9/14.
This was one of a batch bought new for the TfL20 contract when it was won from Arriva in 2012.

East London Transit routes EL1, EL2, EL3 are being converted from WVL to LT operation. The first LTs arrived at River Road depot at the end of January. The batch is numbered LT903-953, with launch due in February.

Above: One of the original East London Transit buses, WVL346, at Barstable Avenue, Thames View Estate, Barking, on 20/2/10.

Sold to Ensign (dealer) are Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capitals DMN2, 5 (LN51 DWL/P).The DMNs are the last Marshall bodied SLFs in use on TfL routes, with their regular haunt being 193 (Romford-Hornchurch County Park Estate).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.Ex NX West Midlands Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President V427 MOA is for dealer stock only.
Volvo Olympian/NC R283 LGH is now used on private charters only.
A maintenance pit has been installed at Rochford depot.

C2C.
This south Essex rail operator has been sold by National Express (NX) to Trenitalia (Italian State Railways) for £70 million. The handover is expected to be complete by spring 2017,subject to Department of Transport approval. C2C was the last UK rail franchise to be held by NX.

Above: C2C ‘Electrostar’ Class 357 EMU 357016 passes Purfleet Marshes  in May 2013, on a Southend bound Tilbury loop service. In the foreground is HS1 to the Channel Tunnel. London can be seen on the distant horizon.

Above: Trenitalia trains at Venice. ETR610 high speed EMU is on left. Conventional EMU on right. (M Messer).

CARTERS HERITAGE TRAVEL, CAPEL ST MARY.
Now has ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX 400 LK05 GGJ, through Ensign.

CHAMBERS.
Ex Konect Dennis Trident/EL 724 (W824 NNJ) is now here.
On the Sudbury-Nayland-Colchester corridor, the 83 and 84X variants ceased from 8/1/16.
The former Bures depot has been rented out for commercial purposes.

COBALT AERO.

Above: Airbus A319-112 5B-DCU departs Stansted on flight CO623 for Larnaca, Cyprus on 7/1/17.

CT PLUS.
TfL388 (Stratford City-Blackfriars) is being restocked with new ADL/E40H Citybuses. The batch is numbered 2522-36 and commenced delivery in late January. They are replacing some of CT Plus’s original London buses, Dennis Trident/ELs dating from 2003. HTL6 is pictured (below), passing beneath the North London Line at Shoreditch on 14/6/14. These buses were refurbished by Hants and Dorset Trim in 2011/2012.

DBS.
66051 was at Harlow Mill on 8/1/17, on the aggregates working to/from Mountsorrel in Leicestershire.
92015 arrived at Ripple Lane, Barking on 18/1/17, with the first cross land freight service from China, via the Channel Tunnel. The Class 92 did not work over the full route !

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
From w/c 15/1/17, the O licence was absorbed into London General. The Docklands name continues on fleet names and publicity.

Above: Docklands Buses ADL/Enviro 200 SE105 approaches Beckton Bus Station on the temporary route 574 on 8/9/13. The 574 was covering part of TfL474 (Canning Town-Manor Park) due to a road closure in the area.

DRS.
On 4/1/17, 37025 and 37057 topped and tailed a Network Rail test train, along the GEML, between Liverpool Street and Harwich.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
The last of the former VWL Class Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis, was VWL10 (LB02 YXH). It ended its London career with London Central of TfL185 (Lewisham-Victoria), although it had spent most of its time post ETB with London General. Sold to Ensign by Go-Ahead London are VWL9,12 (LB02 YXG/K), VWL 16,19,20,24 (LF52 TGN/V/X, THK).

EMPRESS, BETHNAL GREEN.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere K70 CAP is now K597 NVG.
Sold are Mercedes 01120L/Ferqui MUI 9862 ex T199 JBE; B10M/Premieres MUI 9693 ex R434 FWT, RIL 3694 ex P341 VWR, RIL 9695 ex N226 THO and A10 XEL, RIL 3696 ex N238 THO and A17 EXC, RIL 3697 ex M130 UWY, RIL 3698 ex M340 MRU and A12 EXC, K60 CAP, K597 NVG; B10M/Van Hools RIL 7032 orig M74 FGG; Scania K360/Irizar CC65 ARC; Ford Transit 14 seater KU52 ONB.

ENSIGNBUS.
New commercial route 61 (Brentwood-Blackmore) began on 3/1/17, as a replacement for Amber 261.
Temporary additions for rail work are ex London General/Wright Geminis 908 (LX53 BJO), 912 (LX05 FAF), and ex London Central Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 909/10/11/13/14 (PJ52 LWL/N/R/W/V). 914 is seen (below) at Brentwood on 21/1/17. They are being used on a 5 month contract for TfL Rail, between Brentwood and Shenfield.

EOS.
From 2/1/17, the 86 (Staple Tye-Waltham Cross) additionally serves Katherines and Sumners in Harlow. From 17/1/17, new commercial service 500 (Harlow-Thornwood-Epping) began, running every 20 mins M-Sat daytimes. This was apparently in response to (rumoured) service reductions by Trustybus. However 500 ceased after 18th January. 500 apparently failed because Trustybus continued its incumbent service and accepted EOS tickets (!).
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President no 100 (LT02 ZZV) was involved in a multi vehicle shunt at Thornwood on 18/1/17. It rear ended Trustybus Volvo B10BLE/Wright WNZ 1103 and was hit in the rear itself by a La Farge Tarmac Volvo FMX 8 wheel tipper. 9 people were slightly injured. Both buses were write offs. Trustybus Scania Omnicity YN53 RXB was also slightly damaged. LT02 ZZV is now withdrawn.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano 762 is now in orange/black fleet livery, ex red.

Above: LT02 ZZV at Newbury Park on TfL RRP to/from Shenfield on 7/2/16.

EUROSTAR.
Further Class 373 EMUs to be delivered to EMR, Kingsbury for scrap are 373107/8.

EUROWINGS.
D-AEWT/U are Airbus A320-214s leased from Lufthansa.

The EXPEDITIONAL.
Has AEC PRV Routemaster ALD 871B, which had been with Southend Transport in the 1980s/1990s, ‘Pride of Belfairs’.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: 66167, one of the new ADL/Enviro 200 MCs for X10 and X30, departs Stansted on 7/1/17. One of the X30 branded buses also regularly appears on Chelmsford Park and Ride.
Below: Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65682 at Fingringhoe Church on 22/1/17. The 175 is one of two circular routes serving this village from Colchester. The other is 174 and they run in opposite directions. Note this bus has the short lived ‘Colchester’ First local branding and has been retrofitted with a led destination. (W Bell).

The last Marshall bodied Dennis Dart SLFs. 41730 (X503 JLO) and 41735 (X735 HLF) are still going strong. These came from First London some eight years ago and always worked at Hadleigh (HH). They outlasted their other sisters by around 12 months. 41735 is pictured (below) outside Hadleigh depot on 13/12/14.

Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33184 (LR02 LZD) appeared on stage work again from mid January, after a spell on Colchester staff shuttles. This bus had spent 8 months under repair following an accident at Mersea Island in April 2016.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66837(MX05 CFU) was loaned from Chelmsford (CF) to Colchester (CR) at the end of January, while ADL/Enviro 200 44537 (YX13 AEF) was lent by CF to Basildon (BN) at the same time.
Former B7RLE/Wright 66805 (MX05 CCU) now at First Leicester, has received their local purple livery.

FLAGFINDERS.
PG04 WHF is another ex London United Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking – via Ensign. It has been converted to single door and received a led destination.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH G805 GSX, Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL R141 EVX, Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale P263 PSX and Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President LK03 NHV; were present at Tollesbury outstation, during January.

FRAGERS LTD, COLCHESTER.
Has G132 YWC, a Leyland Olympian/NC which was new to Ensign, then Capital Citybus, London Country North West and latterly Arriva The Shires. It was acquired from Ensign sales stock.

FREIGHTLINER.
Several Class 70 diesels have been stored, due to a shortage of spare parts. The machines affected are 70001/2/3/9/14, and are parked up at Midland Road depot, Leeds.
On 3/1/17, Heavy Haul 66606 + 66615 topped and tailed a Network Rail engineering train into Parkeston Quay.

Heavyhaul 66606 was on RHTT duties along the GEML in mid January. 66608 was the Shenfield ‘Thunderbird’ at this time, although 66564 had taken this role by the end of the month, and is pictured (above).
66515/28/45/60 have been on Intermodal on GEML.
On 21/1/17, 66539/50 were on P W duties at Shenfield.

The new premises on the site of the old Dagenham Dock (north) sidings is a warehouse, occupied by Hope Concrete.

GBRf.
66705/68 were on engineering trains on the Lea Valley/Harlow lines on 15/1/17.
66727 was on Harwich tanks on 17/1/17.
66760 was on Ferme Park-Chelmsford stone on 20/1/17.
66777 was Network Rail shunter at Parkeston Quay, during most of January.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
Scania Omniexpress YT09 FLF is now an operational spare, and sees little use.
Mercedes 711D/Onyx P2 BST has been sold. It is now at the premises of Deal (car dealer), Kelvedon, with fleet names removed.
VW Caravelle EX52 EPP also looks to have gone.

GREATER ANGLIA.
Japanese company Mitsui has bought a 40% share in Greater Anglia, with Abellio remaining the majority shareholder.
A new depot at Manningtree has been announced. The 22 acre site will be on the former chemical works at Brantham, with the £70m project due to start in August 2017, with completion planned for December 2018. The facility will house and maintain the new train fleet, due from 2019.
The second ‘Renatus’ Class 321 EMU here is 321303.
From Great Northern are 321402/18/19.
A handful of rolling stock still had the old ‘Abellio Greater Anglia’ branding at the end of January, but most had been rebranded with the new ‘Greater Anglia’ title by then. Still displaying ‘AGA’ included 153322; 321326 (on one end only) and 360112.
Single car DMU 153322 was unusually on the Marks Tey to Sudbury on Tuesday 24/1/17. Class 153s normally only work this route at weekends.
On 26-27/1/17, there was severe disruption on the GEML due to OLE damage at Ingatestone.

Above: The Greater Anglia network saw a lot of closures for engineering work at weekends between September and November 2016, and again over the 2016/2017 Christmas/New Year holiday period. The New Year saw the first appearance of New Routemasters on such work. Abelllio London LT772 was pictured at Billericay on 2nd January 2017 by Mark Hough.

HEDINGHAM.

Braintree town service 34/A (Bocking-Great Notley) ceased commercially from 8/1/17, with no direct replacement. It has been partially replaced by 89/A (Braintree -Great Yeldham) – peal hour positioning journeys only. There are also alternative facilities using First routes 70, 352 and Stephensons service 9, but these only pass the edges of Great Notley. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 289, was seen at Notley Garden Village on 9/7/15.
During its history (of 20 + years), the 34/A was worked successively by Eastern National, First Essex, Stansted Transit, Regal Busways and finally Hedingham. It was Essex CC contracted in its latter period, but became commercial again in 2014. It is understood that some parties were interested in continuing the 34/A as a county council contract, if subsidy had been available.
Meanwhile, operation of the Alec Hunter-Silver End school contract 003, moved from Kelvedon (KN) to Sible Hedingham (HD) from 4/1/17.
Another repainted and retrimmed ex Konect Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini at HD is 511 (LB02 YWY).
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 577 (W518 WGH), came to KN from HD on 10/1/17, with 563 (V307 LGC) following on 11/1/17; completing the intake of low floors into KN.
561/63/69 (V303/7 LGC, W484 WGH) have lost their old Chambers fleet names in lieu of Hedingham. 561 retained the old Chambers route diagrams on its nearside; 563 on both sides, but 569 lost all of it’s.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 510 (LB02 YWX) is understood to be on loan from Konect. Unfortunately it suffered a major engine failure during January and ended up VOR at HD.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 743 (X386 NNO) was first used at KN on 27/1/17.

Above: 743 with 576 at Kelvedon. (Terry Clark)

IPSWICH BUSES.
Short Mercedes Citaro demonstrator BP14 FJZ has been on loan.

KJ’s PRIVATE HIRE, BOXTED. Has Ford Transit 16 seater HN64 DHP, ex Journeyman, Stramshall.

LARRY THE LONDON BUS LTD, WALTHAM ABBEY.
This childrens’ book publisher has ex Abellio London ADL/Enviro 400 LJ09 OKC – via Ensign.

LONDON CENTRAL.
From w/c 15/1/17, the O licence was absorbed into London General.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DWL13 (BX04 BXL) has moved to London General, as TfL108 receives an allocation of MECs. Mb Citaro MEC9 also returned to London General.
Sold to Ensign, are former East Thames Buses DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DWL21/22/26 (FJ 54 ZDV/W, ZFA) and ex Blue Triangle Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions ED1, 3 (AE06 HCA/D). All had been displaced from TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) by Mercedes Citaros from London General. The DAFs were quickly resold to RJ on Wem, Wales.

Above: London Central DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DWL14 at a very wet Blackfen on 30/4/12. This was one of the vehicles acquired by Go-Ahead London from East Thames Buses.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
On 9/1/17 there was a 24 hour strike over concern about de-staffing of ticket offices. There was a partial service on the Central and District Lines, but no trains at all on the Victoria Line.
On 25-26/1/17, there was further industrial action on the Central Line, lasting for 24 hours from 2100 on 25th January. No trains ran east of Leytonstone, and there was a reduced service on the rest of the line It was to do the displacement of 8 drivers based at the east end of the Central Line, to Earls Court train crew depot on the District Line. This was because overstaffing had been identified on the Central, and Earls Court was below establishment.
The eastern end of the Central Line has train crew depots at Debden, Hainault, Leytonstone, Loughton and Woodford. All are train stabling points, except Leytonstone, and Hainault is the traction maintenance depot for the area.

Above: Central Line at Redbridge on 5/11/16, featuring 1992 Tube Stock car 91227 leading a westbound service, from Hainault to Ealing Broadway.

After a lull of a couple of months, D78 Stock withdrawals have restarted with 7075+17075+8075 and 7530+17530+7531 being stood down.
7075, 7530 went to VivaRail. 7531, 8075, 17075, 17530 to Booth Roe at Rotherham for scrap.
The remaining D78s are expected to last in public service until April/May.

LUCKETTS OF WATFORD.
From 30/1/7, a new service in St Albans started. Numbered SC1 and called ‘The Abbey Shuttle’, it links the city centre with the railway stations at City and Abbey. It is a 12 month pilot project, with £150K DfT funding. The regular vehicle is ADL/Enviro 200 SN59 AXA – pictured below.

(Lucketts).

MTR TfL RAIL.
The Brentwood to Shenfield section has been closed for CrossRail works until May 2017. The CrossRail side of Shenfield station has been closed for major remodelling, with only Greater Anglia services calling. A replacement bus service is being provided by Ensignbus, using their ex Go-Ahead London Volvo B7TLs.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
Dhillons of London is providing reliefs between Stansted Airport and London Victoria.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
A third ex London General Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini from Ensign is BX04 BBJ. These are being used registered school routes 78 (Brightlingsea-Colchester) and 177 (West Mersea-Colchester). They replaced Dennis Tridents, which continue to appear on closed school contracts. Some Volvo Olympians are withdrawn as a result. However, Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH S264 YOO has received blue/white fleet livery, ex Redbridge pink/white – and been noted on rail replacement.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Optare Excel BIG 9861 has reverted to V203 ENU and been sold to a preservationist in the Peak District. It was pictured (above, left) at Matching Green workshop/depot on 15/1/17, with Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9807 ex N611 APU. BIG 9807 is awaiting the engine from similar N615 APU.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer Y182 CFS is now BIG 7006.
All Leyland Olympian BIG 9248 is delicenced as a Reserve vehicle, and has gone to secure storage.

From mid January, for a period of 5 to 6 weeks, Panther provided an Audley End/Saffron Walden to Hempstead shuttle over Stephensons route 60 (Audley End/Saffron Walden-Haverill) due to a road closure at Hempstead. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DC56 PAN was used, and temporarily based at Great Dunmow outstation – increasing the allocation there from 2 to 3 short term. Alex Hazell photographed DC56 PAN (above) at Hempstead.

On 28/1/17, Panther covered for Hedingham on Harwich town service 2 (again), using short ADL/Enviro 200 DC61 PAN. Adam Barham photographed it (above), departing Harwich Bus Station.
Ipswich outstation has returned to the railway station forecourt, following the completion of building works.
Ancillary vehicles: A Ford Transit Connect van acquired is YP13 MRX, while Peugeot 106 ferry car P568 LKE is withdrawn.

Above; Since the end of the Stansted Airport Northside Shuttle, Mercedes Sprinter AB03 PAN has been mainly used on crew ferry duties. However, on 15/1/17, it was on Greater Anglia rail replacement, working a shuttle between Sawbridgeworth station and the High Road. This was to do with a level crossing closure.
Below: Ford Transit Connect YP13 LRX at Matching Green on 15/1/17.

PEGASUS AIR.

Above: Boeing 737-800 TC-IZK departs Stansted for Izmir on flight PC522, on 7/1/17.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
From 9/1/17, the 3C variant on the Southend-Chelmsford route ceased.

RYANAIR.
New are Boeing 737-800ASs EI-FTK/L/M/N/O/P/R.
Withdrawn is Boeing 737-8AS EI-EFP. It was ferried from Stansted to Prestwick for storage.

Above: Boeing 737-800 EI-DHG loads at Gate 36 at Stansted on 7/1/17. It is on FR9772 to Baden Baden, running around 2 hours late, due to a previous technical issue with the aircraft.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New are ADL/Enviro 40H MMCs 12403-9 (YY66 PHA/F/JK/N/O/U).
New Routemaster retirned to red fleet livery, ex overall adverts are LT25//71, 313/60/86/97.
Scania Omnicity ‘deckers 15036/37 have been transferred to Rainham (RM).
Moved to Selkent at Catford are ADL/Enviro 200s 36261/62 (LX11 AVP/R).
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17918 (LX03 OSP) has been resold via Ensign, to AC Williams, Grantham. 17942 (LX53 JYE) has been scrapped by Stagecoach. Trident 17409 (Y409 NHK) has also left the fleet.

