Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the October 2015 edition of Busmopolitan.
First has continued its retrenchment in Essex, by beginning a withdrawal from the Braintree area. Phased over a fortnight, from mid October – this saw the handing over of two local routes to Stephensons of Essex and Panther Travel. This will conclude at the start of November, with the closure of First’s Braintree depot, and the surrender of further commercial services to independant operators.
Meanwhile, a few miles to the west, Stansted Citylink opened for business in early October. Joining the fray on the hotly contested Stansted Airport to central London corridor, Citylink has the advantage of Comfort Del Gro corporate backing, and the fact it serves Kings Cross St Pancras, which it’s rivals, National Express and Terravision, do not. This was closely followed by Airport Bus Express; who provide a Stansted to Victoria via Baker Street link.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
ONE liveried FO 11101, was running in the ‘Pretendalino’ set NC64 in early October, before joining the ONE painted consist.
By the end of October, NC64 was powered by 90012 + 82121, with ONE coloured FO 11073 and TSO 12098 in the consist. Original Refreshed set NC01, was being push pulled by 90034 and 82152, at this time.
The ONE liveried set had AGA coloured TSOB 10229 inserted in late October, with 90015 and 82118 providing the traction. The rest of the rake was formed of FOs 11070, 11101; TSOs 12032/84/90, 12115/37/51.
Still in ONE livery at the end of October were electric locos 90006/7; DVTs 82102/27, plus several MkIII carriages, and Turbostar DMUs 170201-8.
Turbostars 170270-3, retained Anglia Railways blue/white at this time.
Sprinter DMU 156402, has been seen in white – minus AGA fleet names.Repaints into the new livery, are of MkIII FO 11080, TSO 12120.

Above: Freshly repainted 90015 ‘Colchester Castle’, at Ipswich on 28/10/15; propelling a London to Norwich service.

ACME TRANSPORT, STANSTED.
From Elite of Carleton, Lancashire is Mercedes 0814D/plaxton Cheetah X378 GNR.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
This new operator runs 24/7 express coach service A20, between Stansted Airport and London Victoria (via Baker Street). Part of the Italian Autostradale Group, the registered office is at Royston, Hertfordshire, and the operating centre is at Great Hallingbury, Essex.
New for this venture are Scania K440EB4/Caetano C650s BX65 WBE/F/G/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/T/U. They wear a white/red livery.

AMBER COACHES, RAYLEIGH.
Sold is Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano KM51 BFU.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).

Dart SLF/Caetano no 3406 now sports a “hybrid” Arriva colour scheme, (pictured above) at Osborne Street, on 5/10/15.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer 3416 (SN54 HXC), now sports Arriva fleet names on TGM livery.
Ex Fastrack Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3815 (GN07 AVB) – (loaned), and ex Arriva Kent and Surrey DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3941 (GK52 YVF), are now here. SLF/Pointer 3191 (P191 LKJ) has come from Southend, with 3322/4 (T822/4 NMJ) returning. 3277 (T277 JKM) briefly returned to Southend, before 3324 went back. DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3529 (LF02 PNJ) is also understood to have been at Southend, for a short time.
Short Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 1562 (RX07 KPG) is back in use, following repairs.
Withdrawn is Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300 3830 (W901 UJM). This was the last of the batch. Also retired is Dart SLF/Caetano 3408 (HX51 LRK). They have gone to Southend for disposal.

Above: DAF SB120/Cadet no 3941 at Colchester High Street, in October 2015.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).

Former Colchester Dart SLF/Super Pointer 3413 (SN54 HWY) is now in Arriva livery, ex TGM. Sister 3415 (SN54 HXB) has received Arriva hues on its front end only, rest remaining white/blue/yellow. (Pictured above at Harlow, on 31st October).
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 1560 (EU56 FTO) has had a yellow band added to its blue/white scheme, and also now sports led destination/route number displays, all round.
Dart SLF/Super Pointer 3701 (S701 VKM) is withdrawn.
From 11/10/15, services 308/9 (Bishops Park-Stansted Airport) and 509/10 (Harlow-Stansted Airport) had their Stansted termni focussed on stands 17 and 18 in the coach station.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Has DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3937 (GK52 YVB) from Arriva Kent and Surrey.
Ex Fastrack Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar 3823 (GN07 AVL) is now here.
Withdrawn is Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3280 (T280 JKM).
In store at Short Street depot are withdrawn Alexander ALX300 bodied Volvo B10BLEs 3830/27/28/31 (W901/4/6/7 UJM), and SLF/Caetano 3408 (HX51 LRK).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Now at Barking (DX) are ex Ash Grove (AE) ADL/Enviro 400s T70, 77-83.
From 17/10/15, TfL173 (Beckton-Goodmayes Hospital) became mostly double deck, using VLA class B7TL/ALX400s and Ts, with some of the previous single deck ENL class ADL/Enviro 200s still appearing.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 ENL59 at Beckton in June 2010.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Bova Futura LUI 2244 is now named ‘Colonel Clint’. It is in white/blue with ‘Barkerbus’ vinyls.
MAN 24.350/Jonckherre double deck coach T46 BBW is now M155 BHE.
Ayatts Bravo M1 PCV is sold.

