Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the July 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

Tollesbury depot of Hedingham Omnibuses, closed after service on 22nd/23rd July. This ends an era, as there had been a bus garage in this Essex riverside village since 1917, when G W Osborne started a service between Tollesbury and Colchester via Birch; a forerunner of the present day 92. Osbornes sold out to Hedingham in 1997.
The premises on New Road dated from 1965, but the site had been used to berth buses for many years prior to that. The picture (above) shows TY driver Brian Tedgerdine on one of the last commercial workings. Full details of the resultant traffic and vehicle changes are explained below.
And Go-Ahead Blue Triangle has vacated its depot at Rainham. Acquired with the Blue Triangle business in 2006, the premises at Ferry Lane had been extensively upgraded, but were still limited by the size of the site.
And there have been ends of eras in Suffolk, with the closure of Soames Coaches and the abolition of middle schools (except 3 independant academies). Soames has traded out of Otley for some 90 years, and its demise was only due to the lack of a successor to continue the business. The middle school finale will see changes to many school bus contracts from September.

Above: Soames Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther S4 GET on the A140 (southbound) at Stoke Ash, Suffolk on 11/6/16.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.

Ipswich station is undergoing major works. The bus stops and taxi rank are being swapped over, with the buses stopping immediately outside the station building in a new circular bus station. The taxis are where the buses used to be. Inside, the booking hall has been relocated, along with some retail outlets. The picture (above), was taken on 10th July.
Also, a new shelter has been erected on platform 2 at Marks Tey. This stretches from the footbridge to the waiting room. The old retort building has been dismantled, after having lain derelict for some time. It is understood that the brick have been salvaged for use at the Chappel and Wakes Colne Railway Museum. It was originally used to produce gas for the lanterns of Marks Tey station.
The derelict station buildings at Alresford, Kirby Cross and Weeley have been sold to Tendring District Council for the nominal sum of £1 each. This follows local resistance to the proposed demolition of the structure at Alresford. AGA stated that it would not be economically viable to restore these Victorian buildings, which date from the opening of the Colchester to Walton on the Naze line. Hythe station had an identical building which was pulled down in 2009 and replaced with a “bus shelter”, when that station was modernised with extended platforms.
The hot weather in mid July caused operational problems. On 20th July, an 80 mph speed restriction was imposed (at Shenfield), and 14 services through there were cancelled as a result. EMU 317501 has received the new livery, along with MkIII FO 11085, and TSOs 12034/66, 12130.
EMU 321364 has had its end unit numbers moved from the valence to the solebar.
They are in black on a white background and are of a smaller font. The Class 321s are being internally refreshed.
MkIIIa RFM (Restaurant Buffet First Modular) carriage, no 10200 has been withdrawn for conversion to a TSOB Tourist Standard Open Micro-Buffet. This left 10212/29. RFM 10247 has become TSOB 10417. TSOB 10406 has received Abellio livery, leaving just (off lease) 10241/63/65 in the old ONE scheme.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Sold is Bova Futura RJI 4670.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 1558 (KX56 HCP), 1559 (EU56 GVG), short Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 1563 (RX07 KPJ) and SLF/Pointer 3418 (SN54 HXE) are now in Arriva colours, ex TGM. 3418 had Route 1 branding on its old scheme, leaving 3419 (SN54 HXF) as the last bus with this. 3418 retains roller destination blinds.
The final bus with the old ‘Network Colchester’ fleet names is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3314 (S312 JUA).
SLF/Pointer 3327 (X519 GGO) has been returned to Harlow after only a brief stay .

Above: Rare footage of Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 3327; then recently moved from Harlow to Colchester; ascending North Hill in Colchester, on 1/7/16.

Above: Freshly repainted into Arriva corporate colours; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 3412 approaches central Colchester, along Maldon Road; also on 1st July.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).

The last bus in SxConnect livery here; Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3860 (KE54 HHF) – is now in Arriva corporate colours. It is on loan to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Tunbridge Wells, as a repaint float. Four SxConnect liveried examples remain at Colchester, however. The picture, above shows 3860 in original condition – at Stansted Airport Coach Station in January 2005.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3327 (X519 GGO) is back here from Colchester (qv).
Optare Solo 1455 (YJ06 FXU) has gone to Hemel Hempstead, while Dart SLF/Pointer 3293 (Y293 TKJ) has returned from Stevenage.
Withdrawn is accident damaged Optare Solo 1473 (YJ56 ATY).
Previously withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 3483 (W483 YGS) and SLF/Pointer 3701 (S701 VKM) have gone for scrap.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Ex Chariots/Flavin of Stanford Le Hope is MAN powered EOS EOZ180 L111 PVW, which was new to Crusader Holidays.
Livery changes have seen Volvo B10M/Plaxton aramount OAZ 5315 don overall orange, while Bova Futura LUI 2244 now has orange lower panels. Traditionally the fleet livery has been white with orange lining.
Double deck coaches offered for sale are Neoplan Skyliner A105 MWT, and Ayatts Bravo M155 BWR.
Mercedes 0404/Hispano R690 RGM is now YSV 645.

BEESTONS.
Volvo B10M/VH 2170 PO is L659 ADS again.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Rainham (BE) garage closed after service on 1st July, with all work moving to the new depot at River Road, Barking (RR). BE remained in use for overflow parking, however.

Above: Rainham depot as seen in June 2012.

Above: A pre Go-Ahead era view of Rainham base; in September 2004.

Transferred to London General are ADL/Enviro 400s E100-4/5/13/19/24 (LX09 EZU/V/W/Z, LX09 FAJ, FBD/N/Z) and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP35 (P735 RYL). From London Central is ADL/Enviro 400 E202 (SN61 BKJ).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.

Above: AEC PRV Routemaster RML2613 on a Burnham on Crouch to Cold Norton prom private hire, on 28th June. (James Sadd).

COBALT AERO.
This is a new Cypriot airline which runs a Larnaca to Stansted service; using Airbus A320s. It is the second air carier from Cyprus to be formed, after the dissolution of Cyprus Airways in 2015. The other being Tus Airways.

COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE.
AEC PRV Routemaster RML2296 (CUV 296C) has left First Site.

CROSSRAIL.
The first of the Class 345 EMUs, no 345001 was launched to the press at Bombardier, Derby on 29th July. 66 are ultimately due for the ‘Elizabeth Line’, with the first to enter public service from May 2017.

DBS.
All of the Class 66 EMD diesel electric locomotives have been bought from the leasing company.

DE VERE TRAVEL, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
Route 333 (Great Yeldham-Sudbury), ended after 1/7/16.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Withdrawn are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WVL94/95 (LF52 ZNG/H). They have gone to store at the Belvedere (BV) site of London General.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPM/N/O.

Against a dramatic sky, Airbus A320 G-EZOG climbs away from Stansted on 3/7/16.

ENSIGNBUS.

The first BCI 12 metre tri-axle double deckers have arrived. Ensign initially has four, which will enter traffic later in 2016. Three were pictured together on 30th July.
Temporary additions (for rail work), are ex Metroline Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses 796-8 (LK03 NLJ/M, LK53 FDN) and ex DawsonRentals SLF/Plaxton Pointer 799 (KU02 YTX).
Volvo B10M/Caetano Enigma 604 (864 DYE) has reverted to its original FN04 FSE mark. Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 603 (ULL 933) is now YN54 ACY again. YN54 ACY has passed to HJ Coach Hire, Thornton Heath.
Dennis Trident/ALX400 364 (V364 OWC) has returned from New Venture at Maidstone, off loan.

Above: Ensignbus now runs the southern part of the former Townlink service 21. ADL/Enviro 200 no 711 was at Brentwood railway station on 16/7/16.

Above: Ensign Heritage Fleet Metro Scania Metropolitan MD60 with presserved London Transport AEC664T/Metro Cammell trolleybus no 260, at the East Anglian Transport Museum, Carlton Colville on 10/7/16. (Nigel Eadon-Clarke).

EOS LONDON.
From 2/7/16, one pm journey of 66 (Waltham Cross Circular) also now serves Epping College, while 86 (Harlow Circular) additionally serves Waltham Cross Bus Station
Above: EOS Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus no 753 on the 66, at Waltham Cross Bus Station on 19/3/16.

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

EXCALIBUR, PECKHAM.
Sold are ex Terravision contract King Long XMQ6129 BK63 ZSP and Volvo B11R/Sunsundegui tri-axle BL14 LSO.

FARNHAM HIRE SERVICE, STANSTED.
Toyota Optima/Caetano T792 JNT has been sold to TK Travel of Burghfield Common, Berkshire.

FIRST ESSEX.

New service X10 (Basildon-Stansted Airport), began on 24/7/16. Initially, Volvo 7900H hybrids were noted on this. 69002 (BV13 ZBD) performed the inaugural run. All of the batch, 69902/6/10/13 have received ‘X10 Here to Air’ branding, and 69010 (BV13 ZBP) was captured at Chelmsford on 25/7/16.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32905 (W905 VLN) is now a semi open topper, with First Eastern Counties at Great Yarmouth. It is in a blue based livery.
Trident/Presidents 32809/10/47 (T809/10/47 LLC) are now with First Hants & Dorset.
From 25th July, the seasonal 75B (Colchester North Station-Colchester Zoo) started again. On the same date, route 47 in Chelmsford was adjusted at Victoria Road, to serve Tesco. Also from 26th July, shoppers route 26 (Belfairs-Leigh Rail Station) became Tuesdays only and no longer runs on Fridays.
Commercial service 300 (Basildon-London Gateway), ceased from 24/7/16. This had been aimed at staff at the DP Gateway port complex. Services 100, 200 provide alternative facilities, but don’t run into the port as such.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33052 (LN51 GKJ) has arrived from First South Yorkshire. Dennis Dart/Plaxton 42486 (SN03 WMX) has gone from Chelmsford (CF) to Clacton (CN) for the summer season.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32481 (AU53 HJY) has lost its super rear advert.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar 66809 (MX05 CDE) is delicensed due to fire damage.
Long term disused Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62406 (YS03 ZKA), has been removed from Clacton for scrap.

Above: 62406 at Salisbury Avenue, Colchester in April 2005.

The driver of a lorry, involved in a serious accident with a First Essex bus at West Mersea last September, appeared at Colchester Magistrates Court on 30th July; to answer 6 counts of causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving. Philip Last, aged 52 of Great Yarmouth, entered no plea and the case was committed to Ipswich Crown Court on 23rd August. Mr Last was released on unconditional bail until then.
The incident happened on 26th September 2015, when a DAF XF articulated low loader, operated by Cowles of Lowestoft, shed its Burrell steam traction engine load, onto a First Essex Scania/Wright on East Road, West Mersea – crushing the front offside of the bus. The bus driver and 5 passengers were badly injured and the bus written off. Mr Last had been arrested at the scene and was charged later that day.

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Acquired is minibus DG53 BNX.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE and Halstead.
From Ensign are Ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas YN56 FDD/F/X and ex Metroline Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents LK03 NHF/G/V.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: Line up of Class 66 diesels and a Class 86 electric loco at Ipswich Station sidings on 10/7/16, with Abellio Greater Anglia Class 153 DMU and Class 321 EMU stock to the left.

GARDNERS, CHELMSFORD.
The depot has moved from Boreham to Rettendon.

GBRf.
Caledonian liveried Class 92 electric loco 92023, was stabled at Dagenham Dock on 3rd July.

Above: GBRf EMD diesel electric locomotive 66753 stabled at Ipswich on 10/7/16.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
Two years after it was withdrawn, Mercedes 711D/Onyx P2 BST remains on site.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer L407 outside Tollesbury depot on 20/2/13. It is blinded for Essex CC supported South Woodham Ferrers town service 37. This had previously been operated by Jacksons of Bickacre and then NIBS of Wickford. After Hedingham, the 37 was contracted to Amber of Rayleigh, but from April 2016 became part of new First Essex route 94.

Tollesbury (TY) depot and MOT station officially closed on 22/7/16, although buses ran on 23rd July for the Saturday Essex CC 50, 63 and 92 services. There were “residual” workings on 91/92/95 from TY the following week. Complete closure happened in the week commencing 31st July. Work moved to Clacton (CN), Kelvedon (KN) and Sible Hedingham (HD). The last commercial service in was Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 739 (T117 DBW), on a 91 journey from Witham, and driven by the depot manager, Mr Paul Mullender.
Services 50 (Colchester-Layer/Tollesbury), 50B (Blackheath-Great Wigborough-Colchester – Mons only), 63 (Mason Road-Colchester-Berechurch -Sats only), 69/A (East Mersea-Colchester – Tue only), 79 (Tiptree-Colchester – Fri only), 85 (Layer Breton-Colchester – Wed only), 92 (Essex CC Tollesbury-Colchester – Sats only) have moved to Clacton (CN). 95A (Tollesbury-Maldon Plume School) has moved to KN; along with the “closed” Plume school contract. The Stanway School contracts 021/023 went to HD.
Monday to Friday routes 91 (Tollesbury-Witham), 92 (Tollesbury-Colchester) and 95 (Tollesbury-Maldon) all ceased commercially after 22nd July; but continue with Essex CC support (still with Hedingham). A revised timetable was effective from 25th July.
Maintenance for KN vehicles will be done by Sible Hedingham (HD), for the time being. MOTs will be performed at the VOSA Ipswich Test Station.
Resultant vehicle movements are as follows:
Transferred from TY to KN are Volvo Olympian/NCs 71/2/3 (R626/9/43 MNU), 91/2/3/6 (N540 LGH, P910 RYO, R273 LGH, R552 LGH); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RLs 74/5 (R702 DNH, S300 XHK); Olympian/Alexander RHs 83/6 (M273/94 UKN).
Volvo Olympian/NCs 67 (P605 CAY), 70 (P612 CAY), 87 (P489 MBY), 89 (N529 LHG), 90/2/5 (N427 JBV, P910 RYO, R279 LGH); Olympian/Alexander RHs 76 (S127 RLE), 84 (M276 UKN) were already working from KN at the time of the TY closure.
From TY to Clacton: SLF/Pointer 260 (EU56 FLR); Trident/ELs 723/6 (W823/6 NNJ).
From TY to HD: SLF/Pointer 256 (EU55 BWC); Trident/ALX400s 737/8/9/43 (T107/8/17 DBW, X386 NNO). From CN to HD: SLF/Pointer 259 (EU56 FLP). From HD to CN: SLF/Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE). Ford Transit engineers’ van EJ57 PXY went to Chambers.
(Some of these transfers are provisional, and may change before September).
Optare Solo 904 (MX53 FDN) has been returned to Anglian Bus. Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 86 (M294 UKN) and Volvo Olympian/NC 96 (R552 LGH) are withdrawn. 86 was “switched off” on 20th July, but was moved back to KN on 25th July and subsequently cannibalised. 96 was parked up at KN on 25th July. Withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 66 (P602 CAY) remained at TY at the end of July. It has been stripped out internally and awaits donation to a school, for static use.
Long term withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 69 (P608 CAY), Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH 80 (J838 TSC), Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 281 (V250 BNV), 284 (W792 VMV) and Volvo B10BLE/Wright 485 (R232 HCD) have passed to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade for scrap. Other, unidentified B10BLEs have also gone to Alpha, from the “graveyard” at Anglian, Ellough.

Above: J838 TSC at Aingers Green in May 2009; en route from Clacton depot  to Colne School at Brightlingsea.

Above: Volvo Olympian no 73 at Maldon Road, Colchester – on a Tollesbury bound 92 on 17/3/15. The bus had recently been transferred from HD to TY when the picture was taken, and the destination display was subsequently repaired.

Above: Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL no 60, on service 95 at Tollesbury Square on 21/11/13. It still carried its old fleet no at the time of the photo. This bus is now in preservation.

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: One of the recent “classic” ADL/Enviro 200s; no 104 was seen at Princes Street on 10th July.
Below: No 103 passes the futuristic Willis building on 9th July. (Simon Austin).

Optare Solo 234 (X234 MBJ), latterly TIL 4051 with Centrebus as no 334, has gone for scrap.

JOHN JAMES LUXURY TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.
Neoplan Skyliner YN03 AWH ex SIL 7486 has passed to Palxton, Anston (dealer).

KEVENDYS, WICKFORD.
New is K15 DYS, a Van Hool T916 tri-axle coach.
From Boyce of Ramelton, Eire is Van Hool T916 08-DL-4298. It has received UK registration K15 DYS.

LONDON CENTRAL.
Former East Thames Buses DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DWL18 (BX04 BXL) is now a trainer at Camberwell (Q).

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
EMU 317719 is now in LOROL colours.

Above: A view of the LOROL Barking to Walthamstow section of the rail replacement to Gospel Oak. On 30th July, Ensignbus Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 no 907 (left) arrives at Barking,  as Arriva London North ADL/Enviro 400 T157 departs for Walthamstow Central, for connection with the LUL Victoria Line. This provides a link to the other RRP from Tottenham Hale.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
C77 driving car 5721 has been donated to London’s Transport Museum.
D78 Stock withdrawn is 7006+17006+8006; 7524+17524+7525.
To Vivarail: 7006/24/25.
To Booth Roe for scrap: 17006+8006, 17524.

METROLINE.

Commercial limited stop service 714 (New Barnet-Luton), ceased after 16/7/16. It has been replaced by an extension of altenate route 84A (New Barnet-St Albans) journeys towards Luton.
ADL/Enviro 200 DEL853 was seen (above) at Luton Interchange in June 2016. (Picture by G Wood).
Below: ADL/Enviro 200 DEL 849 in St Albans on the last day of the 714.

MYALLS OF BASSINGBOURN.

Optare Solo YE52 FHL departs Cambridge Railway Station on 17th July, on the Sundays/holidays only Cambridgeshire CC 132 Cambridge-Saffron Walden service.
This is covered at other times by the commercial Stagecoach Citi 7, but on Suns/hols Citi 7 only runs between Cambridge and Sawston.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Acquired is ex Falcon of Shewpperton Scania K340EB4/Berkhof Axial YN06 CJV.
The last vehicle in Cedric’s livery, Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R20 CED, has been sold to Beestons of Hadleigh, (as dealer) along with Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral R179 SUT.
Volvo B12M/Berkhof Axial S25 NHT (ex FJ03 AAZ) have been offered for sale.

Above: R20 CED, with Cedric’s – at Cardiff in May 2004.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

302 (Bishops Stortford-Saffron Walden High School), 446 (Manuden-Saffron Walden High School) and 446B (Clavering-Joyce Franklin Academy), stopped after 22/7/16. 346 (Dumow-Leaden Roding School) ended on July 29th. Stage work from Stansted depot has thus ceased.
Panther is providing two staff buses for Grampian Country Foods on a short term contract.

Leyland Olympian G296 UYK is now registered BIG 9248. It was pictured at Witham on 25th July.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DC04 PAN is re-registered back to YU04 XFC and has passed to Barrett of Nantwich.
Ford Transit 16 seater DC52 PAN and Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL BIG 7596, have been offered for sale. Previously sold Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima BIG 6002 has been put up for sale again by its subsequent keeper Lovett of Coleshill; and repainted burgundy red.
Olympian BIG 7596 was withdrawn at the end of the school term, and re-registered back to F639 LMJ, as pictured below.

Long term stored Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL K518 ESS is being cannibalised (above). Other long term laid up vehicles are Leyland National Greenaway GUW 452W and Leyland Olympian/ECW C73 CHM. All are at Matching Tye workshop.
All Stansted based minibuses now park at Airport House. This follows the closure of the car park on First Avenue, for conversion to a ‘meet and greet’ facility.
The Stansted Northside Shuttle ceased to serve the coach station after 29/7/16. It was diverted to Enterprise House from 1st August.
Ipswich outstation has had to be temporarily relocated to the car park on West End Road, due to building works at the railway station.

PEGASUS.

This Turkish low cost carrier serves Stansted from Istanbul and Tehran. Boeing 737-800 TC-ASP was seen at Stansted on 21/5/16, on a service to/from the Turkish capital.
Turkey is of course currently in the world spotlight, following the failed coup.
Arrivals are Boeing 737-8AL TC-CRB and Airbus A320-251 TC-NBA.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Scania K420EB6/Irizar PB PB10 WUL is now V23 ROM.

SBC LEISURE, WICKFORD.
Has ex Flights Hallmark Scania N230UD/Olympuses YN08 OBY/Z. Sourced through Ensign, they were new to Network Colchester.

STAGECOACH EAST.
There has been another derailment on the Cambridge Guided Busway. Stagecoach Huntingdonshire Volvo B8RLE/Wright 21310 (BF65 HXZ), left the southbound track at Trumpington, early on 7/7/16. It was running light to take up service and there were no injuries. The busway remained open during the day, and the stricken vehicle was recovered after the end of traffic.
This accident happened virtually opposite the site of a similar crash in February 2016, in which there were several casualties. The location is where there is a short guided section, between two unguided intersections where an ordinary road is crossed and where the busway becomes single track to pass beneath a bridge.
The Uni4 service ceased after 22/7/16. Whippet began a new venture the following day.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 36041 seen on an eastbound Uni4 in April 2010. Orchard Park was a (then) new housing development in north east Cambridge (near the Busway). The replacement Whippet service only follows the western part of the old Uni4.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
ADL/E40Ds are being received from Selkent, to replace older Tridents on TfL86/N86 at Romford North Street (NS).
Sold to Ensign are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17909/12/13/14/15/19/21/25 (LX03 OSC/G/J/K/L/R/V, OTA), 18236/7/8/40/53/56 (LX04 FYC/D/E/G/W, FZA). Resold through Ensign are Tridents 17915 (LX03 OSL) – to Racoon London Ltd, Edenbridge; 18238/42/49/52 (LX04 FYE/J/S/V) – to Horsburgh of Livingston.

STEPHENSONS.
Interesting arrivals are almost new short ADL/Enviro 200s 440/1 (SN16 ORS/U). They came from the now defunct Silcox of Pembroke Dock.
Withdrawn are Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL 724 (J624 GCR); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 831 (N960 FKK); Leyland Olympian/NC 862 (J562 HAT).
But Leyland Olympian/NC 947 (H547 VAT) is reinstated.
The outbasing of an Olympian at Don’s of Dunmow has ceased, following the end of the contract on which that bus was used. This was between Bishops Stortford and Cambridge Regional College, and passed to Richmond of Barley.

SWISS GLOBAL AIR LINES.

The fleet of 16 Avro RJ100 “whispering jets” are to be replaced by new Bombardier CS300s on its routes into London City, over the next few years. This view was taken from Charlton on 5/4/15.

TERRAVISION.
The Liverpool John Lennon Airport-Manchester service was suspended from the start of July.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Most vehicles have been repossessed and removed from the Parkway site.
These included 19 Dennis Darts, plus assorted coaches and workshop equipment.
This list is as follows:
DAF SB3000/VH Y314 HUA
Dart SLF/ALX200s Y293/6/344/6/51 FJN, LX51 FFW, FGJ/O/N/U, FHA/B/G/H/J/L.
Dart SLF/Pointers Y553/4/XAG.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas XIB 3914, F10 BUS, LV02 LKD.
Iveco/Indcars FN02 VBK, YN05 ARX
Iveco Turbo Dailys NX04 CTV, EU54 LWZ.
Scania/Irizars T50 APT, YN06 CKY
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibus V281 SBW.
This left Dart SLF/Mini Pointer V196 ERG – as a security post; non runner SLF/Pointer Y237 NLK and Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther CN05 DZF. Also the Iveco Turbo Daily and Renault Clio service vans, MX05 GWO and M996 WVX.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Acquired via Ensign are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KM51 BFO and Volvo B7RLE/Wright YX53 GXJ.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright X924 WGR has been re-registered WNZ 1864. Others are now WNZ 1094, 1102, 1480/90, 1589, but previous identities not yet known.
Withdrawn is ADL/E200 SK07 HLR.
ADL/Enviro 200 MX10 DXY and ADL/Enviro 300 SN61 CYY have passed to Ensign.
Offered for sale via ebay are Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y239 FJN – still in Fleetbuzz of Basingstoke yellow/black; Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beaver KV51 KZD and Volvo B10M/Alexander PS UNZ 7507. Sold is Mb 0814D/Plaxton Beaver KV51 KZF.
LDV Convoy minibus AD02 HCP has gone to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap.

WHIPPET, FENSTANTON.

From 23/7/16, new Cambridge city route ‘U’ (Addenbrookes Hospital-City-West Cambridge-Madingley Park and Ride) started. Called ‘Universal’, it replaced Stagecoach Uni4, and a Saturday service has been reinstated. Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WD438 was seen on the first day.

More National Express additions are ex Edwards of Llantwit Fardre Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes FJ11 GMX/Y, FJ12 FXC.

With thanks to: S Austin, T Barfield, A Barham, N Eadon-Clarke, A Hazell, P Mullender, K J Smith, G Wood.

And joining the Busmopolitan fleet………………………………

Also now publishers of ‘Bus Fayre’. Summer 2016 edition out now. Subscriptions available. Published quarterly for Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. Contact Courtworth Publications on j.podgorski1@ntlworld.com

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the June 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

A variety of happenings this month, ranging from thunderstorms affecting local bus and rail services, to a commemoration of step entrance double deckers.
Extreme weather overnight on 22nd/23rd June not only dampened EU Referendum voting day, but caused flooding, especially around south and west Essex and east London. Particularly hit were roads in Canning Town, Romford and Ongar, whilst the railway saw high water around Ilford and at Weeley. Train working was affected for up to 48 hours after the event, as signalling equipment had been damaged.
The start of the month, however saw “true” summer, with sunshine and high temperatures. This was an ideal canvas for the Olympian Running Day, held by Stephensons on 4th June. As step entrance double deckers will become obsolete on public bus services from 1st January 2017; this Saturday gave the opportunity to sample Leyland and Volvo Olympians on routes which are normally now the province of low floor single deckers. Souvenier programmes were also available on the day, along with a “guest” vehicle.
June 2nd saw the demise of well know Norfolk coach operator Chenery Travel. Its vehicles were familiar in Essex on National Express (NX), private charter and rail work. The NX contracts have passed to Ambassador and Galloway (with assistance from Reliance of Gravesend, Talisman, Tower Transit), while the rest of the portfolio, along with school runs have been taken by other local operators; including Dereham Coachways, Dolphin of Norwich, Lamberts of Beccles, Semmence of Wymondham, Simonds of Diss.
Chenery was founded at Dickleburgh near Diss, 60 years ago. Latterly its main base had been at Long Stratton, although some vehicles were still kept at Dickleburgh, along with the associated garage business. In 2012, Chenery had sold its excursions department to Galloway of Mendlesham, although Chenery vehicles continued to be used. This division was called Chenery Live Limited.  Excursions liveried Setra S315 T777 RWC, is pictured (below) at Newbury Park on Abellio Greater Anglia RRP to/from Ingatestone on 21/2/16.

More routine happenings have seen more Abellio Greater Anglia railway rolling stock gain the new livery, making the old National Express and ONE schemes extinct on certain types of vehicle. And at Colchester and Harlow, buses are increasingly losing their old TGM colour schemes, in lieu of the new Arriva image.
Finally, St Johns Street in Colchester, reopened on 30th June, after a month of closure. This had been caused by the collapse of a sewer. The thoroughfare is a main bus corridor in Colchester town centre, and much disruption resulted. Approx 20 bus routes had to be diverted along Southway, and shop keepers experienced a slump in trade. The illustration shows the works on 8th June.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
321304 is the first of the refurbished ‘Renatus’ EMUs to re-enter traffic.
The last Class 90 electric locomotive in National Express colours, 90003 – has gone for repaint into new livery. Coaching stock into the new colours are Mklll TSOs 11073, 12084, 12115/37.
Sprinter DMU 156407 now has ‘East Suffolk Line’ branding; 156409 publicises the ‘Wherry Lines’; 156412 now carries ‘Gainsborough Line’ branding.
E (paperless) ticketing was introduced from 17/6/16. It was rolled out across the network over the subsequent 4 weeks.
On 23/6/16, heavy rain flooded the tracks at Manor Park and Weeley, to a depth of up to 1 metre. As a result, trains were suspended on the Clacton and Walton lines, and from Witham to Liverpool Street. Southend line services terminated at Shenfield. There were shuttles on the Braintree, Harwich Town and Southminster branches, and The Sudbury branch ran normally. Later, a reduced (30 to 60 min frequency) train service was instigated from Liverpool Street, with some journeys starting from/finishing at Shenfield. AGA tickets were valid on C2C Rail and First Essex bus routes 25, 70, 71,72, 100, 351 plus TfL bus routes between Brentwood and London Liverpool Street (25, 86 ,174, 294, 496, 498).
Also AGA tickets could be used on suitable East Midlands, GTR and LUL train services.
Problems continued into 24th June. The heavy rain also damaged signalling equipment between Seven Kings and Ilford. As a result, limited train services remained in place until later that day. Some services continued to start/terminate at Shenfield, rather than Liverpool Street.