STEPHENSONS.
As mentioned above, from mid January, route 60 (Audley End/Saffron Walden-Haverhill) was temporarily diverted away from Hempstead due to a road closure, with Panther providing an interim shuttle to/from Saffron Walden and Audley End.
From 9/1/17, route 9/A (Braintree-Great Bardfield) was revised to replace part of withdrawn ex Hedingham 34/A.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 412 (SK02 XGP) now has plain front panel; ie with no air intake.
Sister SLF 416 (SN56 AYH) was involved in a bizarre incident on 9/1/17, when it got lost and ended up stuck in a heap of manure ! This happened on Mizens Farm at Thaxted. The bus was running light and being driven by an engineer from Haverhill depot, who became disorientated due to a road closure in the locality. The bus was towed free by the farm’s John Deere tractor.

(Picture: via SWNS and Essex Live).

Leyland Olympian/NC 947 (H547 VAT) has been donated to the Ipswich Homelss Shelter. It was replaced by reinstated Volvo Olympian/NC 810 (M410 RVU). Both buses are/were used at Haverhill/Great Dunmow outstation. 808 (M408 RVU) remains in Reserve.

TERRAVISION.
Scania K360EB6/Irizar Cwentury is now with PD Coaches, Sixmilecross, County Tyrone, Ulster, as UHZ 8437.

TITAN AIRWAYS, STANSTED.

Above: Boeing 757-256  G-ZAPX arrives at Stansted on 7/1/17. It was on a return from Chambery on flight ZT332. This plane was new to Iberia Airways in 2000 and subsequently with Easyjet. It in fact has served with Easyjet and Titan twice. Titan is a charter airline based at London Stansted.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall DM41445 (LN51 DUH0 has passed to Ensign, and then onwards for scrap, to MC Tractors at Ely.

TRUSTYBUS.

Above: Ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President, on route 410 at Harlow Bus Station on 16/1/16. Note it retains its London fleet number.

From 2/7/17, service 410 (Harlow-Holdbrook Estate) ceased on Sundays and the 410X variant ended altogether.
From 3/1/17,  505 (Harlow-Chingford) was withdrawn Mon to Fri, but continued on Saturdays. 392 (Harlow-Rye Park) ceased from the same date. From 4/1/17, 392 was partially replaced by a community bus.

Above: Dennis Trident LX04 FXV, on the 505 at Forth Avenue, Harlow (opposite the Arriva depot) on 16/1/16. Although ex Stagecoach East London, this was one of the buses loaned to Tower Transit, as evidenced by the TAL fleet no on the front nearside, between decks.
Below: Sister LX04 FXP, also ex Stagecoach East London/Tower Transit, enters Harlow Bus Station on the 392; also on 16th January 2016.
Since these pictures were taken, these routes went over to single deckers.

There was a multi vehicle accident on London Road, Thornwood on 18/1/17, involving two Trustybus vehicles. One of the Scania Omnicities (YN53 RXB) stopped suddenly. But the following Volvo B10BLE/Wright (WNZ 1103) was rear ended by EOS Trident/President 100 (LT02 ZZV) and a La Farge Tarmac Volvo FMX tipper lorry.
9 people were slightly injured, and the road was closed for 4 hours. WNZ 1103 was withdrawn as a result.

TUI AIR.

Above: Boeing 737-800 G-FDZR arrives at a misty Stansted on 7/1/17.

UNO.

One of the 8.9 metre “classic” ADL/Enviro 200s acquired for TfL383. No 603 is seen at Woodside Park on 21/1/17.

Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 276 (LF52 ZNM) is delicensed following an engine fire.

WESTERN GLOBAL AIRLINES.

Above: MD10 N513SN taxys at Stansted on 7/1/17. New in 1994 to Finnair. It became a freighter with Finnair in 2011. It then quickly passed to Nordic Global, before arriving at Western Global in 2015. It was en route to Liege, Belgium at the time of this picture.

With thanks to: J Bale, A Barham, T Clark, A Hazell, Anglia Gen, ‘District Dave’, Essex Buses Yahoo, LOTS, M Hough, M Messer, J Sadd.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the December 2016 edition of Busmopolitan, and Happy New Year.
The top news is of the withdrawal of the last of Hedingham Omnibuses’ Volvo Olympians, ahead of the double deck DDA deadline (for registered bus services) at 2359 on December 31st. However, several other Essex operators will continue to use step entrance double deckers, on work where the DDA rule does not apply, namely private charters, rail replacement and “closed” school contracts.
Other interesting news is the arrival of the first Class 345 Electric Multiple Unit trains for the future CrossRail.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer CC05 BLU has had its blue skirt repainted orange. The rest remains white.
SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer SIL 6719 retain blue/white and its name from its days with Panther Travel.
Services 14 (Basildon-Corringham) and 261 (Brentwood-Blackmore) were de-registered from 23/12/16  and 16/12/16, repectively. Amber had run 261 commercially since 2013. From 28/12/16, 374 (Grays-Basildon) was revised to serve Fobbing. Council contracted 374 started in 2009, originally with Ensignbus and subsequently Go Ride and Imperial.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 4012 at Maldon Road on 7/12/16.

From Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford is ADL/Enviro 200 4018. These and its sisters entered service retaining Surrey adverts.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3413-15 (SN54 HWY, HXA/B) are due to move to Guildford.
Withdrawn is SLF/Pointer 3314 (S312 JUA) – the last in TGM livery. 3329 (X521 GGO) is due for withdrawal.

Above: Volvo B7RLE 3819, recently repainted out of SxConnect colours, at the top of North Hill, Colchester on 23/12/16. It is unusually on route 2.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Ex Ware Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3876/79 (KX11 PUK/Y) have lost their Route 310 branding, but 3880 (KX11 PVA) currently retains it.
Driver trainer DAF SB120/Wright Cadet T941 (GK52 YVF) has come from Arriva Medway Towns. It may be used at other locations too.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Two of the former London 51 reg DAF SB120/Wright Cadets remain active – 3504/7 (KE51 PUH, PUO). 3507 is pictured (above) in its London days, at Upminster in March 2008, when working from Arriva Southend Grays depot. Grays is now part of Arriva London North.
Sister 3530 (LF02 PNK) has been converted into a driver trainer.
DAF SB200/Wright 3963 (GN04 UGA) was on loan to Arriva KT Northfleet, while NF’s ADL/Enviro 200 3986 (GN07 DLO) was under repair at Southend. 3963 then moved on to Ware.
DAF SB120/Cadet 3508 (KE51 PUU) remained on loan at Northfleet, while 3503 (KE51 PUF) was at Northfleet and then with Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone.

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Mb Sprinter SH60 LOF is blue and has Essex County Council branding.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
New Routemaster LT847 has been borrowed from London Central for type training, prior to the conversion of East London Transit to this type from February 2017.
The SOE class Dennis Dart SLF/EL Esteems have spread their wings, with River Road (RR) depot receiving examples from London Central for TfL school routes 646 (Noak Hill-Cranham), 648 (Romford-Cranham). This was because MEC Class Mercedes Citaros were found to be too long. SOEs have also been appearing on TfL346 (Upminster-Cranham). SOE23/24/27 (LX09 AZG/J/O) have arrived so far.
From Docklands Buses is Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 WVL432 (LX11 FJK).
TfL346 is allocated ADL/Enviro 200s SE230-32,, but SEN38 has been regularly seen.
ADL/Enviro 200 SE148 (YX61 DTO) has transferred to London General.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED20 (LX07 BYL) has been running with no fleet names. It was seen (below) on High Road, Loughton on 17th December.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 9 (S290 TVW) and Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 561/69 (V303 LGC, W484 WGH), have been transferred to Hedingham Omnibuses.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
New are Vauxhall Vivaro 8 seat minibuses 26 (EA66 HMH), 21(EA66 HMU), EA66 HMX and Renault Master EU66 FLD.

CT PLUS.
Fire damaged ADL/Enviro 40H Citybus2510 (SN16 OHZ) is under repair at Plaxtons, Anston. Borrowed from Abellio London to cover is Abellio London ADL/Enviro 40D MMC 2400 (YY64 GXG).
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/EL Vykings HTL2, 9, 11, 12 (LR52 LTN, LWJ, PF52 TGZ, LR52 LYC). 2 and 9 had been disused since spring 2016.

DBS.
Class 08 diesel electric shunter 08934 continued to be resident at Dagenham Dock during December.
Class 66 EMD diesel electric loco 66182 was at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich – on a sand train on 14/12/16.
66158 visited Ingatestone on an engineering train on 26/12/16. It came from Whitemoor.

DE VERE TRAVEL, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
Route 330 (Belchamp St Paul-Great Yeldham), ceased after 23/12/16.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
Scania K410EB6/Irizar YN16 WUP is now DH16 DON.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
The remaining VWL Class Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis, now with London General are being withdrawn. Their last bastion has been on TfL180 (Lewisham-Thamesmead East). They are being replaced by ex London Central PVL Class Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents.
Sold to Ensign are VWL6, 14 (LB02 YXD/M), VWL17/18/21/26/27/29 (LF52 TGO/U/Y, THU/V/Z), DWL40/44 (BX04 BBF, BKJ).

Above: VWL23 in Greenwich on 12/3/16, on a 180 short working.

EASYJET.
The latest Airbus A320-214 here is G-EZPT.

EMPRESS OF LONDON, BETHNAL GREEN.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premieres SIL 4016 ex N247 HWX and TIL 3318 ex P328 VWR have passed to York Pullman
Sold to Outen, Purfleet (dealer) are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount NIL 4417 ex F297 RMH; B10M/VH H533 WGH and B10M/Plaxton Premiere K60 CAP. H533 WGH was resold to Viceroy of Essex at Saffron Walden.
Sold is B10M/Premiere LIG 2236 ex W616 FUM.

ENSIGNBUS.
Joining the fleet as no 651, is ex Metroline 8.9m ADL/Enviro 200 YX09 FMJ. It is for new Brentwood local route 61 (Brentwood-Blackmore), which replaces Amber 261.
The last Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale, 829 (P429 UUG) has passed to Carters of Kettering.
BCI Enterprise 403 (LX66 GXE) moved on loan from Reading Buses to Mortons of Tadley, before returning to Ensign.
There have been adjustments to services 12 (Aveley The Village-Lakeside), 44 (Lakeside-Purfleet-Grays), 66 (Lakeside-Tilbury-Chadwell St Mary), 73 (Lakeside-Tilbury), 83 (Lakeside-Chadwell St Mary).
The annual X10 (Lakeside-Southend) ran on Boxing Day. Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 101 (PIJ 601) was used, alongside Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus 118 (PO58 NPX) and some of the 15 reg B9TL/Gemini2s. Arriva and First run no routes in the area on 26th December, although Southend Transport did many years ago.
AEC PRV Rputemaster RMC1485 (485 CLT) was temporarily decorated green for a More Than insurance promotion.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Loaned Optare Solos YJ59 GHB/G were resold by Ensign to Yorkshire Tiger.
Commercial service 87 (Harlow-Epping) has been de-registered.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano LK53 FDF is 759. LK03 NLT is thought to be 762.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano no 760 at Loughton High Road on 17/12/16, on ex Arriva route 542.

EUROSTAR.
Class 373 EMU sets 373004/04, 373019/20 have been towed to EMR, Kingsbury, for scrap.

EUROWINGS.
New is Airbus A320-214 D-AEWS.
A320-214 D-AEWM is in an overall advert for Eurowings Boomerang Club.

FIRST ESSEX.
ADL/Enviro 200s 44001-4 (LK57 EJC-F) have transferred to First South West.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33184 (LR02 LZD) has returned to service at Colchester (CR) following accident repairs. It had partially overturned at West Mersea in April 2016. It is mainly on “light duties”, such as staff shuttles.
Wright Streetlite 63339 is delicensed due to accident damage, and has gone for repair.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 32475/76 (AU53 HJJ/K) have received super rear adverts for CT1 industrial adhesive. 32476, was spotted (below) at Head Street, Colchester on 8/12/16.

Traffic changes from 4/12/16, saw 41 (Galleywood-Chelmsford) extended to/from Chignal Estate, while 51 (Galleywood-Chignal Estate), was withdrawn between Chelmsford city centre and Chignal and re-routed to Channels Estate. The Chelmer Valley-Broomfield section of the Chelmsford Park and Ride, passed to Essex CC Community Link, from the same date.

The FITNESS COLLECTIVE, LONDON E14.
Has ex Metroline Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LR02 BEU, via Ensign.

FLAGFINDERS.
The low floor double deck fleet has grown, with the arrival of ex London United EL Myllennyum Vyking bodied Volvo B7TLs PG04 WHF/G, via Ensign. They are now single door and led destination fitted.
Sold is Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale P265 PSX.
There is a regular allocation at Tollesbury outstation. It is Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale P263 PSX and Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents LK03 NHG/V.
During December, B7TL/President LK03 NHF, Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH G805 GSX and Bova Futura GB55 FLG also appeared.

Above: Tollesbury outstation on 2/12/16.

FLYBE.
New is Dornier DHC-8 402 turboprop G-PRPF.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Yet another Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 here is S807 BWC. It is a former London, latterly Yorkshire example, sourced through Ensign.

FREIGHTLINER.
All of the electric locomotive have transferred from Crewe to Basford Hall depots (as their maintenance base).
On 2/12/16, Intermodal Class 90 electric loco 90047 appeared on the Ipswich-Felixstowe branch, hauled “dead” (naturally as this route is not electrified) – at the rear of a FSA container wagon consist; with Class 66 EMD diesel electric 66537 leading. On 7/12/16, 90047 was loaded onto an Alleley’s low loader at Felixstowe.
On 4/12/16, Heavy Haul Class 66 EMD diesels 66415 and 66585 were on PW duties at Shenfield, while 66514 has become the regular ‘Thunderbird’ loco there.
66546 was noted on Intermodal on 12/12/16. This had been Heavy Haul.
The GEML was closed south of Witham over Christmas, for engineering work. FLHH 66528 and 66601 brought PW trains along to Ingatestone. 66523 was at Forest Gate. All originated from Whitemoor (March).

GB RAIL FREIGHT.
Class 92 electric locomotive 92032 continued to be resident at Dagenham Dock in December.
66732/47 were present at Ingatestone on 25th December, with trains for the above engineering work. 66771 came on Boxing Day. All originated from Whitemoor.
66771 and 66776 visited Parkeston Quay separately in late December. This is reportedly the first time that GBRf ’66s have visited this NE Essex location. 66771 was on North Walsham tanks, while 66776 was a “super shunter” for Network Rail.

GREATER ANGLIA.
The first of the ‘Renatus’ (Latin for ‘born again’) refurbished Class 321 EMUs was launched on 16/12/16 at Southend Victoria. It carries a white/red/grey livery. In total 321301-30 will become ‘Renatus’ specified, with re-traction.
Now with the new GA branding are DVTs 82112/14/18/21/39/43/52, Class 90 electric locos 90001/03-5/08-14, DMUs 153314, 156402/07/16/22, EMUs 321306/12/13/14/15/19/20/23/24/27/28/29/32/33/34/36/38/39/40/42/47/49/51/52/53/61/62/63/65/66, 321423/24/25/28/30/33/35/37/47, 317510, 317659/61/63/69, 360101-03/05/08-14/16-18/20. 321326 is partly rebranded. 321306/13/14/15/19/20/23/24/26/28/424/28/30 retain National Express grey/white colours. All others are overall white. 321333 has raised unit nos in smaller font.
On 5/12/16, Class 153 single car DMU 153314 appeared on Marks Tey-Sudbury, unusually on a weekday.

Above: 156416 at Marks Tey on 16/12/16.

HEDINGHAM.
From Anglian is Dennis Trident/EL 712 (T812 RFG).

Further ex Konectbus Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis are 512/14 (LB02 YXA/F). They and sister 513 (LB02 YXE) both quickly relocated from Clacton (CN) to Sible Hedingham (HD). 514 is seen (top) at Clacton on 7/12/16.
510 (LB02 YWX) arrived at Kelvedon (KN) from Konect on 22nd December. It was pictured (above), being collected from Anglian at Ellough. It moved on to HD on 30th December.
Received from Chambers on 28th December, were Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 561/63 (V303/7 LGC), 569 (W484 WGH). They retained Chambers route branding, but lost Chambers fleet names.
B7TL/Plaxton President 580 (W527 WGH) moved from CN to KN on 21st December, with 579 (W526 WGH) coming to KN from CN on 23rd December. 575 moved CN to KN on December 29th. 560 (EU53 MVZ) went HD to KN on 30/12/16. The low floor conversion at KN is virtually complete. Both CN and HD are responsible for maintaining the buses at KN. B7TLs 574/75/76/78/79/81 remain the responsibility of Clacton, while B7TLs 560/61/63/69/73/77, Tridents 737-39/43 are looked after by HD. When KN regained depot status in July 2016, its workshop (closed in May 2013) did not re-open. B7TL/Gemini 510 is regarded as the HD maintenance spare for KN, while B7TL/President 580 is the CN maintenance spare for KN. 577 (W518 WGH) is also due at KN from HD.
Dennis Trident/ELs 702/17 (T802/17 RFG) 729/34 (W829/34 NNJ) have been upgraded to DDA specification by Hants and Dorset Trim. 702/29/34 have moved from HD to CN. 723 went from CN to HD in exchange for Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 256 (EU55 BWC).
All of the former Brighton and Hove EL Tridents are now concentrated at CN. Trident/EL 712 (T812 RFG) has returned to CN from Anglian and is delicensed.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 738 (T108 DBW) moved from Sible Hedingham (HD) to Kelvedon (KN) on 2nd December. Following accident damage, 738 returned to HD on 7/12/16, and was replaced by Trident 737 (T107 DBW). 738 returned to KN on 14/12/16, but following another accident the following day went back to HD for further attention, emerging again on 30th December. 739 (T117 DBW) moved HD to KN on 22/12/16. 743 (X386 NNO) moved HD to KN on 21/12/16. B7TL/President 560 (EU53 MVZ) and Tridents 737/8/9 have been renumbered LH560, 737/8/9. This is to do with their use on Honywood School contracts from KN, on routes that have to go under two low railway bridges.
Withdrawn is Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 83 (M273 UKN), parts of which have been used to repair 84 (M276 UKN). Also withdrawn is Volvo Olympian/NC 67 (P605 CAY), which went to store at HD.
The last Olympians in use were 71/3 (R626/43 MNU), 75 (S300 XHK), 76 (S127 RLE), 84 (M276 UKN), 87 (P489 MBY), 89 (N529 LHG), 90 (N540 LHG), 92 (P910 RYO). They were withdrawn after service on 21/12/16, with 73, 75, 84 being ferried from KN to CN. The remainder were transferred to Anglian at Ellough for storage on 22/12/16.