BEESTONS OF HADLEIGH, SUFFOLK.
Ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas YV03 PZL/M/Y have been acquired via Ensign.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
From London General, has come Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP205 (SN51 UAU); while ADL/Enviro 200 SE90 (YX11 CPU) is ex London Central.
Vehicles out, are Dart SLF/Pointer LDP186 (Y986 TGH) – to London General; and “short” ADL/Enviro 200s SE255/60 (YY15 HKF, GDJ) – to London Central.

C2C.
Electrostar EMU 357007, has been named ‘Sir Andrew Foster’.

CARTERS OF CAPEL ST MARY.
Ex Stagecoach East London Trident/ALX400 406 (LX04 FYB), has joined this fleet. Acquired through Ensign, it replaces similar 451 (LX51 FJN), which was withdrawn due to fire damage.
From the same source, has come ex Damory Coaches Leyland Olympian/ECW K739 ODL.

CHAMBERS.
Optare Solo 907 (YT51 EBF) has gone to Anglian; ending the use of Solos here.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Withdrawn is Ford Transit 25 (EU03 EPX).

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
This is the new title of the old Supreme Coaches.
Setra S315 T19 PVC has been re-registered BU03 LXZ, and sold to Marshalls of Leighton Buzzard.

DRS.

57004/9/11/2 are allocated to RHTT duties along the GE Main Line.
They work from Stowmarket. 57004 + 57012 were pictured (above) at Ipswich, on 27/10/15.
Operational Class 47s are back up to 4 units, with the reinstatement of 47790.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Former Easybus Plaxton President – Volvo B7TLs resold via Ensign are VP8 (X159 FBB); to Shred and Butter Ltd of Oxshott, Surrey and cannibalised VP4 (X153 FBB), to MC Tractors of Ely, for scrap. Both had latterly been with London General.

EASYBUS.
No longer serves Stansted Coach Station. The new terminus is the mid stay car park.

ENSIGNBUS.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano 784 (HV52 WTJ), has passed to Trustybus at Harlow.
Leyland Titan HVX 771T was acquired from Garnetts of Bishop Auckland in a dealer capacity, and resold to a local preservationist. This was new to West Midlands PTE as 4003 (WDA 3T) and later served with London Transport/East London Coaches as T1128.
Former Leyland Olympian/NC 132 (G132 YWC), latterly with Arriva The Shires, is being stripped for parts.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: SLF/Pointer 42933 on 21, at Braintree Bus Park in December, 2008. This was before the northern end of 21 was cut back to Deanery Gardens at Bocking, and replaced by an extension of 131/2. 42933 is now allocated to Basildon.

Above: SLF/Pointer no 42928, at the Conies Road, Halstead terminus of 21A, (latterly 131/2), in September, 2010. 42928 is currently based at Clacton.

Above: Optare Solo 53120 departs Braintree Bus Park on a southbound 30 journey, in December, 2008.
This was when Braintree was an outbase of Chelmsford. 53120 subsequently went to First Eastern Counties, and more recently First Potteries.

In advance of the closure of Braintree (BE) depot from 1st November, the following commercial services were de-registered from 18/10/15:
21 (Black Notley-Braintree-Bocking).
30 (Marks Farm-Braintree Bus Park-Beckers Green).
Plus after 1st November:
131/2 (Witham-Braintree-Halstead).
In Braintree Essex CC journeys on 21 (Braintree-Bocking section) continue, but the commercial (Black Notley to Braintree) 21s have passed to Stephensons of Essex (see below), with the 131/2 to follow at the start of November.
North of Braintree, Stephensons has registered a replacement for the Gosfield and Halstead section of 131/2. At its southern end, the 131/2 between Witham railway station and Gershwin Boulevard will be replaced by the 72, which will be extended from Chelmsford/Chelmer Village.
Meanwhile, with the end of route 30, Panther Travel has registered a replacement (qv). Other service changes have seen the end of 23 (Southend-Garon Park) from 4/10/15.
Vehicle news is the arrival of Dart SLF/Mini Pointers 42555/6/61 (WX05 UAM/N, SN05 DZX) from First Bristol, and the appearance of Braintree (BE) Trident/President 33045 (LN51 DVK) at Colchester (CR) for type training and route trials. Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32481 (AU53 HJY), has likewise gone from CR to CF for staff familiarisation; this is in advance of reallocations caused by the closure of BE.
A second Trident/President to apprear at CR, was 33002 (LK51 UZP) from BN, in ther last week of October. SLF/Pointer 43731 (S731 TWC) has moved temporarily from Chelmsford (CF) to BE. Aberdeen heritage liveried Volvo B10BLE/Wright 632139 (X618 NSS) and former Provincial B10BLE/Wrights 66168/9 (W368/9 EOW) are now at CR ex BE.
SLF/Pointer 42488 (SN53 KJX) has transferred from BE to Hadleigh (HH). Withdrawn from BE are Dart SLF/Marshall 43679 (R679 MEW) and Volvo B10BLE/Wright Axcess Ultraflow 66165 (W365 EOW). They have gone to store at Clacton (CN).
Plaxton President bodied Dennis Trident 33133 (LT02 ZBZ), is back in use at HH, after fire repairs.
SLF/Pointer 42482 (SN03 WLD) now wears Refreshed livery.
B7TL/ALX400s 32480/3/4 (AU53 HJX, HKA/B) lost their 61-62 branding, in advance of transfer out of CR. 32481 was partially debranded upon its move to CF.
Volvo Olympian 34305 (L305 PWR), Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 43356 (V356 DVG), SLF/Pointer 43734 (S734 TWC) are all parked up, disused at CF depot, but are not withdrawn.
Sold to Alpha Recovery for scrap, are Dart SLF/Marshall 41762 (X762 HLR); SLF/Mini Pointer 43357 (V357 DVG) and Volvo B10B/Wright trainer 60304 (M509 PNA).