Above: AGA Desiro EMU 360101 at Harwich Town on 24th August 2014.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
The coaches now carry additional lower bodyside ‘Stansted Airport’ branding along with ‘Easybus tickets welcome’ decals on their entrance doors.

AMBASSADOR TRAVEL.
Some NX contracts have been received from Chenery of Long Stratton, Norfolk – who shut shop on 2nd June.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Withdrawn is Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima T640 JWB.

APT TRAVEL, RAYLEIGH.
BX12 CVS is a Volvo B9R/Sunsundegui, ex Bayliss of Deal.
Scania K114/Irizar SN03 CLZ is sold.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE.
The depots at Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and Ware have transferred from Arriva The Shires.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3412 (SN54 HWZ) and Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 6130/1 (LF02 PLN/O) are now in Arriva livery, ex TGM. 3412 was briefly loaned to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Guildford, following repaint.
Dart SLF/Pointer 3327 (X519 GGO) and Dennis Trident/EL 5443 (T406 SMV) have come from Harlow.

Above: Trident 5443 at Harlow on 19/3/16; unusually working service 10.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Mercedes Citaro 3895 (BU06 HSJ) has been repainted in Arriva livery ex Green Line, but with branding for Green Line Route 724 (Harlow-Heathrow).
Also now into the latest Arriva colours are Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3856-9 (KE54 LNR, LPC/F/J), 3873/4 (KE57 EPA/C). The SxConnect brand on Harlow-Stansted Airport routes 508/9/10 has been discontinued here.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
An unusual arrival is EOS E180Z L111 PVW, from Meritrule of Epsom. It had been new to Crusader Holidays of Clacton. Meanwhile, Setra S250 Special P901 OKP has come from Crawley of Erith.

BARNES, RAINHAM.
Y212 BBA is an Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas, ex Holmeswood Coaches.

BISHOPS STORTFORD MINIBUS TRUST.
From 27th June, a new Mon to Fri daytimes, circular service started, runing every 1 to 2 hours, with Hail and Ride facility. It runs in a clockwise direction from the town centre and serves the Thorley Park and Heath Row areas.

BLUELINE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.
Over the weekend of 11th to 12th June, AEC PRV Routemaster NML613E and Volvo Olympian/NC R283 LGH appeared in Sussex, on a shuttle between Brighton (Preston Park) and Brighton City Airport at Shoreham. This was in connection with the Wildlife Festival.

Above: Blueline Routemaster NML 613E rather closer to home; at Ingatestone on 29/5/16.

A Blueline fleet list has been kindly supplied, and at June 2016 is as follows:
HSL 660 (RML891 orig WLT 891) – AEC PRV Routemaster open top. New to London Transport in 1961. Converted to open top in 2004. Ex Wilsons of Carnwath in 2012.
JJD 591D (RML2591) – AEC PRV Routemaster open top. New to London Transport in 1966. Sold into preservation. Converted to open top in 2012, upon acquisition by Blueline.
Currently undergoing refurbishment.
NML 613E (RML2613)- AEC PRV Routemaster. New to London Transport in April 1967. Acquired by Blueline from preservationists in 2014.
J2 SUP – EOS C53F. New in 1992 to Supreme of Hadleigh; then to New Vision of Preston; then Bon Chauce of Preston. Currently VOR at Blueline.
R283 LGH – Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus. New to London Central as NV83; subsequently with Go-North East. Bought from Victoria Coaches of Newhaven in 2015.
T322 KNN – Bova Futura C49F. New to Skills of Nottingham; then Jacksons of Bicknacre; then Souuth East Coaches of South Woodham Ferrers.
Y329 NWP (orig BL-FB-87)- MAN24.460/Berkhof CH52/16DT double deck left hand drive coach. Imported freom Holland and originally used by Coach Innovations of Kidderminster in 2007. Acquired from M and E of Rochford in 2013. Currently undergoing refurbishment at Blueline.
PY52 GXZ – LDV Convoy 16 seat minibus. Ex Staceys Coaches of Carlisle.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
More ex London Central ADL/Enviro 400s are E113/19/24/68/71 (LX09 FBD/N/Z, SN61 BGX, BHA).
Moved to London Central are Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents PVL223/64 (Y823 TGH, PN02 XBM).

CARTERS HERITAGE BUSES, CAPEL ST MARY.
Bristol FS/ECW 314 PFM has passed to a preservationist.

CITY JET.
Withdrawn is BAe Avro85 EI-RJB.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Mercedes 0815D/Koch minicoach Y30 CHT, is ex Regency Carriage Company of Rochford.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH N644 JNO was on loan from ATS Minibuses, Romford, in mid June.

COBALT.
This new airline flies to Stansted from Cyprus,and will start operations in July. Airbus A320-232 5B-DCR is the first addition. It had previously flown with Air Macau and Qatar Airways. It was new to Qatar in 1998.

CT PLUS.

2501-21, the new ADL/Enviro 400H City buses have arrived for TfL26/N26 (Hackney Wick-Waterloo/Chingford Station-Trafalgar Square). 2501 was the first to enter traffic on 10th June. They have released the loaned ADL/E40Ds back to Tower Transit; DN33629-35/37/38/40/42-50/52 (SN11 BNZ, BOF/H/J/U/V, BPE/K/O/V/Y/Z, BRF/V/Z, BSO/U/V/X/Z).
2509 (above), contrasts with Arriva London North New Routemaster LT593, at Bishopsgate, while Tower Transit Enviro 40D DN33648 is seen heading southbound at Shoreditch. Both pictures taken on 15/6/16.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPK/L/O.

ENSIGNBUS.
From 13/6/16, there were timing revisions to routes 22/A (Grays-Aveley), 44 (Grays-Purfleet-Lakeside), 73 (Lakeside-Tilbury), 83 (Lakeside-Chadwell St Mary).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 706 at Purfleet depot on 26/5/16. It is blinded for a 44 short working.

The last Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF, 780 (LX51 FGK) – is withdrawn.
Offered for sale are Volvo B12B/Caetano Enigma 604 (864 DYE) and Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 603 (ULL 933).
DAF DB250LF/Wright Gemini LJ04 LDA has passed to Chalkwell of Sittingbourne, ex loan.
Two new timetable booklets have been released. One for “country” routes 21 and 81 was valid from 13th June, while Issue no 28 of the Thurrock Bus Times, came out on 19th June. This incorporated minor adjustments to the routes listed above.

FELIX OF LONG MELFORD.
MAN11.190/Caetano Enigma FJ53 VDK, has been offered for sale.

FIRST ESSEX.
From 27/6/16, route 16 (Clacton Circular) commenced, for the summer.
Dennis Dart/Caetano 41544 (LK53 FEJ) has been on loan from Basildon (BN) to Chelmsford (CF). Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42485 (SN03 WMM) is now at Hadleigh (HH) ex CF. Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65675 (SN51 UYJ) has moved from Colchester (CR) to Clacton (CN).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30887 (W742 DWX) has gone to First Eastern Counties at Lowestoft.

Above: Two ex First Essex vehicles seen with First Eastern Counties at Norwich, on 11th June.
Upper: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66977 at Castle Meadow.
Lower: ADL/Enviro 200 44517 at St Stephens Street.

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Sold is Iveco 35S13 14seat minibus WU03 RTX.

FLAGFINDERS.
A second ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka, sourced through Ensign, is YN56 FDX.

GALLOWAY.
Has gained some National Express contracts from Chenery of Long Stratton; who ceased trading on 2/6/16.

GBRf.

Above: 66764 heads an “up” intermodal past Brentwood on 18/6/16.

GREEN, WALTHAMSTOW.
YJ13 GYU is a Van Hool TX15 integral coach, ex Edinburgh Coach Lines.

HAWK EXPRESS, IPSWICH.
This established courier and taxi company has its first large bus, in the shape of Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital LN51 DUA. New to First London and ex Tower Transit, it came via Ensign.

HEDINGHAM.

Chambers Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 252 (EU03 BZK) was on loan twice during June. It is pictured, above at Maldon Road, Colchester on 2/6/16.
SLF/Pointer 254 (EU05 AUR) now has fleet numbers in white and larger font.
Withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 69 (P608 CAY), has had its markings removed.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 582 (X507 EGK) has been donated to the Colne School at Brightlingsea, for use as a static common room.
Long term withdrawn/cannibalised Dennis Trident/EL 730 (W83 NNJ), has been removed from Clacton (CN) for scrap, by Alpha Recovery.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RHs 81/2/5 (M144/6, 282 UKN) and Volvo B10BLE/Wright 481 (R216 HCD) have passed from storage at Anglian, Ellough to Hollies Caravan Park at Kessingland, for static use.

Above: Volvo B7TL no 582 initially served at Chambers, when it came to Go-Ahead East Anglia from Plymouth Citybus. It is pictured at Colchester on 18/9/15. 582 was new to London General and always retained London livery.

IPSWICH BUSES.

The vehicles acquired from Carters are now kept at Constantine Road depot. This view was taken on 26th June. Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 no 7 shares space with DAF DB250L/EL Vyking no 56.

Above: Preserved Ipswich Buses Volvo Olympian/EL no 41 at the Basildon Rally, Billericay on 26/6/16. (Nigel Eadon-Clarke).

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
From the defunct Chenery of Long Stratton are Setra S315s J888 RWC and P888 RWC.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
New is Mercedes Tourismo AL16 OGE.
Bought via Ensign is ex Go-Bluestar DAF SB120/Wrigt Cadet YG52 CLY.
From Williams of Layer Marney is Bedford VAL/Duple Vega Major 592 PUR. It is not for operational use.
A Leyland Olympian is outbased at Tiptree for a fruit pickers contract. This is an annual event, for around 5 weeks.

LONDON CENTRAL.
A Mercedes powered Wright Streetlite DF demonstrator, numbered WS65 (SL16 YPK), has arrived at New Cross (NX) for trials on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford).

Above: LDP253, on of the ex London General Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers exchanged with SOE Class Scania Omnilinks, for use of TfL42 (Denmark Hill-Liverpool Street), nears its northern terminus on 15/6/16.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).

From 4/6/16; electrification work started on the Barking to Gospel Oak Route. This resulted in the closure of the Barking to South Tottenham section M-F and the entire route at weekends, until late September 2016. From then until early February 2017; there will be no trains at all on this route. Replacement buses will operate for the duration; with Arriva being a main contractor, supported by Ensignbus.
There are two replacement routes. J (Gospel Oak-Seven Sisters) and T (Wathamstow Central-Barking). They are linked by the LUL Victoria Line.

Top: Notice at Woodgrange Park, giving details of closures.
Below: Turbostar DMU 172008 arrives at Woodgrange Park on a Gospel Oak service, while 172004 heads away towards Barking.
Both pictures taken on 26/5/16.

EMUs 317710/23/32 are now in LOROL livery.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New S7 Stock is 21541/42, 21553/54, 21555/56.
D78 Stock withdrawn is 7010+17010+8010; 7040+17040+8040; 7042+17042+8042; 7048+17048+8048; 7107+17107+8107; 7516+17516+7517; 7536+17536+7537.
To Vivarail: 7042/48, 7516/17, 7536/37.
To Booth Roe for scrap: 1704/482, 8042/48, 17516/36.
7010+17010+8010; 7040+17040+8040; 7107+17107+8107 have been retained for Rail Adhesion Train (RAT) unit conversion.

MYALLS OF BASSINGBOURN.
KX14 FJA is an Optare Solo SR M8900, ex Dickson of Frimley Green. However, it started life in Malta !

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
New at Start Hill are Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante tri-axles SH208-13 (BX16 CMO/U/V/Y/Z).
Volv oB9R/Caetano Levante SR110 (FJ60 HXS) has come from the now defunct Chenery of Long Stratton.

NETWORK RAIL.

“Class 150” 999600/01, was stabled at Colchester on 15/6/16.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Offered for sale is Mercedes 0814D/Euro AE56 SPU.
Sold is Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral R179 SUT.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
SB46 (Matching Green-Epping Station) passed to Community Link from 6/6/16. This runs Mon only.

P and M COACHES, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere L654 XVV is ex Elliot and Richman of Rhode Heth, Cheshire.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Acquired from Lodge of High Easter, is all Leyland Olympian G296 UYK, while ex First Essex is Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 W758 DWX. The B7 is accident damaged and is being repaired.
An AGA rail replacement on 26th June, which traversed the low bridge at Manningtree station; required all three minibuses; Ford Transit DC52 PAN and Mercedes Sprinters AB52 PAN, AB03 PAN. The latter two were “loaned” from Stansted to Parkeston for this. Since then, one has been used as a crew ferry at Parkeston, to do with the 80/81 local bus routes.
The Stansted Northside staff shuttle has been converted to Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF operation, ex minibus.
Optare Solo BIG 7006 has been offered for sale.
The registered office has moved from Parkeston, Essex to Brantham, Suffolk. The Head Office remains at Stansted, Essex.

Above: Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DC04 PAN, at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 on 2/6/16.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.

The site of the old Mile End sand yard in east London, as seen on 15th June.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
DAF SB3000/VH YJ03 PGZ appeared on a shuttle between Worthing Rail Station and Brighton City Airport at Shoreham, over the weekend of 11th to 12th June. This was for the Wildlife Festival.
White Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KP02 PUH, PVD have fleet numbers 616/7. Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 X263 NNO is numbered 1304.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 607 (W136 WGT).
Long term delicensed are Optare Solo M710 204 (YJ58 CDE) and Optare Tempo PO1 (YJ56 WVX). The former is cannibalised, while the latter is under repair.
Gone for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 613 (W701 BFV) and the remains of fire damaged Optare Tempo PO2 (YJ56 WVC).
251 (Waltham Cross-Upshire) lost its Sunday service after 29/5/15.

RICHARDS TRAVEL, GREAT BADDOW.
Setra S415 BK08 XYG, has passed to County Connect of Wrotham, Kent.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
PB10 BUL is a Scania K420EB6/Irizar PB.

S and M, BENFLEET.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere K577 DFS is now with Bamgro of Watford.

SOUTHEND PIER RAILWAY.
This had been closed for three months, due to safety checks on the pier structure.

STAGECOACH EAST.
Stagecoach Norfolk Dennis Trident/EL 18280 is parked up, unserviceable at Cowley Road depot, Cambridge.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
The lastest overall adverts of New Routemasters are:
LT248, 376 – Magnum; LT312/64/68/83/89 – Coca Cola; LT400 – Coach Accessories.
Transferred to Selkent at Catford is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17870 (LX03 NFR).
Sister 17943 (LX53 JYF) has been scrapped East London.
Sold to Ensign are Trident/ALX400s 17910/1/6/8/20 (LX03 OSD/E/M/P/U), 18241/2/3/4/5/52 (LX04 FYH/J/K/L/M/V). Formerly owned ex Stagecoach Devon 17002/5 (S802/5 BWC), 17057 (T657 KPU), 17299 (X299 NNO).
Resold by Ensign are Tridents 17966/70/1 (LX53 JZJ/N/O) – to First Bus Stop, Gravesend.
Optare Tempo hybrid 25112 (LX09 BGF) has been exported to Cyprus, via Ensign.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.

The Olympian Running Day at Bury St Edmunds on 4/6/16, saw Leyland Olympians 724 (J624 GCR) – Alexander RL body, 862 (J562 HAT), 947 (H547 VAT) – NC bodied and Volvo Olympian/NCs 809/10 (M409/10 RVU); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 829 (N881 FKK) in action on routes 15/16 (Bury St Edmunds-Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds-Mildenhall-Newmarket), along with guest Leyland Olympian/ECW C105 CHM from Fords of Althorne. The Stephensons buses worked in service, while the Fords vehicle ran a free tour around Bury.
A second ex Flights Hallmark Scania N230UD/Optare Olympus sourced through Ensign is YT59 NZM. This like YT59 NZN was new to Network Colchester. Scania N250UD/Enviro 400 MMC demonstrator YN16 CFU, has returned to Scania – off loan.
Three Rivers ADL/Enviro 200 472 (EU65 EOH) was still at Clacton in early June.

Suffolk fleet Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 458 (GU52 HKC) now has a super rear advert for St NicHolas Hospice, Bury St Edmunds. At the end of June, it was running from Boreham.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.

Coaches are now appearing on National Express services. Scania/Irizar YT13 HLA is seen, above at Bury St Edmunds on 4/6/16; on an ex Chenery contract.

TfL RAIL.

Above: EMU 315830 approaches Brentwood on 18/6/16.

In advance of Crossrail, the platforms at the following stations are being extended for the forthcoming Class 345 EMUs; Forest Gate, Goodmayes, Harold Wood. They are also receiving 3 new lifts (each) for “step free” access. All of these stations, plus Ilford and Manor Park are undergoing major refurbishments.

Above: Back in Great Eastern days, EMU 315818 forms the rear of a Liverpool Street to Shenfield service, at Harold Wood in July 2005. The platforms here have been extended at the “country end”.

Above (3): Harold Wood station in September 2004. Top: “Blast from the past”. Middle: Ticket office and ‘Electric Line’ platforms. Bottom: “up” platform on ‘Fast Lines’.

Below: Platform extension works at Harold Wood on 18/6/16. The EMU is 315829.

On 23/6/16, heavy rail flooded the track at Manor Park station. As a result, services were suspended between Ilford and Liverpool Street, for some of the day, and later a reduced frequency of 3 trains per hour (tph) was instigated. These issues continued into 24/6/16; compounded by water damage to signalling equipment between Seven Kings and Ilford. Train tickets were thus accepted on parallel bus and LUL services.

TOWNLINK.

The “new” depot at Parkway, Harlow Business Park is now fully surfaced. Picture taken on 18/6/16.

TRUSTYBUS.
Acquired through Ensign are ex Go North East Volvo B10BLE/Wrights W491 SCU, W905/6/8 RBB, X913/4/24 WGR.
Withdrawn is ADL/Enviro 300 EDL35 (LY58 PFX).
Sold to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap are Optare Solo UNZ 8067 and Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y253 FJN.
From 13/6/16, 424 (Harlow-Hertford) now longer serves Stanstead Abbotts.

Above: In full Trustybus livery, ex London Central Scania Omnilink NNZ 7336 was seen at Harlow Bus Station, on 18/6/16.

VLM AIRLINES.

This small Belgian operator, who served London City Airport, ceased trading on 22nd June; a month after filing for Bankruptcy Protection. It ran a fleet of 11 Fokker 50s.’KLF’ was seen approaching London City on 5/4/15.

WHIPPET, FENSTANTON.
From SGBC, Patchway is National Express Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante L80 SGB.

With thanks to: ‘District Dave’, N Eadon-Clarke, Ensign, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, P Layzell, LOTS, PSVC, RE, RM, J Sadd.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the May 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.
Two main stories for this month. Firstly, Terravision has finally left Stansted, (but still runs into the area as a joint venture with Citylink). Citylink has wholly taken over one Terravision route. The Terravision website now shows the Citylink services. Terravision had latterly only operated vehicles from an industrial estate part of the airport, after having been evicted from the airport coach station in August 2015. It had then terminated its London services from firstly the Mid Stay Car Park and latterly Bishops Stortford Rail Station. It had lost out in the competitive tender process for access to the coach station. Terravision began its London Stansted service in 2003; initially using vehicles from Epsom Coaches. By 2004, its own “in house” Terravision Transport had been set up, with Excalibur of London also supplying coaches. This arrangement continued up to 2015; although Epsom stepped back earlier. Newcomers Airport Bus Express and Stansted Citylink, plus the incumbent National Express, quickly filled the void, although Citylink subsequently forged the partnership with Terravision, as mentioned above.

Above: Epsom Coaches Setra S315 BX04 EXW, in Terravision livery, at Stansted in February 2005. It is on the original A50 service to/from London Victoria.

Secondly, Carters Coach Services has disposed of its local bus contracts to Ipswich Buses. The company was formed by on time Eastern Counties employee Mr Viv Carter in 1985; although he had been involved in bus preservation since 1977. Carters will continue its non stage carriage activities, under a new title.

Above; Carters Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus no 15, on the bridge over the River Orwell at Princes Street, Ipswich on 20/8/15. This is one of the vehicles which passed to Ipswich Buses.On the left is First Eastern Counties Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar no 69422, which is on a town service which competes against Ipswich Buses.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
Lea Bridge station re-opened on 15/5/16. It had been closed since July 8th 1985.
Class 90 electric locomotive 90008 is now in the new livery, ex National Express; leaving just 90003 in this scheme.
‘Renatus’ refurbished EMU 321304 has been outshopped in a revised colour scheme of white with a dark grey skirt topped with a red stripe. It will re-enter revenue traffic later.
ONE liveried stock is now getting rare. Mk III TRB (buffet car) 10406 was still in this scheme at the end of May; as were Turbostar DMUs 170201-06.
Coaching stock into the latest livery are Mk III TSOs 11094, 12093/98, 12119.

Above: An unusual shot, taken at Coggeshall Road, Feering, on 5/5/16. TSO 12040 has stopped on the bridge, due to a fault on the level crossing at Church Lane, Kelvedon. It is forming part of a Norwich to London Liverpool Street service.

Above: The last DVT to be repainted out of ONE colours was 82127. It is pictured at Ingatestone on 29/5/16. Norwich-London services were terminating there, due to engineering work.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
MB04 TCZ is a MAN18.310/Marcopolo coach, ex Lodge of High Easter.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Short Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 CC05 BLU is ex Tates Travel, Barnsley.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV AE55 EHM is on loan from Ensign.

ANITAS, STANSTED.
Mercedes Tourismo tri-axle BT15 KNE has been returned to Evobus.

APT TRAVEL, RAYLEIGH.
FJ04 ERK is a Jonckherre bodies Volvo B12M, ex Platinum of Wolverhampton.
Scania K114/Irizar PT03 APT, has reverted to its original SN03 CLZ mark.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE – NETWORK COLCHESTER.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3415 (SN54 HXB) has come from Harlow. It is already in Arriva livery.
Scania Omnidekka 5373 (YN06 TFZ) has been outshopped in Arriva colours, ex TGM.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3413 (SN54 HWY) and 3421 (AY54 FPZ), now have yellow “wraparound” driver recruitment adverts, (on their off sides only). 3421 is pictured, below at the Maldon Road/Shrub End Road/Drury Road intersection, on 10/5/16.

DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3941 (GK52 YVF) has gone to Arriva Kent and Surrey, for use as a driver trainer. Loaned Short SLF/Alexander ALX200 3331 (W462 XKX), has returned to Arriva The Shires.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE – NETWORK HARLOW.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3817 (GN07 AVD) is now in Interurban livery, ex SxConnect.
Also now into this scheme is B7RLE/Wright 3731 (GN54 MYO).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Received for Barking (DX) depot are ex Arriva Kent Thameside DAF DB250L/Wright Geminis 6213-9 (GK53 AOA-G). These had previously been used on TfL routes from Dartford. They are for the forthcoming ‘GOBLIN’ (Barking-Gospel Oak) rail replacement.

BA CITYFLYER.
New is Embraer E190-100SR G-LCYW.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
OAZ 5315 is an ex Go-South Coast Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paragon.

BARNES, RAINHAM.
LUI 7646 is a Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount, ex Stagecarriage of Grangetown. It was originally E668 UNE with Shearings.

BEESTONS.
Mercedes 1523L/UNVI SK07 LZD is now FHJ 565.

BLUE TRIANGLE.

Above: The new Barking garage; seen on 26/5/16.

Further ADL/Enviro 40Hs for River Road (RR) garage are ex London Central E100/1/3 (LX09 EZU/V/Z), E167/72/80 (SN61 BGV, BHD/P) and ex London General E163 (SN61 BGF).
Scania Omnidekka SO4 (BV55 UCX) has been resold by Ensign, to Weardale Motor Services, Bishop Auckland.
Transfers within Go-Ahead London are of ADL/Enviro 200s SEN30/1 (YX61 FZO/P) to London General (Metrobus); and SEN39, 42 (YX09 FLP, FMU) to London Central.
Accident damaged Dennis Dart SLF/MCV ED23 (LX07 BYO), has gone to Ensign for spares. After parting out, the remains went to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap.
Also sold to Ensign is DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DW11 (LF52 TKN).

Above: Allocated to the new Barking garage is ex London Central ADL/Enviro 40D SE170. It was seen at East Ham on 26/5/16.

Above: One of the Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s recently transferred from London General to Blue Triangle, to bolster East London Transit. WVL 474 is seen at Bastable Avenue, Thames View Estate, Barking on 26/5/16.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.

Red Route of Gravesend Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther FJ55 XBC was again on hire at the end of May, for rail replacement. It is pictured at Ingatestone on 29/5/16.

BRITISH AIRWAYS.
CityFlyer has commenced operations from London Stansted. Flights serve Berlin-Tegel, Faro, Malaga and Milan-Linate.

C2C.
Six Class 387 4-car EMUs are to be leased from Autumn 2016, for up to three years. They are required to cope with extra customer demand. This follows C2C investigating the lease of two 5-car Class 360 EMUs from Heathrow Connect; which was not pursued.

CALEDONIAN SLEEPER/GBRf.

Class 86 electric locomotive 86401, which is on loan from the AC Loco Group; was at Ilford Car Sheds on 20/5/16.

CARTERS OF CAPEL ST MARY.

Sold its local bus activities to Ipswich Buses; effective from 29th May 2016.
The low floor vehicles were included in the deal, and two Tridents  – 18/19 (V126/62 MEV) have been imported from Ipswich (qv). On its last day of independence, Carters used Bristol Lodekka FS64/ECW 314 PFM, on route 93 (Ipswich-Colchester), with Mr Carter driving.
The heritage vehicles and one school contract have been retained; under the title of Carters Heritage Buses.
Open top Bristol VRT/ECW JNG 50N, has passed to a local preservationist.

Above: Carters VDL200/MCV Evolution no 260, at the old Colchester Bus Station in February 2011.
Below: Bristol FS 314 PFM, at Kelvedon in July 2012.

COLAS RAIL.
On 20/5/16, Class 37 diesel electric locomotive 37421 and DBSO 9708 topped and tailed a Network Rail test train. The ensemble was stabled at Colchester.

CT PLUS.
ADL/E40H City demonstrator SN65 OHP has been on loan for type training, in advance of the type appearing on new TfL contracts 26/N26.

DLR. The first Bombardier B90 stock unit to be withdrawn is no 39.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPI/J.

In the new livery; Airbus A320 G-EZDM at Stansted on 22/5/16. It is on a Glasgow service.

ENSIGNBUS.


Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 905/6/7 (LJ54 BFO, BDZ, BFL), have been repainted red and silver. They retain dual doors. These are for the forthcoming ‘GOBLIN’ (Barking-Gospel Oak) rail replacement, and will be used with classmates 901-4 which are already in this livery. Sisters LJ54 BDO/V have been converted to single door/led destinations, and are now in the main fleet as nos 109/10 and liveried in the usual blue and silver.
Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus 114 (PO58 NPN) has been outshopped following repairs to collision damage. It no longer carries its ‘Adam’ name on the front, but retains its side nameplates.
Ford Transit 16 seater MJ12 KFK, has been acquired as a crew ferry.

EUROSTAR.

Above: Sunset over HS1 at Purfleet on 26/5/16.

EUROWINGS.
New Airbus A320-214s are D-AEWF/G; while OE-IEW is for the Europe fleet.

D-AKNP is one of a fleet of Airbus A320s which fly to Stansted. It was pictured at Stuttgart, Germany on 22/5/16. Many aircraft still carry ‘Germanwings’ fleet names.

FIRST ESSEX.

Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 32628/31/40/1/2 (KP54 KAU, KBF, AZB/C/D) have moved from Basildon (BN) to Colchester (CR). 32640 was seen (above) at Colchester Bus Station on 21/5/16.
Accident damaged Dennis Trident/Plaxton Prsident 33184 (LR02 LZD) is to be repaired.
Trident/Presidents 33001/2 (LK51 UZO/P) have gone to First Hants and Dorset.
All the stored Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents 32804/9/47/9/50 (T804 LLC etc), 32855/6 (V855/6 HBY), 32864 (T864 KLF), 32905 (W905 VLN) have gone from Braintree (BE). 32801/9/47/9/55 to First Hants and Dorset; 32804/50 to First Devon and Cornwall, although 32804 quickly joined the others in Hampshire.32887 (V887 HBY) went to First South West.
Sold to Alpha Recovery for scrap, are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 20463 9X193 HFB), Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32863 (V863 HBY), Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capitals 41732/61 (X732 HLF, X761 HLR) and Volvo B10B/Wright driver trainer 60135 (R177 GSX).
The old Colchester travel office at Queen Street, has been vacated by tenant Sofa Express.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE and Halstead.
Acquired through Ensign, is ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka YN56 FDF.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: Heavy Haul 66619 heads “up” through Kelvedon on 5/5/16, on an empty scrap train.

GALLOWAY.
Temsa Safari YJ60 GKE is sold.
The former Clacton outstation site is now occupied by Loho Civils Limited.