Above: Volvo Olympians line up at Frostenden at dawn on 22/12/16, nearing their destination of Anglian at Ellough.

Above: The Olympians upon arrival at Ellough.

Above: Olympians 71 and 89 flank Anglian Optare Versa no 305.

Above: The Olympians amongst withdrawn Anglian Optare Solos, and also a MAN gas bus.

Above: Olympian no 73 ascends North Hill, Colchester on the “final day special” 87 working, on 23/12/16.

IPSWICH BUSES.
ADL/Enviro 200 MMC demonstrator 500 (YX65 RKK) has moved on, ex loan.

Issued for Christmas are bus themed coasters, mugs and jigsaw puzzles. They feature IB fleet members wearing Santa hats; DAF DB250LF/EL Vyking 100 (PN52 XBM), Optare Versa 148 (YK08 DPE), Mb Citaro 153 (BF65 WMY).

Above: One of the latest “classic” ADL/Enviro 200s for IB. No 106 at Tower Ramparts on 10/12/16.

JACKSONS, BICKNACRE.
Sold is X839 HEE, a Mercedes 1223L/Ferqui.

JOHN JAMES LUXURY TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.
SN05 YKS is a Mercedes 0814D/CIMO midi coach.

JOHNS SCHOOL OF MOTORING, HACKNEY.
Has ex Go-Ahead London Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer SN51 UAH – via Ensign.

KEANE TRAVEL, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Ex Plymouth Citybus Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking PN02 XCM is here, via Ensign.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
Van Hool EX16H YJ16 EPX was returned to Arriva Bus and Coach, Wellingborough, off loan in early December.

LONDON CENTRAL.
Irizar electric bus EL1 is being used on peak journeys on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford).
The DW/DWL Class DAF SB120/Wright Cadets, ED class Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions at New Cross (NX) on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) are being replaced by refurbished ex London General MEC Class Mercedes Citaros. There has been an influx of MECs, with 5, 7, 8, 9, 10/12/14/17/20/27/32/37/50 (BG09 JJX/Z, JKE/J, BD09 ZPS/U/X, ZRA, BF59 NHJ, BD09 ZVX, ZWC, BT09 GPJ) arriving during December. Meanwhile, from Blue Triangle is ADL/Enviro 200 SE90 (YX11 CPU) – now at Camberwell (Q).
DWLs stood down are DWL21/22/26. EDs withdrawn are ED1,3,4,6,7.

Above: ED2 at Stratford on May 2013.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
All of the coaches at Start Hill (SH) look to have received additional fleet nos on their roofs.
Received from Harry Shaw, Coventry, are Volvo B11RT/Caetano Levantes SH216/17/20 (BX65 WCU/O, WDJ).

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Former East Thames Buses, latterly London General Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis BX04 AZU/W, have arrived. They were supplied by Ensign. They have received a white based livery with no blue relief.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
There were changes to school services from 5/12/16.
New were 475 (High Ongar-Brentwood), 478 (Willingale-Brentwood).
St Martins School Hutton routes 481-86 became normal stopping routes, ex “closed” school runs.

OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
The site at Parkway has been cleared of remaining vehicles.
Disused Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther CN05 DZF is sold; along with Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer V196 ERG – which had been used as a security hut at this location, and similar Y161 NLK.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Panther Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 611, on Greater Anglia rail replacement, is passed by Metroline Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DLD694, at Finsbury Square, London EC1, on 11/12/16.

Ex Kingsleys of Washington is former Lothian Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer Y182 CFS. It arrived in Lothian livery, and was quickly dispatched to Mardens for repaint into Panther colours.
Short ADL/Enviro 200 DC61 PAN has been offered for sale.
DAF DB250LF/EL AB02 PAN (ex FD02 UKR) has been repainted into fleet livery by Mardens, ex Arriva. It has been named ‘Phil’. Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 BIG 7758 has been internally refurbished by Duoflex, emerging with dual purpose seats, seatbelts and a tachograph.
Stored Dennis Lance SLF/Wright BIG 7793, Leyland Olympian/ECW coach BIG 4005 and Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther AB07 PAN, have moved from Colchester outstation. Leyland Olympian/ECW coach D511 PPU and Leyland National JHJ 150V have similarly moved from from Parkeston. All have gone to an undisclosed secure location.
Disused/store shed Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL K518 ESS has gone to Takeley Metals for scrap.

Above: K518 ESS on 1/8/16.

PHILIPS OF SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.

New is DAF/Irizar YN66 VYM. It is seen (above), in Maldon on 14/12/16.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Mb 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah YN06 RVP has been acquired from Hallmark. It has been repainted blue and named ‘Regal Explorer’.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Bova Magique KC08 ABC is now V24 ROM.
Sold is Iveco 40C13/Mellor 16 seater EO52 EEH.

RYANAIR.
Another new Boeing 737-8AS here is EI-FTI.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Denis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17851 (LX03 BZE) in from Selkent, and allocated to West Ham (WH). Withdrawn are Tridents 17409 (Y409 NHK), 17942 (LX53 JYE) and Optare Versas 25306-9.
To overall adverts are:
LT239 – New Balnce; LT251, 397 – to YouTube; LT363 – to Paco Rabanne.
Back to red ex overall adverts Are ADL/E40H 12311; LTs 248, 314/76/94.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
The last active Olympian here is Leyland/NC 947 (H547 VAT). It is used on a closed school contract from Great Dunmow outstation and is maintained at Haverhill depot.
In Reserve are Volvo Olympian/NCs 808-10 (M408-10 RVU) and Dennis Dart/Alexander ALX200 438 (LX51 FGM).
Suffolk Rider ADL/Enviro 200 461 (EU60 CBF), appeared at Clacton outstation in mid December.

SWALLOW, RAINHAM.
Volvo B12T/Plaxton 9700 EU58 PVF ex 09 DL 292 is now plain white, ex white/blue fleet livery.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Ex AP of Crudwell is Mercedes 0815D/Ferqui YX56 AFN.
Setra S315 T243 LBJ is now in fleet livery, ex plain white.
Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah YIL 8559 is delicensed due to accident damage, and has gone for repair.

TfL RAIL.
The first of the new Class 345 EMUs for CrossRail, 345001, arrived at Ilford (IL) depot from Old Dalby Test Track in early December, followed by 345002 by 10th December.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH.
Scania K124/VH CAZ 7446 ex S555 YMJ is ex Towler of Emneth, Norfolk.

UNO.
More new “Classic” ADL/Enviro 200s are 523-26 (YX66 WGV/W/Y/Z0. They are at Northampton.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Service 27 (Linton-Saffron Walden) was de-registered from 27/12/16.

With thanks to: A Hazell, Anglia Gen, R Delahoy, Ensign, EBN, Essex Buses Yahoo,  Ipswich Buses.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the November, 2016 edition of Busmopolitan; and Seasons Greetings.
Arriva has removed its last double deckers from Colchester, while
First has relaunched its Stansted centred express services X10 and X30 with new vehicles. Hedingham is rapidly becoming an all DDA fleet ahead of the double deck deadline on 31st December, with all Tridents converted and more Volvo B7TLs reallocating to replace the dwindling band of Olympians. Stephenson’s holding company ETH, is due to complete its purchase of Galloway International Coaches.
In Metropolitan Essex, CT Plus continues to expand its share of the TfL local bus market, while Metroline owned Braddell Ltd has transferred its Stansted Citylink operations to a private contractor.
On the rails, the new Greater Anglia identity is now quickly appearing, while there is much activity on works for Crossrail, including the installation of ticket gates at all stations between Liverpool Street and Shenfield.
And in the air, there is now an alternative to Pegasus when flying to Turkey – Atlas Air.

ADVANCE, SOUTHEND.
Vovo B10M/Berkhof Axials R915/17 ULA have been offered on ebay.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.

Scania K440/Caetano C650 BX65 WBT at Euston Road, London on 18th November on the A20 Baker Street to Stansted service. Note the Easybus branding.

ANGLIAN RAILWAYS.
This predecessor of Greater Anglia, makes a reappearance to record the following subsequent histories.
Class 86 electric Loco 86235, now with Ruse in Bulgaria has been renamed ‘Novelty’, a name it carried at one stage of its UK career. Meanwhile, sister 86246 has gone to Booth Roe, Rotherham for scrap, after having been used for spares by Europhoenix.
Finally, DBSO 9713 has also passed to Booth for scrapping, after cannibalisation by Direct Rail Services, so its other DBSOs could be overhauled.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3329 (X521 GGO) is back again from Harlow.
ADL/Enviro 200 4017 (GN58 BUA) entered service on 4th November, still in full Guildford livery.
Further ex Arriva Kent and Surrey buses from this batch are 4011/12 (GN58 BTO/P). They have no branding. Routes 1/A and 8 are the main haunts for these Enviro 200s. Service 4 (Hythe-Tollgate) has gone over to short Dennis Dart SLF operation, ex long SLF; one of the short SLFs interworks with 1/A. Route 2 (Highwoods-Horkesley Heath) now sees a mix of long and short saloons, following its frequency reduction to every 20 minutes – ex 15.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3819 (GN07 AVF) is now in Arriva colours, leaving 3818 (GN07 AVE) as the last in SxConnect livery.
Scania Omnidekka 5373 (YN06 TFZ) and Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 6130/31/32 (LF02 PLN/O, LJ03 MHV) have moved to Arriva Kent and Surrey, ending double deck operation here.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 6130, unusually on route 2; at Headgate, Colchester on 2nd November.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Accident damaged Optare Solo 1473 (YJ56 ATY) is being cannibalised, while sister 1474 (YJ56 ATZ) is now withdrawn and has gone to Southend for cannibalisation.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Transferred from Harlow is Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3815 (GN07 AVB). 3856 (KE54 LNR) was also received, but quickly returned to Harlow.
Now withdrawn are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3501 (KE51 PTZ) and 3530 (LF02 PNK).

Above: One of the recent ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs – no 6502, departs Southend Travel Centre on 18/11/16. (D Arnold).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s VLA105/6 (LJ05 BKZ, BLF) have moved from Barking (DX) to Grays (GY) in exchange for VLA162/3.

Above: A nostalgic view, taken at Cheshunt in November 2003. Leaside Travel was the coach and commercial division of Leaside Buses, the predecessor of Arriva London North, although this identity was retained for some years after Arriva took over in 1998. Ex Grey Green DAF MB/Van Hool G908 TYR was on a shuttle service for Tesco between its store at Brookend, Broxbourne and Waltham Cross. This utilised the coach between London commuter runs. The vehicle was outbased at the Ware depot of Arriva East Herts and Essex.

ATLAS AIR.

Now runs London Stansted to Istanbul.

BARKERBUS.
Mb 614D/Crest T680 LHN is ex Dolphin Motors, Norwich.
Withdrawn Mercedes 709D/Plaxton Beaver DIG 6213 has been re-registered back to its original J430 WFA.
Ayatts Bravo Y386 NVV has been sold to New Bharat, Southall.
Disused Scania K114/Irizar N685 AHL is now with Beeline of Billinghay, Lincs.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
The first of the ex London Central SOE Class Dennis Dart SLF/EL Esteems is SOE25 (LX09 AZL).
Transferred to London General are Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions ED16, 17 (AE56 OUP/S); ADL/Enviro 200s SE150 (YX61 DTV), SEN34 (YX61 FZT) – all connected with the loss of TfL W19 (see below).
TfL W19 (Walthamstow-Ilford) passed to CT Plus from 26th November.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED15 approaches Ilford on 17/9/15.

C2C.
New are Class 387 EMUs 387303-06.
Sisters 387301/02 entered revenue service on 14/11/16. They had been used on a ‘media special’ 3 days earlier. 387305/6 appeared on a return test run from Bletchley to Brighton on 17/11/16. The 387/3s are fitted for 3rd rail DC operation, but this won’t be used (of course) on C2C, which is 25kv AC overhead energised.

CHELDON COACHES, GREAT WAKERING.
This is the new title of BJS Coaches.
Mercedes 0816D/Plaxton Cheetah2 YN09 AOV is ex Rodgers of Weldon, Northants. It has replaced Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah ST02 GDE.

COBALT AERO.
The third aircraft here is Airbus A319-112 5B-DCU. It was new to Mexicana in 2006 and came via Avianca.

COOKS, WESTCLIFF.
New is CO66 OKB, a Scania i6/Irizar.

CROSSRAIL/MTR/TfL RAIL.

Above: Extension to the platform at the London end of Shenfield station, on 19/11/16. There is also major sidings works going on at Ilford depot.

CT PLUS.
TfL W19 (Walthamstow-Ilford) was gained from Blue Triangle from 26/11/16.
From this date the new depot at Walthamstow Stadium (AW) opened, for the above and the new ADL/Enviro 200s entered service.

DRS.
Class 57 diesel electric loco 57002 has been named ‘Rail Express’. This had been with Freightliner until 2007, where it had been named ‘Freightliner Phoenix’.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Former Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis VWL32/34, 43/44 (BX04 AZW/U, BKL/K respectively) , latterly with London General; have passed to Ensign.
Ensign has resold VLW 36/37/38 (BX04 BAA/U/V) to Sleafordian of Sleaford.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DW9 (LF52 TKT), has gone to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap – after parts recovery by Ensign.

EASYJET.
Further new Airbus A320-214s are G-EZPR/S/U.

EMPRESS, BETHNAL GREEN.
Neoplan Tourliner MX10 DFE has passed to Moseley, Wellington (dealer).

ENSIGNBUS.
BCI Enterprise 403 (LX66 GXE) is on loan to Reading Buses.
Bedford WYB EYE 599 is now in the Heritage Fleet, having been reapinted at Mardens. It was new to Underwood of Orsett and was used by the RAF during WW2.
Dennis Trident/EL 195 (W56 PCC) has passed to Bear Buses of Shepperton.
Scholars service 23 (Belhus-Palmers College), ceased after 17/11/16.

ESSEX LIMOS, RAYNE.
Mb Sprinter 511 YX08 EHJ is now registered S666 ESX.

EUROSTAR.
The power car from set 373207 has passed to EMR, Kingsbury for breaking, after sustaining fire damage.

Above: Class 373 373212 at St Pancras International on 18th November.

EUROWINGS.
New are Airbus A320-214s D-AEWQ/R.

FIRST ESSEX.

The new vehicles for X10 and X30 were launched at Stansted Airport on Monday, 21/11/16. They are ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs 67160-64 (YY66 OZV/W/X, PAO, PBF) for X10 and 67165-71 (YY66 PBO/U/V/X/Z, PCF/O) for X30. They are in green/silver livery, with leather seats, USB sockets and Wi-Fi. Prior to this, the X10 had temporary buses, including ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 44661; seen (above) at Stansted on 5/11/16. The X30 had previously used Volvo B9R/Plaxton Panther coaches, supplemented by some Scania/Irizars. B9R no 20804, was seen (below) at Chelmsford on 6/11/16.

Withdrawn are Volvo B9R/Plaxtons 20801-5 and Scania/Irizars 23019/20. 20802-5 have gone to First Devon and Cornwall at Cambourne.

ADL/Enviro 200MMCs 44659-62 have moved from Basildon (BN) to Chelmsford (CF) following receipt of the new X10 vehicles.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42484 (SN03 WLW) continues as the last of its batch at Chelmsford (CF). Its sisters are all now at Hadleigh (HH).
Repaints into Refreshed livery are of Optare Solo 53117 (EO02 NEN), Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66819/27 (MX05 CEF, CFD). 53132 (EO02 NFP) is the last Solo left in ‘Barbie’ colours.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32864 (T864 KLF) has moved from Basildon (BN) to Braintree (BE) for storage.
Long term withdrawn Scania L94/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 60206 (Y598 KNE) has gone to Alpha for scrap.
The new LIDL, on the site of the old Maldon outstation at Fullbridge, opened on 24th November.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Via Ensign are ex Stagecoach Yorkshire Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s S804 BWC, T650 KPU. They were new to Stagecoach East London.

FREIGHTLINER.
Class 66 EMD diesel electric loco 66418 has been named ‘Patriot – In memory of fallen railway employees’.
On 18th November, Heavy Haul Class 66 EMD diesel electric loco 66511 was seen on an Intermodal at Colchester, while grey liveried Class 90 electric loco 90047 was stabled (“dead”) outside Colchester power box.
Class 08 diesel electric shunter 08571 was again on loan from Wabtec during November, covering 08530 at Felixstowe.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Withdrawn is BMC BX06 OAM.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
The handover to Eastern Transport Holdings was due to be completed on 30th November, upon retirement of Galloway’s two directors. However, it was put back to “early in 2017”.

GBRf.

Class 66 EMD diesel electric locos 66720 and 66725 were topping and tailing a RHTT (Rail Head Treatment Train) through Shenfield on 19/11/16.

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRES.
On loan from Evobus is Mercedes Tourismo BP65 JNL.

GREATER ANGLIA.

EMUs 317881/83 are in the new livery.
Now with the new ‘Greater Anglia’ branding are electric locomotives 90006/07/15; DVTs 82102/03; DMUs 156417/18/19; EMUs 321307/11/18/27/36/39/46, 321423/30/46, 379010, 360104/06/07/09/15/19 and TSO 11090. 321307/11/18 retain NX livery.
82102 also now has a white front fleet number. It was pictured (above) at Norwich on 12th November.
90015 is seen (below) at the opposite end of the Great Eastern Main Line – London Liverpool Street, awaiting departure on the 1750 to Norwich on 18/11/16.