The old Colchester, Queen Street travel office, has been offered for short term “Christmas Retail” let (above), while the former workshop at Haven Road, is “For Sale or To Let”, through Nicholas Percival Estate Agents. Queen Street garage has been earmarked by Colchester Borough Council for further, non transport use.

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Volvo B10M/VH XIL 5980 has passed to Glone of Toomebridge, Ulster.

FOURWAYS COACHES, HIGHWOOD.
Former Arriva Mercedes 811D/Aleaxander midi bus N468 EHA, has been sold.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
New is VDL Futura2 DK65 GAL.
It is named ‘In memory of Hoggy’.

GB RAIL FREIGHT.
66725 is one of the last to remain in First livery.
66759 has been named ‘Chippy’. It was seen (below), at Ipswich, on 4M92 on 28/10/15.

HEDINGHAM.
The latest ex Metrobus/London General Scania Omnidekka to note, is no 1520 (YN06 JYE).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 252 (EU03 BZK) has received the new livery, and been transferred to Chambers.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 283/4 (W791/2 VMV) and Volvo B10BLE/Wrights 484/5/6 (R231/2/3 HCD), ending the use of former Brighton and Hove saloons here; (the Trident ‘deckers are still alive and well). Also retired, following engine failure, is SLF/Mini Pointer 281 (V250 BNV).
Another Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President from Chambers is 581 (W956 WGH).
Former Volvo B6/Alexander Dash L208 (L208 RNO), has passed to an Essex preservationist, via Nash, Woking (dealer), in part exchange for Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL 60 (H160 HJN).
Ex HO B6/Dash L243 (M262 KWK) and B6/Pointer L258 (M261 KWK), are still with Nash.

Above: B6 L243 at Thurstable School, Tiptree in December 2010. It is on the 055 route to Kelvedon.

Above: B6 L258, withdrawn at Kelvedon depot, in December 2012.

KEVENDYS, WICKFORD.
MAN 24.400/Noge Catalan tri-axle K15 DYS has reverted to its original S605 VAY mark.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Dennis Trident/ELs T270/4 BPR, are ex Bournemouth Yellow Buses.

LONDON OVERGROUND/LOROL.
Into the new livery are EMUs 315810/2/3.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New are Circle/District/Hammersmith and City route S7 units 21481/2, 21483/4.
S7 set 21473/4 is in an overall advert for “Live On” Poppy Appeal/Bombardier livery.
Withdrawn are District Line D78 Stock units 7019 + 17019 + 8019; 7035 + 17035 + 8035; 7064 + 17064 + 8064; 7068 + 17068 + 8068; 7085 + 17085 + 8085.
7019/64/68/85, 17019/64/68/85 have passed to Vivarail.
8019/64/68/85 have gone to Booth Roe for scrap.

Above: D78 7068 (left) with 7004 at Ealing Broadway on 30/7/14.

MULLEYS, IXWORTH.
Acquired for spares only, is ex Coach Services of Thetford Optare Solo M850 MW52 PYU.

NATIONAL EXPRESS CONTRACTORS.
From 12/10/15, on Selwyns worked 350 (Liverpool-Southend), through journeys ceased from Stocksbridge and Chesterfield.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.

Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther LK53 KWE is now with London General, Commercial Services, as fleet no VC2. It was seen (above), at Cambridge on 25/10/15; on GTR rail replacement.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Has taken over Braintree town service 30 (Beckers Green-Marks Farm) from First.
It no longer serves Lakes Road, Chapel Hill or Stubbs Lane, as these are covered by other bus routes. Operation commenced on 19/10/15, initially with Optare Solo VB08 PAN, and is worked from Stansted depot. It is on Essex County Council contract, until April 2016 in the first instance. VB08 PAN was pictured (above), at Braintree Bus Park on 24/10/15.

Leyland Olympian/ECW coach D511 PPU, has been acquired from Stephensons. It is pictured (above) at the Canvey Museum Open Day on 11/10/15. (Photo courtesy Terry Clark). It went for repaint into fleet colours, in late October.
From Stanley Travel, Durham is Dennis Dart/Plaxton Mini Pointer RX56 BWE. It is named ‘Stanley’, and has appeared on route 30.
Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount BIG 8856 and SLF/Mini Pointer BIG 9856 have been internally refreshed.
Leyland Olympian/ECW BIG 9210 is withdrawn, and it has been re-registered back to CWR 512Y.