GBRf.
Clas 08 diesel electric shunter 08834 was on loan from HNRC, to cover for the resident shunter at Dagenham 08934, which was undergoing heavy maintenance at HNRC’s Chesterfield base.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
New is Van Hool TX16 430 (OO16 BOY). It is named ‘Master Roy’.
Volvo B10M/VH N99 BOY is now with Brian Jones Coaches, Gravesend.

GREEN, WALTHAMSTOW.
Temsa Safari YJ16 EHZ has passed to Patel of Thornton Heath.

HEDINGHAM.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) is in the new livery.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 289 (EJ02 KYY), 290 (EX02 RYR) have moved from Sible Hedingham (HD) to Clacton (CN).
In early May, operation of 15 (Lexden-Marks Tey Rail Station) and 82/83 (Colchester-Fordham/Colne Engaine/Mount Bures), passed completely to Clacton (CN).
Commercial routes 91 (Tollesbury-Maldon), 92 (Tollesbury-Colchester) and 95 (Tollesbury-Maldon) have been de-registered from late July. They will go out to council tender.

Above: Scania Omnidekka 1519 made an unusual appearance on 82A on 16/5/16. Seen at London Road, Lexden. This is normally worked by Dennis Dart SLF saloons.

Above: SLF/MPD 290 – also at London Road, Lexden on an early evening 15 on 27/5/16.

Volvo B10BLE/Wrights 482-86 (R227/29/31-3 HCD) have gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap, after storage at Anglian, Ellough.

IPSWICH BUSES.
The local bus side of Carters of Capel St Mary was acquired from 29th May 2016.
The following buses were taken into IB stock and allocated fleet numbers:
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 4 (LG02 FEV), 5 (LG02 FCA), 6 (LG02 FCE), 7 (LX03 BTF), 8 (LX04 FYB); Trident/Plaxton President 26 (LR52 KWH); Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus 42 (P915 RYO), Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 43 (R158 LHK); VDL200/MCV Evolution 156 (AY60 BYD); Volvo B10M/Caetano Enigma coach 157 (NK51 ZSR). These retain Carters red/yellow livery, except 7, 8 , 42 which are allover red, and the coach which is white.

Following acquisitions of Carters bus routes; Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18/19 (V126/62 MEV), have been transferred to the Carters operation; initially “on hire”. 19 is seen (above) in Head Street, Colchester.
Volvo Olympian/EL 42 (M42 EPV) and Dennis Dart SLF/EL 90 (X901 LBJ) are now with preservationists. Also sold are Trident/EL 10 (PO51 UMK) and SLF/EL 92 (X92 DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 51 (X151 LBJ) meanwhile, went to PSV Recycling at Hadleigh for scrap.

JOHN JAMES TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.
An expansion has seen the fleet more than double – from 5 to 14. As a result, an additional depot has been established at Colliers Row.

KEANE TRAVEL, MUCKINGFORD.
Neoplan N316 Starliner YN04 AUX is now KIG 1262.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
Bova Futura KC08 ABC has passed to Roman Coaches, Colchester.

KIRBYS OF RAYLEIGH.
Mb Tourismos BJ59 OJD/F are now K90 BYS and K55 BYS, respectively.

KLARNER, COLCHESTER.
GB15 KCL is a Mercedes Tourismo.
Mb Sprinter 515/CDI BGZ 5867 is now T16 KCL.

L and R TRAVEL, WICKFORD.

SE04 UTS is a Ford Transit 16 seater.

LONDON CENTRAL.
The SOE Class Scania Omnilink/ELs on TfL42 (Denmark Hill-Liverpool Street) have been returned to London General, for use on TfL355 (Mitcham-Tooting-Brixton). They have been replaced by LDP Class Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers. This is understood to be connected with the impending re-tender of TfL42. Ex LG SLF LDP218 (SK52 MPE) has been noted.

Above: SOE21 at Bishopsgate on 20/5/16.

Sold to Ensign are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DW9 (LF52 TKT), DWL15 (BX04 BXN), DWL17 (FJ54 ZDR). After cannibalisation, DWL15/17 quickly passed to MC Tractors at Ely for scrap. This type is now being replaced on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) by E Class ADL/Enviro 200s and MEC Class Mb Citaros.

Above; DW11 in original East Thames Buses condition, on the Holloway Road in March 2005.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
The use of the loaned Class 321 EMUs on the Romford-Upminster branch has ceased; with Class 317 EMUs returning.
Into the new livery are EMUs 315808 and 317714.

Above: 321414 at Emerson Park on 30/1/16. These ex London Midland 4 carriage EMUs have moved on to Scotrail, after conversion to 3 car Class 320s.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
While the retirement of the D78 Stock and the arrival of its S7 replacements on the District Line, currently make the news; over on the Central Line, the 1992 Tube Stock continues to serve the travellers of east London – as it has done for more than 20 years.

In this view, taken at Newbury Park on 1/5/16; 91321 brings up the rear of a Hainault bound service, while 91175 waits in the turnback siding, to depart for Ealing Broadway.

Back to District Line happenings, new S7 Stock arrivals are 21527/28, 21529/30, 21533/34.
The latest D78 units to be stood down are 7002+17002+8002; 7014+17014+8014; 7017+17017+8017; 7026+17026+8026; 7044+17044+8044; 7500+17501+7501; 7506+17506+7507.
To VivaRail: 7002/14/17/26/44, 7500/1/6/7.
To Booth Roe for scrap: 17002/14/17/26/44, 17501/6; 8002/14/17/26/44.

Above: By May 2016, the active D78 fleet was down to around 35 train sets. ‘Double ended’ 7534 enters Embankment station on 20/5/16. Back in 2008, This was the last silver D78 to remain in traffic, and ran a Special from Upminster to Ealing Broadway in February of that year.

The first of the D Trains has been unveiled. 3 car 230001 is undergoing acceptance tests. Livery is white/green with yellow/black cab ends. Cab end doors are no longer fitted.

MULLEYS, IXWORTH.
The ex Dublin Bus Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s have been re-registered again. X179 CHJ, X56 XAW, LWS51 ZDY, LW51 ZMV are now MIU 7919, 6449, 7924, 7949 respectively.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.

Coaches are carrying special decals, to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II. This one is on Scania K410/Caetano Levante no SH204 (BG65 TGK).
Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levantes SH176 (BK14 LFP), SH178 (BK14 LFS), SH180/3/4 (BK14 LFU/X/Y), SH186 (BK14 LGA), SH188/9 (BK14 LGD/E), SH191 (BK14 LGG), SH199, 200 (BN64 FKL/M) now sport super rear adverts for ‘New Standards at Stansted’. The slogans on these vary and also include ’19 Million Memories Made’ and ‘We Fly to Stansted’.

Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes 162-7/9 (FJ11 GJO/U, GKU/V/X, GLZ) have been moved from Start Hill (SH) to Crawley (CY). Sister 141 (FJ12 FYH) has moved from SH to Sipson Road (SR).

NETWORK RAIL.
The ZTO ‘Shark’ brakevan, remains long term resident at Shenfield. A disposal to the Epping and Ongar Railway unfortunately fell through.

NEW HORIZON.

Volvo B12M/Berkhof FJ03 AAZ has been re-registered S25 NHT.

P and M COACHLINES, WICKFORD.
GD53 GXT is a Ford KA crew ferry.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer W339 VGX has passed to Royal Buses of St Ives, Cornwall. It was pictured (above) at Stansted on 1/5/16; prior to sale. Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima BIG 6002 and SLF/MPD SIL 6719 are also sold. BIG to Lovatt of Coleshill; SIL to Amber of Rayleigh. SIL had briefly been returned to service, after a period in store.
Leyland Titan PD3/4/NC convertible open topper BUF 426C has black ‘Panther Travel’ fleet names on green/cream Southdown livery.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL BIG 7758 is withdrawn due to rear end accident damage.
It has been re-registered back to F640 LMJ, and passed to Lloyd, Hixon (dealer)- after recovery of some parts.
There is now an outstation at Colchester; for the 80/81 routes.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
A block of flats has been built across part of the trackbed of the former North London Railway, at Fairfield Road, Bow. It is in the “triangle” between the GE Main Line and the branch to Gas Factory Junction/DLR route to Poplar.

REGAL BUSWAYS.

Optare Tempo PO2 (YJ56 WVC) has been destroyed by fire. The picture (above), shows it unusually working on route 211, at Waltham Cross on 16/1/16.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 V192 MEV, has returned to Ensign – off loan.
In the early hours of 29/5/16, Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 1401 (V761 HBY) got stuck under Duke Street railway bridge, Chelmsford, while on a rail replacement. The bus was not deroofed and there were no injuries.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Ex Kings Tours of Stanway, via Moseley (dealer), is Bova Futura KC08 ABC. It has been named ‘Aurelia’.
Scania K114/Irizar V21 ROM is named ‘Itsy’. Bova Futura V22 ROM has been christened ‘Fortuna’.

RYANAIR.

Boeing 737-800 EI-ENP is “pushed back” for departure, at Stansted on 21/5/16.

New are Boeing 737-800s EI-FRL-P/R/S/T.
Withdrawn is B737-800 EI-EFM.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
By the end of May, the only MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 seen in use at Cambridge, were 22058/59/60 (KV53 FAF/J/K). Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 52485 (R185 DNM), has appeared at Cambridge for driver training.

Above: MAN18.220/ALX300 no 22058 at Emmanuel Road, Cambridge on 23/4/16.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New are ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs 12365-400 (YX16 OGD-H/J-P/R-W/Y/Z, OHA-H/J/K/L/N-P/R/S).
The large influx of these at Barking (BK) and Romford (NS) has allowed TfL 296 (Ilford-Romford) and TfL396 (Ilford-Goodmayes Hospital) to largely go over to double deck operation. The new buses appear on a variety of routes, with the NS examples rubbing shoulders with their slightly older sisters on TfL498 (Romford-Brentwood).
On loan to Stagecoach South are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17792/3 (LX03 BWF/G), 17829/30/35/46/67-69/74 (LX03 BYC/D/L/Z, NFM/N/P/Y). They are being used on special event services, like airshows.
The remaining Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s which had been hired to Tower Transit have returned; 18240 (LX04 FYG), 18246 (LX04 FYN), 18254/5 (LX04 FYY/Z).
Sold to Ensign are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18239/43/47-50/52/55 (LX04 FYF/K/P/R/S/T/V/Z).
Resold by Ensign are Tridents 17946/72 (LX53 JYJ, JZP) – to Landmark Coaches, Arlesley; 17947/57/64 (LX53 JYK/Y, JZG) – to Sarcophagus Films, Shepperton; 17954 (LX53 JYU) – Hunts of Alford.
Ensign has also acquired former fleet member Trident 17003 (S803 BWC) – from Stagecoach Devon.
Trident 17419 (LX51 FJJ) has been scrapped by Stagecoach London.
Transferred to Selkent are ADL/Enviro 200s 36280-2 (LX11 AWV/W/Y), 36347 (LX59 ANR).They are now at Catford (TL), except 36347 which is at Bromley (TB).
On loan to Stagecoach South, were Tridents 17792/3 (LX03 BWF/G), 17829/30/5 (LX03 BYC/D/L), 17846 (LX03 BYZ), 17867/8/9/74 (LX03 NFM/N/P/Y).

Above and below: Tridents 17954 and 18245 at Ensign on 26/5/16.

Above: One of the oldest buses still in front line use with Stagecoach East London, is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17995. It was seen at Newbury Park Station on 1/5/16.

STANSTED CITYLINK.

Mercedes Tourismo MBT1 (BG65 VXA), has a super rear advert for the improved 767 service. Sister BG65 VXH now physically carries its fleet no MBT7.
Service A50 has been wholly taken over from Terravision and now runs as Stansted-Kings Cross St Pancras-Victoria. A60 (Stansted-Stratford-Liverpool Street) is jointly operated with Terravision. A50 uses the fully liveried Mb Tourismos, while A60 has the hired Callinan coaches alongside the debranded Terravision vehicles.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
On loan is Euro 6 Scania N230UD.ADL Enviro 400 demonstrator YN16 CFU.
An interesting acquisition, through Ensign is Scania N230UD/Optare Olympus YT59 NZN.
Latterly with Flights Hallmark (and used on the Kingston upon Thames University Shuttle), is was new to Network Colchester; so has “almost returned home”.
Three Rivers branded ADL/Enviro 200 472 (EU65 EOH), worked from Clacton base from mid May, while Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 830 (N959 FKK) has appeared on 38/A (Halstead-Braintree-Witham).

Above: Stephensons ADL/Enviro 200 no 464 crosses the River Colne at East Bay, Colchester, on a service 105 journey, on 5/5/16. In the left background is the old Marriages Mill – now flats, while the Siege House is to the right.

Above: Stephensons Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 414, departs Stansted Airport on 21/5/16; on the “indirect” Bishops Stortford-Saffron Walden service. When this bus was new; it was one of a pair branded for the ‘Blackwater Link’ Maldon-Witham 90 route.

SWALLOW COACHES, RAINHAM.
MAN18.310/Noge YN54 JUT is now with Briggs of Crymlyn Burrows, mid Wales.

TERRAVISION.
Has left Stansted (Taylors End depot is no longer used). A partnership with Stansted Citylink has been forged, using cross ticketing.
A new service is Heathrow Airport from London, but using trains on which Terravision tickets are valid. A London-Gatwick coach service briefly ran, but is now suspended. Route A50 (London Victoria-Stansted) is now run wholly by Citylink, alongside their 767 (London Kings Cross-Stansted). Terravision and Citylink vehicles sometimes appear on the A60 (Stansted (not the coach station)-Stratford-Liverpool Street) route; (the hired Calinan coaches have been noted from Citylink). The Terravision coaches are debranded and in base colours of white with pink rear.

Above: Scania K340/Irizar YT10 WLC at Taylors End depot, Stansted on 12/3/16.

THOMAS COOK.

Thomas Cook has been serving Stansted since summer 2014. Airbus A321 G-BCDA was seen on 21/5/16; departing for a “sunshine holiday” destination.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33197 (LT52 XAH), has been resold via Ensign to Bear Buses of Feltham.

TOWNLINK/ROADRUNNER/OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
Has applied for a new O licence, under the title of Olympus Commuters. Its previous one was revoked at the end of February. Building work at the “new” Harlow Business Park site, is now virtually complete.

TRAVELUX, GRAYS.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President V749 HBY, is ex Solitaire Travel of Rochford.

TRUSTYBUS.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LX03 BVW is now registered PSU 316.

UNO.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP122 (SN51 TAU)is now with Ellis of Gatley, Manchester.

WHIPPET.
From Tower Transit are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 439/40 (LK04 HYN, HZN).
Route 31 (Cambridge-Barley) was rerouted via Grat Shelford High Street from 3rd May.

With thanks to: EBEG; A Hazell; ‘District Dave’; Ensign; Essex Buses Yahoo; R McGregor; Panther Travel; PSVC; RE; RM; J Sadd.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the April 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.
The main news this month is of a major shake up of council contracted bus services across Essex. Arriva lost out in the re-tendering, while First, NIBS and Stephensons considerably gained. NIBS has won work beyond its traditional “patch” around Basildon. There has also been a significant shuffle of peripheral routes from “mainstream” bus operation to Demand Responsive Transport (DRT). Full details are in the main text.

Also significant is the projected sale of Galloway International Coaches of Mendlesham. The current directors wish to retire, and the new owner will be Eastern Transport Holdings (ETH); which is owned by Bill Hiron – also well known as the MD of Stephensons of Essex. Galloway was founded in 1965; and runs a mixture of local bus routes across south and mid Suffolk, plus National Express contracts and a quality coach fleet. The handover is proposed for Autumn 2016.

There have been big changes in the organisation of Arriva; with Arriva The Shires having been effectively split up into neighbouring areas. A by-product of this has been the transfer of all TfL red bus activities to Arriva London, and this includes the Grays depot of Arriva Kent Thameside. On a more local level, Arriva also looks to be phasing out the SxConnect brand. It is pictured (below), on Arriva Kent Thameside Volvo B7RLE/Wright no 3819; ascending North Hill, Colchester on 14/4/16.

And Arriva has also won the contract to operate London Overground (LOROL) from November 2016. It beat competition from MTR (Arriva’s current venture partner on LOROL); Go-Ahead/Keolis and Metroline Rail.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
Turbostar DMU 170204 was involved in a collision with a tractor, on the accommodation/level crossing at Roudham, near Thetford on 11/4/16. The train was working the 1203 Norwich to Cambridge service. 7 people were injured, including the tractor driver, who was seriously hurt. The front vehicle of the train was badly damaged. A subsequent investigation found that the tractor had been given permission to cross by a signaller at Cambridge Power Box; which is some 30 miles away.

(Picture: EDP).

Virgin liveried DVT 82126 has been returned to its ROSCO, following completion of the DVT overhaul programme. 82112 was in the WB64 ‘Pretendalino’ set at the end of April.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.

Above: ACME Bus ex Abellio Surrey Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KN52 NFO, at Long Border Road, Stansted Airport on 16/4/16. It is on route 7 (Bishops Stortford- Birchanger-Stanstead Mountfitchet-Elseham-Henham-Stansted Airport).

AIR FORCE ONE.

Boeing VC-25 no 28000 was at Stansted Aiport 21st-24th April; in connection with the visit of USA President Barack Obama to the UK.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Sold are DAF SB/VH G382 RCW; Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL N716 LTN; Bova Futura Y8 AMS.
The Essex CC contract changes from 10/4/16, saw the end of routes 37 (South Woodham Circular); 268 (Grays-Blackmore). 37 was replaced by new First route 94. A new contract is 12 (Wickford-Billericay) – replacing NIBS 221/2/5.

ANITAS, STANSTED.
Mercedes Tourismo tri-axle BT15 KNE was on loan again from Evobus, during April; covering AC15 ERN which was undergoing further warranty work.
Sold to Taylor, Isleham (dealer), is Mercedes 0816/Optare Toro RY56 ERN.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
PT04 APT is an 8 seat Ford Transit crew ferry.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (GRAYS).
This operation has transferred to Arriva London North, as it only runs TfL contracts. Buses still retained ‘AKT’ legals at the end of April, however.

Above: VDL DB300/Wright Gemini2 no 6211 at Newbury Park LUL station on 5/4/15.
This bus was one of a batch new to Arriva London North, and transferred in August 2012 to Arriva Southend, (subsequently Arriva Kent Thameside) for the renewed TfL66 (Leytonstone-Romford) contract.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).

The Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s are paint float vehicles; pending the receipt of more 54 reg SLF/Plaxton Pointers from Harlow; 3333 was seen (above) at Queen Street on 12th April. SLF 3413 (SN54 HWY) arrived during April. Loaned DAF DB250L/EL 6253 (FE51 WSU) and Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 6428 (GN04 UEV) have returned to Arriva Kent and Surrey.
A “new” crew ferry is Ford Transit 8 seat minibus AX04 XJY.
Service changes from 10/4/16:
2B (Colchester-Boxted – Peaks only) – absorbed into new route 80 with Panther Travel.
2C (Highwoods-Colchester) – Suns/hols – lost to First.
4 (Tollgate-Colchester) – extended over old Stephensons route 3 to Hythe in east. In west diverted via Lakelands.
8C (Monkwick-Horkesley Heath) – Suns/hols – withdrawn. Replaced by First commercial service 8.
11 (Colchester North Station-Highwoods) – M-F peaks – gained from Hedingham.
66 (Rowhedge-Colchester) – Suns/hols – lost to First.
67B (West Mersea-Colchester-West Bergholt) – Suns/hols – lost to First.
70 (Colchester-Braintree) – Suns/hols – lost to First.
75 (Colchester-Maldon) – Suns/hoils – lost to First.
77 (Colchester-Great Bentley/Seawick) – taken over from Panther.
102 (Colchester-Harwich) – Suns/hols – lost to First.
105/7/9 (Colchester-Walton on the Naze) – lost to Stephensons. 109 variant withdrawn.
115 (Weeley-Thorpe le Soken – schooldays only) – lost to Stephensons.
602 (Highwoods-Colchester-Great Horkesley – schooldays only) – withdrawn.

Above: Network Colchester Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300 no 904, at Walton on the Naze rail station in October 2007.

Above: DAF SB120/Wright Cadet no 3534, Colchester Bus Station, on a westbound 2C working, on 6/3/16.

Above:  DAF SB120 3534 again; this time at Crouch Street, Colchester, on a westbound 70, on 13/3/16.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 1562, on Maldon Road, Colchester – on service 75; 13/3/16.

Above; Network Colchester Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 1558, enters Maldon Road on the “old” 4 service, on 27/11/15.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Optare Versas 4198/9 (YJ58 PFY/Z), have lost their SxConnect blue livery in favour of standard Arriva colours. The SxConnect brand is being dropped.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3293 (Y293 TKJ), has moved on to Arriva The Shires at Stevenage.
Essex CC contract changes from 10/4/16:
5 (Pinnacles-Harlow) – transferred to Trustybus.
7 (Harlow-Princess Alexandra Hospital) – withdrawn.
59 (Harlow-Chelmsford – Suns/hols) – lost to First Essex.
501 (Harlow-Ongar – Suns/hols) – lost to NIBS.
Plus new 508 (Harlow-Stansted Airport) introduced commercially. This runs as 509/10 Harlow to Bishops Stortford and then via Dunmow Road, Start Hill, Takeley and Molehill Green.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Received from Arriva The Shires are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s VLA130/3/5/6 (LJ05 GME, GPY, GRF/K), VLA143 (LJ55 BTF); for use at Barking (DX) on new TfL contract 368 (Barking-Chadwell Heath). ADL/Enviro 400 T168 has moved from Ash Grove (AE) to DX.
From 30/4/16; TfL368 (Barking-Chadwell Heath) was gained from Blue Triangle on re-tender. The route is now double deck; using refurbished T Class ADL/Enviro 400s.
The Grays depot of Arriva Kent Thameside is coming under Arriva London control (qv).

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Has new Demand Responsive Essex CC contracts from 10/4/16:
5 (Sible Hedingham-Sudbury) – from Community Link.
8 (Toppesfield-Haverhill) – from Stephensons.
10 (Cornish Hall End-Braintree) – from Stephensons.
23 (Steeple Bumpstead-Braintree) – from Stephensons.
DART1 (West Uttlesford).
DART2 (East Uttlesford).
DART3 (North East Braintree).
SB21 (Fuller Street-Braintree) – from Braintree CT.
SB22 (White Colne-Braintree) – from Braintree CT.
SB23 (Tilbury Juxta Clare-Haverhill) – from Braintree CT.
SB24 (Steeple Bumpstead-Haverhill) – from Braintree CT.
SB25 (Foxearth-Sudbury) – from Braintree CT.
SB26 (Belchamp Otten-Sudbury) – from Braintree CT.
Withdrawn is Witham town service 40 (Eberneezer Close-Newland Street shuttle); which was subbed from Stephensons. It has passed to Community Link.
There is an outbase at Bradwell for some of the new services. Mercedes Sprinter YK08 WEO is the regular vehicle.

Above: Arrow Taxis Mercedes Sprinter AR60 OWS, on the 40 at Newland Street, Witham on 5/1/16.

BARKER BUS, ROYDON.
Acquired are ex Cozy of Bassingbourn Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Premiere 70 seater N885 BNA, LDV Convoy X458 CUY and Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount OAZ 5315.
Sold are Volvo B10M/Caetano 70 seater G998 OKK, and Dennis Javelin/WS school buses N982 BHE, FA54 WMW.
Setra S228 Imperial double deck coach LIG 7717 has gone for preservation.
Sold B10M/Paramount C270 FBH was still on site in mid April.
New school services from 11/4/16 are:
BB5 (Waltham Cross-Bishops Stortford).
BB6 (Cheshunt-Bishops Stortford).

BEESTONS.
Mercedes 1523L/UNVI SK07 LZD is ex Ridleys of Leamington Spa. It has been re-registered FHJ 565.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Received from London Central are ADL/Enviro 40Ds are E102/5 (LX09 EZW, FAJ), E164 (SN61 BGK), E170/3 (SN61 BGZ/E), E178/9 (SN61 BHL/O), E181-5 (SN61 BHU/U/V/W/X/Y). Transferred from Docklands Buses are E166/9 (SN61 BGU/Y), E175/6 (SN61 BHF/J). E169 had briefly gone to Docklands from Blue Triangle and then returned.
A new garage has opened in Barking. Converted from a former van maintenance depot, it is on River Road (code RR). It opened on 30/4/16, when TfL147 (Ilford-Canning Town) was gained from Stagecoach. Former London Central E Class ADL/Enviro 40Ds form the initial allocation; E102/5/64-6/70/3-9/81-5. E166/9/75/6 came via Docklands Buses. E178/9/81/4/5 moved from Rainham (BE).
River Road has capacity for up to 155 buses and 420 drivers; so there is plenty of space for future expansion.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP208 (SN56 AYC) and Scania Omnidekkas SO1-5 (BV55 UCT/U/W/X/Y), have passed to Ensign.
TfL368 (Barking-Chadwell Heath), was lost to Arriva London North, from 30/4/16 (qv).

BLUELINE, SOUTHEND.
Left hand drive MAN 24.460/Berkhof tr-axle double deck coach Y329 NWP (ex BL-FB-87) is being refurbished.

BRENTWOOD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
From 11/4/16:
Route 898 (Brentwood Hospital-Blackmore), became commercial

C2C.
On 25/4/16, the driver of a Grays to Fenchurch Street service, was taken ill when his Class 357 EMU train arrived at Barking. Regrettably, he subsequently passed away. It is believed the 56 year old, suffered a heart attack. Thoughts go out to all affected.

CARTERS, CAPEL ST MARY.
Acquired via Ensign is AEC PRV Routemaster RM2185 (CUV 185C). It had previously been with a preservationist.
From 11/4/16, services 93/94 (Ipswich-Colchester) had their terminus arrangements in Colchester changed. They now serve the whole town centre “loop”, and operate along East Hill both ways. Previously, Ipswich bound journeys had run via Magdalen Street and Brook Street.
Schools service 193 (Dedham-East Bergholt) has been moved over from the old Carters Coach Services, to a new company called Carters Heritage Buses

CCVS.
SB36 (Althorne-Maldon) – incorporated into Arrow Taxis Dart 99 service.
SB37 (Tolleshunt Knights-Tiptree) – withdrawn.

CHELMSFORD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
SB53 (Margaretting-Chelmsford) – withdrawn.

COMMUNITY LINK.
After 9/4/16, the following services passed to Arrow Taxis, as part of new DRT services in Uttlesford:
10 (Chrishall-Bishops Stortford).
17 (Little Sampford-Saffron Walden).

Above: EO16 DFE, one of Community Link’s latest Mercedes Sprinters. It was seen at Colchester on welfare duties, on 14/4/16.

CROSSRAIL.
As part of the upgrade, the stabling sidings at Shenfield are currently disconnected. There are extensive works taking place at the country end of Shenfield station.

CT PLUS.
On loan from London Hire is Mercedes Sprinter 511D/Stanford welfare bus WR58 TYY.

DE VERE CARS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
The following Essex CC contracts ceased after 9/4/16:
323 (Greenstead Green-Sudbury) – Thu only.
327 (Twinsted-Halstead) – Fri only.
329 (Pebmarsh-Halstead) – Fri only.
331 (Sible Hedingham-Sudbury) – Thu and Sat only.
They have been replaced by Demand Responsive services, operated by Arrow Taxis.

Above: De Vere Travel Optare Alero YT51 AXO (right), with Hedingham Omnibuses Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer L405, at Halstead Bus Park on 5/7/13.

EASYBUS.
Has suspended its London Waterloo to Gatwick Airport service.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPF/H.
Sister G-EZWG has received the new livery and been named ‘Barcelona’.

ENIGMA TRAVEL, COLCHESTER.
Sold is unusual Izuzu NPR/LCB minicoach R767 TKX.

ENSIGNBUS.
Joining the operational fleet are ex Arriva London Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s LJ54 BDO/V. They are nos 109/10.
In for the LOROL Barking to Gospel Oak rail replacement contract are the following buses from Ensign sales stock: Ex Empark, Edinburgh ADL/Enviro 200s 716-18 (YX60 EOR/S/T) and ex Metroline West Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbuses 796-98 (LK03 NLJ/M, LK53 FDN).
Volvo B5L/MCV Euro Seti demonstrator 900 (BF65 WHZ), has been returned to Volvo; off loan.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH open topper 393 (P493 MBY) has been sold to Alpha of Soulbury, Bucks.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
The 66A Harlow-Waltham Cross commercial service, has been renumbered 86.

ESSEX CC – COMMUNITY LINK.
Service 10 (Chrishall-Bishops Sotrtford) passed to Arrow Taxis from 9/4/16, to become part of a DART scheme.

FELIX COACHES, LONG MELFORD.
MAN11/Caetano Enigma midi coach FJ53 VDK has been offered for sale.