Above: 321430 with the new GA branding on National Express livery and small unit numbers. Seen at London Liverpool Street on 18/11/16.

Class 321 EMU 321311 went for Renatus refurbishment in mid November.

HALLS OF HENHAM.
The old Elsenham depot of this long defunct operator, has disappeared under new housing.

HEDINGHAM.

From Konect is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 513 (LB02 YXE). It is at Clacton (CN).
Dennis Trident/EL 712 (T812 RFG) is back from Anglian and is stored at CN.
Ford Transit 16 seater YT12 DBZ is back on hire from JD Robertson. It is used on Toppesfield School and as a crew ferry at Sible Hedingham (HD).
The programme to upgrade the former Brighton and Hove Dennis Trident/ELs to DDA continues. 714/25/26 (T814 RFG, W825/26 NNJ) are reinstated at CN after conversion, while 723 (W823 NNJ) was dispatched to Hants and Dorset Trim on 24th November.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 743 (X386 NNO) moved from Sible Hedingham (HD) to Kelvedon (KN) for inspection on 4th November (pictured above). It successfully passed clearance trials. It also has gained red Hedingham fleet names.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 573 (W491 WGH) moved to KN from CN on 9th November.
It (and 581) were used on clearance trials on Plume schoolbus 3 in mid November.
Withdrawn are Volvo Olympian/NCs 70 (P612 CAY), 90 (N427 JBV) and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 74 (R702 DNH). 70, 74 are stored at HD. 90 is stored at CN with 93 (R273 LGH). 72 (R629 MNU), 95 (R279 LGH) remain parked up at KN.
Also parked up withdrawn at CN are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere coaches 4 (M571 XKY), 5 (N667 THO), 7 (P530 CLJ). B10Ms 8 (R453 FWT), 9 (S290 TVW) remain in use at CN.
Harwich town service 2/A (Harwich-Parkeston), reverted to Hedingham operation from mid November, ex temporary cover by Panther Travel.

Above: Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus no 70 at the Tollesbury terminus of PL1 (Plume School, Maldon) on 7/11/16; a few days before withdrawal.

Above: Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 74, Olympian/NC no 67 and Olympian/Alexander RH no 76 wait the afternoon schools run-out from Kelvedon depot, on 4/11/16. Savour such gatherings of Olympians while you can …………………

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 573 in its London days; as London Central PVL91 – at Ludgate Circus in August 2005.

IPSWICH BUSES.
On loan from ADL was Enviro 200 MMC demonstrator YX65 RKK. It was temporarily numbered 500.
Scania Omnidekka 60 (PJ54 YZT) now has super rear advert for IB staff recruitment.
DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 52 9X152 LBJ) is reinstated.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
On hire from Arriva Bus and Coach at Wellingborough was Van Hool EX16H YJ16 EPX.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
From RATP Yellow Buses, Bournemouth are Dennis Trident/EL Lolynes T271/72/75/76/78 BPR.

LONDON CENTRAL.
More ex London General MEC Class Mercedes Citaros for TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) are MEC3, 4, 6, 30, 46 (BG09 JJU/V/Y, BD09 ZVV, BT09 GOU).
After only a short spell here; MEC21, 42 (BD09 ZRC, BT09 GOH) moved on to Carousel Buses at High Wycombe.

LONDON OVERGROUND/LOROL.
EMU 317889 is now in LOROL colours.
There was an unfortunate incident on 6th November at Hackney Central. A lit firework was thrown through an open door into a crowded Class 315 EMU. Luckily there were no injuries, but a “stampede situation” ensued. British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating.

Above: LOROL EMU 317719 at London Liverpool Street on 18/11/16. This is one of the ex Stansted Express units.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
The first of the former D78 Stock trains converted by VivaRail to a Class 230 DMU (230001), began main line testing at the end of November. It is based at the London Midland Tyseley (TS) depot in Birmingham.

METROLINE.

Above: Volvo B5H/Wright Gemini2 VWH3030 at Hadley Green, Barnet, on 19/11/16. This is north of the official terminus of 34 at Barnet Church, as the bus had just started its duty from Potter Bar (PB) garage.

MILESTONE TRAVEL, CANVEY.
Neoplan Skyliner HL03 HCA is now N100 MSC.

MULLEYS OF IXWORTH.
Has LW51 ZHJ, an Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL, which was previously 01-D-10215
with Dublin Bus. It came via Ensign.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Scania K114/Irizar S20 NHT has reverted to its original YN54 AKK registration and been sold.

P and M COACHES, WICKFORD.
Withdrawn is Mercedes 709D/Plaxton Beaver K605 ORL.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 611 at the temporary Ipswich outstation, at the coach park on West End Road on 12/11/16. This is being used while the railway station forecourt is being remodelled.
Below: The old Stansted site, as seen on 5th November. It has passed to Grundon Waste Management. Anitas Coaches depot can be seen in the distance.

RYANAIR.
New Boeing 737-8ASs are EI-FTC/G/H/J.

Boeing 737-800 EI-DAE celebrates 14 years of service this month. It was pictured at Torp Airport, Norway in June 2004; having just landed from London Stansted. The cockpit windshield “eyebrows” have since been removed.

SELWYNS.
Former National Express coaches in the news are:
DAF SB3000/VH 90 (SEL 36) has reverted to its original ID of YJ51 EKX. The SEL 36 mark is now on Volvo B9R/Plaxton Elite 1412 (YN10 FKM). YJ51 EKM is the last DAF SB3000 operated.
Sold are DAF SB3000/VH T8s 69 (R39 GNW) – to Edwards, Bwlchgwyn and 100 (T185 AUA) – to Eagles and Crawford of Mold.
In the current fleet, DAF SB4000/VH 104 (SEL 392) and Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante 169 (FJ61 EWL) have moved internally from Runcorn to Sharston depots.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
FJ58 AHO is a Scania K114/Caetano 70 seater, ex Lucketts of Fareham. From Stewarts of Woodley is Mercedes Sprinter 515/KVC YN09 HZC. The Sprinter is now OIG 2895.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17151/75 (V151/75 MEV), 17180 (W187 CNO) and Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere trainer 52440 (R539 GSF).
LG15 WSZ is a Skoda Fabia estate staff car at Cambridge.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: Scania Omnicity ‘decker  53127 (LX59 CMV) at Bishopsgate on 18th November.

New Routemaster overall adverts:
LT313/60 – YouTube
LT314 – Misguided.
LT386 – Egypt.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s resold through Ensign are:
17911/21 (LX03 OSE/V), 17949/68/73/75 (LX53 JYN, JZL/R/U) – to Marshalls of Sutton-on-Trent.
18237 (LX04 FYD) – to Grant Palmer, Dunstable.
18241/47 (LX04 FYH/P) – to First Bus Stop, Gravesend.

STANSTED CITYLINK.

Operations have transferred from Braddell Ltd, Cricklewood to Callinan Coaches at Stanmore. A Stansted base has been established in the old Terravision premises at Taylors End. This has replaced the old Braddell arrangement where coaches were berthed and maintained at Metroline sites; Kings Cross and Perivale respectively.
Mercedes Tourismo BG65 VXA now physically carries its fleet number MBT1.

Above: Mercedes Tourismo MBT2 departs St Pancras on 18/11/16.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
Suffolk Rider branded ADL/Enviro 200 461 (EU60 CBF) has appeared on Essex routes from Boreham depot.
Volvo Olympian/NC 809 (M409 RVU) is temporarily reinstated.
Scania/Irizar Century 203 (OW03 LFL) passed to Nigel McCree (dealer).
The purchase of Galloways of Mendlesham by Stephenson’s holding company, Eastern Transport Holdings, was due to be completed on 30/11/16.

SUFFOLK NORSE.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YX10 FFU now has Suffolk Norse fleet names and stripes on Soames blue livery.

SULLIVAN BUSES, SOUTH MYMMS.
New are 9.7 metre B33D ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs AE20-27 (DS, SB, WB, LS, FS, BL, WW, DB66 SUL).
Ex Abellio London ADL/Enviro 400s LJ09 OJZ, OKB/G/T/Z – are via Ensign. They have fleet nos E40-44.

TERRAVISION.
Scania K360/Irizars YT12 YUA/C are parked at Start Hill Scania.

THOMAS COOK.
Boeing 767-31ERs G-TCCA/B are withdrawn.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Scania Omnicity TB-RXF (YN53 RXF) is back in traffic following collision repairs.
Ex Go North East Volvo B10BLE/Wrights re-registered:
W901 RBB – to WNZ 2249.
W902 RBB – to WNZ 1127.
W905 RBB – to WNZ 1094.
W907 RBB – to WNZ 1103.
W908 RBB – to WNZ 3353. Had been allocated WNZ 1127 on paper.
X492 WGR – to WNZ 1196.
X913 WGR – to WNZ 1490.
X918 WGR – to WNZ 1196.
X924 WGR – to WNZ 1864, then back again after accident damage.
X935 WGR – to WNZ 2410.
WNZ1094/490 not have dot matrix destinatons, ex led.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
The Saffron Walden Town Service (no 34), ceased commercially after 19th November. It had been run like this by Viceroy for many years and was replaced by a council contracted operation, still worked by Viceroy.

WHIPPET.
The first of the new Volvo B8RLE/Wrights for the U Service in Cambridge are WD105/6 (BT66 WVE/F).

With thanks to:
D Arnold, Essex Buses Yahoo, R Delahoy, N Field, A Hazell, J Sadd.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the October 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

A new railway franchise has started, with Abellio awarded a long term 10 years tenure, after having run this short term since 2012. This has coincided with major weekend engineering works on the southern end of the Great Eastern Main Line during October; pictures of some of the resultant replacement road services featuring below.
There have been lots of changes at Arriva Kent Thameside. The red TfL buses have all transferred to Arriva London. The provincial side, has seen the end of scheduled double deck operation at Colchester, and the departure of long Optare Versas from Southend and Darts from Harlow.
Staying in Southend, the pier railway has reopened, after its enforced “holiday” over the summer.

24/7, STANSTED.
New are Vauxhall Vivaro 8 seaters EU66 DSO, DTV/X, DUA.
Acquired is Renault Master 8 seater PO11 CBF.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA (now GREATER ANGLIA).

The renewed franchise started on 16th October. It has been renamed Greater Anglia. This is a separate company which has been established. The new title appeared on digital and printed publicity immediately, and the old style names were removed from stations. Rolling stock began to be rebranded from the end of the month. Class 90 electric locomotive 90002 heads a Norwich- London service into Ipswich on 28/10/16 (above).
It runs until 2025 and has several commitments; the most significant being the introduction of new trains, by 2019. It is also hoped ‘Norwich in 90’ will become a reality. (London Liverpool Street to Norwich, non-stop in an hour and a half).
Chelmsford station ticket office has been formally re-opened by Chairman of Essex County Council, Councillor John Aldridge, following a £5 million improvement project for the station concourse area.
Class 321 EMU 321303 is back in service following ‘Renatus’ refurbishment.
Class 90 electric loco 90002, DVT 82107 and their MkIII carriage set have the new ‘GA’ branding.
90034 has returned to DB Schenker, off hire.
EMUs 317513/14 are now in the new livery.
The Class 360 EMUs now all have grey upholstery, ex purple. This is to do with a ‘Refrsh’ project.
Calss 08 diesel electric shunter 08754 is resident at Norwich Crown Point depot.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
A new depot has opened at Start Hill, Stansted, at premises previously occupied by Enterprise Car Rental.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Scania K114/Irizar SN03 CLZ has pased to Yelloway of Chadderton, Manchester.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (GRAYS).
Has transferred to Arriva London North.
All buses have been renumbered into the London alpha-numerical series and received ‘GY’ garage codes. VDL300/Wright Gemini2 DW209 is pictured (below) at Newbury Park on 10th October.

Additionally, Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer PDL138 (SN06 BPF), which had been on loan to TGM at Heathrow, has also passed to Arriva London North.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).

From Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford are ADL/Enviro 200s 4015/16/17 (GN58 BTY/Z, BUA).
Sapphire liveried VDL200/Wright Pulsar 3762 (YJ08 DZN) was here from Arriva KT Northfleet, but it quickly moved onto Stevenage. It appeared on route 1/A during its brief stay, and was seen entering Maldon Road on 18th October. Upon arrival in Hertfordshire, it was branded for routes 100/101 (Stevenage-Hitchin-Luton).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 1560 (EU56 FTO) briefly appeared here from Harlow, en route to loan at Northfleet.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3412 (SN54 HWZ) has moved to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford.
Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/EL 5445 (T406 SMV). 5445 went to Southend for storage, and its last active day was 14th October.
Due to transfer to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone, are Scania Omnidekkas 5372/3 (AY55 DKA, YN06 TFZ), Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 6130/1/12 (LF02 PLN/O, LJ03 MHV). 5372 sustained collision damage, and left Colchester before the others – for repairs. These movements are connected with the traffic changes, detailed below.
From 30/10/16, service 133 ceased to run (as limited stop) between Colchester and Braintree, apart from early morning/late night positioning journeys. 133 has reverted to being an “all stops” Braintree to Stansted Airport. Alternative facilities are available on First Essex/Regal service 70 and National Express route 250. From the same date, a daytime Sunday service was re-introduced on 1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead) and 8 (Highwoods-Monkwick) – run commercially.
From 31th October, service 2 (Horkesley Heath-Highwoods) in Colchester was revised (at its eastern end), to run around Eastwood Drive again, and terminate at Highwoods Tesco; the section to/from Gavin Way being axed. The peak hour extensions to/from Boxted additionally ceased.
The “Chicken Run” staff services for Grampian Country Foods at Witham ended from 22/10/16, (they were officially de-registered from October 30th). These were latterly three registered routes, serving Colchester, Harwich and Ipswich, and numbered 801/2/3. It is understood Grampian wanted more flexible transport solutions to tie in with its varying shift times. These services had originally started in 1997, (as Harwich to Witham) with Tony Glew as initial provider. After 3 months, Fargo took over, and ran the contract until Arriva/TGM won it in 2008. During the summer of 2016, certain runs were short term subbed to Panther Travel. Beestons has now taken over.

Above: When with Arriva Kent and Surrey; ADL/Enviro 200 4017 at Guildford, Friary Bus Station, on 30/4/16.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 1560 (EU56 FTO) has gone on loan to Arriva KT at Northfleet – via a brief stay at Colchester (qv). This was the last Dart at Harlow.
Optare Solo 2462 (KE55 FDF) is back in use, after store at Southend. It has received a new engine.
Solo 1465 (KE55 KTJ) has gone to Hardwick, Carlton, for scrap.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Following receipt of the new ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs,(which were officially launched on 7th October) – route 1 has gone over completely to double deck operation, ex “long” Optare Versa saloons. The Versas have moved onto services 7 and 8 in the main, and they will lose their ‘One’ branding. The ‘Wave’ branded “short” Versas 4200-12 off the 9, have moved to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford; (4204/7/11/12 went via Maidstone).
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3838 (GK52 YVC) has transferred to Hemel Hempstead, while Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3824 (GN07 AVM) is now at Stevenage.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3509 (KE51 PUV) has returned from Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford, while 3503/8 (KE51 PUF/U) are on loan (to Northfleet). 3500 (KE51 PTY) is now withdrawn, and others will follow suit. These buses have spent their entire careers with Arriva Southend; initially as red TfL vehicles from Grays, before relocation to Southend in 2010.

Above: DAF SB120 no 3503 at London Road, Hadleigh in December 2014.

Above: 3503 at Gravesend on 4/10/16.  (D Rhodes).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (WARE).
On loan to Northfleet depot are DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400s 6007/11.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Grays depot has transferred from Arriva Kent Thameside (qv).
TfL346 (Upminster-Cranham) has passed to Go-Ahead Blue Triangle (qv).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 1625 at Upminster Rail Station in September 2007. At the time of the photo,  Arriva Southend was still the licensed operator of TfL346 and the bus was on loan from Arriva Kent Thameside at Dartford.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Acquired are:
Ayatts Bravo double deck coach SIL 4458 – from Astra of Andoversford, Gloucestershire.
Volvo B12T/Van Holl double deck coach CRZ 3806 – from Carr, Pluckley, Kent. This was new to Berrys of Taunton as N754 CYA.
Duple Helstair 425s NIL 1095, SIB 3277 – from Francis of Nettlestone, Isle of Wight.
Scania K113/Irizar N685 AHL – from Oakley of Plymouth. Scania K113/Irizar R866 SDT, from L and R Travel of Basildon.

BEESTONS.
Has taken over the Grampian Country Foods Witham works contract from Arriva.
They started from 23rd October. The route is numbered T1 (Witham-Ipswich), and usually uses a Scania Omnidekka.
Optare Metrocity demonstrator YJ65 EPU was on loan in late October.
Optare Solo M920s KX54 NLD/E have passed to United Coaches, Newarthill, Scotland.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.

On loan for rail work, were Coach Innovations of Kidderminster Van Hool T920 Altano SH09 ASH (above), and Red Route of Northfleet Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President X653 LLX (below).

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Commenced operation of ex Arriva London North TfL346 (Upminster rail station-Cranham) from 1st October. ADL/Enviro200s SE232-4 are allocated. These were displaced from TfL W19 (Ilford-Walthamstow), which will move to CT Plus in November.
There were extensive vehicle movements later in October, due to the conversion of Dockland TfL D8 to double deck. (See below).
In from Metrobus are Dennis Dart SLF/EL Esteems 230-32 (PO56 JFE/F/G). Received from Docklands are ADL/Enviro 200s SE147/48/50 (YX61 BXP, DTO/V) – displaced from TfL D8, (SE147 quickly went on to London General North); plus Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WVL113-17 (LX03 EEB/F/G/H/J), WVL249/50 (LX06 EAO/P) and Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s WVL413-21 (LX11 CWU-Z, CXA-D). The WVLs continue to mostly appear on TfL D7 and their move has made use of spare capacity at River Road depot.
ADL/Enviro 200s SE38-46 (LX10 AUR/T-W/Y, AVB-D) have been returned to Docklands Buses.
Solitary VDL SB180/MCV MDL1 (YJ60 DDE) has moved to Docklands.