Above: Panther’s SLF/MPD RX56 BWE, at Stansted depot on 24/10/15.

PHILIPS, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
Volvo B10M/VH A351 NPU has passed to Birchnall, Dundas and Hawkins of Besthorpe, Norfolk; while also sold is Dormobile bodied Mercedes 709D K203 FEH.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
An express variant of the Canvey-Chelmsford service, numbered 1X, began from 5/10/15.
It runs am peaks only, service stops between Canvey Leigh Beck and Tarpots Corner, then direct to Chelmsford (Retail Market).
Optare Tempo PO3 (YJ56 WVY) is reinstated.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointers NA52 AWF/M are numbered 618/9.
Optare Solo 205 (YJ58 CDF), is now with Mc Gills of Barrhead, Scotland via Ensign.

Above: One of two ex Western Greyhound Mini Pointer Dart SLFs acquired by Regal through Ensign; no 619 loads at Braintree on 24/10/15, en route to Terling and Fuller Street. This council supported service runs on Saturdays only.

RONDA, SOUTHEND.
Withdrawn is DAF MB/VH F503 NJE. It has passed to Lloyd, Hixon (dealer), in Staffordshire.

SHELLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL, ONGAR.
Has Leyland Olympian/Roe CUB 69Y, via Ensign.
In its varied career, it was new to West Yorkshire PTE and then went “down south” to Metrobus at Orpington. It had latterly been “up north” again; at Garnetts of Bishop Auckland.

SOLITAIRE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.

V749 HBY is an ex Metroline Plaxton President bodied Dennis Trident, supplied through Ensign.
It was pictured (above), on the A12 at Stanway, near Colchester, on 23/10/15.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Transferred to Stagecoach in Norfolk are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18346/7 (AE55 DKO/U).
Withdrawn is MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 22331 (AE51 RZK).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Recent repaints are of ADL/Enviro 40Ds 10150/60; ADL/Enviro 40Hs 12132/6/42/3/6/7/8; Scania On=mnicity ‘deckers 15001/11; Dennis Tridents 17868, 19796; ADL/Enviro 200s 36318/49/65.
TfL147 (from Ilford) now runs from Prince Regent to/from Canning Town again, but the TfL541 Keir Hardy-Canning Town shuttle continues to be operated by Go-Ahead, but with reduced pvr.

Above: Trident 17561 on the 147 at Canning Town, in September 2010; back in ELBG days.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
Operations by this Comfort Del Gro subsidiary, commenced on 12/10/15.
A non stop Stansted Airport to London Kings Cross/St Pancras route is run; 24/7. It is numbered 767.
Frequency is half hourly, reduced to hourly between 0000 and 0430.
Temporary coaches are being used, until new Mercedes Tourismos are delivered. The initial fleet was Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panthers HIG 5338/9/44/5, MIL 6683 – ex Hamilton of Bow, County Durham; Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther SP07 CAA – from New Adventure, Cardiff; VH TDH921 YJ08 EAC – ex Horward of Great Sankey, and Irish registered VH TDX21 142-G-6 – from Callinan of Claregalway.
They are based at Kings Cross, maintained at Metroline’s Perivale depot.

Above: B12B/Panther HIG 5339 at St Pancras International on 18/10/15. (Tony Smethers).

STEPHENSONS.

Has taken over a number of former First Essex commercial services around Braintree, and has established an outstation in the town, at Benfield Close. This was phased in, commencing 19th October.
It began with service 21 (Black Notley-Braintree) – Mon to Sat, hourly;
and for two weeks (19-31/10/15), 38A – an interim shuttle from Braintree Bus Park to Stubbs Lane, headway 60 minutes, Mon to Sat day times; in advance of the new replacements for 131/2 (Witham-Braintree-Halstead) starting from 2/11/15.
38A replaced part of the old First 30 route, most of which is now covered by Panther (qv). Newport Grammar School contracts 417/8 have also been transferred into Braintree, from Boreham depot. Full allocation for Braintree will be 5 saloons and 1 ‘decker, from 1st November.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointers 457/8 (GU52 HJY, HKC) moved from Haverhill to Braintree, while sister 456 (GU52 HJX) replaced SLF/Caetano 454 (HV52 WTE), as the route 247/Ipswich outbase bus in mid October, before long ADL/Enviro 200 464 (EU62 CDF) appeared. SLF/Caetano 453 (HV52 WTC) held sway at the end of the month. By this time, 456 had joined 457/8 at Braintree.
Ex Stagecoach Norfolk SLF/Pointer T593 CGT, entered traffic during October.
Meanwhile a vehicular acquisition is of ex Metroline, former First Centrewest Dart SLF/Caetano LK03 ULG, through Ensign. It has become a driver trainer, and retains red livery.
Long withdrawn Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL RUI 2590 (orig C379 CAS), latterly a storeshed, has gone to MC Tractors at Ramsey, Cambs for scrap.