FIRST ESSEX.
Received from First Leicester are ADL/Enviro 400s 33504 (LK08 FLX), 33507(LK08 FKZ), 33544/5/6 (SN58 CFK/L/M), 33548/9 (SN58 CFP/U), 33551/2/3 (SN58 CFX/Y/Z),
33555(SN58 CGF), 33557/8/9 (SN58 CGK/O/U), 33561/2/3 (SN58 CGX/Y/Z), 33567/8/70/2 (SN58 CHG/H/K/O), 33573/4 (SN58 ENR/T). Allocated to Basildon (BN); they have replaced Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents 32804/9/47/9/50/5 (T804/9/47/9/50/5 LLC), 32856 (V856 HBY, 32864 (T864 KLF) and 32905 (W905 VLN). These have gone to store at Braintree (BE). Ex Leicester Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32087 (KP51 WBZ) – now at Clacton (CN) ex BN. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 42487/8 (SN03 WME, SN53 KJX) have gone from Chelmsford (CF) to Hadleigh (HH).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30902 (W757 DWX) has transferred to First Eastern Counties at Lowestoft. Sister 32652 (AU05 MUO) has lost its ‘Colchester’ branding. 32477 (AU53 HJN) is the last B7TL to retain Route 61-62 branding – (on offside only). 32481 (AU53 HJY) now has a super rear advert for workshopplay.co.uk

(Picture: A Ciobanu).
On 29/4/16, Trident/President 33184 (LR02 LZD), left the road, and ended up in a ditch at The Strood, West Mersea, while on a southbound 67 (Colchester-West Mersea) service. 3 passengers were slightly injured.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar 69421 (AU 58 FFH) has moved again; from Colchester (CR) back to Chelmsford (CF).
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65682 (YR 52 VEP) now has a led destination, ex dot matrix (front only).
Withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Marshalls 41732 (X732 HLF), 41761 (X761 HLR).
The old Harwich depot has passed to Harwich Brewery Company. The former premises at Haven Road, Colchester are now used by Velvis Automotive.
Service changes from 10/4/16 included:
1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Colchester-Greenstead – eves/Suns/hols) – all renumbered to 1A.
2 (Clacton-Mistley) – gained from Hedingham.
2 (Highwoods-Colchester)- evenings – extended to Horkesley Heath, as per daytime 2, and partially replacing 8E.
2C (Highwoods-Colchester)- Suns/hols – gained from Arriva. Renumbered 2A.
5 (Basildon-Pitsea) – eve jouneys extended from Felmores to Pitsea.
8/A (Pitsea-Basildon-Laindon0 – amended to terminate at Fenton Way, Laindon.
8E (Monkwick-Colchester-Horkesley Heath) – eves – withdrawn; replaced by an extended 2 and new route 68.
9 (Great Holland-Walton Columbine Centre) – lost to Stephensons. This ran inside the Frinton Gates.
10 – new service (Basildon Hospital-Shotgate) – M-Sat. Ex NIBS 225.
10/11/12 (Bursville-Clacton-Jaywick). No longer serves Telford Road.
14/15/A (Chelmsford-Wickford). Renumbered 13/A/14 and extended from Pickford rail station to/from The Wick.
15 (Lexden-Colchester North Station) – transferred to Hedingham as revised route.
17 (West Bergholt-Stanway School) – gained from Hedingham.
21 (Basildon-North Benfleet) – M-F peak hours contract to NIBS. Sat contract remains with First.
21/A (Black Motley-Braintree-Bocking – eves/suns/hols) – to Stephensons.
21C (Canvey-Benfleet – M-F) – withdrawn. Replaced by NIBS service.
31 (Chelmsford-Mayland) – extended to/from Southminster on Suns/hols, and renumbered to 33 at those tomes – see below.
33 – new service (Broomfield Hospital-Southminster) – Suns/hols.
36 (South Woodham Ferrers-Broomfield) – extended to/from Broomfield Hospital and Marsh Farm Park.
42/A (Chelmsford-Stansted Airport). Evening service cut back to Broomfield Hospital, but with some journeys extended to Great Waltham.
45A (Chelmer Village-Chelmsford-Oxney Green) – renumbered 48A.
46 (Chelmsford-Ongar) – to NIBS.
47 (Chelmsford-Broomfield Hospital) – revised. Extended to/from Oaklands Park, replacing part of 46.
51 (Chelmsford-Galleywood) – evening service renumbered to 51A and diverted via Heath Drive; partially replacing route 45.
54 (North Melbourne-Chelmsford-Beaulieu Park) – to commercial, ex ECC contracted.
59 (Chelmsford-Harlow) – gained from Arriva. No longer serves Roxwell.
92 (Colchester-Tollesbury – Sats only) – to Hedingham.
63 (Berechurch-Colchester-Tufnell Way) – transferred to Hedingham, as revised route. B7RLE 69429 worked the last First journey on 9th April.
66 (Rowhedge-Colchester) Suns/hols – gained from Arriva. Sun/hol operations split into two sections; North Station-Rowhedge (hourly) and West Berghold-Colchester 92 hourly).
66A (Old Heath-Colchester-West Bergholt). Renumbered to 66B.
67B (West Mersea-West Bergholt) – Suns/hols – gained from Arriva. Extended in West Mersea from High Street to Coast Road, and in Colchester North Station to Leisure Centre (Mason Road).
68 (Highwoods-West Mersea) – new service – M-Sat eves only. Partly replaces 8E.
70 (Colchester-Braintree) Suns/hols – gained from Arriva. Extended west to Chelmsford, and in Colchester to Leisure Centre (Mason Road). Operated by Braintree (BE).
71C (Colchester-Chelmsford) – eves – renumbered 71A. Operation transferred from Colchester (CR) to Chelmsford (CF). Last bus from Colchester, extended from Kelvedon to Witham.
73 (Bishops Hall Estate-Brentwood-Warley) – renumbered to 37.
73 (Chelmsford-Maldon). One journey renumbered to 73A and operated via Chelmer Village Way.
74B (Clacton-Colchester)- eves/Suns/hols; terminates at Colchester Bus Station and no longer serves North Station.
75 (Colchester-Maldon) Suns/hols – gained from Arriva. Maldon terminus moved from leisure centre to Masefield Road.
76 (Clacton-Colchester) – Suns/hols. Terminates at Colchester Bus Station rather than Head Street. Last eastbound journey renumbered 100, to operated Colchester-Weeley, and onto Thorpe Le Soken by request.
83/A (Colchester-Mount Bures/Colne Engaine) – transferred to Hedingham as revised route.
88 (Colchester-Halstead) – M-Sat eves (2 rounders) – from Hedingham. No longer serves Colchester North Station.
88C (Colchester-Aldham) – replaced by Hedingham 83B.
92 (Colchester-Tollesbury) – Saturday only Essex CC journeys ceased.
94/A/B – new service – (Basildon-South Woodham – M-Sat). Replaced Amber 37 and NIBS 237.
94C – new service. (South Woodham Town Service) – Sun/hols.
100 – new service. (Clacton-Walton) – eves only, daily.
101 (Billericay-Basildon Hospital) – withdrawn.
102 (Colchester-Harwich) – gained from Arriva. Revised to serve Parkeston Village. First and last buses runs via 106 “direct” Colchester-Harwich route.
104 (Colchester-Harwich) – M-Sat eve journeys only – renumbered 102 and runs as Sun/hol 102 route.
106 (Colchester-Harwich “direct”0 – reinstated, but on Sun/hols only, as positioning journeys for 102.
140 (Basildon-Chelmsford) – Suns/hols – withdrawn.
175 (Colchester-Fingringhoe). Now a circular, with the clockwise being 174 and anticlockwise 175. Greatly improved frequency M-Sat.
251 (Suns/hols) – revised to run as Warley-Wickford, with section to Southend withdrawn.
256 (Basildon-Billericay Bluebell Wood – M-Sat) – to NIBS.
275 (Rowhedge-Thomas Lord Audley School – schooldays only) – withdrawn – replaced by new Hedingham service 19.
352 (Chelmsford-Halstead). On Suns/hols revised in Chelmsford to start/finish at Broomfield Hospital rather than bus station.
SB52 (Ramsden Heath-Billericay) – to NIBS.

Above: Wright Streetlite no 63339 at Colchester Bus Station, on a Sunday working of town service 1A, on 6/3/16.

Above: First Essex Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar no 69429 on route 63, at St Johns Street, Colchester on 18/2/16.

Above: On 1/4/16; the penultimate day of First Essex operation; Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32476 unusually appeared on 83/A, and is pictured heading into Colchester along Lexden Road.

Above: The old First Essex Harwich depot, on 24/4/16.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
New is SS16 GAL, a Bova Futura 2 – in Leger Holidays Silver Service livery.
Sold is Dennis Javelin/Caetano IIW 372; it went to MC Tractors of Ramsey for scrap. Volvo B10B/Alexander PS UNZ 7507 ex M755 RAX is now with Douglas of Whitburn.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
As mentioned in the editorial; this company is to be acquired by Eastern Transport Holdings (ETH), who also own Stephensons of Essex.

Above: Van Hool TX YJ13 GWG, in the new Galloway colours; at Newbury Park in April 2016, on Abellio Greater Anglia RRP to/from Ingatestone.

Above: Galloway runs some National Express contracts; including the 250 Ipswich-Colchester-Stansted-Heathrow service. Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante is seen at Southway, Colchester in October 2011; not long after the 250 was launched.

Above; Representing Galloway’s service bus fleet is VDL200/MCV Evolution YJ60 GDO; at Ipswich Rail Station on 30/10/15.

GARDNER COACHES, CHELMSFORD.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas P120 KNO is sold.

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
FX03 FMU is a Kia Carnival crew ferry.

GOLDLINE, LEYTONSTONE..
New is Mercedes Tourismo BU16 HBY.
Mercedes 0816/UNVI midicoach PO12 CZT is now with White of St Albans.

GREEN, WALTHANSTOW.
Temsa MD9 YJ16 EHT is now with Harry Flying of Bermondsey.

HAILSTONE TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
Mercedes 1524L/UNVI YN09 BXU ‘Monsoon’, has passed to Taylor, Isleham (dealer).

HARWICH CONNEXIONS.
SB62 (Ramsey-Manningtree) – withdrawn.

HEDINGHAM.

Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 84 (M276 UKN), has returned to service at Tollesbury (TY) and Kelvedon (KN). It is pictured at Kelvedon depot on 20/4/16.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 740 (V161 MEV) has returned to Anglian Bus.
Dennis Trident/EL Lolynes 701/2 (T801/2 RFG) have moved from TY to Sible Hedingham (HD), along with school routes 22/D (Chappel/Great Tey-Stanway).
Withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 281 (V250 BNV), 284 (W792 VMV);
Volvo B10BLE/Wright 485 (R232 HCD) and Dennis Trident/EL Lolynes 714 (T814 RFG), 730 (W83 NNJ) were still present at Clacton (CN) depot at the end of April. 485 was accident damaged and 730 had been stripped of parts.
A “new” engineers van is Ford Transit EX08 LFF at Clacton.
The following Essex CC contracts were gained from 10/4/16:
15 (Lexden-Marks Tey Rail Station) M-F peaks only – from First Essex, as revised route.
19 (Rowhedge-Thomas Lord Audley Academy)- schooldays only. Previously route 275 with First Essex.
50B (Great Wigborough-Colchester). Mons only. Partly replaced Stephensons 176.
63/A (Berechurch-Colchester Leisure Centre/North Station) – from First Essex. Route revised. Albert Roundabout to Tufnell Way section of 63, replaced by Arriva service 77.
69/A (East Mersea-Colchester) – Tue only – partially replaced Stephensons 176.
79 (Tiptree-Messing-Colchester) – new service. Fridays only.
82/A/B (Colchester-Colne Engaine) – replaced First 83A.
83/A/B (Colchester-Mount Bures) – replaced First 83, and CCVS SB32 (Eight Ash Green-Tollgate).
84B (Little Horkesley-Colchester) – new service, Thu only.
85 (Hardys Green-Colchester) – new service, Wed only. Was CCVS SB31 (Layer Breton-Colchester).
92 (Tollesbury-Colchester) – Sat ECC journeys – gained from First Essex. Hedingham already runs 92 commercially Mon to Fri.
Many of the above are worked from Clacton (CN). 83/A/B + 15 worked by CN and HD.
50B, 69/A, 79, 84B, 85, and 92 (Sats only), operate from Tollesbury (TY).
On Sats, 63/A are worked by TY, and the 82/83 group from HD.
Lost from 10/4/16 were:
2 (Clacton-Mistley)- to First Essex.
11 (Highwoods-Colchester North Station)- M-F peaks only – to Arriva.
16 (Wethersfield-Chelmsford) – to Stephensons.
17 (West Bergholt-Stanway School)- schooldays only – to First Essex.
88 (M-Sat eves) (Colchester-Halstead) – to First Essex. Daytime commercial journeys unaffected.
88B (Colchester-Little Tey) – replaced by 82/A,83/B.
Retained were:
16/A (Old Heath-St Helena School, Colchester)- schooldays only.
50/A (Colchester-Layer De La Haye/Tollesbury).
92A (Tollesbury-Colchester) – but some contracted journeys renumbered to 50A.
95A (Tollesbury-Maldon Plume School)- schooldays only.

Above: Hedingham Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer L326, on the original 15 service, in April 2008. It was pictured at Cymbeline Way, Colchester.

Above: Scania Omnidekka no 1519 calls at Colchester Bus Station, on a southbound 63, on 18/4/16.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 254 at Colchester Bus Station, on a “outbound” 83 journey, on 18/4/16.

JOHN JAMES LUXURY TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.

YN13 GXP is a Volvo B13R/Plaxton Elite tri-axle; acquired from Logan of Dunloy, Northern Ireland.

KB COACHES, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/VH YOI 7353 has passed to Harrington, a Knypersly, Staffordshire based dealer.
Also sold is VW LT31/Robin Hood welfare bus C541 VHO.

KEANE TRAVEL, MUCKINGFORD.
Neoplan Starliner N316SHD YN04 AUX is ex Johnsons of Worksop.
MAN13.220/Marcopolo KIG 1262 has been re-registered back to its original V311 EAL mark.It was seen (below) at Marks Tey Racecourse on 14/4/16.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
Bova Futura KC08 ABC has passed to Moseley, South Elmsall (dealer).

KIRBYS OF RAYLEIGH.
From Redwing of Camberwell are Mercedes Tourimos BJ59 OJD/F.

KLARNERS, COLCHESTER.
BGZ 5867 is a Mercedes Sprinter 515/KVC minicoach, ex Richmond of Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Sold are Volvo Olympian/NCs P557 EFL and R233 AEY, to Lawton of Stickney, Lincolnshire.
From 11/4/16, former Essex CC 319 (High Roding-Bishops Stortford), went over to commercial operation.

Above: Ex Lodge MAN14/EL FY52 PMV is seen in its new guise with Gordon Springate Transport Training, at the Detling Rally at Kent County Showground on 2/4/16. (D W Rhodes).

LONDON CENTRAL.
Sold to Ensign are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DWL16 (BX04 BXN), DWL17 (FJ54 ZDR); Dennis Dart SLF/MCVs ED5, 8 (AE06 HCG/K).

LONDON OVERGROUND – LOROL.
Arriva DB has won the new concession contract; from November 2016. Previously, this had been a joint Arriva-MTR venture.
EMUs 321413/4 have gone to Scotrail, as 320413/4; after reduction from 4 to 3 cars.

Above: LOROL ‘Electrostar’ EMU 378234 at Kew Gardens on 12/4/15; on a Stratford-Richmond service. It was still 4 car at the time; all LOROL ‘378s are now 5 car.

LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED.
New S7 Stock units are 21532/24, 21525/26, 21535/36, 21551/2.
D78 Stock withdrawals for this month:
7000+17000+8000; 7022+17022+8022; 7028+17028+8028; 7038+17038+8038; 7051+17051+8051; 7093+17093+8093; 7099+17099+8099; 7111+17111+8111.
Disposals are of:
VivaRail: 7000+17000; 7022/8/38/51/93/9/111.
Booth Roe for scrap: 17022/8/38/51/93/9/111; 8000/22/8/38/51/93/9/111.

Above: On 28/9/15, D78 7022 was on the rear of an Ealing Broadway to Dagenham East service at Monument.

MULLEYS, IXWORTH.
Acquisitions are of ex Tates of Barnsley Scania Omnicity YN04 GMU, and ex New Bharat of Southall Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther BC09 NBC.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.

Above: Selwyns operated Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante BD65 JFA, departs Colchester on 15/4/16; on a coastal bound 370 (Runcorn-Clacton) working. This was previously route 305 and before that 350; both of which had been Liverpool to Clacton.

Below: National Express Operations new Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante no SH207, shows its rear steer to good advatage, as it reverses off a bay at Stansted Airport Coach Station on 16/4/16.

Route A6 (Stansted-Golders Green-Victoria) has been revised to call at Paddington and terminate at Marble Arch. A new link is A7 (Stansted-Waterloo-Victoria).
London United operated service A30/A31 (Stansted-London Victoria/Stratford) have ceased.
The former Galloway NX outstation at Clacton, in the old Appleby’s removals yard at Stephenson Road, has been redeveloped as industrial units. In the distant past, this location has also been used by Midi Hire. Galloway vacated the site in 2012, while Midi Hire ceased trading in 1999.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Acquired are Scania Omiexpresses YP10 VZB/C. They had previously been with Skills of Nottingham and Applebys of Conisholm.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Acquired are Wright Streetlites 11 (MX11 CZR) – ex Eastwood, St Ives, Cornwall; and 61 (MX61 BCE) – from Astons of Worcester. Both are plain white, and came via Mistral Rentals. they are for new contracts.
From 10/4/16, NIBS gained the following Essex CC contracts.
14 – new route. (Wickford-The Wick) – M to F peaks.
21 (Bocking-Braintree-Black Notley) – Suns/hols only – gained from First Essex.
21 (Basildon-North Benfleet). Peak journeys gained from First Essex. NIBS already runs rest of contract.
21C (Canvey-Haleigh) – M-F. Gained from First Essex.
46 (Chelmsford-Onger) – gained from First Essex.
46A – new route. (Epping Circular via Grinstead Green – Mon only).
46B – new route. (Epping-Marching Gree – Mon only). Replaced SB06.
46C – new route. (Ongar Circular via Abbess Roding – Tue and Sat).
46D – new route. (Ongar-Abridge-Epping – Wed and Fri).
46E – new route. (Ongar-North Weald-Epping – Wed and Fri).
46F – new route. (Ongar-Stanford Rivers – Thu). Partly replaced SB05.
63 – new route. (Rayleigh Weir-Landwick – Wed and Fri). Replaced Wyvern CT SB72/A.
256/7 (Basildon/Ramsden Heath-Billericay Bluebell Wood – Tue, Thu and Sat. Gained from First Essex.
501 (Harlow-Ongar – Suns/hols) – gained from Arriva.
From 10/4/16, NIBS lost the following Essex CC contracts:
221 (Wickford-Brock Hill Circular) – withdrawn. Replaced by First Essex 13/14/94A.
222 (Billericay-Wickford) – to Amber.
225 (Wickford-Shotgate Circular) – to First Essex.
237 (Basildon-Wickford-South Woodham Ferrers).
221/2/5 were incorporated into new Amber Coaches operated service 12 (Billericay-Wickford).

Above: NIBS Scania Omnidekka EU05 ECV, blinded for service 222. Pictured at the Canvey Transport Museum Gathering of October 2005.

PANTHER.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer VU02 TTZ is now DC02 PAN and named ‘Eeorye’.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer BIG 9248, has reverted to its original reg mark of W339 VGX; prior to sale. Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima BIG 6002 has been offered for sale.
From 10/4/16; Essex CC route 247 (Colchester-Dedham) was gained from Stephensons, along with the Boxted-Colchester section of the old Stephensons service 80. They have become the following new routes; 80A (Colchester-Dedham) and 81/A (Colchester-Manningtree) – both are Mon to Sat.
From the same date, school days only 103 (Ramsey-Harwich) additionally served Parkeston Village and was renumbered to 118, while 30 (Beckers Green-Braintree-Marks Farm) passed to Stephensons, and 77A (Colchester-Great Bentley/Seawick) to Arriva Network Colchester.
Other traffic changes at this time saw:
119A (Point Clear-Brightlingsea – schooldays only) – withdrawn.
314 (Great Dunmow-Braintree – Wed and Sat) – withdrawn. Replaced by Arrow Taxis East Uttlesford DRT service.
315 (Stebbing Green-Great Dunmow – Thu only) – withdrawn. Replaced by Arrow Taxis East Uttlesford DRT service.
446 (Manuden-Saffron Walden – schooldays only) – gained from Arriva, having previously been subcontracted.
446B (Clavering-Newport – schooldays only) – gained from Arriva.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer BIG 9856, departs Norman Way, Colchester on 9/3/16 – on the schooldays only extension of route 77. The usual Colchester terminus is Tufnell Way.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN, departs Colchester Bus Station for Tuffnell Way on 14/3/16.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
The old Mile End sand yard has disappeared under a new housing development.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
From 11/4/16, Essex CC route 322 (Old Harlow-Saffron Walden) ceased to serve Great Hallingbury.

Above: Regal Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KP02 PVD, loads at Duke Street, Chelmsford, on a Writtle bound 45 on 26/6/15. This is an Essex CC evening/Sun/hol contract.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 615, departs Harlow Town railway station, on 17/4/16. Regal runs Harlow local services on Sundays and public holidays, but these Essex CC contracts are due for renewal in April 2017. Arriva operates these routes commercially at other times.

RICHARDS TRAVEL, GREAT BADDOW.
VH T917 YJ06 LGC is now with Middlestons of Tamworth.

RICHMOND, BARLEY.
New VH TX16 integral coaches are 729 KTO, 892 LTV and YJ16 ENL.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
Bova Futura YJ08 VPC is now V22 ROM. It is the Colchester United FC team coach.
The CUFC contract had previously been with The Kings Ferry of Gillingham, Kent.

RYANAIR.
New Boeing 737-8AS are EI-FRD/E/F/G/H/I/J/K.

SJH TRAVEL, CANVEY.
N548 SJF is a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere – ex Reynolds of St Albans.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Further new ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs are 10320-25 (SN16 0KA-H), 10339-47 (SN16 OKX/Z, OLB/C/G/H/J/K/O). They are for Barking (BK) and Romford North Street (NS), to replace Tridents. These (and previously delivered 10308-19/26-38) are the first 16 plate buses in the east London area.
Further Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400ALX400s returned off hire from Tower Transit are 18238/9 (LX04 FYE/F), 18241/2 (LX04 FYH/J), 18244/5 (LX04 FYL/M), 18247-50/2/3/6 (LX04 FYP/R/S/T/V/W, FZA).
The latest overall adverts are: ADL/Enviro 40D 19741 (LX11 BBJ) – Homesense; New Routemasters LT248 (LTZ 1248) – Visit Switzerland, LT267 (LTZ 1267) – Kettle B, LT270, 367 (LTZ 1270/388) – Viva Glam, LT376 (LTZ 1376) – Pizza Express, L381 (LTZ 1381) – Burberry Fragrances.
Meanwhile, Trident 17807 (LK03 BXB) is now overall blue. Tridents 18201/2 (LX04 FWL/M) have moved from West Ham (WH) to Barking. 17870/4 (LX03 NFR/Y) are withdrawn.
Internal movements of ADL/Enviro 40Ds are 17934 (LX11 AZZ) from Romford North Street (NS) to Rainham (RM); 19768-72 (LX11 BFJ-N), 19804/5 (LX11 BJJ/K) from BK to NS. Optare Vesas 25301/2 (LX58 CHF/G) are now driver trainers at WH.
Transferred to Selkent are Tridents 17564 (LV52 HDX), 17857 (LX03 NFA).
From 30/4/16, TfL62 (Barking Gascoigne Estate-Marks Gate), became 100% double deck. 296 (Ilford-Romford) and 396 (Ilford-Goodmayes Hospital) remain mixed ‘decker and saloon. From the same date, TfL147 (Ilford-Canning Town) passed to Blue Triangle (qv).
Legal lettering now reads Stagecoach London, but with Stephenson Street, Canning Town still the headquarters address.

Above: One of the Scania Omnicities sold to New Adventure Travel of Cardiff, through Ensign; former no 15159 was pictured at Newport, Gwent on 16/4/16. (M Flynn).

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.

Above: Volvo Olympian no 830 at Feering on 21/4/16; en route to Colchester to take up an afternoon school service.

Acquired via Ensign are ex Blue Triangle Scania Omnidekkas BV55 UCT/W.
Clipper 61 branded Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 417 (EU07 FRN) was at Boreham and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RHs 830/1 (N959/60 FKK), were working from Maldon in mid to late April. There has also been an increase in double deckers appearing on the 38/A Witham-Braintree-Halstead ‘Three Rivers’ services. SLF/Mini Pointer 414 (EU03 CFY) is now with the Suffolk fleet at Haverhill.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 827 (N827 FKK) is on loan to Galloway of Mendlesham, following the acquisition of that operator by ETH, Stephenson’s holding company.
With the traffic developments listed below, the outstation allocation at Clacton has grown. At late April, it was ADL/Enviro 200s 422/3 (EU60 CAV, EU64 CVT), 464/5 (EU62 FDF, FBO); Scania Omnicity ‘decker 506  (YN07 LHD) and Scania Omnidekka 637 (YN55 NJE). The location has moved from John Canham Recovery’s main premises, to a sub yard across Telford Road. This has been fenced and levelled. The site is shared with Beestons and Panther Travel. Various lorries are parked at the rear of the compound; which are maintained by Canham’s.
Service changes from 10/4/16:
1 (Ashen-Sudbury) – Thursdays only – withdrawn – replaced by Arrow Taxis community bus.
3 (Colchester-Hythe) – replaced by new, extended Arriva route 4.
8 (Toppesfield-Haverhill) – withdrawn – replaced by Arrow Taxis community bus.
9 (Great Holland-Walton Columbine Centre – gained from First Essex. This operates inside the Frinton Gates – the only scheduled bus route to do so.
9/10 (Great Notley-Braintree-Great Bardfield) – service 10 journeys renumbered 9A.
10 (Canewdon/Lower Hockley-Southend) – withdrawn – replaced by new NIBS 63 service.
10 (Cornish Hall End-Braintre) – Wednesdays only – withdrawn – replaced by Arrow Taxis community bus.
16 (Wethersfield-Chelmsford) – taken over from Hedingham.
18 (Haverhill-Saffron Walden) – renumbered 60. Extended to/from Haverhill Sainsburys and Audley End rail station, respectively.
21 (Bocking-Great Notley – M-Sat eves) – gained from First Essex.
23 (Braintree-Steeple Bumpstead) – Wednesdays only – withdrawn – replaced by Arrow Taxis community bus.
30 (Beckers Green-Braintree-Marks Farm) – taken over from Panther.
40 (Witham-Eberneezer Close) – subbed to Arrow Taxis – to Community Link.
59 (Haverhill-Saffron Walden/Clavering)- revised; especially west of Saffron Walden.
60/A (Southend-Canewdon) – revised, with more buses to Paglesham and some extended to Wallasea.
80 (Boxted-Colchester-Fordham) – withdrawn. Replaced partly by Panther 81 and partly by Hedingham 82.
89B/X (Hedingham-Haverhill) – withdrawn – replaced by Arrow Taxis community bus.
101 (Point Clear-Brightlingsea Colne College) – ex New Horizon 119A.
105/7 (Colchester-Walton) – gained from Arriva. Operated from Clacton outstation.
115 (Weeley-Thorpe Le Soken) – schooldays only – gained from Arriva Network Colchester. Worked from Clacton outstation.
176 (East Mersea-Colchester) – Mon only – withdrawn. Replaced by Hedingham routes 50B and 69/A.
247 (Colchester-Dedham) – replaced by Panther 80/81. As a result, Ipswich outstation has closed.
312 (Great Dunmow-Saffron Walden) – renumbered 313A.

Above: Scania Omnidekka no 643 at Crouch Street, Colchester, on service 80 on 18/3/16.

Above: Scania Omnidekka no 641 at Norman Way, Colchester on 14/12/15; awaiting departure on an “inbound” 176 journey. ADL/Enviro 200 no 427 (left) is laying over between 247 duties.

Above: Stephensons gained route 301 (Saffron Walden-Bishops Stortford), from Arriva, at the end of March 2016; as reported in March ‘Busmopolitan’. This view on 23rd April, shows Optare Solo no 326, departing Ugley, on a southbound journey.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Ford Transit DV52 AFA has come from Five Sevens Taxis, Colchester.
A clearout has seen the sale of the following:
Leyland Tiger/WS schoolbus LUI 9954; short Dennis Javelin/WS TJI 4147; Toyota Optima R687 ACL; Iveco 40C/Mellor welfare bus EO52 EEH.