BOMBARDIER.
Cuurent resident Class 08 diesel electric shunters at Ilford depot are 08573/700.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 570 (W487 WGH) has lost its fleet names and route branding.

C2C.
New Class 387 EMUs 387301/2 were delivered to East Ham (EM) depot in late October, for staff training purposes.

COOKS OF WESTCLIFF.
From APT of Rayleigh is Bova Futura MH06 YZM.
Bova Futuras WWC 820, R902 TCH are now with Dolphin of Norwich.

CT PLUS.
New are ADL/Enviro E20Ds 1221-35 (YX66 WFS-W/Y/Z, WGA/C-G/J/K). They are for the forthcoming TfL W19 (Walthamstow-Ilford) contract, from the new depot at Walthamstow Stadium – coded AW.
ADL/Enviro 40H Citybus 2510 (SN16 OHZ) suffered severe rear end damage, in an engine fire at Bishopsgate on 3/10/16. It was on a northbound TfL26 (Waterloo-Hackney Wick) journey. It has been withdrawn.

DBS.
Class 66 EMD diesel electric locomotive 66089 was at Marks Tey sand yard on 3/10/16. 66199 was at Dagenham Dock on 29/10/16.
Resident Class 08 at Dagenham Dock is currently 08934.
It has been announced that there are to be 863 redundancies across the company, in a major restructure, caused by changes in the UK freight market. These will affect various operational grades.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.

Above: ADL/Enviro SE142 (right) at Crossharbour on 30/5/15.

TfL D8 (Stratford-Crossharbour) has been converted to double deck, using ex Metrobus 59 reg Scania Omnicity double deckers, which had previously been at Croydon for TfL64 (Thornton Heath-New Addington). This had been lost on re-tender to Arriva London South. They retain Metrobus fleet names. They are 958-73 (YT59 DYA-D/F/G/H/N/J/M/O/P/S/U/Y/W.
960 is seen (below) at Crossharbour on 29th October. As a result, there were extensive vehicle reallocations between Docklands and Blue Triangle.

Received from Blue Triangle are VDL SB180/MCV MDL1; ADL/Enviro 200s SE38-46.
SE142-45 have moved to London Central.
SE147/48/50; Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemimis WVL113-7, 249/50, B9TL/Gemini2s WVL413-21 have gone to Blue Triangle.
SE146 (YX61 BXO) went to London General North. SE149 (YX61 DTU) to London Central at New Cross.

DONS OF GREAT DUNMOW.
Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Premiere 320 DUI 672 is now named ‘Skippy’.

DRS.
Class 68 diesel electric locomotives 68004/28 are on loan to Greater Anglia for ‘Thunderbird’ duties.

EAST ANGLIAN RAILWAY MUSEUM, CHAPPEL.
AM6/Class 306 EMU 306017, which had been on loan since June 2011, has returned to the National Railway Museum at York.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis VWL28, 30 (LF52 THX, TJO); VWL36-38, 41 (BX04 BAA/U/V, BBJ) – latterly with London General, have passed to Ensign.

ENSIGNBUS.
The last operational Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200, 780 (LX51 FGK) – has passed to Movie Mobil Ltd, Kenley, Surrey, having been returned off loan to EOS London.
Being used for spares are ex Plymouth Citybus Volvo B7TL/EL PL51 LFE and ex Stagecoach East London Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LX03 OSJ.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Borrowed ex GHA Optare Solos YJ59 GHB/G have returned to Ensign, and been replaced by a pair of ex GHA (new to Menzies, Heathrow) Scania Omnicities – YR10 AZO/V.
Plaxton Primo 661 (BU08 ACV) is now in EOS orange/black, ex Swallow coaches white/blue colours.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President LK03 CEU has passed to Ensign.
There is now an outbase at North Weald Airfield, for those stage routes in this area.

EUROSTAR.
New are Class 374 ‘E320’ EMUs 4021+4022.
Some of the original Class 373 EMUs are being withdrawn for scrapping. These launched Eurostar in 1991. 3005 + 3006 have gone to EMR, Kingsbury for breaking.

EUROWINGS.
Further new Airbus A320-214s are D-AEWO/P.

FIRST ESSEX.
Following the end of the summer season, Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32087 (KP51 WBZ), moved over from Clacton (CN) to Chelmsford (CF) and then Colchester (CR). Sister 32086 remains parked up at CN. 32068 (KP51 VZS) has relocated from CN to CR.
Fire damaged Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33045 (LN51 DVK) has gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap.
Fire damaged Volvo B7RLE 66809 (MX05 CDE) is being cannibalised.
The staff building at the former Clacton bus station has closed. It is pictured (below) on 26th October.

Former Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66980/82 (KX05 MHJ/L) , now with First Eastern Counties, have received Norwich Yellow Line livery.

FORDS.
Former Hong Kong tri-axle Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH L808 SNO is now with Howards of Sankey.

FLYBE.
Has confirmed that it will continue its London City-Cardiff ‘Airbridge’ service. Originally started to cover closures of the Severn Road Crossing, it was due to finish on 21st October.
New is DHC-8 402 G-PRPH.

FREIGHTLINER.
Current resident Class 08 shunters at Felxstowe are 08530/624.

Class 86 electric locomotives 86613 + 86639 were stabled (above) at Ipswich on 28/10/16.

Above: One of the ex Heavy Haul Class 66s, Intermodal 66547 heads “down” through Kelvedon on 3/10/16.

GBRf.
Class 92 electric locomotive 92032 was stabled at Dagenham Dock on 29th October.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
Mercedes Sprinters sod are:
XO12 BOY – to Welham Travel, Welwyn Garden City; FF62 BOY – to Reay, Wigton, while DD62 BOY has also left the fleet.

GRAHAM’S, KELVEDON. Scania K114/Irizar YN03 DDE is now with Glenferry, Little Island, Eire.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Volvo B7TL 576 at Maldon Road, Colchester, on 5/10/16.

Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 581 (W956 WGH), was moved from Clacton (CN) to Kelvedon (KN) on 3rd October. 574 (W506 WGH) followed on 5th October. From the 6th, routes 91/92/95/A became scheduled completely for low floor, but Volvo Olympian 71 (R626 MNU) continued to appear regularly for the rest of the month.
B7TL/President 578 (W519 WGH) appeared at KN from CN on 21st October. 575 returned to Clacton (CN). 576 left KN in mid October, but returned by the end of the month. By 31st October, B7TLs 574/76/78/81 were all available for service at KN.
Withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NCs 72 (R629 MNU), 95 (R279 LGH) have been stripped of parts at KN. Withdrawn Olympian/NC 93 (R273 LGH) and Dennis Trident/ELs 714/29 (T814 RFG, W829 NNJ) remain parked up at Clacton (CN).
Dennis Trident/EL 701 (T801 RFG) has been converted to DDA specification at Hants and Dorset Trim, ex loan to Chambers.
Ford Transit 16 seater YT12 DBZ has returned to Robertson Van Hire, off loan.

IPSWICH BUSES.
There was 24 hour strike planned for 10th October, over starter pay rates for new driving staff. Established drivers get £11.00 per hour, but new drivers only receive £8.81 and UNITE Union wants £10.00 for its members. The lower rate affects one-third of the platform staff. An emergency timetable was plannned for the day, but fortunately the dispute was settled amicably on 7th October.
However, the interim timetable remained, as arrangements were already in place. Thus, on 10/10/16, buses carried yellow/black boards in their windscreens, denoting the temporary arrangement.
Dennis Lance/EL 162 (L162 ADX) has passed to Easton and Otley College.
Ex Carters Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 6 (LG02 FCE) has gone to PSV Recycling, Hadleigh, for scrap.
MAN/MCV 260 (AY60 BVD) now has ‘Ipswich Buses’ fleet names on Carters livery. It is pictured (below) at Ipswich Old Cattle Market on 17/9/16.

(Photo by D Rhodes).

JOHN JAMES LUXURY TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.

YX16 NWW is a nearly new Volvo B8R/Plaxton Panther. Seen above on railway replacement at Witham on 9/10/16.
RO10 LRV is a Mercedes Sprinter minicoach.
Neoplan Skyliner YN03 AWH has been exported via Plaxton, Anston (dealer).

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
VH T917 tri-axle HOW 3R is ex Howard of Great Sankey, Cheshire.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.

A new Harlow-London commuter service has started. Setra S315 IJZ 474 illustrates the branding (above) at Witham on 15th October.
BJ63 ZNE is a Ford Transit LWB hi cube ancillary van.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.

Another “classic” used coach is L975 OWY, an ex Chariots/Flavin of Stanford Le Hope Plaxton Excalibur bodied Volvo B10M, which has been re-registered A19 LNR. It was seen (above) on rail replacement at Witham on 29/10/16. Neoplan Tourliner YN07 EBO is now A20 LNR. Leyland National Greenaway HLZ 4439 has passed to Alder and Ward (Malcolms Bus Service), Clacton.
Scania K113/Irizar R866 SDT is sold.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Setra S416 KE08 YFX is now 46 AEW.

LONDON CENTRAL.
Two TfL contracts have been retained, starting 1st October.
42 goes over to double deckers, using new Euro VI hybrids; replacing LDP Class Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers. Extended southwards from Denmark Hill to East Dulwich. Route is thus now Liverpool Street-East Dulwich. New MHV Class Volvo B5LH/MCV EvoSetis are used.
108 (Lewisham-Stratford) gets an allocation of ex London General MEC Class Mercedes Citaros (Euro 5 engined). MEC 1 and 2 were the first, with MEC20 (BD09 ZRA0 following. These are being refurbished by Hants and Dorset Trim, upseated to 33 and repainted. Examples have already been trialed on the service, since November 2015. The 108 is re-routed between Poplar and Stratford via Violet Road,, Carpenters Road and Stratford City Bus Staion to terminate at Stratford International Station. This replaces the old route via High Street and Great Eastern Road to Stratford Bus Station. The double deck TfL 108 Lewisham-North Greenwich short workings are provided by Euro 5 engined PVL Class Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents off TfL321 (New Cross-Foots Cray, Sidcup). Vehicles replaced by the 108 changes are the DW/DWL Class DAF SB120/Wright Cadets, ED Class Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions and LDP Class Dart SLF/Pointers – indeed LDPs 194 and 206 moved to Bexleyheath (BX). SE Class ADL/Enviro 200s of TfL286 (Greenwich-Sidcup) still appear though.

Above: Mb Citaro MEC42 at Lewisham on 29/10/16.

LONDON OVERGROUND/LOROL.
EMU 317888 is now in LOROL livery.

LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED.
From October 7th, the Jubilee Line joined the Night-Tube network at weekends. The Stratford-Canary Wharf section runs in the area covered by ‘Busmopolitan’.
The same date saw the turnback at Mansion House (on the District and Circle Lines), closed. It was removed over the next two days. Its counterpart at Tower Hill is due to follow suit.
The D78 Stock has received a temporary reprieve, while S Stock is returned to Bombardier for Automatic Train Control (ATC) modifications. 10 D Stock trains (20 3 car units) are involved. They are single ended 7007/12/16/18/30/32/34/37/46/57/70/75/95/115 and double ended 7502/12/26/30/32/34.
Driving car 7508 has passed to LT Museum, for spares only.

Above: D78 7046 forms the rear of a Wimbledon-Barking service at Embankment on 28/9/15.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
A Scania K410/Caetano Boa Vista double deck tri-axle coach appeared at Start Hill Scania, during early October. It is one of 6 destined for the A1 London-Luton Airport service. The vehicles are essentially double deck Caetano Levantes and are similar to 12 recently supplied to Ulsterbus.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Scania Omniexpress YP10 VZB is now with Coopers of Killamarsh.

OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur V283 SBW has passed to Bradshaw of Heywood, Manchester.
Iveco CC100E/Indicar YN05 ARX is now with Ace Travel of Beeding, West Sussex.

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTEEING TOUR.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RHs J327-31 BSH, latterly with London United – have passed to Ensign.

P and M COACHES, WICKFORD.
Acquired from Ceefa of Pitsea is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N559 SJF.
Sold is Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH J849 TSC.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R914 ULA has fleet livery on its rear only. The rest of the coach is in “as acquired” condition of white with red/blue side stripes. The picture (below), shows it with previous operator Hunters Ride of South Mymms, in August 2005.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer BIG 9856 returned, off loan from Regal, before going back on loan.
ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN has been named ‘George’, while DAF DB250LF/EL DC52 PAN is ‘Louise’.
Vauxhall Zafira crew ferry AB02 PAN has been re-registered back to LR02 NCC.
AB02 PAN is now on DAF DB250LF/EL FD02 UKR. Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N611 APU is now BIG 9807.
DAF DB250LF DC52 PAN and Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther AB53 PAN have been retrimmed. DAF DB250LF AB02 PAN is undergoing major refurbishment at Matching Tye.
Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther AB07 PAN is “warm stored” at Colchester outbase.
The Witham rail standby ceased after 14/10/16. Witham outstation is still used for vehicle parking, however. Matching Tye workshop is also now used operationally, while maintenance facilities have been established at Parkeston depot.
Previously sold Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur J734 CWT, has been offered on ebay.
The old Stansted parking site, has been converted into a fenced compound by Stansted Airport Ltd.

Above: DAF DB250LF/EL DC52 PAN at Witham outstation on 23/10/16.

RICHMOND, BARLEY.
WJ66 KCC is a new Van Hool TX27.

RYANAIR.
Withdrawn are Boeing 737-800s EI-EFS/W.
EFS has passed to Ukraine International Airlines.

SOLITAIRE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R944 SJM is withdrawn.

SOUTHEND PIER RAILWAY.
From 4th October, the running of trains resumed, initially on test. Full public service returned from October 5th.
The line had been closed since June, due to concerns about the safety of its supporting structure.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Ex Bedford Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer 32422 (KV53 EYY) is now stored as Reserve at Cambridge.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Received from Selkent are ADL/Enviro 200s 36280/82 (LX11 AWW/Y). They are at Barking (BK).
Now driver trainers are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17363/4/8/95/7/9, 17409/26/27/34, Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 34353/5/7/8/62. Tridents 17993-97 (LX53 KCA/C/E/F/G) are now back at Romford (NS) ex Reserve. Previously withdrawn Trident 17809 (LX03 BXD) has been scrapped by the company.
The two Tridents stored at the old Stagecoach Swindon depot, had gone by early October.
Scania Omnicity ‘decker 15076 has moved from WH to BW.
Tridents resold through Ensign are:
17910/26 (LX03 OSD, OTB) – to Marshalls of Sutton on Trent; 17917 (LX03 OSN) – to Laguna Travel of Bournemouth; 18236/48 (LX04 FYC/R) – to First Bus Stop of Gravesend.
Trident 17913 (LX03 OSJ) is being cannibalised by Ensign (qv).
Overall adverts:
New Routemasters
LT239 (LTZ 1239) – Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
LT248 (LTZ 1248) – School of Rock.
LT380 (LTZ 1380) – Spotify.
Back into fleet livery are New Routemasters LT268, 374/97, 400 (LTZ 1268/374/97/400).

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
Ex Bury St Edmunds ‘Breeze’ Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 436 (LX51 FGF) is regarded as Reserve.
Withdrawn is Scania/Irizar coach 203 (OW03 LFL) – which had operated from Haverhill.
Volvo B10B/Alexander PS 233 (M233 TBV) and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 827 (N827 FKK) are now in the Galloway of Mendlesham fleet. The Olympian had previously been on long-term loan.
The Haverhill based ex Blackwater Link ADL/Enviro 200s 431-34 (EU10 NVP/R/S/T) are in practice, not all used at Bury St Edmunds at any one time, with long and Short Dart SLF/Pointers often appearing. Also, the ‘Breeze’ name no longer appears on buses, but is still used on digital and printed publicity. Note that on Sundays and public holidays, the Bury St Edmunds town services are operated by Coach Services of Thetford under Suffolk County Council contract, using the old First Eastern Counties service numbers of 80, 81, 82, 83. ADL/Enviro 200s appear on these.

SUFFOLK NORSE.
Ex Soames Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther KX09 GMO, has received Suffolk Norse livery.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
TfL W9 (Chase Farm Hospital-Southgate) has been gained from Metroline on retender, while TfL298 (Potters Bar-Arnos Grove) is retained. Both start on 4/2/17.

SWISS GLOBAL AIRLINES.
New is Bombardier CS 100 HB-JBC.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Open top Bristol KSW/ECW WNO 480 is sold. It went to the premises of Xeliabus at Eastleigh, and was then offered on ebay.
Van Hool TD824 DSK 107 is withdrawn, and has been re-registered D108 ELO.

TERRAVISION.
Some of the Scania/Irizars are reported as parked up at Scania, Purfleet, while others collected at a site in Barking. Those that were at Taylors End, Stansted – had gone by late October. Scania/Irizar K380EB6 tri-axle YN08 MLZ was offered via Auction through Gordon Brothers at the end of October.
Recorded as sold are:
Scania K360/Irizar tri-axles YN08 MLZ, YT10 WLA-D.
Scania K360/Irizar 4x2s YT12 YUA-E.
King Long XMQ6127 BK63 ZTC.
Scania K360/Irizar tri-axles YN64 AMO/U/V/X.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Toyota Optima M933 CHU has passed to a dealer in Romford.
LDV Convoy minicoach BX06 XZA and Mercedes 0814D/Robin Hood L111 ANT are also sold.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Overall adverts:
Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 VN36161 (BJ11 EBA) – Zillertal.
ADL/Enviro 40H DNH39116 (SN12 ARX) – Zillertal.
ADL/Enviro 40Hs DNH39115/25 (SN12 ARU, ATO) – India.
ADL/Enviro E40H DNH39127 (SN12 ATV) – Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Back to red – ADL/Enviro 40D DN33781 (SN12 AVX).