Top: Dart SLF no 458 on route 21 at Braintree Bus Park, on 24/10/15.
Centre: SLF no 457 on the 38A shuttle. Braintree, 24/10/15.
Above: SLF no 456 on service 247 at Colchester; 15/10/15.

SULLIVAN BUSES, SOUTH MYMMS.
More ex Arriva London North Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis from Ensign, are VWL9, 10 (LF52 UOS/T).

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
A Van Hool TD824 double deck coach has been imported from Cyprus. It came from Xidias Coaches of Larnaca, and has Cypriut registration TVF 229.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
From Stevens of Bristol, is Iveco Turbo Daily 40C minicoach MX10 DJJ.

TERRAVISION.
Has ceased terminating at Stansted Coach Station, and has moved to the mid stay car park for this purpose.

TfL RAIL.
EMUs 315820/1/33/4/41 are now in the new colours.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Withdrawn are ex First Dart SLF/Caetanos DMC42515-8.
Volvo B9TL/Gemimi2 VN36133 (BJ11 DTN), now has an overall advert for Hungry House. ADL/Enviro E40H DNH39190 (SN12 DTZ) has an allover scheme for Campo Viejo.
Now back in plain red, ex overall adverts, are ADL/E40D DN33654 (SN11 BTO) and ADL/E40H DNH39127 (SN12 ATV).

TOWNLINK.
Commercial service 255 (Debden-Waltham Cross) ceased after 30th October.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Arrivals are ex Metrobus Scania Omnicity YN53 RXJ, and former Ealing Community Transport Dart SLF/Caetano KX03 HZG. Both came via Ensign.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Sourced through Ensign is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur R154 SSN; ex Holloways of Scunthorpe.
Optare Solo CL52 CCL has joined the growing fleet of this type at Yeomans of Hereford. It is now used on ex First services, around its new home.

With thanks to: A Hazell, J Beanee, P Layzell, M Stokes, Connor, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, Panther Travel, PSVC, RM, T Smethers, S Spencer.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the September, 2015 edition of Busmopolitan.
Unfortunately, we have to record a serious accident involving a First Essex bus. This happened on 23rd September, on Mersea Island and injured 23 people. Full details can be found in the main text. Thoughts go out to all involved.
This time of the year sees the usual reshuffle of school contracts. Of note is Fourways of Chelmsford gaining all of the Sandon School runs, while Stephensons continues is mercurial rise across Essex. Panther has also gained some interesting work in this field.
There has been a repeat of the Grays Sinkhole, but this time in Brentwood. On 25th September a large chasm appeared in Ongar Road, at the junction with Doddinghurst Road. It was caused by a collapsed sewer. Several bus routes were affected; 21 (Townlink), 71, 72 (Stephensons), 73 (First), 261/8 (Amber), 269 (Amber – schooldays only), 657/8 (Regal – schooldays only); with repairs expected to take 8 weeks. The disrupted services used local diversions (around Pilgrims Hatch), to maintain continuity.
And it looks like the ‘Borismasters’ will soon shed their “Roastmaster” image. A program to improve the ventilation of these London icons is in hand. Once again scroll down to find out more.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
In mid September, refreshed set NC01 was topped and tailed by 90002 + 82012, while the ‘Pretendalino’ NC64 set had 90013 + 82107.

Above: A nocturnal scene of Southend Victoria carriage sidings, taken on 27/9/15. 321301 takes centre stage.

ACME BUS, STANSTED.
Optare Solos YN53 SVX, YHA, YJ54 UBX are ex Johnsons of Henley in Arden. UBX is a M850; the others are M920 models.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer P729 RYL is withdrawn.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Withdrawn are Leyland Olympian/ECW G723 XDL; Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL N716 LTN and Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer N210 NNJ.

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

APT COACHES, RAYLEIGH.
CN54 VOC is a Scania K114/Irizar, ex Princess of West End, Hants.
It has been re-registered to VPT 42S.
Meanwhile, Volvo Olympian/Alexander V551 PBA has come via Lainton, Manchester (dealer); and is now B4 APT.
Scania K114/Irizar B4 APT is now YS03 ZKZ.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
Dart SLF/Caetano 3406 (HX51 LSN) has received Arriva names on TGM livery.
On loan from Southend are/were DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3502 (KE51 PUA) and SLF/Pointers 3322/4 (T822/4 NMJ), 3277 (T277 JKM). DAFs 3502 and sister 3506 (KE51 PUK) returned to Southend in mid September.
Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 1562 (RX07 KPG) is delicensed due to accident damage.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3529 (LF02 PNJ) was also delicensed, and temporarily returned to Arriva Kent and Surrey for repairs. It was back at Colchester at the end of September.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 1558 (KX56 HCP) has been retro fitted with a front led destination display, ex roller blinds.
From 1/9/15, route 4 (Town centre-Tollgate) reverted to saloon operation throughout. It cross works with 1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead).