TRANS VOL, GRAYS.
From 21/4/16, Essex CC 265 (West Horndon-Grays) ceased.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Further ex Metrobus Scania Omnicities here are YN53 RXO/V.
Re-registrations are of Scania Omnilink/EL Mylleniums YR52 VFH/M to NNZ 7336 and HXZ 9926 respectively. NNZ is now in fleet livery
Optare Solo UNZ 8067 ex V679 FEL is now a crew ferry.
Omnicity YN53 RXF remains out of use; having been acquired in Autumn 2015.
Withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s Y239/43/53 FJN and Dennis Trident/Plaxton President LK03 GKC.
Service changes from 10/4/16:
5 (Harlow-Pinnacles Circular) – M to Sat – gained from Arriva.
245/7/8 (Cheshunt station-Cuffley station) – withdrawn.
246 (Waltham Cross-Brookfield Centre) – withdrawn.
392/3 (Harlow-Rye Park). All journeys renumbered to 392.
418 – new commercial service – (Harlow-Epping-Loughton-Ongar). Daily; replaced 419/20, 541.
419/420 (Harlow-Ongar) – commercial routes withdrawn.
541 (Harlow-Loughton) – commercial route withdrawn. Replaced by new route 418
542/3 (Debden-Loughton Circulars) – to other operator. 543 renumbered 542A.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Scania K340/Irizar PB SN57 BKD is now here; ex Astons of Worcester.
Bova Futura DD05 DON reverted back to its original SK05 YKK mark, before becoming LSU 113.
Sold are Dennis Dart/EL 2000 M462 LLJ and Leyland Olympian G293 UYK. The Olympian went to the Red Lion Pub, Coltishall.

UNO.
Acident damaged Scania N230UD/Olympus SDM206 (PN08 SVZ) passed to Autocar, Five Oak Green for spares or repair.

UTTLESFORD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
The following routes were transferred to the new West Uttlesford DRT scheme, under Arrow Taxis, from 11/4/16:
SB12 (Farnham-Bishops Stortford).
SB13 (Saffron Walden-Chrishall).
SB14 (Clavering-Bishops Stortford).
Meanwhile, SB15 (Great Canford-Bishops Stortford) ceased without replacement.

VICEROY, SAFFRON WALDEN.
from 11/4/16, Essex CC services 62 (Elmdon-Bishops Stortford) and SB443 (Saffron Walden-Chrishall), passed to Arrow Taxis, as part of the new West Uttlesford DRT scheme.

WICKS, BRAINTREE.
Bova Magique WA09 HTT is now with Silver Choice, East Kilbride, Scotland.

WYVERN COMMUNITY TRANSPORT, ROCHFORD.
Traffic changes from 11/4/16:
Route SB71 in Hadleigh (Waggon and Horses-Ormond Avenue) – withdrawn.
SB72 (Rayleigh-Landwick). Transferred to NIBS as conventional bus service 72A; Wed and Fri only.

With thanks to: D Arnold, M Buckley, A Ciobanu, L Cornwell, P Dickson, EBN, EDP, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, Hedingham Omnibuses, RE, R McGregor, Panther Travel, D W Rhodes; M Rudelhof, J Sadd, S Spencer, M Stokes, G Toon.

Homesense.O

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the March, 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.
This month sees the new 16 registration mark; with Anitas of Stansted being first off the mark, amongst Essex and District bus/coach operators; quickly followed by Ipswich Buses.
Meanwhile Arriva has retrenched its activity in Uttlesford District; with the passing of the B Stortford-Saffron Walden service to Stephensons. Arriva Harlow now only reaches Stansted Airport in Uttlesford, with its main area being the “M11 Corridor”, of Bishops Stortford/Sawbridgeworth, Harlow and Epping Forest. In Colchester, Arriva has has several interesting vehicles on loan.
And Ensignbus has been putting a Volvo B5TL/MCV demonstrator through its paces.
On the railway; ONE liveried stock is now getting a rarity at Abellio Greater Anglia, while the surplus DRS Class 47 diesel locomotives are finding buyers.
Finally thoughts go out to all affected by the terrorist attacks on the Brussels public transport system on 22nd March.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
Loaned Class 321 EMU 321417 has gone to Scotrail, and converted to 3 car formation – as 320417.
Class 90 electric Locomotive 90007 has received the new AGA livery; meaning none of the type remain in the old ONE colours. 90003/8 retain National Express white/silver at the time of writing. The last DVT in ONE “hues”, 82127 has also now appeared in AGA white. Mk III carriages into the new colours are FOs 10402, 11101; TSOs 12032/107/11/51/66.
The NC64 ‘Pretendalino’ set was powered by blue Class 90 90034 in late February/early March.

Above: 90008, in full National Express colours, calls at Ipswich in December 2008; on a Norwich to London service.

Above; 82127 heads an all ONE liveried rake through Kelvedon on 13/3/15; on the 0830 Liverpool Street to Norwich.

ADVANCE MINIBUSES, SOUTHEND.
Mercedes 614D/ACI V922 PDV has passed to Midlands Trade Centre, Birmingham (dealer).
Ford Tourneo EN10 AXB is a crew ferry cum fleet vehicle.

ANGLIA RAILWAYS.
Former fleet member 86235, a Class 86 electric locomotive, has passed to Bulmarket, Bulgaria

ANITAS, STANSTED.

VV16 ERN is a new Mercedes 0816/UNVI Voyager midi coach – pictured above. AC16 ERN is a new Mercedes Tourismo.
The oldest coach is now Volvo B10M/Caetano Enigma RY51 FRN. This has been relegated to “Reserve” status, and is mainly used on schools.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
From Renfrewshire Council, Scotland is Ford Transit 11 seater SK04 VYS. It has been re-registered PT04 APT, and is often used as a crew ferry.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
On loan from Arriva Kent and Surrey are ex Arriva London DAF DB250L/Alexander ALX400 6234 (Y467 UGC), ex Arriva Midlands DAF DB250LF/EL 6253 (FE51 WSU) and former Arriva Medway Towns Volvo B7TL/ALX400 6428 (GN04 UEV). 6234 only stayed at Colchester briefly. From Arriva The Shires are “short” Dennis Dart/Alexander ALX200s 3331 (W462 XKX), 3333 (W465 XKX).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3415 (SN54 HXB) has returned here from Harlow.
Following crew ferry use, Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 3407/89 (HX51 LRJ/K/L) have been withdrawn and dispatched to Southend for storage.

Above: DAF DB250LF/EL no 6253 at Colchester Bus Station on 23/3/16.

Above: Volvo B7TL/ALX400 no 6428 enters Maldon Road, Colchester; from Southway on 26/3/16.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3815 is on loan from Southend.
From 29/3/16, service 301 (Bishops Stortford-Saffron Walden) passed to Stephensons. Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 no 3335, is pictured (below) at Audley End, on the last day of Arriva operation.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3500 (KE51 PTY), has returned from Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone, and returned to the revenue fleet at Southend. Previously it was planned for it to become a driver trainer.

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Mercedes Sprinter 511 welfare bus DK58 CYH is ex London Borough of Hackney.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Sold via ebay are BMC 850 BX55 NYB; Dennis Dart SLF/EL R482 NPR; Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas BAZ 7912; LDV Convoy X956 BNE; Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount C270 FBH; B10M/Caetano Algarve G998 OKA and Setra S250 NIJ 7571.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther FJ55 XBC was on loan from Red Route of Northfleet, for rail replacement.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2s WVL468-80 (LJ61 NWX, LJ12 CHC, LJ61 NWZ, NXA/B/C/D/E/F, NWL/M/N/O) have been received from London General, for a pvr increase on East London Transit EL1, EL2.
Scania Omnidekka 944 (YN56 FDZ) has come from Docklands Bus, while ADL/Enviro 40D E179 (SN61 BHO) has returned to London Central. 944 quickly passed to Ensign; along with Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL151 (X551 EGK). PVL151 had latterly been stored at Belvedere.

BRITISH AIRWAYS.

‘BA’ serves London City Airport as ‘Cityflyer’.  Embraer 100 series G-LCYP was on final approach, when pictured on 5/4/15.

C2C.
Further Elecrostar EMUs converted from 357/2 to 357/3 specification are 357313/9, ex 357213/9.
On 29/3/16, a car was abandoned in the line near Pitsea station. Then police were called to a “suicidal” man on the roof of Basildon Hospital. Both incidents were connected.

CARTERS, CAPEL ST MARY.
From Reading Buses is Dennis Trident/Plaxton President W553 RSG.
All Leyland Olympian G727 XDL has gone for preservation in its native Dorset, and restored to full Damory livery. It was seen (below) at the Ipswich Bus Rally on 20th March, by Simon Austin.

CHAMBERS.
Now in the new livery is ADL/Enviro 200 261 (EY57 FZE).

CHARIOTS, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Bova Futura PIJ 9274 is now K10 FCL.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
LDV Convoy ML02 NLY is ex Chariots of Stanford Le Hope.
MCW Metrobus C374 BUV is withdrawn.

CT PLUS.
A new fleet numbering scheme is being introduced.
Four digit numerical blocks are replacing the old alpha numerical class code system.
On order are 21 ADL/Enviro40H Citybuses – 2501-21; for TfL26.

DBS.
Accident damaged Class 66 diesel electric loco 66048 has been resold via Booth, Rotherham (dealer); to Electromotive Diesel Services, Longport, Stoke on Trent.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Scania Omnidekka SO4 (BV55 UCX) has passed to Ensign.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
New is Scania/Irizar i6 DH15 DON.
Bova Futura DT05 DON has been re-registered YJ05 XWP and sold to Flagfinders (qv).

DRS.
Class 47 diesel electric locos sold are:
47810/18 – to Arlington, Eastleigh.
47813 – to Locomotive Services Ltd.
47828 – for preservation.

EASYJET.
Airbus A319-111 G-EZNM is ex the Swiss fleet, where it was HB-JZU.

ENSIGNBUS.
All white Volvo B5TL/MCV Evo Seti demonstrator BF65 WHZ has been on loan, with fleet no 900. It is pictured (below) at Newbury Park on 28/3/16, on TfL RRP.

Above: Ensign loaned Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LJ04 LDA, from its sales stock to Chalkwell of Sittingbourne. The former Arriva London South vehicle was seen at Chatham Maritime on 25/2/16. (D W Rhodes).

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.

PN03 ULY is an ex CT Plus Dennis Trident/Plaxton President. It is seen (above), at Newbury Park on 27/3/16;working a TfL RRP to/from Shenfield.

EUROPHOENIX.
Class 86 electric locomotive 86701 is on loan to Adtranz at Ilford, for carriage pre-heating.

EUROSTAR.
On 22/3/16, services from London St Pancras International to Brussels were suspended, due to bombings in the Belgian capital.

EXCALIBUR, PECKHAM.
Ex Terravision contract Volvo B11R/Sunsundegui tri axles BL14 LSU/V/X hav e passed to AP Travel, Cowbridge, Wales.

EXECUTIVE MINIBUSES, AVELEY.
Mercedes 0816D/Plaxton Cheetah EM07 BUS, has passed to Parnell, Honiton, Devon (dealer).

FELIX, LONG MELFORD.
Mb Sprinter 413 MX55 MYA has been offered for sale.

FIRST ESSEX.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 32477/8 (AU53 HJN/O), have partially lost their 61-62 route branding. Sister 30903 (W758 DWX) is delicensed due to collision damage; while 32476/84 (AU53 HJK, HKB) are now in Refreshed livery.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66829 (MX05 CFG), has a super rear advert for Essex Fire and Rescue.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43483 (R683 DPW) is reinstated, for use as a crew ferry at Colchester (CR). Sister 43480 (R680 DPW) has become a driver trainer, following staff bus use at Chelmsford (CF).

Above: Dart SLF 43483 towards the end of its revenue earning career; at Head Street, Colchester on 22/10/15.

Formerly operated Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30889 (W744 DWX), latterly with First Eastern Counties at Lowestoft; is withdrawn after it was damaged in an accident at Wrentham, while running light on a Bernard Matthews works service.

FLAGFINDERS.

Bova Futura YJ05 XWP has been acquired from Dons of Dunmow, and re-registered GB05 FLG. It is pictured (above), on 27/3/15 – at Witham; on AGA RRP.

FLYBE.

This Exeter based carrier, has bases across the UK and a fleet of 76 aircraft. Their routes serve London City, Southend and Stansted Airports, in the area covered by ‘Busmopolitan’. Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 G-FLBE was seen on “finals” to London City on 5th April 2015.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Sold to Moseley PCV, South Elmsall are Ayatts Bravo WX05 NFY ex PSU 316 and Bova Magique WA09 HTO. WX05 NFY is now black.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
New are VH TX16s 355/6 (YJ16 EPP/V).
Sold to Arriva, Gomersal (dealer)are VH T916s 296/7 (YJ11 GGV/X).

GREEN, WALTHAMSTOW.
New are Temsa MD9 midicoach YJ16 EHS and Temsa Safaris YJ16 EHW/X.

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
Offered for sale is Scania K340EB4/Irizar YN07 LJE.
Y92 CPA is a Renault Kangoo crew ferry van.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
New are Irizar i6s 428 (XO16 BOY) – ‘Master Sean’ and 432 (WO16 BOY) – ‘Master Pierce’; plus Mercedes Sprinter 516/EVMs GG16 BOY and HH16 BOY.
Sold are Volvo B12B/VHs 419 (OO03 BOY), 418 (XO02 BOY), 432 (OO57 BOY). 432 passed to Hollinshead of Biddulph, Staffordshire.

GOLDLINE, LEYTONSTONE.
New are Mercedes 1021A integral midi coach YN16 BMY and Irizar i6 YT16 FTY.
There is also a depot at Forest Gate, by the railway station.

HAILSTONE, WICKFORD.
New is HT16 BUS, a Mercedes 1523L/UNVI 34 seat midicoach. It is named ‘Monsoon’.

IPSWICH BUSES.
New are “classic” ADL/Enviro 200s 101-4 (SN16 OGG/H/J/K). They seat 39.
Now restricted mostly to school contracts are Dennis Dart SLF/EL Sprytes 89, 92/6 (X89, 926 LBJ), while Dennis Lance/EL 162 (L162 ADX) only appears on schools work.
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18/19 (V126/62 MEV); Volvo Olympian/ELs 40/41 (M640 EPV, M41 EPV; DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 51 (X151 LBJ). 41 and 51 have passed to preservationists.
Former demonstrator DAF DB250LF/Optare 50 (W442 SWX) has been sold privately.

JACKSON, BICKNACRE.
LT56 OJA is a Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 70 seater, ex Safeway of Batley.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
An unbranded Setra S250 is JRZ 6246.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.

EU51 UHJ is a Vauxhall Astra crew ferry van. It was seen (above) at Newbury Park, on 25/3/16.

LINKFAST, HADLEIGH.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premieres RJZ 4784/5 have passed to Castle Point Motors, Benfleet (dealer).

LONDON OVERGROUND.
EMUs 315807/16 are now in the new livery.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New are S7 Stock units 21513/14, 21519/20, 21521/22, 21531/32, 21543/44.
D78 units 7036+17036+8036 and 7091+17091+8091 were derailed at Ealing Broadway on 2/3/16.
D78s withdrawn: 7011+17011+8011; 7020+17020+8020; 7021+17021+8021; 7036+17036+8036; 7053+17053+8053; 7091+17091+8091; 7106+17106+8106; 7520+17520+7521.
To VivaRail; 7011+17011; 7020+17020; 7021+17021; 17036; 7053+17053; 7086; 7091+17091; 7106+17106; 7520+17520+7521.
Gone for scrap to Booth Roe; 8011/20/21/36/43/52/76/91/105.

MARC1 TRAVEWL, BILLERICAY.
Ex P and M Coaches of Wickford is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere NIL 3296.

MASTER TRAVEL, HERONGATE.
Setra S315 W252 UGX has passed to Freeway of Chessington.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
New route 370 (Runcorn-Clacton) has replaced 305 (Liverpool-Clacton). There is an interchange at Cambridge with the 350 (Liverpool-Southend). Selwyns of Runcorn is the main contractor.
On 21/3/16, Ambassador Travel operated Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante BF63 ZSK was stopped and searched by armed police in Queens Road, Norwich. The coach, which was on the 497 London-Stansted-Great Yarmouth service, was believed to be carrying a suspect package. A passenger had alerted the authorities, and given the current climate, it is felt the correct action was taken.
Customers from the service were looked after by Norwich Bus Station staff, for the duration.
KM16 KHF is a new Mercedes Sprinter 16 seat crew minibus, at Stansted.

NEW HORIZON.
Scania K114EB6/Irizar YN54 AKK has been re-registered S20 NHT. Scania K340EB4/Irizar SK07 NKN is now S23 NHT. Scania K114 EB6/Irizar YN04 GGV to S24 NHT. S20 NHT is pictured (below) at Newbury Park on 25/3/16; on AGA RRP to/from Ingatestone.

OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
Understood to be sold are the following vehicles:
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excaliburs V282/3/ SBW.
Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s S467/72/3 BWC; Y293/6 FJN; LX51 FGJ/V, FHF.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers V749 ECU, V194/5/9 ERG, Y971 TGH
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers S309 JUA, V787 FKH, Y153, 253 NLK, Y653/62/4 NLO. Some of these are also recorded in the Townlink section (below).

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH J345 BSH, latterly with See London by Night; is now with Shred and Butta, Oxshott, Surrey – via Ensign.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Aquired from Wheelers of Eastleigh is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer VU02 TTZ.
Optare Solo VB08 PAN has reverted to its original identity of MX08 DHM, and been sold to Centebus. Leyland Olympian/ECW CWR 512Y has gone for scrap.
ADL/Enviro 200 DC61 PAN, Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DC56 PAN and Optare Solo BIG 7006 have been internally refreshed by Duoflex.
Offered for sale are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers BIG 9248 and SIL 6719. The latter is currently stored.
Depot/outstation codes are now in use; for internal/administration purposes, as most of the fleet is common user with no fixed allocation. The codes are: CN – Clacton; DW – Dunmow; HW – Harwich (Parkeston); IP – Ipswich; ST – Stansted; WS – Workshop; WT – Witham.
School service 446 (Manuden-Saffron Walden) has been completely taken over from Arriva, having previously been subcontracted.

PHILLIPS, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
Bova Futura YJ08 NTE is now with Hammond of Nottingham.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
On hire from Ensign is ex Geldards of Leeds Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 V192 MEV.
Withdrawn are all Leyland Olympian G34 OCK and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 613 (W701 BFV). Both retained their previous operators’ liveries – Preston Bus and Transdev respectively.

RICHMOND, BARLEY.
YJH13 SJG ex 131-D-22371) is a Van Hool TX15 ex Eirebus of Dublin.,
Bova Futura 729 KTO has been re-registered back to LR07 EMF, and sold to Destinations of Harthill, central Scotland.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
The fleet has increased, with the arrival of Scania K114/Irizar MJI 5031; from Jacksons of Bicknacre, and Bova Futura YJ08 VPC – ex Solus of Tamworth.

RSM DRIVER TRAINING, CANVEY.
LK03 NFY is another ex Metroline/former First London Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano; supplied through Ensign.

SILVERLINE, ABRIDGE.
Scania K114/Irizar YN55 RBZ is now SIL 474.
Ex Golden Boy of Hoddesdon is Volvo B12B/VH XO02 BOY. It has gone on hire to Grange Travel at Gravesend.

SOLITAIRE, ROCHFORD.
Sold is Mercedes 614D/UVG minicoach R858 HBW.

ST MARGARETS TRAVEL, STANSTED ABBOTTS.
Former Redwing of London Setra S315 W211 UGX is on hire.
CE52 OWZ is a Vauxhall Zafira crew ferry.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
An investigation into the derailment of Volvo B8RLE/Wright 21307 (BF65 WKW) on the North Cambs Guided Busway at Trumpington on 22/2/16, found that the bus was being driven at 20 mph in excess of the “line” speed limit. The driver has been dismissed by the company.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs are 10308-19 (SN16 OJM/O/P/R/S/T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z), 10326-38 (SN16 OKH/J/K/M/O/P/R/S/T/U/V/W).
Returned from Tower Transit, off loan are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18237/433 (LX04 FYD/K).
Dennis Trident 17396 (LX51 FHO) is now a driver trainer. Sister 17419 (LX51 FJJ)is withdrawn, while 18237/43 have been allocated to Romford North Street (NS).
New Routemaster LT389 (LTZ 1389) now has an overall advert for Tommy Hilfinger; LT400 (LTZ 1400) has donned an all over hue for Flora.
Departures to Selkent are Tridents 17818 (LX03 BXN), 18219 (LX04 FXG). 17362 (Y362 NHK) meanwhile, has gone to Stagecoach Lincolnshire.
A number of leased Tridents have been returned to their lessor, Lombard Santander. They are 17945-50/4/7/64/86/7 (LX53 JYH/J/K/L/N/O/U/Y, JZG, KBK/N). In practice, these are being resold through Ensign.
Optare Tempo hybrid 25111 (YJ08 PGO) has been resold by Ensign, to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap.

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 no 17834, runs light along Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park on 28/3/16, back to Romford North Street depot; having completed a “short working” on TfL86.

Above: ADL/Enviro 40Hs still appear sometimes on TfL15 (Blackwall-Oxford Circus); although LT Class New Routemasters are the usual fayre. E40H no 12318 was seen at Blackwall in the early hours of 19/3/16. The 15 is a 24 hour service, so ‘N’ route number prefixes are not carried in the “dead of night”.

STEPHENSONS.
Acquired from Holmeswood Coaches are former Dunn Line Optare Solo M780s 319/20 (YJ06 YRN, YJ56 AUE). They are at Haverhill, for new contracts.
The Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano trainer, A17 SOE; is now green ex red.
Route 301 (Saffron Walden-Bishops Stortford), was taken over from Arriva, from 29/3/16.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH L953 MSC, now with a Maldon school; moved back to Maldon from Mill Beach on 30th March.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
There were changes to Borehamwood town service B3 from 29th March. To improve reliability it ceased to serve the railway station off peak and corresponding Well End journeys ran to/from Tesco.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DPS575 (SN51 SZL) has gone to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap.

TALISMAN.
Has ceased subcontracting for Terravision.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Into an overall advert for Visit Taiwan is ADL/Enviro 40H DNH39117 (SN12 ARZ).
Back into red, from an overall scheme is DNH33779 (SN12 AVV).
Sold to Ensign are Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents 33036 (LK51 UYE), 33085 (LN51 GMF), 33185 (LR02 LZE), 33187 (LT52 WVC), 33197/8/9 (LT52 XAH/J/K); Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41444 (LN51 DUA). 33187 was quickly resold to Stagecoach Scotland East.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.

The old Burnt Mills depot is now occupied by Essex Herts Recycling. Pictured above on 19/3/16.
Vehicles have moved to another yard at the end of Parkway; on the new part of Harlow Business Park (seen below); these premises were already owned by Townlink, and are being progressively surfaced. It is suggested that Townlink will resume trading, under a different O licence.
Noted stored here during March, were Roadrunner Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers V729 DNL, V749 ECU, V188/96 ERG; SLF/Pointers Y237 NLK, Y653/64/9 NLO; along with assorted Olympian and Townlink vehicles.

TRUSTYBUS.
On hire from Ensign is Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano KM51 BFO.
Scania Omnicity TBRXF (YN53 RXF) is delicensed due to accident damage; while Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KP54 BYY is out of use due to mechanical failure.
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents LK03 CGV, GKC.
A further clearout of surplus vehicles has seen the departure of: Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers PDS22 (VJZ 3283), PDS33 (SHZ 2691); Dart SLF/Pointers SPD6 (SNZ 2980), SPD28/9, 30 (NK51 MKG/J/M), RX51 FNT; SLF/Caetanos Y364/6/74 HMY; Trident/Presidents LK03 CGF, GJZ. Many went for scrap; NK51 MKM to MC Tractors at Ramsey.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas YN03 DFV/X are here, via Ensign. They entered service still in “London” livery, but converted to single door.
Bova Futura DD05 DON has been re-registered back to SF05 YKK. Setra S315 LSU 113 is now W10 TGM.

UNO.
Ex Lothian Dennis Trident/Plaxton President SN51 SYR has been numbered 283 and converted to single door.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DMP103 (FN52 GFA) is now with Ellis of Gatley, Manchester.
Hatfield town service 607 lost its commercial Sunday workings after 20th March. There were revisions for the rest of the week, which included frequency reduction to half hourly and rerouting in Hatfield Business Park away from Albatross Way via Mosquito Way and St Albans Road West to Comet Way, and by-passing Parkhouse Bus Station.
St Albans City route S1 (Cell Barnes Estate-St Peters Street) ceased after 27th March and was replaced by and extension of existing service 657 (Harpenden/Flamstead-St Albans). 622 (Hatfield-Watford) ceased and was replaced by new 635 (Hitchin-Watford). 635 also replaced the Hitchin-Hatfield section of Green Line 797 to London. 636 (Luton-Hatfield) was withdrawn after this time and replaced by by an extended 610.
From 29/3/16, new routes C1/C10 started, running between Milton Keynes and Bedford via Cranfield University. Meanwhile 610/11 (Enfield Town/Potters Bar-Hatfield Business Park) were extended north to Luton rail station and aditionally served Cockfosters tube station en route. 615 (Stanmore-Hatfield Business Park) saw the loss of its M-F off peak and Saturday services. 615 became commercial from this time and was also rerouted in Stanmore via London Road and Brockley Hill. From the same date Hatfield Business Park Shuttle 650 ceased, but 600 continued, but with loss of last journey at 1828.

Above: One of UNO’s recent ADL/Enviro E20Ds, no 517; at St Albans on 19/3/16.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Scania K114/Irizar SUI 9014 has passed to Blue Fox of Peterborough.

With thanks to: D Arnold, G Dell, District Dave; Ensignbus; Essex Buses Yahoo; A Hazell; A Hughes;  J Sadd; Panther Travel; PSVC, RE;  D W Rhodes; RM.

+of Su

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the February 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

On 7/2/16, a former Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President, was “blown up” on (a specially closed) Lambeth Bridge in London, as a stunt for the Jackie Chan film ‘Foreigner’. Lack of communication by the production company, meant not enough information was in circulation to prevent alarm and distress to some parties.

Extreme weather on Monday 8th February caused headaches for bus providers around Thurrock; due to closure of the Dartford Bridge. More details in the Ensignbus section.

Townlink of Harlow ceased operations after service on Friday 26th February, 2016; as its Operators Licence was revoked from that midnight. Its routes have passed to other operators.

Transport for London contract changes have seen two major east London routes swap operators. Once again, full information in the main text.

And the Crossrail route has been given a formal title; after a certain monarch.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
Class 90 electric locomotive 90006 has received the new livery, ex ONE; leaving just 90007 in this scheme.
Also into the new colours are MkIII stock FO 11070; TSOs 12042/60/99 and EMU 317509.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer P720 RYL.

ADVANCE MINIBUSES, SOUTHEND.
Neoplan Starliner Y159 HWE has been sold to Irish Republic operator Long of Skibbereen.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Bova Futura YJ08 NSO has received revised head lights.
ADL/Enviro 200 SK07 HLV is now white/orange, ex overall white.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
Withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3277 (T277 JKM) and Dart SLF/Caetanos 3406/10 (HX51 LSN, LRN), have gone to Southend for storage.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Short Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 3335 (W471 XKX), is on loan from Arriva Kent and Surrey.
From 27/2/16, new commercial service 9 (Harlow-Potter Street), replaced Townlink R1.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 3293 at Harlow Bus Station on 20/2/16.
This came from Arriva Kent Thameside , having been new to Dartford, for London work, but latterly at Gillingham

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
From Arriva Kent and Surrey are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3517 (LF52 UTA), 3528 (LF02 PNE) and 3964/5 (GN04 UGB/C). 3964/5 were new as Maidstone Park and Ride buses.
Withdrawn is SB120/Cadet 3500 (KE51 PTY). It has moved to Arriva Kent and Surrey at Maidstone.
DAF SB220L/Plaxton Prestige 3916 (T916 KKM), has passed to a preservationist.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
From London Central are ADL/Enviro 40Ds E165/7/9 (SN61 BGO/V/Y), E174/5/9 (SN61 BHE/F/O). Ex First ADL/Enviro 400s EN25/6 (LK57 EJN/O) have gone the other way.

C2C.
Further Electrostar EMU 357/3 conversions are 357314-18/20, ex 357214 etc.

Above: In original 357/2 condition; 357218 departs Upminster in February 2009; on an eastbound service.

CHARIOTS OF STAFORD LE HOPE.
Ex Bull of Pytchley, Northants is Bova Futura PIJ 9274.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount J3 KCT has been acquired from Thornes of Rayleigh; while ex Lewis of Greenwich is DAF SB3000/VH K857 JSA.

COLCHESTER BUS STATION.
The western side of the old building has been repainted black. Pictured below, on 17/2/16.

COLCHESTER SOS BUS.
Leyland Lynx G126 HNP, and its ex mobile library Iveco Ford Cargo colleague, are now kept at the old First Queen Street bus depot in central Colchester; rather than the Gosbecks Road council depot on the southern outskirts. It was seen, below on 17/2/16.