TRUSTYBUS.
Scania Omnilink/EL YR52 VFL now has a led destination, ex roller blind.
Accident damaged Volvo B10BLE/Wright WNZ 1864 is withdrawn.
DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400 X427 FGP is now with Barnes of Dagenham.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton pointer KP54 BYL has passed to Seaford and District.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Optare Solo S627 JRU, acquired from Panther Travel by a Turners employee, has suffered a major engine failure and is now parked up at the depot.

WHIPPET.
From Tower Transit are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WD429/31 (LK54 FLG/A respectively). LK04 HXP is WD445; LK04 HYV is WD444.
Ex Johnsons of Hodathorpe is Volvo B9R/Caetano FJ60 EGE.
National Express Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante L80 SGB has returned to South Gloucester Bus and Coach at Patchway. B9R/Levantes FJ60 HXS/Y, FJ60 KVS have fleet nos NX14-16.

With thanks to: L Bourne; R Delahoy; EBN; A Hazell; J Lidstone; J Sadd.

Welcome to the September 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

The new 66 registration sees fresh additions to Arriva Southend – ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs; First Essex, Ipswich Buses and Stephensons – MMC and ‘classic’ ADL/Enviro 200s; plus the entry to service of Ensign’s quartet of BCI ‘Enterprise’ Australian- Chinese 100 seat air conditioned 380 bhp tri-axle double deckers. Small independant Graham’s has a brand new DAF/Irizar i6 integral; the first in the area.
Talking of new equipment, Abellio has pledged to renew all of its rolling stock during the duration of its new franchise. These will include bi-modal and “straight electric” multiple units.
Arriva double deckers have returned to the streets of Southend, for the first time since 2012, with the launch of the 10 new Enviro 400 MMCs. However, the MAX service 5 has ceased after less than a year.
Meanwhile, the TGM identity has almost completely vanished, with Arriva repaints reaching the point that just one bus is left in the blue/white/yellow scheme.
Finally, the start of the new school year has seen some interesting changes with regards to operators of some school contracts. One surprise has been the return of a bus “depot” to Tollesbury ! Read more below.

24/7, STANSTED.
Has a new home to school contract in St Albans, using Renault Master accessible minibuses.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
Over the new franchise, the entire train fleet will be renewed. This will see the end of all loco hauled stock, along with the current Class 153, 156, 170 DMUs and Class 317, 321, 360 EMUs. The new order is split between Bombardier and Stadtler, and are due in 2019-2020.

Above: Class 321 EMU 321358 departs Manningtree for Harwich Town, on 24/5/14.

Current fleet developments:
317513/15 are now in Abellio GA livery
321338/48/51/55/422/26/33/35/38/47 now have grey upholstery, ex green.
360115 has grey upholstery, ex purple.
Both ‘321s and ‘360s are being completely re-upholstered in grey as an internal refresh.

AH MINIBUSES, CLACTON.
YC62 FWS is a Ford Transit 16 seater, ex Farrell of Bishops Cleeve, Gloucestershire.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Service 268 (Grays-Blackmore) ceased from 1/9/16.

Above: Amber ex Burnley & Pendle via Ensign Optare Versa YJ57 XWF, on the parallel 269 service, at Brentwood Rail Station on 18/6/16. 269 continues.

APT COACHES, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B12M/Jonckherre FJ04 ERK is now PT04 APT.
EY04 WKZ is a Ford Transit Connect ancillary van.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESDIE (GRAYS).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer PDL138 (SN06 BPF) has gone on loan to TGM at Heathrow.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
Received from Network Harlow is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3417 (SN54 HXD), meaning this batch are all back where they started.
Dennis Dart SLF/Pointers 3327 (X519 GGO), 3293 (Y293 TKJ), and SLF/Alexander ALX200 3335 (W471 XKX) have moved on to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone. SLF/Pointer 3328 (X471 GGO) is withdrawn.
To Arriva colours ex TGM are short Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses 1562/4 (RX07 KPG, HX04 HUH). This leaves SLF/Pointer 3314 (S312 JUA) as the last bus here in TGM livery. Also now to Arriva, from SxConnect livery are Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3825/6 (GN07 AVO/P). SLF/Pointers 3413 (SN54 HWY), 3421 (AY54 FPZ) have lost their Driver Recruitment branding. 3418 (SN54 HXE) – the last bus here with roller destination blinds, now has led displays.

Above SLF no 3293 on Maldon Road on 2/9/16.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
All of the ex Ware Volvo B7RLE/Wrights have come here. They are 3875-82 (KX11 PVN, PUK/J, PVL/A, PZY, PVD respectively).
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3731 (GN54 MYO) has moved to Arriva Kent and Surrey.
Mb Citaro 3894 (BU06 HSG) is the third to be repainted out of Green Line colours into Arriva livery – but still with Route 724 branding.

Above: Mb Citaro 3896 at St Albans on 17/9/16.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
New are ADL/Enviro 400MMCs 6499-6516 (SN66 WHS-X/Z, WJA/C-G/J-M/O). 6503 was the first in service, on 22nd September on route 1 (Rayleigh-Shoeburyness). This marks the return of ‘deckers to Arriva in Southend after an absence of 4 years 3 months.
Optare Versas 4202/7 (YJ61 CHX, CJO), have lost their ‘Ride The Wave’ route 9 dedicated adverts, but retain route branding.
There were some service changes from 4th September.
4/A (Southend-Shoebury). Weekday service ceased. Sundays unaffected.
5 (Southend-Basildon) – withdrawn. This was branded as MAX.
7/8 (Southend-Landwick) – revised with 407 school variant axed.
As a result of the end of MAX5, Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3815/24 (GN07 AVC/M) are withdrawn. 3816/20/21//23/24 are still in use, but with their branding modified to read ‘Southend-Hadleigh’ (still with MAX names). They are often to be found on route 1.
On loan for driver training was New Enterprise of Tonbridge Dennis Javelin/Plaxton YN53 VBX.

Above: Volvo B7RLE no 3816 at Hadleigh on the penultimate day of MAX5 operation; 2nd September.

DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3509 (KE51 PUV) has gone to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford, while 3502/6 (KE51 PUA/K) are withdrawn. 3506 quickly passed to Hardwick, Carlton (dealer) for scrap.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 VLA139 (LJ05 GRZ), has returned to Barking (DX) from Arriva Kent Thameside.

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Further outstations are at Tollesbury and Tolleshunt Knights.
In Maldon, there is extra parking at Autobahn Tyres on The Causeway. The main depot is on Station Road.

BEESTONS.
New is Mercedes 923 midicoach YN66 ENF.
The Feering to Ipswich private schools contract has been lost to Suffolk Norse.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
In from London General are Scania N230UD/Olympuses 873/77/78/84 (PN09 EKV, ELO/U, EMV).
ADL/Enviro 200 SEN36 (YX61 FZV) has moved to London General.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
Red Route Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther FJ55 XBC, has been on loan for rail replacement again, this month, along with Coach Innovations Van Hool Altano T920 SA09 ASH.

CHAMBERS.
Dennis Trident/EL 701 (T801 RFG) is on loan from Hedingham, (qv).

CHARIOTS/FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Scania L94/Van Hool T741 JHE has been acquired from Sprat of Wreningham.

COBALT AERO.
5B-DCV is an Airbus A319-132, which is the second aircraft for this up and coming Cypriot fleet, which flies to Stansted. It was new to Royal Brunei Airlines in 2003.

DBS.
The remaining Class 08 and 09 diesel electric shunters have been offered for sale. Their only presence in the ‘Busmopolitan’ area was at Dagenham Dock.
Generally, main line locomotives have taken over shunting duties.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Former Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President VP16 (X168 FBB), has gone to MC Tractors at Ely for scrap, after cannibalisation by Ensign. New to Easylink, it had latterly been with London General.

EASYJET.
G-EZPP is a new Airbus A320-214.

ENSIGNBUS.

The new BCI Enterpise high specification tri-axle double deckers, entered service during September. They are 401-4 (LX66 GXC/D/E/F). No 402 is pictured (above) at Shenfield on Abellio Greater Anglia RRP on 17/9/16.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 195 (GVV 205) has been re-registered to W56 PCC. It was seen (below), crossing Wilsons Corner at Brentwood on 17th September; running light to Shenfield to take up a TfL RRP duty, all stations to Chadwell Heath, then Newbury Park.

Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 780 (LX51 FGK) has been on loan to EOS London.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 103 (V479 KJN) has passed to Bear Buses of Feltham.

EOS LONDON.
From 1/9/16, commercial service 86 (Harlow-Waltham Cross) was revised between Waltham Cross and Upshire. From the same date, new routé 87 commenced between Harlow and Epping.
Ex GHA are Optare Solo M880s YJ59 GHB/G. GHB was seen (below) at Harlow bus station on 17/9/16. Both are on loan from Ensign, along with Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 LX51 FGK (qv).

EUROWINGS.
New are Airbus A310-214s D-AEWM/N.

FIRST ESSEX.
New are ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs 44660-62 (YX66 WBE-G) – all at Basildon (BN).
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32856 (V856 HBY), latterly at Basildon (BN) – is stored at Braintree (BE).
Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41736 (X736 HLF) is back in use at Hadleigh (HH), after recertification and repaint into Refreshed colours.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42485 (SN03 WMM) has been refurbished and is now in Refreshed livery. All of this batch are at HH, except 42484 (SN03 WLW) which is still at Chelmsford (CF). Also now in Refreshed is Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65675 (SN51 UYJ).
BMC Yellow school bus 68520 (KP54 AZU) has been repainted, and now sports large blue logos for Colchester High School.
Wright Streetlites at HH are having the black surrounds of their rear registration plates repainted purple.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65680 (YR52 VEK) has been withdrawn and cannibalised at Colchester (CR). This is the first of its batch to go. It was one of the “launch” vehicles for the Chelmsford Park and Ride in 2005.
Fire damaged Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33045 (LN51 DVK) is withdrawn.
From 25th September, the following summer only routes ceased:
16 (Clacton Circular); 17A (Clacton-Point Clear); 19 (Clacton-St Osyth Beach) and 75B (North Station-Colchester Zoo).
Hadleigh Engineering department has won the First Bus Team Of The Year Award. Their excellent work can be seen on the streets of Southend daily – in the shape of smartly turned out buses.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE and HALSTEAD.
Has commenced operation of the Thurstable School contract at Tiptree. Gained from Hedingham, a local outstation has been established at Tollesbury. This is at Garlands Farm and not the old Hedingham depot. 3 services are run, with two others subcontracted; (Kelvedon) to Graham’s and (Heybridge/Great Totham) to Stan’s. The initial allocation was Scania Omnidekka YN56 FDX; Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents LK03 NHG/V and Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale P263 PSX. One bus is spare.
The recently acquired low floors all carry a slightly revised livery, featuring a new Flagfinders ‘ff’ logo. This has also ben applied to Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale P418 KSX.

Above: Scania Omnidekka YN56 FDX at Tolleshunt Darcy on 7/9/16; returning to Tollesbury outstation off a morning run into Thurstable School.

FLYBE.
G-PRPI is a new Bombardier Dash DHC8 twin turboprop.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
There is now an outstation at Mayland (golf club).

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD.
Two vehicles are now outstationed at Regal Busway’s Cooksmill Green depot, but the berthing of buses at Stephenson’s Boreham site has ceased.

FREIGHTLINER.
Loaned Class 08 diesel electric shunter 08571 was retuned to Wabtech at the end of September; with resident 08530 returning to Felixstowe Dock.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
DAF powered Irizar integral YN66 VYG is new here. Scania K114/Irizar YN03 DDE passed to Moseley (dealer) in part exchange.
Graham’s is running the Kelvedon to Thurstable school contract at Tiptree, for Flagfinders (qv).

HAILSTONE, WICKFORD.
Iveco 45C14/Excel BU07 CPZ has passed to Onley, Benfleet.

HEDINGHAM.

Low floor Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents are being introduced to Kelvedon (KN) to replace Volvo Olympians. 575 (W516 WGH) was the first to arrive, from Clacton (CN) on 6th September and allocated to the Alec Hunter school run. 560 (EU53 MVZ) followed on 14th September, and was immediately put on stage work, but returned to HD on 16th September. Then 576 (W517 WGH) came from CN on 21st September.
Minibus operation has resumed, with the gain of a contract for Toppesfield Primary School. Ford Transit 16 seater YT12 DBZ has been hired from JD Robertson for this. It works from HD.
Dennis Trident/EL 701 (T801 RFG) is on loan to Chambers. It now has a front fleet number in the larger font. All of the Tridents are to be upgraded to DDA specification. 701 is the first to be treated. Hants and Dorset Trim at Eastleigh is doing the work.
Volvo Olympian/NCs 72 (R629 MNU), 93/5 (R273/9 LGH) are withdrawn, while Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 86 (M294 UKN) and Volvo Olympian/NC 96 (R552 LGH) have gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap.
From 4/9/16, there were changes on the Colchester to Brightlingsea corridor. The M-Sat daytime frequency of 87 was reduced to half hourly, ex 20 minutes, and the 87A variant ceased. The 87 was also diverted in Colchester to run via Magdalen Street, Barrack Street, Hythe Hill, Hythe Station Road, with East Hill, East Bay, East Street, Greenstead Road (apart from section past Tesco) no longer served. Sunday evening 87s withdrawn after 1930.
There were alterations to the 041 group of Honywood School contracts at Coggeshall from 5th September. Bus 4 (Easthorpe) moved from Kelvedon (KN) to Sible Hedingham (HD). Bus 7 (Silver End) was renumbered 1. Bus 9 (Marks Tey) became 7. Bus 10 (Kelvedon) was withdrawn.
The Plume School contracts are now all operated from KN. They are PL1 (Tollesbury direct); PL2 (Tiptree Heath,-Great Totham-Wickham Bishops); PL3 (Tolleshunt Darcy-Tolleshunt Major-Little Totham-Great Totham); PL4 (Tolleshunt Darcy-Goldhanger-Mill Beach-Heybridge Basin); PL5 (Mundon-Latchingdon-Cold Norton-Purleigh-Woodham Mortimer).
The Thurstable, Tiptree school contract has passed to Flagfinders, while New Rickstones Academy no 063 at Witham has been lost to Regal Busways, as new contract no 509.

Above: Back in December 2013, Hedingham Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH L357 (subsequently fleet no 80), at Rivenhall Place on the New Rickstones contract. This was renumbered from 098 to 063 in September 2014.

Above: Another “vintage” view, this time at Silver End Broadway, in May 2012. Hedingham Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL  L371 (later fleet no 62), is on contract 068 (041 from September 2014) to Honywood School at Coggeshall, while Flagfinders convertible open top Leyland Olympian/ECW A990 XAF works the number 003 run to Alec Hunter Academy, Braintree; which Hedingham gained from September 2013.

Above: Hedingham Leyland Olympian L369 heads the afternoon line-up at Thurstable School, Tiptree in December 2010. The Network Colchester Dennis Trident is on the 611 “direct” route to Tollesbury, which Hedingham took over from September 2013 and ran until July 2016.

IPSWICH BUSES.
More new ‘classic’ ADL/Enviro 200s are 105-108 (YX66 WCJ-M).
Ex Bristol Greyhound is ADL/Enviro 200 KX59 GNY, now fleet no 77.
Returned to DawsonRentals, off lease was ex Carters Volvo B10M/Caetano Enigma NK51 ZSR.
On loan from ADL was ADL/Enviro 20D YX65 RKK. This received tgemporary fleet no 500.
Withdrawals are of Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17 (LG02 FEM), 18/19 (V126/62 MEV), and Dennis Dart SLF/EL Spryte 89 (X89 LBJ). 18/19 went to PSV Recycling, Hadleigh for scrap, along with ex Carters Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 43 (R156 LHK).
DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra X153 LBJ is now with Lynx, Kings Lynn.
From 4th September, the ex Carters routes were all formally transferred to Ipswich Buses . The ex Carters vehicles will receive Ipswich Buses livery in due course.

JOHN JAMES LUXURY TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.
Volvo B11R/Plaxton Elite tri-axle YN13 GXP is now in green/white fleet livery, ex plain white. It is picture (below) on the A12 Chelmsford by-pass on 17/9/16, on an AGA Witham-Newbury Park RRP. Following is Luxury Transport of Hayes (Middlesex)  VDL Bova WJ65 EKX.

Also now into fleet colours is Mercedes 1223L PO59 OML.

KEANE TRAVEL, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Yellow liveried Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus R284 LGH has been sold.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
On loan from Evobus, Coventry during September was Mercedes Tourismo tri-axle BL16 GBO.

KLARNERS, COLCHESTER.
New is Mercedes Tourismo BV66 GVX.

L&R COACHES, BASILDON.
Neoplan Tourliner YN07 EBO is now here, ex Vision Coaches of Widnes.
A less exotic acquisition is Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Premiere 320 L40 GNA; ex Denwell of Birlip, Gloucestershire and previously N319 SNL.
Scania K113/Irizar A19 LNR has been re-registered back to R866 SDT.
Volvo B10M/Van Hool A20 LNR has reverted to its W285 WCS mark.

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Sold is Mb Sprinter 413 minicoach X734 AVU.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
A heritage addition is 1948 Bedford OB/Duple CFV 851 – ex Payne of Thundersley.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
D78 Stock withdrawn is 7004+17004+8004; 7005+17005+8005; 7033+17033+8033.
To VivaRail: 7004/5/33.
To Booth Roe: 17004/5, 8004/5.

MARC1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.
Scania K113/Berkhof WSC 485 has ben acquired from Ceefa Coaches of Pitsea.

MARDENS, BENFLEET.
Has AEC PRV Routemaster open topper RM978 (LDS 164A). This was initially in an overall advert “wrap” for South Essex College ‘Enrolfest’, but has now been smartly turned out in traditional London Transport red with gold lining.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante SH187 has an additional fleet number on the roof.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Traffic changes from 1st September, saw the withdrawal of routes 41 (Ingatestone-Shotgate), 47 (Shotgate-Chelmsford) and 489 (Moreton-Brentwood).
Wright Streetlite no 12 is now in red/yellow fleet livery, ex white.