Above: Loaned DAF SB120 no 3506, at Ambrose Avenue on 4/9/15.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 2217 (T47 WUT), has been returned to Arriva Kent and Surrey, off loan.
Optare Solo 1453 (YJ06 FXS) has received Arriva livery, ex TGM blue.
Internally refreshed with leather upholstery are Solo 1453 and SxConnect Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3858/9 (KE54 LPF/J).
B7RLE 3859 suffered an engine fire on 16/9/15, while on a Stansted Airport bound 510 service at Stansted Mountfitchet. It will be repaired.
Service 301 (Bishops Stortford-Saffron Walden) ceased to serve Stansted Airport from 1st September. Alternative facilities are available with Arriva 308/9, 509/10.

Above: B7RLE no 3856 passes Bury Lodge, near Stansted Airport, on 19/5/15.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Nexus liveried Optare Versa demonstrator YJ61 JHV is on loan.

Above: Southend based Optare Versa no 4225, one of those transferred from Arriva Medway Towns, passes Southend Airport in the twilight of 27/9/15.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Further ex Arriva London South Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s, now at Barking (DX) are VLA104/6 (LJ05 BKY, BLF).
Barking (DX) has received ADL/Enviro 400s T66-9, 71-6 from Ash Grove (AE). T70 to follow. This is following the loss of TfL168 9Hampstead Heath-Old Kent Road Tesco) to Metroline. The Ts will replace DNL Class ADL/Enviro 200 salons on TfL173 (Beckton-Goodmayes Hospital).
TfL38 New Routemasters in overall adverts are LT4 (for Strongbow Cider); LT237 (G-Star Raw).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Former Stagecoach Oxford MAN 24.350/Jonckherre Monaco double deck tr-axle coach T46 BBW is now here. It came from Atkinson and Taylor of Skipton, North Yorkshire.

BEESTONS.
YN03 OFE is a Scania Omnidekka supplied through Ensign.
Volvo B10B/Wright FHJ 565 has reverted to its original P366 UUG registration mark.
An outstation has been established at Clacton, (John Canham, Telford Road), for the Otley College contract.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL264 (PN02 XBM), was on loan to Go-Coach at Swanley, during September.
Received from London General are “short” ADL/Enviro 200s SE255/60 (YY15 HKF, GDJ).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP191 (SN51 UAD) is delicensed due to accident damage. It is under repair.

BLUELINE, SOUTHEND.

Volvo Olympian/NC Countybus R283 LGH is from Victoria Coaches, Newhaven,
and is equipped for private hires. It is pictured (above), at Southend Airport on 20/9/15, on a Billericay-Southend Victoria Abellio Greater Anglia rail replacement service.
From South East Coaches at South Woodham Ferrers, is Bova Futura FHD T322 KNN.
Withdrawn are EOZ E180Z J2 SUP and left hand drive MAN24.460/Berkhof Y329 NWP. Both will return to service in the future.

CARTERS, CAPEL ST MARY.
Unusual Volvo B10L/Saffle 256 (L456 JCK), has passed to a preservationist.

CEEFA, PITSEA.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas C3 EFA is withdrawn.

CHAMBERS.

ADL/Enviro 200 261 (EY57 FZE) is again on loan from Hedingham. It is illustrated (above) at Colchester Bus Station on 23/9/15.
SLF/MPD 281 (V250 BNV) has been returned to Hedingham.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
SH57 BHX is a Mercedes 1523L/UNVI midicoach; ex Scottish operator MacKay and Thomas, Steventon.

COLNE VALLEY RAILWAY, CASTLE HEDINGHAM.
Two Class 08 diesel electric shunters have arrived for storage. 08738 and 08939 are ex DBS machines now owned by Traditional Traction.

CT PLUS.
Optare Solo OS17 (YJ60 LRX), has left the fleet. It had been used on a contract for the NHS.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL115 (W415 WGH), is one of the last Euro II engined buses left with Go-Ahead London.

DRS.
The active Class 47 diesel electric locomotive fleet dwindled to 3 in September, with 47805/18/28 remaining operational. 47818 was working on ‘Busmopolitan area metals’, during the month.

EASTERN NATIONAL.
This famous name makes a return to record that Bristol FLF/ECW LWC 661C, is still extant – at Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex.

ENSIGNBUS.
The latest Thurrock timetable booklet (No 26) was issued from 3/9/15.
There is a new school service, 28 (Tilbury-Hathaway Academy), and minor adjustments to 22, 27, 44, 66, 73.
Now in service is ex Arriva London Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LG52 DDA. It has been re-registered to PIJ 601 and has fleet no 101. It is also now single door and led destination fitted.
Sales Stock ADL/Enviro 200 YX11 HPU was used on a shuttle for ASDA at Gravesend, in connection with building works; between 13th and 24th September.
Acquired from Alpha Recovery, is former Southend Transport Leyland Fleetline/NC MRJ 241W.
Trident/ALX400 LX04 FXB has returned off hire to Tower Transit, while Trident/ALX400s T87 KLD, V192/4 MEV, V364 OWC, Trident/ELs T748 JPO, T819/20 RFG and Trident/President PK02 RDO have been on hire to Geldards of Leeds.
Trident/EL T746 JPO, is now with West Kent Buses of Sevenoaks.
Heritage fleet Bristol LD/ECW ACA 603A, has passed to Blakey’s Bus Cafe, Norwich.