CROSSRAIL.
Is to be officially named ‘The Elizabeth Line’.
This was announced by London Mayor Boris Johnson on 23/2/16, during a visit by HM Queen Elizabeth II, to the construction site at Bond Street.
An electrification depot has been set up on land previously occupied by sidings, between Chadwell Heath and Goodmayes.

CRUSADER HOLIDAYS.
The old Clacton, Stephenson Road depot, is now used as a workshop by Veolia, for Tendring District Council vehicles. The existing Veolia site (around the corner) at Fowler Road, remains in use. Crusader continues to outbase a coach there, and it is business as usual at the travel agency office.

CT PLUS.
TfL26(Hackney Wick-Waterloo)/N26 (Chingford-Trafalgar Square), were gained from Tower Transit, from 27th February. ADL/Enviro40Ds DN33629-35/7/8/40/2-50/2 (SN11 BNZ, BOF/H/J/U/V, BPE/K/O/V/Y/Z, BRF/V/Z, BSO/U/V/X/Z), borrowed from Tower Transit, are initially being used.
An application has been made for a new depot on the Old Kent Road.

DBS.
Class 59 diesel electric loco 59004 has donned Aggregate Industries livery. This and 59001 have received ’30 YEARS CLASS 59′ plaques. The ’59s work into the ‘Busmopolitan’ area, to Dagenham Dock and Purfleet.
Class 66 diesel electric locomotive 66048; withdrawn following an accident in 2010 – has passed to Booth, Rotherham (dealer). It had been repainted overall black before sale.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Ex London Central ADL/Enviro 40Ds E165/7/75/9 are now here.
A new depot at Barking is in the pipeline.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214s G-EZPA/B/C.

ENSIGNBUS.
On 8/2/16, there was severe disruption across the Thurrock network, due to closure of the Dartford Bridge, as a result of high winds. Reports suggest the area was “gridlocked” for up to 11 hours, and Ensign believed it could have lost up to £10K in revenue. Service X80 (Chafford Hundred-Bluewater) was suspended, while 22 (Aveley-Grays); 33 (Lakeside-Chafford Hundred-Grays); 44 (Lakeside-Purfleet-Grays); 66 (Lakeside-Tilbury-Chadwell St Mary); 73 (Lakeside-Tilbury); 83 (Lakeside-Chadwell St Mary) and 88 (Grays-Stifford Clays-Lakeside) all experienced long delays, turning short and cancellations.

Above: Dennis Trident/EL no 196 at Chafford Hundred rail station, on 16/2/13.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 707, at Hathaway Road, Grays on 1/12/15.

(Picture: D W Rhodes).
Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale 827 (P427 UUG) has been on loan to County Connect, Sidcup. It was pictured at Gravesend on 25/2/16.

EOS LONDON.
Another ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President via Ensign is LK03 CEU.
It is pictured, below at Shenfield on TfL rail replacement, on 20/2/16.

Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 741 (YN51 MKZ) has been withdrawn due to accident damage, and sold to Ensign (dealer). It was quickly resold to Howard of Great Sankey in Cheshire, for repair.

EXCALIBUR.
Ex Terravision contracted Scania K340EB6/Irizar YN08 OFG is now in National Express livery, ex Terravision. But it subsequently passed to Solus of Tamworth (as dealer).
Solus also took ex Terravision Scania K360/Irizars YT10 OAX/Y, which were resold to Pats of Southsea.

FIRST ESSEX.
Scania K114/Irizar 23019 (YN54 APX) has entered service at Chelmsford (CF), a year after acquisition. It is plain white.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30903 (W758 DWX) didn’t stay at Colchester (CR) long, and has now moved to CF. Sister 42480/1/5 (AU53 HJX/Y, HKC) are now in Refreshed livery; as are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43802 (AO02 ODN) and Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66808 (MX05 CCZ).
B7TL/ALX400 32475 (AU53 HJJ) has lost its Route 61-62 branding.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66815 (MX05 CDV) now has a super rear advert for Essex Fire and Rescue, but 66817 (MX05 CDZ) has lost it’s super rear for the same organisation. Also now with super rear advert for Essex Fire are Volvo 9700Hs 69906/11/6. Sister 69902 has a super rear advert for Route 100.
Reinstated is Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65665 (SN51 UXX).
Volvo B10BLE/Wrights 62195/7 (X689/92 ADK), are now driver trainers.
Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon 20500 (AO02 RBY) has moved to First Eastern Counties.
Disposals to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade, for scrap are SLF/Mini Pointer 43356 (V356 DVG); SLF/Marshall 43679 (R679 MEW); SLF/Pointer 43734 (S734 TWC); Scania L94UB/Wright 65626 (V826 FSC).
Withdrawn Scania L113/Wright 65574 (S574 TPW) and Scania L94UB/Wright 65586 (V586 DVF), have gone from store at Braintree. 65586 went for preservation, 65574 to Connexions Buses, Great Hammerton, while 65587 (V587 DVF) also went to Connexions. Additionally now in preservation is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43731 (S731 TWC).
One time ADL/Enviro 200 44518 (YX09 ACZ) – now with First Eastern Counties; has received a charcoal front for Route 40 in Norwich and been fully branded.
Trials have been carried out with a double decker at Messing, to look at diverting certain service 75 journeys through there.
The old Colchester travel office at Queen Street, is now a shop called ‘Sofa Express’ – (below).


Above: Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 no 30903 at Colchester Bus Station on 15/2/16; working from Braintree outstation.

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Sold is Ford Transit 8 seater EK06 XVP.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE AND HALSTEAD.
The Bova Futuras have been re-registered. RY04 ERN is now GB04 FLG, while KC55 ABC has become GB55 FLG. The latter is seen (below), on Abellio Greater Anglia rail replacement, at Ingatestone on 21/2/16.

A third Bova Futura now here is GB05 FLG.

FLORIDA, HALSTEAD.
Sold are MAN 18.310/Noge K6 FTC, and Toyota Optima/Caetano K647 PGJ.

FLYBE.
New is Bombardier ATR 72-800 twin turbo prop G-FBXD.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
YT13 HLF is a Scania K360/Irizar, ex City Circle of Hayes.

FREIGHTLINER.
Class 86 electric loco 86501 has re-entered traffic under its old identity of 86608; following conversion back to 86/6 from 86/5.

GB RAILFREIGHT.
Class 66 diesel electric loco 66708 is in the new livery.

Above: EMD diesel electric locomotive 66702 – in latest GBRf colours;  on engineering duty, at Shenfield on 20/2/16.

HEDINGHAM.
Dennis Trident/EL Lolyne 712 (T812 RFG), has transferred back to Anglian Bus at Beccles.
Rejuvinated Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 84 (M276 UKN), is being prepared to re-enter service from Tollesbury (TY) and Kelvedon (KN). Sister 86 (M294 UKN) has received a front dash panel in darker red, with a yellow (was black) fleet number.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 257 (EU56 FLM) was loaned from Clacton (CN) to Tollesbury (TY) in late February.
Withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 283 (W791 VMV) and Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300 480 (S376 MVP,) have gone from Sible Hedingham (HD) depot; to store at Anglian, Beccles.
Long term withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 69 (P608 CAY) and Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH 80 (J838 TSC), have both been stripped of parts.

Above: Volvo Olympian no 86 at Kelvedon depot on 22/2/16.

Above: Withdrawn Volvo Olympian no 69 at Kelvedon, in December 2015.

JACKSONS OF BICKNACRE.
Scania K114/Irizar MJI 5031 has been offered for sale.

JOHN JAMES TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.

Neoplan Starliner YN03 AWH is now here. It was seen, above, on AGA rail replacement at Ingatestone on 21/2/16.
This coach was new to West Yorkshire operator Hargreaves of Hebden, subsequently with Solus of Tamworth; but was acquired from Peyton Travel of Brynna, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, with whom it had been registered SIL 7486.

KEANE TRAVEL.
Has moved from Muckingford, to the old AVRO 77 depot at Orsett.

KELLYS, NAZEING.
Ford Transit SWB van Y597 YGC is in use as a crew ferry. It is lettered for Kelly’s property maintenance business.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
Cherished registration mark KC56 ABC is owned, but currently not on any of the coach fleet.

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer W928 PTS, has been sold.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
On loan from Scania, has been Irizar i6 YT65 BYX.
Dennis Trident/EL Lolyne T273 BPR in now YAZ 8827.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale N593 BRH has been sold to Keeble of Leicester.
MAN14/EL bus FY52 PMU has passed to Semmence of Wymondham, Norfolk. Sister FY52 PMV is now with Gordon Springate Transport Training, of Detling Kent – and has been re-registered G15 SPR.

LONDON CENTRAL.
After trials on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford), Optare Metrocity electric demonstrator OE1 (YJ65 EOV) has moved on to Arriva London South at Croydon.
SE Class ADL/Enviro 200s SE198-212, from the batch originally delivered for TfL286 (Greenwich-Sidcup); are now increasingly appearing on TfL108.
Former East Thames Buses DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DWL17 (FJ54 ZDR) is now at Camberwell (Q).

Above: ADL/E200 SE203 on it’s regular route, TfL286; at Greenwich on 13/12/15.

Above; The ex East Thames/Easylink ELS Class Scania Omnilinks have been replaced on TfL42 (Denmark Hill-Liverpool Street), by SOE Class Optare bodied ADL/Enviro 200s, from London General. SOE19 is pictured at Liverpool Street on 19/2/16.

Above; A more unusual interloper on the 42 was Wright Cadet Hybrid WHY9, also pictured at Liverpool Street on 19th February. This is the temporary terminus at Worship Street, while the bus station is redeveloped in connection with Crossrail.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Into the new livery is EMU 315814.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New S7 Stock units are 21501/02, 21517/18, 21537/38, 21539/40.
D78 Stock withdrawals for February, were of:
7043+17043+8043; 7071+17071+8071; 7086+17086+8086; 7098+17098+8098; 7103+17103+8103; 7110+17110+8110; 7127+17127+8127; 7528+17528+7529.
Sold to VivaRail are 7043+17043; 7071+17071; 17086; 7098+17098; 7103+17103; 7528+17528+7529;7127+17127; 7110+17110
To Booth Roe for scrap are 8043/71/98/103/110/127.
17122 was used for emergency training at Littlebrook Power Station, Dartford; between 29th February and 3rd March.

LONDON UNITED.
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante FJ11 MOA, is now in National Express livery, for use on Stansted-London services.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
New are Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levantes SH203-207 (BG65 JFO, BG65 TGJ/K/N/O/U).

NATIONAL EXPRESS (CONTRACTORS).
New for Selwyns of Runcorn is Scania K410EB/Caetano Levante BD65 JFA; for NX 350 (Liverpool-Southend) and NX 370 (Runcorn-Clacton), amongst other work.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
The last vehicle in Cedric’s livery is Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R20 CED.

OLYMPIAN COACHES, HARLOW.
Following the revocation of the Town link O licence, school services OC1, 2, 3 (Waltham Cross/Cheshunt/Goffs Oak-Bishops Stortford), and Commuter coach 741 (Harlow-London) ceased. The school routes went to Barkerbus; 741 was replaced by Regal Busways X10.
The following vehicles are withdrawn:
Iveco Euroriders XIB 3914, F10 BUS.
DAF SB3000/VH Y314 HUA.
Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s S467/72/73 BWC; Y293/6, 344/6/51 FJN; LX51 FFW, FGN/O/U, FHA/B/H/J/K/L.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers V729 DNL, V188/91/3 ERG, Y862 TGH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers V808 KAG, Y542/53/4 XAG.
Iveco Euroriders XIB 3914, F10 BUS, LV02 LKD.
Iveco Turbo Daily NX04 CTV.
Scania K114/Irizar YN06 CKY.
Scania L94/Irizar T50 APT.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
A new outstation has been established at Silvertown, London for a Metropolitan Police (Safe Schools) contract. Regular vehicle is LEZ compliant all Leyland Olympian BIG 9249. This outbase is used as and when required.
Ford Transit 16 seater LN52 LFW has been re-registered DC52 PAN.
Offered for sale are Optare Solo VB08 PAN and Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DC04 PAN.
Ex Anglian/Hedingham Optare Solo YJ51 XSM; which had been acquired for spares only, has gone for scrap.

Above: Panther ex Lodge of High Easter, former East Yorkshire Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale BIG 9210 orig N592 BRH, at Witham outstation on 17/2/16.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
On loan from South East Coaches of South Woodham Ferrers, were Setra S415 GRZ 2450 and DAF SB/VH GRZ 2451; and from Ensign, Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano KM51 BFO.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 1403 (V763 HBY) has gone for scrap, having been long term stored after engine failure. Sister 1404 (V764 HBY) has been withdrawn and cannibalised, with its engine going into Trident/ALX400 1302.
Sold is Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 515 (P392 LPS). Previously sold Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 604 (R510 SJM) has ended up with MC Tractors, Ramsey, Cambs for scrap; via S&D Commercials, Upwell.
MAN NL270/Wright Solar 801 (RG09 BUS) is in the new livery, and back in service. It is pictured, below at Shenfield on Abellio Greater Anglia rail replacement on 20/2/16.

ROMAN CARS, COLCHESTER.
The first full size coach here is Scania K114/Irizar V21 ROM. It was previously with New Horizon of Frating, as YN51 MHO. It has ‘Roman Cars Coaches’ fleet names.

RYANAIR.
New are Boeing 737-800s EI-FOG/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/R.
As a result, several older 737-800s have been noted stored at Stansted. EI-ENK is pictured (below) on 31/1/16.

ST MARGARETS TRAVEL, STANSTEAD ABBOTTS.
Setra S315 W211 UGX is ex Howe of Ramsgate.
MAN18.350/Noge YN53 EWK, has been exported to Cyprus.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
On 22/2/16, Volvo B8RLE/Wright 21307 (BF65 WKW) derailed off the North Cambs Guided Busway at Trumpington. 6 passengers were slightly injured. The bus was extensively damaged.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Transferred in from Selkent are ADL/Enviro 200s 36268-75 (LX11 AVZ, AWC/F/G/H/J/M/N). They have been allocated to Barking (BK).
Delicensed are ex Selkent Optare Vesas 25301-4 (LX58 CHF-J). They have gone from BK to store at West Ham (WH).
New Routemaster colour changes: LT271, 312 (LTZ 1271/312) – to overall advert for L’Oréal; LT377/88 (LTZ 1377/88) – to overall scheme for Sky Q. Back into standard red are LT256/72 (LTZ 1256/72).
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17789/98 (LX03 BWC/M), 17922 (LX03 OSW) have passed to a preservationist.
TfL69 (Walthamstow-Canning Town), was lost to Tower Transit on re-tender, from 6th February.

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 no 17144, on the 69 at Leyton High Road in May 2011.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
An additional vehicle for the ‘Three Rivers’ network is long ADL/Enviro 200 476 (EU65 EOM).
Long ADL/Enviro 200 464 (EU62 FDF) was the route 247 bus for most of February; being replaced by sister 466 (DK57 OPZ) towards the end of the month.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH L953 MSC, now with a school at Maldon; has been moved to Mill Beach.

SULLIVAN BUSES, SOUTH MYMMS.
Dennis Trident/EL TN3 (PO51 UMR) has gone to MC Tractors, Ely for scrap.

SUPREME COACHES/COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Has Volvo B12M/Berkhof Axial KC02 EEX. It was new to Club Cantabrica of Watford.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Mercedes 0814/ACI PIL 4683, has passed to Parnell, Honiton (dealer).

TERRAVISION.
From 1/2/16, A52 (Stratford-Stansted) was temporarily suspended, and A51 (Liverpool Street-Stansted) was temporarily revised to terminate at Bishops Stortford, which A50 (Victoria-Stansted) temporarily changed its London terminus from Victoria to Kings Cross.
The only subcontractor now used is Talisman of Colchester.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Withdrawn is former MOD Dennis Javelin/WS TJI 4147.
Sold are Iveco 35-10/Euromotive welfare bus S731 SKE; Iveco 59/Mellor mini coach V208 EAL; Toyota Optima L480 NUD.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Took over TfL69 (Canning Town-Walthamstow) from Stagecoach East London, from 6/2/16; intitially using 19 Dennis Tridents borrowed from Stagecoach.
From 27/2/16, TfL26 (Hackney Wick-Waterloo)/N26 (Chingford-Trafalgar Square) were lost to CT Plus, with 20 ADL/Enviro 400s initially being loaned from Transit. In the final weeks of route 26 operation by Transit; Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 VN36111 was observed at Bishopsgate on 19/2/16.

Now in overall advert for Green Bus is ADL/Enviro 40H DNH39120 (SN12 ASV).Back into red, ex overall adverts are ADL/Enviro 40Hs DNH39113/18 (SN12 ARF, ASO).

TOWNLINK/ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
Operations ceased after service on 26/2/16. Routes worked until the end were R1/31 (Harlow-Sumners Circulars); T15 (Harlow-Brays Grove Circular); 19/20/21 (Harlow-Ongar); 524 (Harlow-Hertford).
Work passed to Arriva, Barkerbus, Regal and Trustybus.
Prior to the end of operations; Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas LV02 LKD transferred to Olympus, while Olympus sold sister LV02 LLJ.
A list of vehicles withdrawn appears in the Olympus Coaches section (above).

Above: In the final week of Townlink operations, Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer Y542 XAG, hurries along Forth Avenue in Harlow, on 20/2/16.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y344 FJN, outside the Burnt Mills depot of Townlink on 20/2/16.

TRUSTYBUS.
Arrivals are ex London Central Scania Omnilink/ELs YU02 GHG, YR52 VFH/M – via Ensign. They have “fleet nos” TB-GHG, VFH/M.
From 27/2/16, new commercial service 424 (Harlow-Hertford), replaced Townlink 524.
Schools route 249 (Cheshunt-Chancellors School) ceased after 19/2/16.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Dennis Javelin/UVG BIG 8796 is on loan from Panther Travel.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N611 APU has been sold.

UNO.
Sold are:
DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 777 (KE51 VJD), DFW778 (KE51 VJC).
Denis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers DMP100/1 (FM52 NBN/M); DMP102/3 (FM52 GEY, GFA). DMP102 is now with M Travel of Longsight, Manchester.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers DP122/3 (SN51 TAU/V); 126/8/9 (LG02 FFN, FGD, SK02 XGU).

With thanks to: D Arnold, G Dell, District Dave, A Hazell, LOTS, Panther Travel, D Osborne, D W Rhodes; RM, RE, P Roden.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the January, 2016 edition of Busmopolitan.

On the morning of 2nd January, Londoners found that they could travel for free, as the Oyster Card system had “crashed”. Normal service was resumed after lunch.
This “possible hangover from the new year”, was the first such incidence in 10 years. Transport for London recouped its losses through the Oyster service provider.

An era has ended in north Essex, with Hedingham retiring its last active Leyland Olympian. This ends 55 years of operating the Leyland marque.

Harlow based Townlink, and its associated Olympus and Roadrunner companies, have had their O licences revoked from 26th February 2016. This follows a long history of conflicts with the authorities. An appeal has been lodged, but some services have passed to other operators. Full details below.

C2C Rail has had to review its recent service changes, after the managing director was “mobbed” by angry customers, at a “surgery” at London Fenchurch Street station, in mid January.

Finally, Busmopolitan will be increasing its aviation coverage; looking at the carriers serving London City, Southend and Stansted Airports, (from time to time).

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
Coaching stock repainted into the new livery, ex ONE are FOs 10403, 11068, 11100; TSOs 12016/24/49/79/81/97 and DVT 82102.

ADVANCE MINIBUSES, SOUTHEND.
Volvo B12B/Berkhof FA04 LJV has been acquired from APT of Rayleigh.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS, STANSTED.

Above: One of the new Scania K440/Caetano C650s. BX65 WBG at Stansted on 17/1/16.

Coaches are also being hired from DJ International of Gravesend. Setra S315 N25 DJC, was seen at Stansted on 17/1/16 (below).

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Gone for preservation is Volvo B10M/NC G641 BPH.

ANGLIA RAILWAYS.
Class 86 electric locomotive 86235, is now with Europhoenix; and has gone to UKRL at Leicester; for repaint into 1980s style Inter City livery.

Above: Sister 86234 at Colchester in July 2004.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B12B/Berkhof PT04 APT has been re-registered back to FA04 LJV, and sold to Advance Minibuses, Southend (qv).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).

Now here are ex Arriva Network Harlow Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3328/9/30 (X471, 521/2 GGO) and ex Arriva Kent and Surrey DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3516 (LF52 USZ), 3520 (LJ03 MZL). 3329 is pictured (above), in its Harlow days, at Audley End in October 2015.
Withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 3407/8/9 (HX51 LRJ/K/L) are now crew ferries, while Dart SLF/Pointer 3228 (P228 MKL) has returned to Kent and Surrey, for use as a crew ferry at Guildford.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.

TfL173 (Beckton-Goodmayes) has been largely double deck operated since October 2015. ADL/Enviro 400 T71 was pictured at Beckton Bus Station on 5/1/16.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Scania Omnidekka 945 (YN56 FEF) has moved from Docklands Buses.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL70 (W578 DGU) is now with Cambridgeshire Constabulary, via Ensign.

C2C.
The service revisions of December 2015 didn’t work out a planned, with overcrowding issues experienced. From mid January, there were further adjustments, to balance the situation.

Above: C2C Electrostar EMU 357225 trails an eastbound service at Chalkwell in May 2015. Note the Union Jack branding; connected with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee of 2012.

DBS.
More Class 66 diesel electric locomotives have been stored, following downturn in parts of the UK rail freight sector.

DLR.

Above; Under manual (driver) control, unit no 31 heads through Langdon Park on 2/1/16; as Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) to Poplar depot.

DRS.
Offered for sale are Class 47 diesel electric locomotives 47810/3/8/28/53. They are stored at Longtown, Cumbria. 47790, 47805/41 have passed to Locomotive Services of Crewe.

ENSIGNBUS.
Further temporary ex Arriva London Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s are 905/6/7 (LJ54 BFO, BDZ, BFL).
The Vanguard Hybrid Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President; W473 WGH, appeared at Purfleet depot at the end of January.
The Brentwood-Ongar section of ex Townlink route 21 has been taken on; following the latter’s O licence problems. Trustybus now runs the rest of the 21.

EUROSTAR.
EMU sets 373013/4/17-20; DM cars 373101/2 and trailer 373308 are in store at Temple Mills depot.

FIRST ESSEX.
Withdrawn are Scania L94UB/Wrights 60206 (Y598 KNE); 65586/7 (V586/7 DVF); 65626/7/31 (V826/7/31 FSC). Also now regarded as withdrawn is long term delicensed Scania L94UB/Wright 62406.
Braintree depot now has a new tenant; Gresham Telecom. Prior to this, withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43731 (S731 TWC) and Scania L113/Wright 65574 (S574 TPW) and Scania L94UB/Wright 65650 (T650 SSF) had been stored there; parked against the gates to prevent trespass. 65574 and 65586 subsequently moved to the sub yard; which has been re-opened as the Braintree outstation.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 65680 (R680 DPW), is now a crew ferry at Chelmsford (CF).
Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41737 (X737 HLF), has passed to Alpha Recovery for scrap.

Above: First Essex Scania/Wrights 65650 and 65574 “guard” the old Braintree depot on 30/12/15.

FREIGHTLINER.
Class 86/5 electric loco 86501 is being converted back 86/6 specification, as 86608.

Above: 86501 at Ipswich in November 2003.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.
Optare Solo M890 SR 353 (KX15 BLN|) is now with De Courcey of Coventry.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
Van Hool T916 OO10 BOY has been offered for sale.

HAILSTONE TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
Offered for sale is Mercedes 1524L/UNVI YN09 BXU ‘Monsoon’.

HAROLD WOOD COACHES.

The old Woodlands Road depot of this operator, who closed in 2005, has disappeared under new housing. The pictures show (above), the site in September 2004, and (below) in December 2009.

HARWICH TAXIS, DOVERCOURT.
Ford Transit 16 seater H7 GUV has reverted to its original LN52 LFW mark, and passed to Panther Travel.

HAVERING COUNCIL TRANSPORT.
From Ensign are ex Stagecoach East London Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s LX03 BTV and LX04 FXW.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Chambers ex Hedingham Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no 252, at the MOT bay in Tollesbury depot, on 8/1/16.

Ex Anglian Optare Solo 904 (MX53 FDM) has entered service at Tollesbury (TY).
Leyland Olympian/NC 64 (K357 DWJ), is withdrawn due to engine failure. It has gone to store at Anglian/Beccles; with Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 84 (M276 UKN), being recovered from Beccles, for return to service with Hedingham.
Withdrawn Volvo Olympian/NC 66 (P606 CAY) is being converted into a static library, for donation to a school.

Above: Hedingham Leyland Olympian 64 (ignore the Volvo badge !), with Volvo Olympian no 90, at Kelvedon depot on 14/12/15.
Below: Leyland Olympian no 64 is towed away from Kelvedon to Beccles, on 26/1/16.

IPSWICH BUSES.
After cannibalisation by Beestons; Dennis Dart SLF/EL Sprytes 91 (X91 LBJ), 95/9 (X195/9 LBJ) went to PSV Recycling of Hadleigh, for scrap.

Above: SLF no 91 at Tower Ramparts in June 2015.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
Setra S250 N265 MBX is ex Williams of Brecon. It has been re-registered JRZ 6241.
Mercedes 0816D/UNVI HX59 EVK is now JR59 BUS.

LCB, HARLOW.
Iveco 49-10 minicoach C19 LCB has been sold.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
BMC 850 F20 DGE has reverted to its original BX06 OAU mark.
F20 DGE is now carried by DAF SB200/Wrighgt Cadet bus ex YJ03 PFF.

LONDON CENTRAL.
Another ex London General Mercedes Citaro seen on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) is MEC42 (BT09 GOH).
The former East Thames Buses/Easybus ELS Class Scania Omnilinks; ELS1-14 (YU02 GHG/H/J/K/D/A/N/O, YR52 VFJ/H/K/L/M/N) have been withdrawn, and passed to Ensign. They have been replaced of TfL42 (Denmark Hill-Liverpool Street0 by ex London General SOE Class ADL Enviro/ELs; displaced from Merton (AL) by new vehicles.
Several ELSs have been resold via Ensign, to Trustybus at Harlow.

Above: ELS11 at Tower Hill in October 2009.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
In the new livery are EMUs 315811, 317709.
Now 5 car, ex 4 are Electrostar EMUs 378227-30/2-4/55-7. This completes the programme.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New are S7 Stock units 21499/500, 21509/10, 21511/12, 21515/16.
D78 stock withdrawn is 7047+17047+8047; 7073+17073+8073; 7080+17080+8080; 7083+17083+8083; 7084+17084+8084; 7089+17089+8089; 7092+17092+8092; 7104+17014+8104; 7126+17126+8126.
Sold to VivaRail are 7047+17047; 7073+17073; 7080+17080; 7083+17083; 7084+17084; 7089+17089; 7092+17092; 7104+17104.
To Booth Roe for scrap are 8047/73/80/83/84/89/92/104.

LONDON UNITED.
From 14/1/16, runs services A30 (Stansted Airport-Victoria), A31 (Stansted Airport-London Liverpool Street) and A32 (Stansted Airport-Stratford) on behalf of National Express. Ex NX Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes are used; currently in plain white. VL3 was seen (below) at Stansted on 17/1/16.

NATIONAL EXPRESS (CONTRACTORS).
From 4/1/16, City of Oxford operated 737 (Oxford-Stansted Airport) additionally served High Wycombe Coachway.
Selwyns worked 350 (Liverpool-Southend) no longer served Huntingdon after 14th January.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
KX14 EBD is a Mercedes Sprinter 513 accessible minibus. It is numbered 8585 and is at Stansted.
Scania K340EB6/Caetano Levantes SH10 (MIG 9439), SH09 (MIG 9440), SH04 (MIG 9440), SH25 (SHZ 5733) SH38 (SHZ 5734) have passed to Skills of Nottingham.

PANTHER TRAVEL.


Acquired from Harwich Taxis is Ford Transit 16 seat minibus LN52 LFW. It has received black/silver livery and named ‘Mini Roy’. Pictured (top) at Stansted on 24/1/16.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer RX56 BWE has been re-registered DC56 PAN (pictured above at Hertford East). Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale N592 BRH has received fleet livery, ex Lodge blue/cream. It has been re-registered BIG 9210 and is named ‘Jonathon’. Leyland Olympian/ECW coach BIG 4005 is now named ‘James’.
Ex Mid Wales ADL/Enviro 200 YX62 FVV is now AB62 PAN.
Offered for sale are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther Y5 TRU and Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther AB07 PAN.

Above; ADL/Enviro 200 DC61 PAN, on the ex New Horizon 77 service, at Tufnell Way terminus, Colchester, on 11/1/16.

Above: Panther has recently repainted former Eastern National ex Stephensons Leyland Olympian/ECW coach D511 PPU into fleet livery. It was seen at Witham outstation on 9/1/16. The Ford Focus ferry car alongside it also of interest; it was new to Essex Police.