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
A new open top fleet numbering series has been introduced. This starts at 200.
DAF DB250LF/Plaxton Presidents have been renumbered from the 100s as a result.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Essex CC school contract 030A (Manningtree-The Oakleys-Harwich School) has been gained from First Essex.
Registered school bus service 302 (Bishops Stortford-Saffron Walden) has passed to Stephensons and been incorporated into their 301 service. Registered school runs 446 (Clavering-Saffron Walden) and 446B (Manuden-Saffron Walden) have been integrated into Stephensons of Essex service 446 (qv).
As a result of the above, Stansted office and depot closed after 11/9/16. Central administration has moved to the HO at Brantham, while local supervision is now run from Matching Tye. There have been changes to allocations at other sites, with Colchester,  now up to 4 vehicles from 1; Great Dunmow – 2 to 3; Ipswich 1 to 2; Witham 1 to 2.
From 19/9/16, Panther covered Harwich-Dovercourt town service 2/A and school contract 118 on behalf of Hedingham, who was experiencing a staff shortage.
DAF DB250LF/EL Lowlander PN52 XBH is now in fleet livery, ex Arriva. It has been re-registered DC52 PAN.
Dennis Lance SLF/Wright BIG 7793 has passed its MOT for another year, and initially went to Reserve (at Clacton).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer BIG 9856 has been loaned to Regal Busways.
Optare Solo BIG 7006 has reverted to S627 JRU, and passed to a private buyer, who is a Turners of Essex employee. Mercedes Sprinter AB52 PAN went to Enigma Travel, Colchester and is RX54 RRU again.
Ford Transit 16 seater DC52 PAN is also sold – to a Kent owner, and has reverted to its original LN52 LFW mark.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL F639 LMJ has been exported to Los Angeles, USA.
Withdrawn are: Leyland Olympian/ECW coaches BIG 4005, D511 PPU; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA; Lance SLF/Wright BIG 7793; Volvo B6BLE/Wright BIG 9807; Optare Excel BIG 9861. The Olympians and Lance are retained as heritage vehicles. Big 9807 has been re-registered back to V259 HBH; it was prepared for service by Panther and repainted, but never used as such.
A list of vehicles known to be stored at the old airfield at Matching Tye is as follows:
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer W799 VMV; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA; Optare Excels BIG 9861, S169 UAL; Leyland Lynxes H724 KBC, J295 TWK, J266 UDW, K242 CHB; Leyland Nationals long YEV 307/8S; Leyland National short BYW 365V; Leyland Olympian/Alexander RLs K508/10 ESS; Leyland Olympian/ECW long coach HSB 312Y; Leyland Olympian/Leyland H547 GKX; Volvo B10M/Jonckherre G112 ENV; Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N615 APU; Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH R941 YOV.
Volvo B6BLE/Wright Cadet BIG 9807/V259 HBH is stored at Matching Tye workshop.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA was moved from the airfield to Stansted depot in early September, but moved on again when that site closed.
Colchester outstation site has been fenced and equipped with a keypad entry gate. It remains a public lorry park managed by the Borough Council, with Panther as the main tenant. Mb Sprinter AB03 PAN and Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther AB07 PAN were seen there (below) on 16th September.

Fiat Doblo ancillary van EN51 ABF has been sold, after a period of disuse. Space was needed at Parkeston, following the closure of Stansted depot; hence its demise.

PEGASUS AIRLINES.
New is Airbus A320-251 TC-NBC. It is named ‘Goksu’.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
Following demolition work, there is now a clear view of the old Maldon East station, from The Causeway. Picture (below) taken on 2nd September.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
The Essex County Council 063 Silver End to New Rickstones Academy at Witham contract has been gained from Hedingham. Regal already ran the other contract between these two locations; no 060. A double decker is now used to run both contracts as one, with new route number 509. The Braintree outstation allocation has increased from 3 to 4 vehicles as a result.

RICHMOND, BARLEY.
Ex Westway of Raynes Park is Volvo B12T/Berkhof double deck coach 449 GTU.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
From Travelstar of Walsall is Bova Magique YJ11 ANU, which has been named ‘Lily’.

RSM DRIVER TRAINING, CANVEY ISLAND.
Another ex Blue Triangle Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution is AE06 HCG. It came via Ensign.

RYANAIR.
New are Boeing 737-800s EI-FRV/W/X/Y/Z.

Above: Boeing 737-800 EI-DHS loads at Stansted Airport on 11/8/16, for departure on flight FR9772 to Baden Baden in Germany. After takeoff, the initial course took it over Chelmsford and Maldon, then along the River Blackwater before heading south east.

SBC, WICKFORD.
The ex Hallmark Scania N120UD/Optare Olympuses YN08 OBY/Z, initially entered traffic in “as acquired” metallic grey, but OBY has now received the yellow/silver fleet livery.

SERCO – CALEDONIAN SLEEPER.
Class 86 electric locomotive 86259, returned to Willesden depot from Ilford in late September, after use on carriage testing duties at the latter.

SELWYNS.
Transferred from National Express (NX) to the private hire fleet areVolvo B9R/Plaxton Elites 141/44 (YN10 FKM/R).
Internal NX coach transfers are of Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante 210 (FJ13 EBD) from Runcorn to Sharston, and Volvo B11R/Caetano Levante 240 (BD65 JFF) the other way.
Runcorn runs NX services into Essex.
Accident damaged National Express Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante 161 (FJ11 MLV) has been stripped for spares.

SIMONDS OF DISS.
On loan from Lynx, Kings Lynn were Optare Tempo X1060s YJ58 CEY and PF10 MDX.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
From Stagecoach Manchester are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17452/500/01 (Y452 NHK, LX51 FNC/D). They are for contracts at Cambridge.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 33305 (AE51 VFX) has gone to Stagecoach East Kent.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
ADL/Enviro 200s 36346/48 (LX59 ANP/U) have gone to Selkent.

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17920 crosses Piccadilly Circus in July 2004. It has now begun a new life in rural Kent.

A large number of leased Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s have been returned to their lessors; 17759-78 (LX03 BUH/J/K/P/U/V/W, BVA-H/J-N/P), 17854 (LX03 BZH) . All went to Investec, except 17765/854 to Lombard. 17762 was the bus involved in the failed London bombing of 21/7/05.
Withdrawn is 17809 (LX03 BXD).
17808 (LX03 BXC) has gone to PVS for scrap.
Now driver trainers are: Tridents 17807/10.
Ex Selkent ADL/Eviro 400s 19749/50/54 (LX11 BCK/O/Z), 19809/19 (LX11 BJY, BKN) are now at Romford North Street (NS).
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s resold through Ensign are:
17920 (LX03 OSU) – to Poynters of Wye, Kent.
18233/45/50 (LX04 FXZ, FYM/T) – to Brylaine of Boston, Lincolnshire.
18246 (LX04 FYN) – to Grant Palmer of Dunstable.
17947 (LX53 JYK) has been re-acquired by Ensign from Sarcophagus Films, Shepperton, 17554 (LY02 OBF) has gone to MC Tractors at Ely for scrap.
Overall adverts:
ADL/Enviro 40H 12321 (SK14 CZH) – back to red.
ADL/Enviro 400 19862 (LX12 CZR) – TK Maxx.
New Routemasters LT248 (LTZ 1248) – Deliveroo; LT314 – Trolls; LT386 – GiGi; LT394 – Monster Jobs; LT397 – American Airlines.
Ford Transit Connect ancillary van HT05 MFA has been sold, and was recently seen at Kelvedon.

Above: Trident 18246 at Holborn in June 2004; when brand new.

STAN’S OF GREAT TOTHAM.
Is running the Heybridge to Thurstable school contract at Tiptree on behalf of Flagfinders (qv). This arrangement is carried over from Hedingham days. Likewise, Stan’s continues to subcontract the Stanway School to Shrub End run in Colchester from Hedingham.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
Mercedes Tourismo BG65 VXB now physically carries its fleet number MBT2.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.

New are “classic” ADL/Enviro 200S 477-81 (EU66 AVB/C/D/F/G). They are branded for ‘Blackwater Link’ route 90 (Maldon-Witham), except 481 which is an additional vehicle for ‘Three Rivers’ 38/A (Witham-Braintree-Halstead). 479 is seen (above), approaching Maldon on 30th September.
ADL/E200s 431-34 (EU10 NVP/R/S/T) have lost their ‘Blackwater Link’ branding as a result, and moved from Boreham to Haverhill, chiefly for use at Bury St Edmunds on the ‘Breeze’ services, replacing Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s. The first “old” ‘Breeze” bus to be stood down as a result, was SLF/ALX200 439 (Y284 FJN).
Ex Hallmark originally Network Colchester Scania N230UD/Optare Olympus YT59 NZM/N entered service in early September, with fleet nos 507/8.
Ex Go-Ahead London Scania Omnidekkas BV55 UCT/W are nos 648/9.
The last step entrance single deck bus, Volvo B10B/Alexander PS 233 (M233 TBV), is withdrawn. Step entrance ‘deckers and coaches remain in this fleet.
From 1st September, scholars service 51 (Great Dunmow-Newport Grammar School) was renumbered to 451; while 52 and 53 (Wimbish-Newport Grammar School) became route 453, and 94 (Great Dunmow-Saffron Walden) became 419. From the same date, service 90 (Maldon-Witham) no longer served Elizabeth Avenue in Witham.
The following new school routes commenced on 5/9/16:
413 (Great Dunmow-Saffron Walden, school journeys of 313/A); 438 (Great Yeldham-Newport); 441 (Takeley-Saffron Walden); 444 (Barley-Saffron Walden); 446 (Manuden-Saffon Walden). 444 takes Stephensons into Hertfórdshire for the first time. 446 is ex Panther 446/B.

SUFFOLK NORSE.
The former Soames depot at Otley is now in use, with 8 vehicles allocated.

Now runs the ex Beestons Feering to Ipswich School contract. Volvo B8R/Plaxton Panther YX16 NWS was seen (above) at Stanway on 15/9/16, on the afternoon run.
The coaches acquired from Soames have appeared with just ‘Forget Me Not Travel’ fleet names. The vehicles involved are Volvo B9R/Plaxton Profile FJ59 CBU; Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panthers R17 BUS, KX09 GMO, YX10 FFU.

Above: The predecessor of Suffolk Norse was Suffolk County Council Education Department. This “directly operated” fleet had an orange/cream livery for many years, beford adopting blue/white in the late 1980s. Bedford YNV/Plaxton Paramount C304 NHD was seen in November 2003; after sale to Manheim Auctions at Frating, near Colchester. It was quickly resold for further use.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
From 3/9/16, 306 (Borehamwood-Watford) was revised, with the 306B/C variants withdrawn and partly replaced by 398.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Another Van Hool Astromega is FUH 933. This was new to Parks/Trathens as MSU 589Y, but later spent some years in Cyprus. Similar DSK 107 is delicensed.
S714 NWL is a Peugeout 206 engineer’s van.

TERRAVISION.

Following the end of operations into London Stansted (route A50); the fleet is withdrawn and parked up at the Taylors End depot, and Start Hill Scania. Scania K124/Rizars YT10 WLC/D were seen at Taylors End on 24th September.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Commercial service 418 (Harlow-Loughton) ended from 12th September, but the remainder of this group continue. The Sunday service on 392 (Harlow-Hoddesdon Circular) ended after 11th September.

Above: Scania Omnidekka TB-RXM at Hastingwood on 8/9/16.

Acquired via Ensign are more ex Go-North East Volvo B10BLE/Wrights; W901/2/7 RBB; X492/918/35 WGR.
Withdrawn is Scania Omnilink/EL YU02 GHH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KP54 BYL has passed to Ensign.
ADL/Enviro 300 EDL37 (SN61 CYY) is now with Compass of Worthing, via Ensign.
Ensign has resold short ADL/Enviro 200 EDS36 (MX10 DXY) to Travel Wright of Newark.

UNO.
There were several traffic changes during September.
Green Line 797 (Hatfield-London Baker Street) ceased from the 3rd. Taken over by UNO in March 2015, this was reduced to peak hours only since March 2016; while on 26/9/16, new St Albans City circular S1 (via Cell Barnes and St Albans Abbey) started. This replaced 656 (St Albans-Cotton Mill and St Peters) and the urban part of 657 (Harpenden/Flamstead-St Albans-Cell Barnes). The S1 has existed before, but not as a circular. Also from 26th September, Hatfield local 607 was rerouted away from St Albans Road west, to serve the town centre via the Galleria Shopping Mall.
New vehicles are Mercedes Sprinter 16 seaters 101-6 (KX66 USE/W, URS, ULM, USL). They are used in Oxford.
Other fleet news is that Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 127 (LG02 FFY) has been sold to Croft Travel of Middlesbrough. SLF/Mini Pointer DMP105 (KC03 PGU) is now with Tomlinson of Winsford. Also sold are Mb Sprinters KX14 EBD, KM64 OEC/D, OHF, KP64 MWG, RZZ.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Dennis R Series/Plaxton KP51 UER, has passed to Centrury Travel, Darnell, Sheffield.

With thanks to: A Barham; S Barham; W Bell;  P Dickson; ‘District Dave’; Ensignbus; A Hazell; MBC Review; Panther Travel; Jim; RE;  J Sadd; P Smith/Talisman; R West.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the August 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

Looks to be a series of gains and losses, or “swings and roundabouts” over this month.
National Express has achieved domination on internal services within Stansted Airport, with Panther Travel being the loser here, and also to Stephensons on local school runs. The seemingly mercurial rise of Stephensons continues.
The Tollesbury depot of Hedingham closed for good on 1st August, after a week long “swansong” of tidying up of loose ends. Kelvedon became fully operation again from that date.
TGM Network Colchester has virtually disappeared into history, with all but 3 of the fleet having received Arriva colours by the end of August.
And after much speculation, the Greater Anglia railway franchise has been awarded – to incumbent Abellio, for 9 years. Big changes are expected over the life of this new tenure.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
On 10/8/16, it was announced that Abellio had been re-awarded the Greater Anglia rail franchise, until 2025. New rolling stock will be introduced over this time.
Class 90 electric locomotive 90003 is now in Abellio colours, ex National Express. It has lost its ‘Raedwald of East Anglia’ name plates.
Further Class 321 EMUs with unit numbers now in smaller font are 321314/28/43, 321430. 321328/43 have them in white, below the solebar. 321314/430 have ones in black, on the solebar. These smaller numbers may only appear on one end of the units. 321443 also now has grey upholstery, ex green, which is an internal refresh. The Class 360 ‘Desiro’ EMUs are also being refreshed, with grey upholstery and grey vestibule carpets replacing the old purple material.
At Ilford (IL) depot, the old ‘B’ shop, the paintshop and one other building have been demolished to make way for extra sidings for CrossRail.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.

Scania K440/Caetano C650 BX65 WBW shows its additional ‘Stansted Airport’ names on 11th August. This has been applied across the fleet. Easybus branding is also carried on the front nearside door.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
ADL/Enviro 200 SK07 HLN is withdrawn.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
From Network Harlow are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3293 (Y293 TKJ) and short Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 3335 (W471 XKX), while SLF/Pointer 3327 (X519 GGO) has also returned – as a repaint float.
Short Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano 1565 (HX04 HUK), long SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3416/19 (SN54 HXC/F), 3420 (AY54 FRC), Scania Omnidekka 5372 (AY55 DKA) and Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 6132 (LJ03 MHV) are now in Arriva livery, ex TGM. 3419 was the last with Route 1 branding, and has always served at Colchester depot.
B7TL/Gemini 6130 (LF02 PLN) returned to service in late August, having been VOR since receipt from repaint in June.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3418 is the last bus at Arriva Colchester to retain roller destination blinds. It was seen at Osborne Street on 11th August.

Gone to Hardwick’s for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3191 (P191 LKJ), 32277/80 (T277/80 JKM); SLF/Caetanos 2406-111 (HX51 LSN, LRJ/K/L/N/O), Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300s 3830/1 (W901/7 UJM). These had all been stored at Southend for several months.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3860 (KE54 HHF), has returned from Arriva Kent and Surrey.
Received from Ware are Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3876/77/82.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Wright Streetlites 4261/2 (GN64 DXR/S) have lost their ‘another new One’ route branding.
Reomoved for scrap by Hardwick’s are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3289 (T289 JKM), 3322/4 (T822/4 NMJ); DAF SB220L/Plaxton Prestiges 3912-5 9T912-5 KKM).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (WARE).
New for commercial route 310 (Hertford-Waltham Cross) are ADL Enviro 400 MMCs 6484-98. These were initially stored at Southend. From 28th August, off peak Mon to Fri frequency on 310 was reduced to every 12 minutes.
6489 is named ‘Laura Trott’ – 4 x Gold Medalist’, (after the 2016 Rio Olympics).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 VLA140 (LJ05 GSO) has returned from Arriva Kent Thameside.
From 20/8/16, TfL123 (Wood Green-Ilford), became 24 hour at weekends.
Anicillary vehicles for crew fery use at Grays are Vauxhall Corsa ECO 5 door hatchbacks FL16 SKF, FN16 BYK.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Volvo B10M/VH G67 RGG is from Hudson of Bosham, Worcs.
Ayatts Bravo M155 BWR has been re-registered back to Y386 NVV.
Duple 425 D380 BMV has gone for preservation in Scotland.
VH T815 UIL 2724 has passed to AKA Coachbuilders, Sutton Bonington (dealer).

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Scania N230UD/Olympuses 873/77/78/84 (PN09 EKV, ELO/U, EMV) have gone to London General at Sutton (A).
Ensign has resold the following buses:
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution ED8 (AE06 HCK) to Hughes Driving Training of Leicester, while Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP208 (SN56 AYC) passed to Johns School of Motoring, London N18.
Scania Omnidekkas with new owners are:
SO2 (BV55 UCU) – Midland Classic; SO5 (BV55 UCY) – Simonds of Diss.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
Neoplan Starliner YN03 AUW is ex Compass of Royston (Stockton on Tees).
Sold are Mercedes 0814D/Onyx R186 LRF and LDV Convoy/Excel FY52 GXZ.