Above: One of the Tridents hired to Tower Transit is LX04 FXP/TAL33202. It was seen at Paddington on 28/9/15.

EOS LONDON.
Plaxton Primo 662 is now pink to advertise Epping Forest College, but the front is orange.
There is a new Sunday service on the 66 (Debden-Waltham Cross) from 6/9/15.
However the 66B ceased to serve Upshire from 1/9/15.
A new timetable leaflet promotes these. It has a picture of Dart SLF/Caetano 751 (HV02 OZX), on the cover.

FIRST ESSEX.
On 23/9/15, there was a serious collision at East Mersea Road, West Mersea, between Scania 113L/Wright 65573 (S573 TPW) on service 67 (West Mersea-Colchester) and a Burrell steam traction engine, which had fallen off a DAF XF articulated low loader. 23 people were injured, with 6 – including the bus driver, seriously. The truck driver, who escaped injury, was subsequently charged with dangerous driving, and bailed until early 2016. The lorry was operated by R M Cowles Transport of Lowestoft. 65573 is withdrawn, due to extensive front offside damage sustained. It was removed from the scene by low loader, with the lorry following on suspended tow. The traction engine was being returned to Pittock Engineering at East Mersea, following a steam rally at Henham, Suffolk.

Above: 65573 at Hythe Hill, Colchester on 23/12/14.

SLF/Mini Pointers 43845-8 (SN55 CXH/F/J/E) have relocated from Basildon (BN) to Chelmsford (CF).
Dart SLF/Pointer 42482 (SN03 WLD) has moved from CF to Hadleigh (HH). Sister 42483 (SN03 WLK) is now in Refreshed colours. Also now ‘Refreshed’ are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32482 (AU53 HJZ), ex Route 61-62 University of Essex livery;Solos 53113/5/30/5 (EO02 NDY, NEF, NFM/U) and B7RLE/Wright 66829 (MX05 CFG). All these sport ‘Essex’ fleet names.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 43360 (V360 DVG) and Optare Solo 53008 (W808 PAF), have become crew ferries at the new Colchester Quayside depot.

Veteran SLF/Pointer 43480 (R680 DPW) is back at CF from Basildon (BN) – (above).
Optare Solo 53128 (EO02 NFK) is withdrawn due to accident damage. Also withdrawn are Mini Pointer SLFs 43359/9 (V356/9 DVG); SLF/Pointer 43737 (S737 TWC).
Trident/Plaxton President 33133 (LT02 ZBZ), suffered an engine fire, but will be repaired.
Long term laid up and cannibalised Scania L113/Wright Access Ultraflow 65576 (T576 JNG), has been removed to Alpha for scrap. This concluded the clearance of the old Colchester Queen Street depot and bus station area. Likewise, Scania L94UB/Wright 65653 (T653 SSF) went to Alpha upon the closure of the old Haven Road, Colchester workshop, following the commission of the new depot at Quayside.
Scania L113/Wright 65527 (R147 GSF) has passed to Ensign. It was resold to Laurenson of Preston. Also sold is Scania L113 61057 (R437 GSF).
A new school service, from 2/9/15 is 826 (Billericay-Upmister).
The yellow school bus allocation at Braintree (BE) – BMCs 68508/20 (KX54 AHU, KP54 AZU), has been transferred to CF.
Meanwhile, yellow BMCs 68521 (KP54 AZV), 68534 (LK54 FNL), 68552 (EU05 DXT) and 68555 (MX55 NWS), have moved to First Devon and Cornwall.
The old travel office and garage at Queen Street, Colchester have been boarded up, for redevelopment by Hutton Builders. The latter is pictured below.

Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 20128 (P768 XHS), is now with John James of Dagenham.

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
DAF SB3000/VH JIG 8905 has been re-registered K14 FCL.

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD near Chelmsford.
Six new school routes have commenced; serving Sandon School.
They are:
FWC001 – from Wickham Bishops.
FWC002 – from Little Baddow.
FWC003 – from Witham.
FWC005 = from Chelmer Village.
FWC006 – from Rettendon.
FWC007 – from South Woodham Ferrers.
The recently acquired ex Metroline Tridents will appear on the above.
The Stanford Rivers-Brentwood 476 school service is withdrawn.
505 (Colchester-Danbury) is back “in house” with Stephensons (see below).
Another ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President from Ensign, is LN51 KYK.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Former Dublin Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH T569 EGD has been exported to Lagos, Nigeria, via Ensign.

GALLOWAY OF MENDLESHAM.
On hire is white VDL180/MCV YJ632 JWF. It has fleet no 354.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
New is WO65 BOY, a Mercedes Sprinter 516/EVM.