RICHMOND OF BARLEY.
VDL SB180/MCV bus YJ62 JXW has passed to Arriva, Gomersal (dealer).

RSM DRIVER TRAINING, CANVEY ISLAND.
Has ex Metroline Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano LK53 FDG, through Ensign.

SQUIRRELS OF HITCHAM.
MEZ 3873 is a Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral, ex Stuarts of Carluke. It was new to Clarkes of London as R171 SUT.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Received from Selkent are Dennis Transit/Alexander ALX400s 18481-4/96-99 (LX55 BDY/Z, BEO/Y; LX06 AHC-F). They are at Barking (BK).
Gone to Selkent are Trident/ALX400s 17748/9 (LY52 ZFG/H); 17796 (LX03 BWK).
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s resold via Ensign are 17222 (V364 OWC) – now with Nu Venture of Aylesford; 17754 (LX03 BTY) – Nash of Enfield; and 17753 (LX03 BTV), 18231 (LX04 FXW) – to London Borough of Havering.

Above: With the “brutalist” Robin Hood Gardens as a backdrop, Stagecoach East London New Routemaster LT256, at Blackwall terminus on 2/1/16.

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 ex 17222, is seen with its new operator, Nu-Venture of Aylesford, at Chatham on 8/1/16. (D W Rhodes).

STANSTED CITYLINK.

The new Mercedes Tourismos have been allocated fleet number MBT1-10, but only MBT8 has been physically seen.
Between 2nd and 31st January, 2016, Tottenham Hale was additionally served by the 767 Stansted-Kings Cross service.
Coaches are being hired from Westbus and Callinans of Galway. Westbus Mercedes Tourismo BN12 CNZ, is pictured (below) at Stansted on 17/1/16.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano 453 (HV52 WTC) was the service 247 bus at the start of January, and was subsequently replaced by long ADL/Enviro 200 464 (EU62 FDF).
Short ADL/Enviro 200 427 (YY15 NJO) is now in fleet livery, ex plain white.
It is pictured, below at Braintree Bus Park on 9/1/16.

Above: One of Stephensons new ‘Three Rivers’ ADL/Enviro 200s, no 472 – at Braintree Bus Park on 9/1/16.

Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano trainer 9033 (LK03 NLG) has been re-registered A17 SOE. The previous carrier of this mark, a LDV Convoy crew ferry, has reverted to its original DL03 HDK registration.

SULLIVAN BUSES, SOUTH MIMMS.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 ALX5 (V142 MEV), has passed to Nu-Venture of Aylesford.
From 2/1/16, 398 (Potters Bar-Watford) was rerouted in Borehamwood via Brook Road instead of Theobald Street and Shenley Road.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
C10 NGC is a Mercedes 0815D/UNVI, ex Parnell of Honiton (dealer).

TERRAVISION.
Ceased running from the Mid Stay Car Park at Stansted, after 16/1/16. From 17th January, they began operating from the Taylors End Industrial Park.
The use of Redwing of London as a subcontractor, appears to have ceased.

TfL RAIL.

EMUs 315846+315849 depart Goodmayes for Chadwell Heath, on 30/1/16. To the left is the site of the former Goodmayes Goods Yard, while to the right are materials for Crossrail works; close to the site of the former Goodmayes signal box. The skyline of Ilford forms a backdrop.

A street within the old Goodmayes Goods Depot site.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount 3200 B3 CEC, is now with Viking.com of Swadlincote, Leicestershire.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KP02 PVN has passed to Ensign.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
This operator, and its associates Olympus and Roadrunner; had their O licences revoked from 26/2/16.
This follows a PI (Public Enquiry) at Cambridge on 3/11/15. The main issue that time, was having no qualified transport manager.
The directors were banned for between 6 and 12 months and fined a combined total of £25,000.
An appeal has been lodged, and operations continue; although the 21 (Harlow-Brentwood) service has been given up.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer V808 KAG passed to Comer, Kingswood, Bristol, before these developments.

Above: Townlink Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y296 FJN, on the 21 at Harlow Bus Station, on 31/10/15.

TRUSTYBUS.
Supplied through Ensign are ex London Central Scania Omnilink/ELs YU02 GHH/J/K/O, YR52 VFJ/L/M/N.
ADL/Enviro 200 MX08 HCC has passed to Ensign. Sisters BX58 BEY, YX09 FNG, YX60 BZD/E/F/G passed to Mc Gills of Glasgow, through Ensign.
Also sold are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers PDS32/3 (SHZ 2691, VJZ 3283) and cannibalised Dart SLF/Pointer RX51 FNT. PDS33 and RX51 FNT went to MC Tractors, Ely – for scrap.
The Harlow-Ongar section on ex Townlink route 21 has been taken over.

Above: Trustybus ex Metrobus Scania Omnicity YN53 RXP, at Hertford East on Abellio Greater Anglia RRP standby, on 3/1/16.

Above: Trustybus ex Tower Transit Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LX04 FXP, enters Harlow Bus Station on 16/1/16.

With thanks to: J Benee; District Dave; Ensignbus; Essex Buses Yahoo; A Hazell; P Layzell; Panther Travel; PSVC; D W Rhodes; RM.

F

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

(Picture by: L Harrison).

Welcome to the December, 2015 edition of ‘Busmopolitan’.
I am pictured actually looking back towards “Busmopolitan territory”, as I’m at Greenwich, gazing across the River Thames; possibly reflecting on the passing of yet another year, and one of many changes and developments in the subjects covered by this site.
Certainly in London, the onward march of “green” technology has continued unabated, which apart from hybrids, has seen the rise of the virtual electric bus; with examples running in the east of the Capital as we went to press.
In contrast, the close of the year, sees the end of many pre DDA “large” single deckers, as the deadline for their retirement from public service, expired when the clock struck midnight for 2016.
So, familar types such as older Dennis Dart SLFs, Scania L113s and Volvo B10BLEs have been consigned (maybe rather suddenly) to the history books. Such machines can be retofitted for DDA compliance, but the cost may outweigh the book value of the bus.
Stansted Airport witnessed two “new kids on the block”, with Airport Bus Express and Stansted Citylink, joining the fray on the lucrative corridor down the M11 to London.
And Stephensons increased its presence in mid Essex, with the takeover of most of First’s remaining routes in Braintree District.
Other highlights have included growth for smaller operators like Panther Travel, and retrenchment for others, such as New Horizon; who in December “jumped off the local bus rollercoaster”, after 5 years, to focus on its coaching “roots”.
And then there is the saga of Townlink in Harlow, who following a Public Enquiry may have finally “run out of steam”. But maybe a case of “watching this space”.
Another “drama”, was the “Leafgate scandal” on Abellio’s rural branch lines during the Autumn, when there was a mass shortage of diesel multiple unit trains, due to flat tyres caused by poor rail adhesion.
And for 2016, we wait to see who is awarded the new Greater Anglia Rail franchise.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
The Class 321 EMU fleet is to be re-tractioned by Vossloh Kiepe, following successful trials with 321448. The work will be done at Ilford depot, and is in partnership with Eversholt Rail, the owners/lessors of the ‘321s.
On 9/12/15, Stagecoach announced it had withdrawn from its partnership with Abellio, in the bid for the new GA rail franchise, which closed on 17th December.
An inquiry has been launched into the causes of the mass DMU shortage caused by poor railhead conditions, during November.
Dubbed as “Leafgate”, it is being led by railway expert John Curley.

Now in the new livery are electric loco 90009 and EMU 317510. 90009 is pictured (above), at London Liverpool Street in April 2005, when it had recently been transferred from Virgin West Coast to ONE; the National Express owned forerunner of Abellio Greater Anglia.

In late December, the NC64 ‘Pretendalino’ set was powered by 90013 + 82118, with ONE liveried TSOs 12098/143 in the consist. Refreshed set NC01 had ONE coloured TSO 12034 inserted.
EMU 321417 was on short term loan, at this time.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
There is now an outstation at Stephensons, Haverhill depot.

ADVANCE MINIBUSES, SOUTHEND.
From Turnpenny of Poulton, Lancashire, is Mercedes0814D/Essbee SJ57 FYL.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.

Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents Y172, 202 NLK have passed to Hams Travel of Flimwell, East Sussex. .Y172 NLK was pictured at Grays Bus Station on 1/12/15.
From 15/12/15, new commercial service 14 (Corringham-Fobbing-Basildon) started. It runs Tue, Thu, Fri only, and replaces part of 374, which was diverted away from Fobbing in May 2015.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther KX04 HTD is now GT04 APT.
Scania K114/Irizar YS03 ZKZ has passed to Coopers Tourmaster, Bedlington, Northumbria.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).

Received from Arriva Kent and Surrey, are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3521 (LJ03 MYG), 3527 (LF02 PMY).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3421 (AY54 FPZ) is now in Arriva livery, ex TGM. It was pictured (top), at Osborne Street.
Withdrawn are SLF/Pointers 3228 (P228 LKL), 3277 (T277 JKM); SLF/Caetanos 3406/7/9/10 (HX51 LSN, LRJ/L/N) – to comply with the DDA compliance deadline for this type of bus.
The SB120s are now common on Sunday/holiday services.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

The outstanding ex Fastrack Volvo B7RLE/Wright for here is 3822 (GN07 AVK). It is pictured (above), in original condition at Dartford, in June 2007.
Now withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3322/4 (T822/4 NMJ), 3281/9 (T281/9 JKM) and the last Plaxton Prestige bodied DAF SB220Ls – 3914/6 (T914/6 KKM).
3916 had sustained accident damage, and all of the above were non DDA compliant; the deadline for these buses to be retired was 31/12/15.
Dennis Darts and DAF SB220s no longer feature in this fleet.

Above: SLF/Pointer 3322 on London Road, Leigh on Sea, in October 2004.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
ADL/Enviro 200s ENL49-61 have moved to Arriva London South. They are now at Thornton Heath (TH) to replace the last Euro II powered DWL Class DAF SB120/Wright Cadets on TfL255 (Balham-Pollards Hill).

BLUELINE TRAVEL, SOUTHEND.
888 is a new school service, between Basildon and Shenfield High, which was registered from 17/12/15.

BROOMFIELD HOSPITAL SHUTTLE BUS, CHELMSFORD.
A new service linking this hospital with the Chelmer Valley Park and Ride, commenced from 1st December.

C2C.
A new timetable was introduced from 14/12/15; intended to speed up journeys from certain destinations and offer more seats at peak times. However, there were teething troubles, with overcrowding experienced.
Further Class 357 ‘Electrostar’ EMUs converted to low density seating are 357212/21/5/6/7/8; now renumbered 357312/21/5/6/7/8.

Above: 357225 forms the rear of a London to Shoeburyness service, approaching Chalkwell on 28/5/15. Note the Union Jack branding.

CARTERS, CAPEL ST MARY.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 450 (LX51 FJC) is now with Collier of Earith, Cambs.

COOKS OF WESTCLIFF.
Bova Futura FHD C516 DWY (ex NHJ 714), has gone to PVS, Barnsley for scrap.

CRUSADER HOLIDAYS, CLACTON.
One time Setra S315 EK51 KYY has been offered for sale, through Eastwood Motors Limited, Birmingham.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL115 (W415 WGH) passed to Ensign, and was quickly resold to MC Tractors of Ely, for scrap.

DONS OF GREAT DUNMOW.
Scania K410EB6/Irizar YT15 AVB has been re-registered DH15 DON.

DRS.
The last Class 47 diesel electric locomotive; 47790 – was withdrawn on 15/12/15. 47805 and 47828 were “stopped” earlier in the month.

Above: 47828 at Norwich on 17/8/13; with Abellio Greater Anglia DVT 82139.

ENSIGNBUS.

Fully restored ex Southend Daimler CWA6/Massey rebody 263 (GLX 913), made its debut at the Ensign Running Day on 5/12/15.
The chassis was new in 1944 to London Transport, as bonnet no D27, with a utility body, and rebodied in 1954 for its new life in Southend, where it served until 1962.

Temporary fleet additions are 901/2/3/4 (LJ54 BCY/Z, BDF/V), ex Arriva London North Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s. 901 is pictured above.
Accident damaged Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus 114 (PO58 NPN), is being repaired.
Timetable booklet no 27 was issued from 14/12/15; to co-incide with the C2C rail timetable alterations. There were adjustments to services 12 (Aveley Village-Lakeside), 33 (Lakeside-Chafford-Grays), 99 (Tilbury Town and Ferry Circular), X80 (Chafford Hundred-Bluewater) and late night 73s (Lakeside-Tilbury) in connection with this.
Other route changes saw, a half hourly Sunday/holiday headway introduced on 22 (Aveley-Grays) and 73. School service 25 (West Thurrock-William Edwards School) has been extended from West Thurrock ‘The Ship’ to Purfleet in the afternoons, but the portion from ‘The Ship’ to Lakeside has been abandoned. Scholars service 28 (Tilbury-Hathaway Academy), is withdrawn completely. 44 (Lakeside-Purfleet-Grays) has been revised to run along a new bus only road to Tesco at Lakeside Retail Park, Mon to Fri, along with timing adjustments to this; 22, 66 (Lakeside-Chadwell St Mary) and 73.
Volvo FH12 wrecker M3 MJS has been re-registered E17 SGN – pictured below.

EOS LONDON.
Acquired via Ensign are ex Metroline Dart SLF/Caetanos LK03 NLL, LK53 FDE.

EXCALIBUR, PECKHAM.
One time Terravision contracted Scania K124/Van Hool Y177 JSH has been sold.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: Recent Streetlite no 63328, at Head Street, Colchester on 3/12/15.

Further Wright Streetlites at Colchester (CR) are 63335/6/7/9/40/1 (SK65 PXS, SM65 EEU/V/X/Y/Z), 63342/3 (SM65 EFA/B). 63334 (SK65 PXM) has returned from Basildon (BN).
Transferred from CR to Chelmsford (CF), are Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solars 69421/34 (AU58 FFH, EU58 JWZ). However, 69421 had returned to CR by the end of the month.
Optare Solos 53138/9 (EU54 BNJ/K), are now in Refreshed livery.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43731 (S731 TWC); Scania L113/Wright Axcess Ultraflows 65574 (S574 TPW), 65650 (T650 SSF), and Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65665.
Sister 65565 (S565 TPW), has been donated to the Edith Borthwick Special School, Braintree; for use as a “soft” playbus.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 66179 (W379 EOW) have rejoined its stablemates at First Eastern Counties. Similar 62195/7 (X689/92 ADK), have become driver trainers with First Essex.
Colchester staff bus Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 43360 (V360 DVG) has had its front destination display paneled over, while Optare Solo crew ferry 53008 (W808 PAF) has returned to CF from CR.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32806 (T806 LLC) has gone for preservation.

Braintree (BE) depot site, was vacated in mid December, with the outstation returning to the old sub yard. Withdrawn 43731, 65574, 65650 were then parked at the old depot, against the gates, to prevent trespass. (Latter two pictured below on 28/12/15).

The former Colchester travel office remained empty over Christmas, having failed to attract a retail tenant.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE and HALSTEAD.
Regulars at Halstead depot, are Leyland Olympian/Alexander RHs G805 GSX, H493 LNA (tri-axle); Dart/Alexander Dash P391 LPS and Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer W138 ULR.

FREIGHTLINER.

Electric loco 90043 is now in ‘Powerhaul’ livery. It is pictured (above) at Ipswich. Note the Genesee and Wyoming Company branding, which is now being applied across the fleet.
Ex Heavy Haul locos now with Intermodal, on Great Eastern are EMD diesels 66516/59. 66516 is seen (below), also at Ipswich. Both views taken on 22/12/15.

GOLDLINE, LEYTONSTONE.
Mercedes 0410 midi coach BK10 EHS has passed to Grange Travel of Gravesend.

HAILSTONE TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
Offered for sale are Iveco 45C/Excel minicoach BU07 CPZ; Iveco 40C/Concept MX07 UFB and Iveco 45C/Concept MX57 FGD.

HARLEQUIN TRAVEL, IPSWICH.
Ex Coatham of Lingdale, Cleveland is Mercedes 0815D/Ferqui YX07 GYA. It has been re-registered X11 HTC.

HAVERING TRANSPORT.
Dennis Trident/EL T819 RFG, was on loan from Ensign during December; having previously been with Geldards of Leeds, and ten moving on to Mulpeter of Seaford.

HEDINGHAM.
Transferred from Anglian is Optare Solo 904 (MX53 FDM).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 290 (EX02 RYR), has received the latest fleet colours.
Withdrawn is Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300 480 (S376 NVP). This is the first bus in the new livery to be retired. Also deleted from stock is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 283 (W791 VMV), after a period of disuse. They are stored at Sible Hedingham (HD). Both the above were due to the DDA deadline for these types of bus.

Above: Hedingham fleet no 480, departs Colchester, on 14/10/15.

IPSWICH BUSES.
New are Mercedes Citaros 154/5 (BF65 HVV/Y). No 155 is pictured (below), at Constantine Road depot, on 22/12/15.

Dennis Dart SLF/EL Sprytes 91 (X91 LBJ), 95/9 (X195/9 LBJ) have passed to Beestons, for spare parts only.

JOHN JAMES LUXURY TRAVEL, DAGENHAM.
This new operator has Plaxton Premiere 350 bodied Volvo B10Ms CHZ 4646, 4744, 7466; ex Woods of Leicester and Mercedes 1223L PO59 OML.

Above: Volvo B10Ms CHZ 4646 and CHZ 7466, at Newbury Park on 27/12/15; having arrived from Ingatestone, with an Abellio Greater Anglia rail replacement.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
Mercedes 0816D/UNVI midicoach HX59 EVK has come from Panache Travel of Southampton.

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Optare Alero YN04 XZR has passed to A1 Van and Truck, Clacton (dealer).

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Acquisitions are of ex Bournemouth Yellow Buses Dennis Trident/ELs T270/3/4/7 BPR, V428 DRA and ex Fishwick of Leyland DAF SB200/Wright Cadets YJ03 PFF/G.
Open Top Leyland Olympian/NC PJZ 9463 has been returned to use, but for ancillary purposes.

LONDON CENTRAL.
A second ex London General Mercedes Citaro to be seen on TfL108 (Lewisham- Stratford) is MEC21 (BD09 ZRC).

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
378226 is the latest ‘Electrostar’ to be upgraded to 5 car formation.

EMUs 315805/9 are now in the new livery. 315809 is seen (above), at Chingford on 19/12/15; while (below) it was seen in it’s Greater Anglia days – arriving at Brentwood in August 2012.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New is S7 Stock unit 21493/4.
D78 units withdrawn are 7013 + 17013 + 8013; 7080 + 17080 + 8080; 7089 + 17089 + 8089; 7100 + 17100 + 8100; 7119 + 17119 + 8119
VivaRail has acquired 7013 + 17013; 7100 + 17100; 17119 + 17119.
8009/13/88/100/19 have gone to Booth Roe for scrap.

MALCOLMS BUS SERVICE, CLACTON.
The depot at Willow Farm, Great Clacton has been moved to c/o Canhams Recovery, on nearby Telford Road.

MULLEYS, IXWORTH.
Additions are Scania K114/Irizar TC03 TLC from Translinc, and ex Beestons Scania L94UB Omnicity YN03 UWJ.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
Received from De Courcey of Coventry is Scania K340EB6/Caetano Levante 16 (FJ07 BZB).
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes SR115/7/8/9 (FJ60 HXY, FJ11 MKL/E/K) have been transferred to the Kings Ferry, for further National Express contract use.

NEW HORIZON.
Commercial service 77 (Great Bentley-Colchester) was de-registered from 20/12/15. A replacement was provided from 21st December, on Essex CC contract, by Panther Travel; for an initial period of 3 months. The “new” 77 runs at a reduced frequency, and no longer serves Turner Rise Retail Park in Colchester. Instead, it runs from Tufnell Way at the Colchester End, with certain journeys extended beyond Aingers Green (Great Bentley), to Seawick (St Osyth Beach) as 77A.
This complements the northern end of First Essex route 63; although the latter will be diverted away from North Station, Bergholt Road and Tufnell Way, from April  2016.

Above: NHT Volvo B6BLE/Wright Cadet X974 CNO, at St Johns Street, Colchester, on a 77 working, on 14/10/15.

OLYMPUS COACHES, HARLOW.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas SM10 BUS is now with Glenferry, Litle Ferry, Eire.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Commenced operation of ex New Horizon route 77/A (Colchester-Great Bentley/Seawick), under Essex CC contract, from 21/12/15 (qv). It is worked from Harwich depot.
Acquired for this new venture, is ex Mid Wales Travel ADL/Enviro 200 8.9 metre YX61 BXJ, which has been re-registered DC61 PAN. A second is “long” YX62 FVV. Both have received fleet livery. DC61 PAN is named ‘Daniel’.
From Lodge of High Easter, is former East Yorkshire Alexander Royale bodied Volvo Olympian N592 BRH.
Mini Pointer Dart SLF BIG 9856 has been upgraded to DDA specification. To achieve this, it has been down seated from 29 to 27.
Vauxhall Zafira crew ferry LD02 NCC has been re-registered AB02 PAN. BMW 320D estate ferry car LD52 DXW is now AB51 PAN.
Panther now has its own plot of land at Witham outstation, rather than parking in the main yard at Swanvale Industrial Estate.
The allocation at Witham has become 1 x double decker, ex coach.
Norwich outstation ceased at the end of December. The AGA Norwich standby contract, has passed to Freestones of Beetley.

Above: Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL BIG 7758 at Witham outstation on 30/12/15, with Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843.

REGAL BUSWAYS.

Another Trident/ALX400 supplied through Ensign is X263 NNO.
It was latterly with Quintin Kynaston Community Academy, London NW8; but was new to Stagecoach East London.
The picture was taken at Cheshunt.

RICHMOND OF BARLEY.
New is Optare Solo SR YJ65 EVD.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Following the receipt of the new Volvo B8RLE/Wrights at Huntingdonshire, 21301-10 (BF65 WKO/R/-Z) for the North Cambridgeshire Guided Busway; the original 09 reg B7RLE/Wrights from there, have moved to Cambridge, to replace the last 51 plate MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300s.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18342/3/4/5 (AE55 DKF/J/L/N) have transferred to Stagecoach in Norfolk.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New Routemasters LT271, 388 (LTZ 1271/388) now have overall adverts for Pepsi, while LT241/72 (LTZ 1241/72) are back in red.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17808/9 (LX03 BXC/D), are now driver trainers at Rainham (RM).
Trident 18204 (LX04 FWP) has moved from Bow (BW) to West Ham(WH).
Withdrawn are Tridents 17789/98 (LX03 BWC/M), 17819 (LX03 BXP), 17922 (LX03 OSW). 17819 has been scrapped.

STEPHENSONS.
The new buses for Braintree are ADL/Enviro 200s 471-5 (EU65 EOG/H/J/K/L). They have ‘Three Rivers’ fleet names, plus orange route branding, and entered service on 11/12/15. A sixth is due in early 2016. They have displaced the temporary vehicles, back to their existing duties at Boreham, or to Rochford and Haverhill.
Short ADL/E200 427 (YY15 NJO), was on the 247 in mid December, and was then replaced by Dart SLF/Caetano 453 (HV52 WTC). The outbase for 247 has moved back to Ipswich Buses, from Clacton.


Top: ADL/E200 no 427 at Colchester High Street on 15/12/15.
Above: SLF no 453 at Ipswich outstation on 22/12/15.

Scania Omnidekka 903 (YN53 CFV) has a black overall advert for Great Baddow High School.
Ex Metroline Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano LK03 NLG has been acquired from Ensign, and put to work as a driver trainer, with fleet no 9033. It retains red livery.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer T593 CGT.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 828 (N828 FKK) has gone to MC Tractors of Ely, for scrap.

STUARTS MINIBUSES, WICKFORD.
Sold are Mercedes 0814D/ACI UBZ 3961 and Ford Transit 8 seater CP08 RDZ.

SWALLOW COACHES, RAINHAM.
Setra S416 EK06 JHV has been offered for sale.

TfL RAIL.
Into the new livery are EMUs 315819/30/9/45/7/9/51/2/4/9.

Above: Back in 2000, 315849 was part of the WAGN fleet. WAGN became part of ONE, (later NXEA) in April 2004, before becoming Abellio Greater Anglia in February 2012. It’s move to TfL Rail, came in May 2015. This view was taken at London Liverpool Street in December 2000.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Acquired from Crawford of Kirkintilloch, Scotland is Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah DE52 ONW.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Following a Public Enquiry, the Traffic Commissioner has revoked the Operators’ Licences for Townlink and its associated companies Olympian and Roadrunner, from February 2016.

TRUSTYBUS.
Sourced through Ensign are ex Metrobus Scania Omnicities YN53 RXU/Y/Z and former Stagecoach East London ex Tower Transit Trident/ALX400s LX04 FXJ/L/P. The Omnicities and Tridents retain their dual doors, but now have led destinations. The Omnicities have received fleet livery, but the Tridents retain London red.
Withdrawn is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer PDS33 (SHZ 2691).
Sold to Jones of Gravesend are Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y329 FJN; Dart SLF/Plaxton Pounter KX51 UDG and Dart SLF/Caetano MA02 BLU.
Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capitals MDS13-16 (LT02 ZDE/G/O/P) and SLF/Caetano Y364 HMY have passed to MC Tractors, Ely, for scrap. SLF/Caetano Y366 HMY has been scrapped on site, while Y374 HMY has been disposed of following collision damage, to Lloyd the Hixon dealer. Mercedes 0814d/Plaxton Beaver MP7 (KV51 KZD) has passed to Erith Commercials (dealer).
ADL/Enviro 200s BX58 BEY, BFA, YX09 FNG, have gone to Ensign, (pictured below).

Traffic news is that service 244 (Canada Fields-Cheshunt rail station) ended after 24th December.

UNO.
Some new ADL/Enviro 20Ds have arrived.
Nos 513-7 (SN65 ZGU-Y) are at Hatfield, and 518-22 (YX65 RNJ/N/O/U/V) are for Northampton. They have replaced ex Centrebus and London United Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere R154 SSN is now TUI 9810.

WHIPPET.
From Tower Transit are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WD432/3/6 (LK54 FLB/C/F).
Volvo B10BLE/Alexander WS304 H17 WCL has been re-registered back to S134 EJE.
Sold to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap are Scania L94UB/Wrights WS301/2/3 (T354/6/68 JWA – ex H13/4/6 WCL) and DAF SB220/EL Myllenium WS315 (W476 MKU).

With thanks to: J Benee, S Burden, ‘District Dave’, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, L Harrison, Panther Travel, PSVC, RM.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the November, 2015 edition of Busmopolitan.
The picture of the editor (above), with Hedingham Omnibuses Volvo Olympians nos 92 and 76, is significant, because the marque will be phased out in 2016; in advance of the DDA deadline for this type of bus from 1st January 2017. Tollesbury and Kelvedon depots are the last to operate Olympians, and they will be replaced by low floor Dennis Tridents. The view was taken at Kelvedon on 18th November.

At First, hot on the heels of the new depot at Colchester, are some brand new buses. These are Wright Streetlite MAXs, and are the first “out of the box” deliveries to Colchester since 2003.

Stephensons has completed its takeover of Braintree area routes from First, which followed the closure of the former’s local depot from 1st November. Stephensons has been using a selection of saloons drawn from around its fleet, pending the arrival of new vehicles.

The Arriva ‘MAX’ brand has come to Essex; with it being launched in Southend on 30th November.

Big changes have been announced to certain bus routes across Essex, following a county council review. These would take effect from early April 2016.

Townlink at Harlow, has been the subject of a Public Enquiry (PI). This was connected with non operation of services, and not having a nominated Transport Manager.
It’s predecessors have likewise tussled with the authorities, in the past.

And on the railway, it’s the leaf fall season – and a farce. For a large part of November, buses had to replace trains of the Sudbury and Felixstowe branch lines, due to a shortage of diesel multiple units (dmus). The reason ? A large number of the dmus had flat tyres, due to the railhead conditions. An alternative theory was that they were “too lightweight” (!).

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.

156418 has been named ‘ESTA 1965-2015’.
Buses/coaches replaced trains on the Marks Tey-Sudbury and Ipswich-Felixstowe routes on 11th to 22nd November, due to a shortage of Class 153 and 156 DMUs. This was due to several of these diesel units suffering flat tyres, due to poor track and adhesion conditions.
Operators noted on replacement road services, included Dons, Ensignbus, First, Flagfinders, New Horizon, Panther Travel, Regal and Simonds of Diss.

Top: 156402 heads “down” through Brentwood on 21/11/15; having been to the wheel lathe at Ilford, to attend to its flats.
Above: 153322 trails the same consist.