C2C.
The first Class 387 EMU is 387301; which has emerged from Derby works.

EMIRATES.

This airline runs freight services into Stansted, and passenger aircraft can occasionally be seen there on VIP charter. Boeing 777-200ER A6-EWY was pictured on 24/7/16. Sister A6 EMW was lost in a crash landing at Dubai on 3rd August.

ENSIGNBUS.
An outstanding arrival is MCI Crusader YND 340X, from Kraftours, Oaklahoma, USA. This left hand drive tri-axle coach has been re-registered YYR 832 and is for the heritage fleet. It will appear at running days and be available for filming and promotions.
Sold to Carters Travel of Kettering are Volvo B12B/Caetano Enigma 604 (FN04 FSE) and Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale 827 (P427 UUG). 604 was the last conventional coach to be operated.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Via Ensign are ex Metroline Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses LK03 NLE/F/T, LK53 FDC/F/O/U.

EUROWINGS.
D-AEWL is a new Airbus A320-214.

FIRST CAPITAL.

After the closure of Dagenham depot in 2013, ADL/Enviro 400 33571 was one of a batch which moved to First Leicester. Some subsequently migrated to First West of England, and 33571 was pictured at Weston Super Mare on 10/8/16 by Roger Pope.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
News of the ex First South Yorkshire Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renowns, which had worked here is:
60618 (R781 WKW) is reinstated, joining 60621 (R784 WKW) at Lowestoft; while 60612 (R785 WKW) and 60618 (R912 BOU) are back from South Yorkshire and at Norwich.

FIRST ESSEX.
Sun/hol only Colchester local 64B ceased after 21st August. Revisions to 64/A (Greenstead-Shrub End/St Michaels) compensated.
Route 88 (Colchester-Halstead/Great Yeldham) had its Colchester terminus changed from 28th August. Buses start/finish at Head Street, rather than the bus station, although the latter will still be a timing point.

From 30/8/16, Harwich town services 2/A passed to Hedingham on Essex CC re-tender – the last day of First operation being August 27th, and the two Chelmsford Park and Rides, became one cross city service. Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65665, was seen (above), alongside the old Harwich depot on 19th August.
Brentwood town service 37 (Rail Station-Gloucester Road) lost its M to Sat evening service from 30th August. Optare Solo 53113, was pictured (below) on the 37 at Brentwood Rail Station on 16/7/16.

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 32486 (SN03 WMX) has moved from Clacton (CN)to Hadleigh (HH) following the summer season. Sister 42487 (SN03 WME), already at HH – has been refurbished.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33045 (LN51 DVK) is delicensed following an engine fire.
Fire damaged Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66809 (MX05 CDE) is withdrawn.
Withdrawn Scania L94UB/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 60206 (Y598 KNE) has been moved from store at Colchester (CR) to store at Clacton (CN).
Scania L113CRL/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 65566 (S566 TPW) has been donated to Essex Fire and Rescue Service, for training purposes.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 66177 (W377 EOW) passed to Bristol Bus and Caoch, and then onwards for scrap.
Gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap are collision damaged Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41736 (X736 HLF); Scania L94UB/Wright Axess Ultraflows 65627/31` (V827/31 FSC), 65650 (T650 SSF), and Colchester (CR) crew ferry SLF/Pointer 43483 (R683 DPW). SLF/Mini Pointer 43360 (V360 DVG) is now the only CR staff bus.
Former fleet member Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30889 (W744 DWX), latterly with First Eastern Counties at Lowestoft, has also gone for scrap. It was damaged in an accident at Wrentham in March 2016, and was deemed to be beyond economic repair. It was also non DDA compliant.

The site of the old Maldon outstation, at the junction of Station Road and Fullbridge has been redeveloped as a LIDL supermarket. Latterly used by Greens Flour, the location had been occupied by First between 1997 and October 2004, after the former bus station/garage on High Street was redeveloped as housing, following its closure in May 1993; and subsequent use as an outbase. The Station Road location was replaced by the new depot at Chelmsford, Westway, at the same as time Duke Street in Chelmsford. The old portakabin from Maldon now resides at Braintree outstation.

Above: Mercedes 709D/Plaxton Beaver 51471 at Station Road/Fullbridge outstation in June 2004. The 288 Maldon Town Circular is now operated by Stephensons, as a free service sponsored by Tesco.

Above: One time Eastern National/Thamesway (the predecessors of First Essex), Bristol VRT 3116 (XHK 221X) is still alive and well with Abus of Bristol. It was pictured at Gladstonbury in June 2016, by James Sadd. The square rear registration plate tells us it was one of those diverted from Southdown.

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Volvo B19M/VH L19 PCC is ex Supreme, Rettendon.

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD.
From Chalkwell of Sittingbourne is Scania K114/Irizar YN04 AHD.

FREIGHTLINER.
Locomotives allocated to Intermodal, and to be seen on Great Eastern metals through Essex are:
Class 66 EMD diesel electrics 66414/16/18/20. DDIN Pool – Intermodal low emission.
Class 66 EMD diesel electrics 66501-5/16/17/32-34/37/38/40-43/56-58/65-72. DDIM pool – Intermodal.
Class 66 EMD diesel electrics 66587-94. DDIN pool.
Class 66 EMD diesel electrics 66954/5. DDIN pool.
Class 70 EMD diesel electrics 70001/07-11/13-20. DDII pool – Intermodal.
Class 86 English Electric ‘AL6’ electrics 86604/05/07-09/10/12-14/22/27/28/32/37-39. DEIC pool – Intermodal.
Class 90 BREL electrics 90016/41-49. DEIS pool – Intermodal.
Several Class 66s remain on loan to Intermodal from Heavy Haul – DDHJ/M pools.
Long term withdrawn 90050 is at Crewe Basford Hall, awaiting scrapping.
Wabtech Class 08 shunter 08571 was on loan at Felixstowe Dock from late August, covering for 08530.

GARDNER, CHELMSFORD.
Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah R121 XWF is now GRZ 2450.

HAILSTONE TRAVEL WICKFORD.
An ususual arrival is ex Trustybus “scrap” Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall CapitaL LT02 ZDE, via Ensign. It is for use as a shed.

HEDINGHAM.

Tollesbury site closed completely on 1st August. It had been an outstation since 23rd July.

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 291 (EU06 KCX) was loaned from Sible Hedingham (HD) to Clacton (CN) in mid August.
Dennis Trident/EL 714 (T814 RFG) remained parked up at CN during August, with Konect liveried 723/6 (W823/6 NNJ) from Tollesbury joining it.
Former Tollesbury fleet member Dennis Trident/EL 712 (T812 RFG) and Trident/Alexander ALX400 740 (V161 MEV) have been withdrawn by Anglian Bus.
Volvo Olympian/NC 66 (P602 CAY) has been donated to a school at Great Cornard, Suffolk – for static use.

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: DAF DB250LF/EL no 57 at Headgate, Colchester, on ex Carters route 94, on 10th August.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
The first double decker here is Volvo Olympian/Alexnder S678 PAG, ex Newall of Chadderton , but originally Dublin Bus 99 D 456.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
Setra S315 W211 UGX is ex St Margarets Travel at Stanstead Abbotts.

KINGS TOURS, COLCHESTER.
On loan from Evobus is Mercedes Tourismo BL16 GBO.

KLARNER, COLCHESTER.
New is Mercedes Tourimo tri-axle BL16 GBZ.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.
DAF SB/Van Hool K857 JSA is withdrawn and sold.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Setra S416 46 AEW has been re-registered back to BV55 FPN, and passed to Ffoshlig, Carmarthen, Wales.

LONDON CENTRAL.
The pair on Electric Irizas, EI1 and 2, moved from Red Arrow to New Cross (NX), for TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) in mid August. Wright Streetlite WS65 went to Camberwell (Q) as a result.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
Night tube services began on 20th August. Initially this was on the Central and Victoria Lines on Fridays/Saturdays only. On the Central, this is between Loughton and North Acton only.
D78 Stock withdrawals are of 7001+17001+8001; 7008+17008+8008; 7024+17024+8024; 7097+17077+8097; 7504+17504+7505.
To VivaRail: 7097, 7504/5.
To Booth Roe: 17054, 17097, 8097.
D78 reformations are of 7508+17508+7509 to 7508+7101; 7512+17512+7513 to 7512+7037; 7518+17518+7519 to 7518+7105; 7526+17526+7527 to 7527+7016; 7530+17530+7531 to 7530+7075; 7532+17532+7533 to 7533+7018; 7543+17543+7535 to 7030+7535.

METROLINE.
From 20th August, TfL34 (Barnet-Walthamstow) became 24 hour at weekends.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Fully took over the Stansted Airport Staff Shuttle from 13/8/16. It had been joint with Panther Travel prior to this.
Acquired is plain white long ADL/Enviro 200 SN15 LKU, for use mainly on the above. It was pictured at its base on 1st August, with Mb Citaros 17 and 20.
And transferred to Start Hill (SH) at Stansted, from Sipson Road (SR) at Heathrow is ex Hotel Hopper ADL/Enviro 200 8344 (SN08 ADX). It was seen (below) at the Long Stay Car Park on 5th August.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH S246 YOO is now in white/blue fleet livery, ex Redbridge Transport white/pink.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Withdrawn are Scania N113/Alexander RHs G601/3 KTX.
Sold is Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano V434 KGF.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

The Stansted Northside Shuttle changed from 1/8/16. It was revised to run between the Long Stay Car Park and Enterprise House. The old route was a circular from Long Stay to the coach station. Panther and National Express (NX) ran this jointly M-F 1st to 12th August (0600 to 2000). It completely passed to NX, after 12/8/16. NX already operated this at night and weekends. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DC56 PAN, was pictured (above) at the Long Stay Car Park on 2nd August.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 W758 DWX has been repaired, converted to DDA and repainted into fleet colours. It has been re-registered BIG 7758.
Further low floor ‘deckers acquired are ex Arriva Midlands DAF DB250LF/EL Lowlanders FD02 UKR and PN52 XBH. Meanwhile, from Turners of Wickham St Paul is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N611 APU.
Mercedes Sprinter AB52 PAN, latterly a regular at Stansted, has moved to Parkeston – mainly for crew ferry use.
Delicensed is Dennis Lance SLF/Wright Pathfinder BIG 7793. Withdrawn is Ford Transit 16 seater DC52 PAN. All Leyland Olympian BIG 9248 has been offered for sale.

Above: DC52 PAN outside Stansted office on 23/7/16.

PEGASUS AIRLINES.
New are Airbus A320-251s TC-NBB ‘Segah’ and TC-NBD ‘Buglem’.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Braintree Freeport liveried Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton pointer 611 9X211 ONH) has been upgraded to DDA specification. The last bus in the original maroon/cream colours, Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini nPointer 601 (YN04 PZY) is now in the current red based fleet livery.
The remaining Essex CC local bus routes are as follows. 11A (Chelmsford-Southend – Suns/hols), 4, 11, 12 (Harlow town services – Suns/hols), 11, 12, 13 (Gosfield/Halstead-Sudbury), 70 (Braintree-Colchester – M-Sat eves), 71C (Chelmsford-Colchester – Suns/hols), 75 (Maldon-Colchester – M-Sat eves), 88 (Halstead-Colchester – Suns/hols), 89 (Great-Yeldham-Braintree – 1 x M-Sat early morning journey only), 95 (Maldon-Tollesbury) – Sats only, 213 (Epping-Waltham Cross), 341 (Fuller Street-Witham – Thu only), 342 (Black Notley-Witham – Thu only), 343 (Braintree-Fuller Street – Sat only), 344 (Black Notley-Chelmsford – Fri only), 345 (Fuller Street-Braintree – Thu only).

Above: Optare Solo no 204 on the 342, at Newland Street, Witham on 28/2/13. This bus passed to First Devon and Cornwall (via Ensign), in 2015.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Bova Magique WA08 AOX has come from Eastons of Stratton Strawless, Norfolk. It is named ‘Luna’.

RYANAIR.

Boeing 737-800 EI-DLC at Basel on 16/8/16, awaiting departure on FR7974 to Stansted.

SILVERLINE, ABRIDGE.
DAF DB250/Optare Spectra YCZ 101 is sold.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
DAF SB3000/VH GRZ 2451 has passed to Giles of Caerphilly, Wales.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Has ex Stagecoach Manchester Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17151/75 (V151/75 MEV), 17180 (W187 CNO). These are for use on contracts.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
The ADL/Enviro 400s transferred in from Selkent are 19749/50/51/54 (LX11 BCK/O/U/Z); 19806-23 (LX11 BJO/U/V/Y/Z, BKA/D/E/F/G/J/K/L/N/O/U/V/Y; 19826 (LX11 BLJ). They have been allocated to Romford North Street (NS), and are mostly used on TfL86 (Romford-Stratford), but appear on other routes too.
Delicenced as a result are Tridents 17759-64/66/67/70/71/73-75, 17809, 17993-97.
Meanwhile, Tridents 17816, 17988/89/91/92/98/99 moved from NS to Barking (BK).
Also from Selkent is ADL/Enviro 200 36281 (LX11 AWW) – now at Barking (BK).
Latest overall adverts: ADL/Enviro 40H 12311 (SN14 TYH) – Sage Accounting; New Routemasters LT314 (LTZ 1314)- Zalando; LT374/76 – Cadbury’s Double Decker; LT380, 400 – Marc Jacobs. ADL/Enviro 40H 12304 (SN14 TXZ) is back into red fleet livery, though.
From 20th August, TfL routes 145 (Dagenham-Leytonstone), 158 (Chingford Mount-Stratford), 296 (Romford-Ilford) became 24 hours at weekends.
Following use by Stagecoach Swindon & District on the Fairford Air Show shuttles, Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17835/46 (LX03 BYL/V) went into store at the old Eastcote Road depot in Swindon.
Trident/ALX400s resold by Ensign are:
17914 (LX03 OSK) – to Poynter of Wye; 17948 (LX53 JYL) – to Applegates of Lydney; 18254/5 (LX04 FYY/Z) – to Centrebus.
Tridents 17765 (LX03 BVA), 17854 (LX03 BZH) have passed to Lombard, Rotherham (dealer) off lease.

Above: Ex East London Trident 17528, now with Stagecoach East Kent, at Victoria Parade, Broadstairs on 27/8/16. (Nigel Eadon-Clarke).

Above: New to Romford North Street in 1979, Leyland Titan former T67 is now with Longleat Enterprises, doing tours of the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. It was seen by Roger Pope, on 9/8/16.

STANSTED AIRPORT.
Transit System car no 5 is the last to retain the old grey/white colours. All the others are now white. There are 9 cars in total, which run between the main terminal and the gates. The route runs in tunnel, but surfaces to serve the terminal. The system uses a principle similar to the Paris Metro; with rubber tyred vehicles on concrete track. Fully automatic/driverless operation is utlised. There are comparable rail transits at Gatwick and Heathrow (Terminal 5).

Top: Car 5 (left) outside the terminal.
Above: Repainted Car 1.
Both views taken on 11/8/16.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
The A50 Stansted Airport-London service is withdrawn. It had been run as a partial replacement for the old Terravision route with that number, since May 2016. This also meant that coaches no longer needed to be borrowed from Callinans or Westbus.

STEPHENSONS.

One of the pair of ex Silcox ADL/Enviro 200s; no 440 at Maldon on 5/8/16. (Simon Austin).

ADL/Enviro 200 433 (EU10 NVS) has lost its ‘Blackwater Link’ branding.
Ex Bury Breeze Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 (Y274 FJN) has passed to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap.
Sold to Square Peg, New Farnley, Leeds are Leyland Olypmian/Alexander RL 724 (J624 GCR), Volvo Olympian/Alexander RHs 829-31 (N881/959/60 BKK) and Leyland Olympian/NC 862 (J562 HAT).

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
Volvo B10M/Van Hool L19 PCC has passed to Flavin/Chariots, Stanford Le Hope.

SWISS GLOBAL AIRLINES.
Avro RJ100 ‘whispering jet’ HB-DXQ is withdrawn.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
The first full size coach here is T243 LBJ, a Setra S315, ex Stainton of Crooklands, mid Wales.

TERRAVISION.
As noted above, all operations have now ceased.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH.
Sold is DAF MB/Van Hool SIL 1514.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Founder and proprietor George Glew passed away in late August, after a long illness. He was in his late 70s. Originally a London bus driver, he formed Tony Glew Private Hire Services in the late 1980s, following a spell as a plastics injection moulding engineer.
Busmopolitan recalls the original vehicles being a Ford Transit/Dormobile, WBM 150S – ex Graham’s of Kelvedon and F821 KJN, a Renault Trafic/Devon Conversion minibus bought new.
The original depot was in the Hythe district of Colchester, and moved to Great Tey in 1997. The fleet grew to cover all sizes of bus and coach, with double deckers run between 2008 and 2013. Total fleet strength averaged around 12.
Work wise, the “economy” end of the private charter coach market was served, along with educational contracts, including special needs home to school.
The business continues to trade.

Above: One of Tony Glew’s current fleet is Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount 3200 B3 CEC. It was pictured at Norman Way Schools, Colchester in May 2010.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Some of the repossessed vehicles were offered at auction on 9/8/16.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Bought for spares only is ex Arriva The Shires Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown W129 XRO.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright WNZ 1864 is withdrawn due to accident damage. It has been replaced by idntical X923 WGR; supplied through Ensign. Also withdrawn are B10BLE/Wright W908 RBB and Scania Omnicity YN53 RXT.
B10BLE/Wright W908 RBB is now WNZ 1127.
Sold are: Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s Y239/43 FJN; Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents LK03 CGF, GFX, GJY/Z, GKA/C; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pounter KP54 BYY; Dart SLF/EL Esteems PE56 UFH/J/K; short ADL/Enviro 200 SK07 HLR; LDV Convoy AD02 HCP.
ADL/Enviro 300 DD35 (LY58 PFX) is stored.

UNO.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 127 (LG02 FFY) has passed to Buses 4 Sale, Stockton on Tees.

With thanks to: S Austin, D Curvegnon, ‘District Dave’; N Eadon-Clarke, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, R West.