To the new livery are EMU 317503; DVT 82103 and FO 11098.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
A second route is A21 (Stansted-Stratford-London Bridge-Victoria). Easybus tickets are valid on this service, following the latter’s exit from Stansted Airport.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Offered for sale are Bova Futura RIJ 4670; DAF MB/VH YNJ 214; Dennis Javelin/WS yellow school bus K662 PHW and Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President Y202 NLK.
Bova Futura Y8 AMS is withdrawn, but Dart SLF/Caetano KM51 BFY has been reinstated.
Sold is Leyland Olympian/ECW G723 XDL.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
From 8/11/15, there were fare changes to the Colchester Park and Ride, coinciding with the introduction of new ticket machines at Cuckoo Farm terminus.
The introductory fee has ended. Charges are now £3 per adult, £1 per child and free for under-fives. Concessionary and Blue Badge holders travel free after 0900, subject to registration.
Ex Fastrack Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3815 (GN07 AVB), has gone to Southend, after temporary use at Colchester.
Withdrawn are Dart/SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3191 (P191 LKJ) and SLF/Caetano 3411 (HX51 LRO).
Sunday/bank holiday service 70 (Colchester-Braintree), has gone over to saloon operation, ex double deck.

Above: SLF 3191 at St Johns Street, Colchester on 15/10/15.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3815 (GN07 AVB), has been received from Colchester, and repainted into Arriva livery, along with 3822 (GN07 AVK) from Northfleet.
From 30/11/15, the ‘MAX’ brand was introduced to service 5 (Southend-Basildon). Ex Fastrack/Northfleet B7RLE/Wrights 3816 (GN07 AVC), 3820/1 (GN07 AVG/J), 3823/4 (GN07 AVL/M) are in ‘MAX’ livery.
Ex Fastrack Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3801-14 have moved from storage at Short Street depot, back to Kent – to store at Aylesford. They are Kent County Council, rather than Arriva owned and will be redeployed to KCC contractors.
Withdrawals are of DAF SB220L/Plaxton Prestiges 3912/3 (T912/3 KKM).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Received from Arriva London South are DAF DB250L/Alexander ALX400 DLA384(LJ03 MYU) and ADL/Enviro 400 T65 (LJ08 CXV). They are at Barking (DX).
ADL/Enviro 400s T171/2/4-9 are now at Barking (DX), ex Ash Grove.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis VLW128/9 (LF52 UPC, LG52 DAA) also went to DX; before moving on to Arriva The Shires.
Several late model DW class VDL SB300/Wright Gemini2S, displaced from TfL149 at Stamford Hill (SF) by LT class New Routemasters, have reappeared at Enfield (E) , and can appear on TfL313 (Chingford-Potters Bar), which partially serves the area covered by ‘Busmopolitan’.

Above: DW564 departs Potters Bar, on 21/11/15.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
LDV Convoy MX53 UZG is ex Mitchell of South Croydon.
Acquired for spares only is Duple 425 D380 BMV; from Byley Garage, Cheshire.

BEESTONS.
Further ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas sourced through Ensign, are YN03 DFJ, PZW.
Arrived for spares only, are ex Go-North East Dennis Trident/ELs W862 PNL and W174 SCU.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP205 (SN51 UAU), has passed to London Central at Camberwell.

CARTERS OF CAPEL ST MARY.
Ex Stagecoach East London Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LX03 BTF, has come via Ensign.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale N589 BRH has passed to Dart Pleasure Craft, Totnews, Devon.

CEEFA, PITSEA.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N559 SJF, is from P and M Coachlines, Wickford.

CHAMBERS.
Volvo Olympian/Plaxton President 577 (W518 WGH), has moved to Hedingham (qv).

CHARIOTS, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Volvo B10M/Van Hool L56 REW is now K11 FCL.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Sold is Ford Transit 11 seater 134 (EJ55 DSY).

DONS OF GREAT DUNMOW.
Scania K410EB6/Irizar YT15 AVB has come from City Circle of Hayes.

DLR.
There was industrial action on 3rd and 4th of November, with replacement buses required. Contribution from local operators, included Beestons, Ensignbus, Panther Travel, Regal and Trustybus.
They boosted TfL routes at peak times; including 108 (Stratford-Lewisham) and 474 (Canning Town-Manor Park).

EASYBUS.
Service EB2 (London Old Street-Stansted Airport), was withdrawn from 14/11/15.
Thus Easybus no longer runs into Stansted, and instead tickets are valid on Airport Bus Express A21.

ENSIGNBUS.

Van Hool Astromega JEV 245Y has been named ‘In memory of Paul Francis Dipper 1958-2015’. Paul was well known in the bus community of south Essex and East London; being both a professional busman and enthusiast. His memorial vehicle is pictured (above), at Witham on an Abellio Greater Anglia e-rail, on 25th November.

Former temporary fleet member 912 (PK02 RDO), a Dennis Trident/Plaxton President, is now with First Bus Stop of Gravesend, while ADL/Enviro 200 8.8m 902 (YX11 HPU) , went to Grant Palmer at Dunstable.

Above: PK02 RDO in the “courtyard” at Ensign’s on 31/10/15; keeping company with ex Arriva London Volvo B7TL and DAF DB250L/Wright Geminis.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Ex Lothian Dart SLF/Super Pointer SK52 OKE, has passed to Centrebus.

EXECUTIVE MINIBUSES, AVELEY.
Mercedes Sprinter 416/Tawe EM06 BUS passed to Drew Wilson, Glasgow (dealer, and then to Chapman of New Stevenson. Also sold is Mb Sprinter 413/Excel EM54 BUS.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32490 (AU53 HKH), now has a super rear advert for Pop Up Cinema.

FIRST ESSEX.
New Wright Streetlight Maxs for Colchester (CR), are 63328-34 (SK65 PXJ/L-P/R). They collected at Quayside depot for commissioning. 63328/31/2 entered traffic in mid November; observed on 61, 62, 63, 64/A, 65, 66/A, 83/A, 70, 88, 103/4.
However, 63334 soon moved to Basildon (BN), along with older Streetlites 47657/8 (SN15 AEX/Y)- the rest of the 47xxx batch are already at BN or Hadleigh (HH). Then 63338 (SM65 EEW), appeared at CR at the end of November. Others were being delivered at this time.

Above; A view of Braintree garage yard on 22/11/14, featuring withdrawn SLF/Pointers 43448 and 43474.

Braintree depot closed from 1/11/15. It has been replaced by an outstation, initially on the same site. This garage, on Springfield Drive opened as recently as 2011. The yard next door was the previous depot, between 2005 and 2011, which in turn had taken over from the (now demolished) former Hicks site at Fairfield Road, in Braintree town centre. The “new” site has been offered To Let, by its landlord, Braintree District Council. The outstation allocation started with Volvo B7TL/ALX400s 32480/3/4/5, 32651/2 plus Solo 53137, as a crew ferry. Vauxhall Zafira FG14 WUV has since taken over on BE staff shuttles.

Above: Trident/Plaxton President no 33088 at Braintree, on a westbound 70, on 2/2/13.

Most of commercial service 70 (Colchester-Braintree-Chelmsford) has moved to Colchester or Chelmsford depots. Braintree outbase retains 6 vehicles and 17 staff for some 70 workings, plus 352 (Chelmsford-Halstead) on evenings, Sundays and holidays. The remaining Essex CC sponsored route 21 journeys have been transfered to CF. Services 131/2 (Witham-Braintree-Halstead), passed to Stephensons of Essex (qv).
Vehicle movements linked to the above, are of Tridents 32810/56 to Basildon (BN); 33044/78/80/6/7, 33184/6/90/5/6 to Colchester (CR), and Volvo B7TL/ALX400s 32480/2-5, 32651/2/4 from CR to CF and Braintree outstation. Tridents 33001/2 went from BN to CR. Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42489 (SN53 KJY) has moved BE to HH; sisters 42930/6 (SN05 EAM, DZS) and 43731 (S731 TWC) have moved BE to CF. The Vauxhall Zafira staff car FE14 WUV, went to CF, but subsequently resurfaced at BE (qv). SLF/Pointer 42934 went from BN to CF, but this was connected with the receipt of new Streetlites at CR, (see above).
Withdrawn are SLF/Pointers 43483/5 (R683/5 DPW).
Scania L113/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 65573 (S573 TPW), has been collected by Alpha for scrap.

Above: SLF/Pointer no 42429 works a Halstead bound 132 along Collingwood Road, Witham, in March 2013.

Above: Aberdeen heritage liveried Volvo B10BLE no 62139, on a northbound 131, calls at The Broadway, Silver End, on 3/9/15.

With the end of First routes 131/2 and the commencement of Stephensons 38/A, there were also changes on the Chelmsford-Witham-Colchester corridor.
47 (Chelmsford-Broomfield) was replaced by 72 (Chelmsford-Witham (New Rickstones Academy)). However, 47 continues in truncated form, as an Essex CC funded Chelmsford-Springfield Sainsburys route, at reduced frequency. 71 (Chelmsford-Colchester) has also changed. The 71A variant has ceased, as 72 now covers the Boreham Village loop, and 70 the Tollgate Retail Park at Colchester. Aditionally, there is a new 71B from Chelmsford to Chelmer Village (M-F). This has partly replaced the old 72 service.
Also from 1st November, Colchester route 61/A (University-North Station) was extended to/from Wivenhoe in the east, and Highwoods in the west. There was a slight frequency reduction on 65 (Highwoods-Stanway) as a result. 106 (Colchester-Harwich direct) ceased. This was basically used for positioning journeys for first and last buses to/from Harwich, after Harwich depot closed in June 2014. Early morning workings on 66 (Colchester-Rowhedge), now start at Old Heath (Whitehall Road), rather than running light into town. This is achievable due to the location of the new Quayside depot. 67 (West Mersea-Colchester) ceased to run beyond the town centre (Head Street) to the General Hospital, as this is now covered by an increased 61 and 65.
Then from 16th November, First regained 73 (Maldon-Boreham-Chelmsford) on Essex CC contract, after Stephensons pulled the plug – having only run the 73 commercially since 1/9/15.

CR based Green Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66798, 801/4/7/9/10/6/28, have received ‘Lower Emissions, for a Greener Colchester’ branding on sides and rear. However 66801 received none, and 66803 only on its nearside. 66807 was pictured (above), at Head St on 24/11/15.
Accident damaged Optare Solo 53128 (EO02 NFK) has been repaired, and treated to Refreshed colours.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright Axcess Ultraflows 66168/9 (W368/9 EOW) subsequently returned to First Eastern Counties. Similarly bodied Scania L94UB 65589 (V589 DVF), has passed into the custody of the Ipswich Transport Museum.
Withdrawn are the very last Volvo Olympian – NC bodied 34305 (L305 PWR); Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43365 (V356 DVG); SLF’/Marshall 43679 (R679 MEW); SLF/Pointer 43734 (S734 TWC); Aberdeen liveried Volvo B10BLE/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 62139 (X618 NSS), “Barbie” liveried sisters 62195/7 (X689/92 ADK)- 62197 was briefly used in service at CR after BE; Scania L113/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 65565 (S565 TPW); similarly bodied Volvo B10BLEs 66177/9 (W377/9 EOW).
Olympian 34305 has joined the Yeldham Transport Collection for preservation. One of a batch transferred from First Calderline in 1998; not only had it spent considerable more time in Essex than its native Yorkshire, but had outlived its sisters by some three years.
It is pictured (below), at London Road, Stanway on 9/3/15, during a spell on loan from CF to BE.

Another Vauxhall Zafira staff car is FG14 XHY, at CF.

Above: Volvo B10BLE/Wright 66177, picks up at Crouch Street, Colchester on 2/11/15. It is unusually on route 63; normally the preserve of Wright Streetlites. Local bus personality David Edwards is driving.

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD.
Volvo Olympian P167 BTV has been sold.

FREIGHTLINER.
Ex Heavy Haul 66518/32/47, have appeared on Intermodal work, on Great Eastern metals.

Above: 66518 at Ipswich fuelling point, on 13/11/15.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
Mercedes 0814D/Sitcar Beluga OO04 BOY, has been offered for sale.

HAILSTONE TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
Offered for sale are Iveco 45C minicoaches BU07 CPZ, MX07 UFB and MX57 FGD.

HEDINGHAM.

Another Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL from Chambers is 577 (W518 WGH); now at Sible Hedingham (HD). It was pictured (above), in Chambers days at Southway, Colchester in January 2015; on a school contract.
Scania Omnidekka 1520 (YN06 JYD), has entered service from Clacton (CN).
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 737 (T107 DBW), returned to service at Tollesbury (TY) in late November.
Volvo Olympian/NC 66 (P602 CAY), is to be donated to a school, for static use – after parts recovery.
Ford C Max staff car GU09 MTF has transferred to Konect at Dereham.
Ford Focus estate car GP07 HTL has been sold.

IPSWICH BUSES.
DAF DB250L/EL Vyking 54 (PF04 VML), has donned an overall advert for Town FM radio.

Above: Ipswich Buses no 25 is one of the Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents recently acquired from Lothian Buses. It is pictured departing Ipswich Railway Station on 30/10/15.

JOHN JAMES, DAGENHAM.
Mercedes 0814D/ACI E6 JJT is now T43 RJL; while Mercedes 614D/Crest BF52 KHX has become E6 JJT.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
Has been sold to two members of its existing management team.

KEVENDYS, WICKFORD.
Sold is MAN 24.400/Noge Catalan tri-axle S605 VAY.

L and R TRAVEL, BASIDON.
Sold is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount F401 UAD.

LONDON CENTRAL.
All electric Optare Metrocity demonstrator OE1 (YJ65 EOV), is being trialled on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford). It is allocated to the NX175 M-F peak hour duty.
An interesting arrival from London General is Mercedes Citaro MEC1 (BG09 JJK). It too, was observed on the 108, on 8/11/15. It returned to London General later in the month, but other Citaros are due.
The appearance of the Mercedes could be an answer to the capacity problems, which have afflicted route 108 in recent months. Due to the Blackwall Tunnel, and physical restrictions at Bromley By Bow; the choice of larger buses is somewhat limited.
Also, the southern terminus of 108, has temporarily moved from Lewisham Station, Loampit Vale to Lewisham High Street, Lewis Grove.

Above: Former Blue Triangle Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer no DP192, crosses Blackheath, on a Stratford bound 108 working, on 8/11/15.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
Now in fleet livery are 315806 and 321414.
378223/4/5 have been strengthened to 5 cars, ex 4.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New S7 stock delivered is 21487/8; 21489/90; 21491/2.
The latest D78 stock withdrawals are of 7003 + 17003 + 8003; 7009 + 17009 + 8009; 7015 + 17015 + 8015; 7050 + 17050 + 8050; 7063 + 17063 + 8063; 7074 + 17074 + 8074; 7088 + 17088 + 8088; 7094 + 17094 + 8094; 7113 + 17113 + 8113; 7514 + 17514 + 7515.
VivaRail has taken 7003 + 17003; 7009; 7015 + 17015; 7050 + 17050; 7063 + 17063; 7074; 7088 + 17088; 7094; 7113 + 17113; 7514 + 7515.
To Booth Roe at Rotherham for scrap, went 8003/15/50/63/74/88/94/113, 17009/74/94, 17514.

Above: D78 7074 at Upminster in August 2007, when recently refurbished.

Below: In original condition, D78 7094 tails a Wimbledon to Tower Hill service, departing Monument in December 2000.

MALCOLMS BUS SERVICE, CLACTON.
Mercedes 609D/Reebur E343 TYD has passed to A1 Truck and Van (dealer), Clacton, while also sold is Toyota Optima/Caetano M9 KFC.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante 116 (FJ60 KVS) has come from City of Oxford. It is allocated to Sipson Road (SR).

OLYMPIAN/ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
Reinstated are Dart SLF/Pointer Y542 XAG, and SLF/Alexander ALX200s LX51 FGN/O.
Sold are Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas MKZ 6312, and Scania K114/Irizar PB YN04 GPF.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Ex Hedingham Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer W339 VGX, has joined the operational fleet as BIG 9248, and is named ‘Philip’. The Volvo B6/Plaxton Pointer which previously bore the BIG 9248 mark, has reverted to its original identity of M832 CVG, and passed to Turners of Wickham St Paul. This was also a one time Hedingham bus.
Acquired from a preservationist, is former Southdown ‘Queen Mary’ NC convertible open top bodied Leyland Titan PD3/4 BUF 426C.
Dennis Javelin/UVG BIG 8796 has been offered for sale.
Volvo B10M/VH VLT 177 has been re-registered back to P521 PRL, and sold to Eagle of Castle Acre, Norfolk.
Withdrawn Leyland Olympian/ECW CWR 512Y, is now a seat store at Matching Tye site.
The Mercedes Sprinter engineers’ van, KY08 NMX – is re-registered to AD08 PAN.
Dart/Dash BIG 8843, has been loaned, short term to Malcolm’s Bus Service, Clacton; on various occasions.

REDBRIDGE TRANSPORT.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH S290 YOO, is now with Imperial of Southall.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer EK51 XXC, has returned to Ensign, off loan.

REGENCY CARRIAGE COMPANY, ROCHFORD.
Mercedes Sprinter 416/Stanford minicoach MP53 SDV has been re-registered EX53 ELM.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
N100 SST is a Setra S415, ex Meadway of Yardley, Birmingham. It entered service in plain metallic grey.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 22331 (AE51 RZO), has gone to Stagecoach Manchester South.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Ex Selkent Scania Omnicity 15040 has moved from West Ham (WH) to Bow (BW). Trident 17837 (LX03 BYN) is now at Barking (BK) ex Leyton (T).
Tridents 17838/40 (LX03 BYP/S), have been returned to Selkent.
New Routemasters LT264, 315/59/67 (LTZ 1264 etc), have lost their overall adverts for standard red livery. Meanwhile, LT272 (LTZ 1272) has donned an overall scheme for Nat West Bank.
Ex Selkent Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 34357 (LV52 HKJ), has been repainted plain white.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
The new Mercedes Tourismos are BG65 VXA-F/H/J/K/L; replacing the older temporary coaches.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.

The replacements for First 131/2 Braintree to Witham routes, commenced on 2/11/15.
They are numbered 38/A and are effectively extensions of Witham town services. Dart SLF/Caetano no 453, was pictured (above), at Collingwood Road, Witham on 13/11/15.
38 runs as Halstead-Gosfield-Bocking-Braintree-Freeport-Silver End-Witham-Allectus Way.
38A operates as 38, but via Stubbs Lane in Braintree instead of Freeport.
The Bocking-Braintree section replaces that part of First 21/A, although First will still work that as an Evening/Sun/hol Essex CC contract.
The 38/A are commercial services, on a combined 30 minute Headway, day times Mon to Sat. The Eberneezer Close to Collingwood Road section of 38 in Witham, was renumbered 40, and subbed to Arrow Taxis of Maldon, from 2nd November.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 417 (EU07 FRN) and short ADL/Enviro 200 421 (EU09 NYO), have moved from Rochford to Haverhill.
Further movements to Braintree from Haverhill, are of Dart SLF/ALX200 435 (LX51 FGE) and SLF/Super Pointer 455 (EG02 NZD).
Dart SLF/Super Pointer 459 (GU52 NKD) is back in use, after collision repairs.
Various buses from Boreham depot have also appeared on the Braintree services, since the start of November. Noted have been Solo 322 (EU07 FVM); SLF/Caetanos 453/4 (HV52 WTC/E); SLF/Pointer 459; ADL/E200s 422 (EU60 CAV), 423 (EU64 CVT), 464/6 (EU62 FDF, FBO). One line is run from Boreham, so buses at Braintree site can be swapped for maintenance. From 30th November, a 38A am peak working, became double deck.
Operation of commercial service 73 (Maldon-Boreham-Chelmsford), ceased after 13/11/15. First Essex took it back, under Essex CC contract, from 16th November.
ADL/E200 465 was the regular route 247 bus for much of November.
3 (Colchester-Hythe) and 506 (Colchester Schools-Heybridge), are now double deck worked, ex saloon.
Short ADL/Enviro 200 YY15 NJO is now in stock, ex loan and has fleet no 427.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 464 on 38, at Silver End Broadway, on 18/11/15.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
From 21st November, TfL school services 692/9 (Winchmore Hill-Dame Alice School) were taken over from Go-Ahead London General North, on re-tender.

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
Sold is MCW Metrobus C439 BUV.

SWIFT TRAVEL, NORTH WEALD.
Mercedes 0815D minicoach Y1 CHT is now S29 NFT.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
CAZ 2747 is a Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen, ex Washington Coaches of Philadelphia; that’s the one in Tyne and Wear, rather than the USA !

THORNES OF RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B10M/VH H181 DVM, is now with Pearson of Old Whittington, Derbyshire.

TOWER TRANSIT.
New are Enviro 400-VE virtual electric hybrids DH38501 (SN65 ZGO), 38502/3 (SN65 ZGP/R) and ADL/Enviro 20Ds DMV45112-4 (YX65 RLY/Z, RMO), DM45115-20 (YX65 RMU/V/Y/Z, RNA/E). All are at Lea Interchange (LI). DH38501 is being trialled on TfL69 (Canning Town-Walthamstow).
The remaining borrowed ex Stagecoach East London TAL class Trident/ALX400s, TAL33200-4/6-9 have been returned to Ensign. They were replaced by DN class ADL/Enviro 400s, made surplus by the loss of TfL295 (Clapham Junction-Ladbroke Grove), to Metroline.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
New from 16/11/15, are commercial routes 419 (Harlow-Epping) and 420 (Harlow-Ongar). Both are half hourly daytimes, M-Sat. Additionally, 392 (Harlow-Rye Park) and 410 (Harlow-Waltham Cross), have gone over to double deck, ex saloon.
Vehicles acquired through Ensign are ex Metrobus Scania Omnicities YN53 RXF/G/H/M/P/R/T – these retain dual doors, but are now led destination fitted; former Ealing Community Transport Dart SLF/Caetano KX03 HZH; ex Stagecoach East London Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 LX04 FXV. The Omnicities have received fleet colours, but the other remain London red. The Trident additionally has led destinations as well as keeping 2 door layout.
On loan from Ensign, was Dart SLF/Caetano LK53 FDP.
Optare Solo V679 FEL is now UNZ 8067.
Withdrawn is Dart SLF/Marshall MDS14 (LT02 ZDO).

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Now withdrawn is ex Florida Coaches Dennis Dart/EL 2000 M462 LLJ.
Mercedes 207D minibus Y148 ESG has been sold; along with Volvo B10B/Wrights M518 WHF, M547/8 WTJ. Accident damaged M548 WTJ went to Lloyd, the Hixon, Staffordshire dealer, for resale as repairable salvage.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
BMC 850 AE05 MZL is now with Perrys of Woolpit, Suffolk.

With thanks to: ‘District Dave’, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, Panther Travel, PSVC, RM, M Stokes, S Spencer.

309603 and 309622 at the buffer stops at Clacton. This was in the 1970s/early 1980s ‘Rail Blue’ era. When new, the ‘309s were finished in maroon. In the mid ’80s they went into orange/grey Network Southeast (NSE) ‘Jaffa Cake’ livery, before receiving NSE “standard” re/white/blue.
(Courtesy Bill@gensheet.co.uk).

The “Clacton” Class 309 electric multiple units (emus) ran between the Essex coastal resort and London, from 1963 to 1994. They were the first British emus capable of 100 mph, and were based on the Mk I carriage design. Busmopolitan presents a nostalgic account of their final days in Essex, although several had second lives in north west England, up to 2000. The text is by John Podgorski MSc, CMILT – (reproduced below).

I was keen to ride on the Class 309 EMUs before their demise, as I fondly remembered travelling on them when I was at college at Clacton in 1984 to 1986.

Arriving at Colchester North on the evening of 21st January, 1994; I found several other people there waiting to pay their last respects to the “Clactons”.

Camera flashes and videos recorded nos 606 + 607, packed with commuters, arrive at Platform 2, and ten more minutes elapsed before the final scheduled Class 309 working; the 1822 London Liverpool Street to Clacton, pulled into Platform one – formed of units 626 + 613 + 616. There was a small group of enthusiasts on this train and further “bashers” (alternative name for enthusiasts), got on at Wivenhoe and Thorpe Le Soken.

At Clacton, a TV crew was waiting to film the event; although they first had to overcome the annoyance of a British Rail official, who claimed the cameraman’s work light had dazzled the driver on his approach into the platform. After that little problem had been smoothed over, the initial attempt to record the motorman leaving the cab, needed a second take when the door window jammed !

Returning to Colchester on (appropriately) Class 321 no 309, another “Clacton” unit formation was waiting at North Station; this being nos 624 + 618 + 623, which had just arrived as the 2023 from Ipswich and was awaiting a clear road, as ecs (empty coaching stock) to its home depot. Once the green signal showed, the ‘309 accelerated away into the darkness, under the watchful eye of further spectators.

The final day ………..

Saturday 22nd January dawned overcast, although the sun broke through at times later in the day. Arriving at Colchester North Station, to join the 1200 from Clacton ‘309 special, enthusiasts easily outnumbered the travelling public on Platform 4. As the train hoved into view, it turned out to be the same rake of stock, which had performed the final regular 1822 run the previous evening, but this time sporting a headboard proclaiming ‘309 Farewell 22nd January 1994’!

I took a seat upfront in unit no 616, and enjoyed an effortless journey via Chelmsford to London; the old lady defying her 31 years of age, with plenty of high speed running. As we descended Brentwood Bank, I was engaged in conversation with Daniel, a Cheshire enthusiast; who told me that a lot of North Wales Class 37 (diesel locomotive) “bashers”, were seeing off the “Clactons” that day.

Arrival at Liverpool Street was bang on time at 1323; the same train leaving at 1400 – with many of the enthusiasts who had been on the outward trip, again on board. For the sortie back into Essex, 309626 led us up Bethnal Green Bank, as cameras and videos were aimed out of every available droplight; much to the bemusement of one “normal” passenger, who eventually conceded defeat and fell asleep !

There was a great deal of trackside interest, as the penultimate Class 309 traversed the suburban slow lines and the Ilford flyover. The signaller at Goodmayes took photos from his in-built vantage point and a man with a Land Rover, (at Brentwood) panned a shot of us as we sped by. Arriving at Chelmsford, there was much platform end activity, with amongst the throng – one Michael J Collins, (well known contemporary local rail photographer). And then came a perfect run to Colchester, again arriving on time.

The last run …………………

At 1845 on a chilly January night, there were but two hardy souls on the end of Colchester Platform one. Could this have been, because the announcer stated twice in succession, that it was the first four coaches only for the 1855 to Clacton ?

A horn sounded in the distance, and out of the gloom loomed the familiar shape of a Class 309. Climbing aboard unit no 626 again and settling in Driving Trailer car no 75974; I felt an air of anticipation as I was seeing the end of an era.

As it pulled away from Colchester, a small gathering waved the Class 309 farewell. After taking the underpass beneath the Great Eastern Main Line, 626 + 613 + 616 headed towards the coast through East Gates and Hythe, and on into the darkness of the marshes alongside the River Colne, with only shipping navigation lights showing the way. The familiar whirring noise of the reheostatic brakes brought us to a halt at Wivenhoe. Once on the move again, it was up the grade past the site of the long closed branch to Brightlingsea, which would still have (just) been open when the ‘309s were brand new. Back to 1994, the venerable electric stock was “opened up”, through Alresford and then on past the former station at Thorrington – by then a scrapyard, (and still so in 2015). Great Bentley came and went, before Weeley was reached.

There was a good turnout of enthusiasts on the final ‘309 working; many of whom were chatting away in the forward section of car no 75974, as we decelerated into Thorpe Le Soken. There, a class 312 emu awaited passengers for Walton on the Naze, but activity was very much focused on the ‘309, as the refreshments trolley did its rounds.

Two rings of the conductor’s starting signal, and it was time for the final leg of the journey. For the first quarter of a mile, the tracks to Clacton and Walton ran side by side, before the latter curved sharply to the right. At this stage, the lights of the seaside town could be seen on the horizon.

Over Burrsville level crossing and Valley Road bridge, and the end was now in sight as the last Class 309 in Great Eastern service slowed down, past the darkened outline of sister unit no 604. As the “Clacton” drew to a standstill in Platform 3, a cheer rose from the occupants of the front carriage, followed by a photo call. However, the sense of occasion felt 24 hours previously was sadly lacking, with no obvious tribute to the retirement of the Class 309s, except for a scrum of photographers. In fact it was not long, before the train was shunted away to the sidings, without ceremony.

And so that was it; one more British Rail traction class consigned to the history books. Riding out of Clacton on 321357, one last glimpse of the ‘309 Farewell’ was afforded; stabled will all lights on as the Class 321 glided silently past. A fellow passenger commented, “These new ones won’t last 31 years”. We shall see.

The “Clacton sunset” had receded into a deep winter’s night.

Above: One of the Class 309’s successors was the Class 312.
312711 was pictured at London Liverpool Street, in November 1999.
(John Podgorski).

Above: A Class 321 emu. 321329 at Kirby Cross, bound for Walton on the Naze, in May 2009. This, and the previously illustrated Class 312, are in post privatisation Great Eastern colours.
Class 309s used to run up this branch, as well as to Clacton.
(John Podgorski).