HEDINGHAM.
The Volvo Olympians at Tollesbury (TY) are now in two Pools. 71/2/4/5 (R626/9 MNU, R702 DNH, S300 XHK) are allocated to stage service, while the remainder are generally restricted to schools only. Some of the latter retain OPO equipment however, and 86 (M294 UKN) has been retro fitted.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 87 (P489 MBY), has been reinstated. Volvo Olympian /NC 69 (P608 CAY) remained in store at Kelvedon (KN) at 30/9/15. Apparently, the disposal to Alpha was cancelled, and it has been re-offered for sale. Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH 80 (J838 TSC) is likewise available for sale, and is parked up in TY depot.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 737 (T107 DBW) is long term VOR. It has gone to Cummins at West Thurrock, for a new engine.
Withdrawn are Volvo B10BLE/Wrights 481/2/3 (R216/27/9 HCD).
From 1/9/15, there were changes to service 34/A in Braintree. The timetable was revised, and on the northern section became a circular via Queens Road and Braintree College, with 34 serving this clockwise, and 34A anti clockwise. This route is now commercial, ex Essex CC contracted. This is now normally ADL/Enviro 200 operated, with 292 (EU59 AFF) joining 293 (EU59 AFJ) – at Sible Hedingham (HD) from Clacton (CN).
Commencing the same date, one journey on 95 (Tollesbury-Maldon) was diverted to serve Heybridge Basin on request.
The Weeley-Brightlingsea school journey has been linked into the Brightlingsea group of services, as 87C. It parallels the main 87 between Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea Colne Community College.
The Ipswich private school contract has passed to Suffolk Norse.
From 2/9/15, Kelvedon (KN) regained the Honywood School, Coggeshall no 4 (Easthorpe) and no 9 (Marks Tey) runs from Clacton (CN). KN now works all of the Honywood routes, except 2 (Stisted) and 3 (Halstead), which are done by Sible Hedingham (HD).
Changes to the Stanway School routes from 2/9/15 saw 025 revised, to start at Birch and then run via Easthorpe and Copford. Increased loadings have seen the 091 route split into two, with 022 serving Great Tey/Chappel and 022D Eight Ash Green and Wakes Colne. Likewise, the 17 registered bus service from West Bergholt to Stanway School and closed contract 021 from Little Horkesley/Wormingford/Fordham, are increased from 1 to 2 double deckers, due to greater demand. 024 to/from Layer De La Haye is unchanged.

Above: Volvo B10BLE no 483, in its original Hedingham guise as no L393. It was pictured at Coggeshall on 21/9/12. The two tone red livery was from a spell at City of Oxford, and this former Brighton and Hove bus retained these colours throughout its time at Hedingham.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Sold is Dennis Dart SLF/EL Spryte 135 (T135 KPV). Sister 91 (X91 LBJ) is withdrawn.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).
Ex London Midland 321413/4/5 have appeared; on the Romford-Upminster branch.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
S7 Stock set 21471/2 has received an overall advert for Mexico – “Live it to believe it”. Sisters 21443/4, 21445/6 have lost their SSR Upgrade – 191 new trains advertising liveries.
Withdrawn are D78 Stock units 7077 + 17077 + 8077; 7112 + 17112 + 8112.
Car 17077 is of interest, as back in 1994 it swapped identity with 17035. This was after the original 17077 was damaged in a flood at Richmond in 1991, and following repair was reformed into unit “035”.
Sold to Vivarail are 7001/8/29/39/41/60/72/112/18, 17029/112/18/22/25.
Gone to Booth Roe, Rotherham for scrap, were 17001/8/39/60/72/122/25, 8001/8/29/39/60/72/112/18/22/25.

MYALLS OF BASSINGBOURN.
Two new Herts CC contracted services started from 2/9/15.
27 runs Wednesdays only from Bishops Stortford to Royston.
28 operates on Mondays between Bishops Stortford and Baldock.
Due to the above, there were reductions to route 20 (Anstey-Bishops Stortford); with it becoming Tue, Thu, Fri only.
Other new ventures are 24 (Royston Town Service), 386 (Braughing Square-Bishops Stortford) – Tue and Thu only.
All the above (except 20), had previously been operated by Centrebus.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Scania Omnicity ‘deckers LX08 ECT/V are numbered 86/7.

OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
Commuter service 741A (Bishops Stortford-London Victoria) ceased after 11/9/15.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
From 6/9/15, there were changes to outstation allocations and rail standby duties.
Great Yarmouth outbase ceased, while the allocations at Ipswich and Witham dropped from 2 to 1. There is no longer a Marks Tey standby from the latter. These alterations are connected with the end of the summer season.
Now operated on sub contract from Stephensons is route 701 (Harwich-Colchester Norman Way Schools).
Mb 0814D/Plaxton Beaver SIL 2172 has passed to ACME Bus of Molehill Green.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur J734 CWT, is now with SMS of Towcester, Northants.
Volvo B10M/VH VLT 177 is offered for sale.

Above: VLT 177 on AGA rail replacement, at Ely station on 28/12/14.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
Much of the remaining track, on what is left of the site of the old Goodmayes Goods Yard has been lifted. Only stubs of the headshunts now remain, at the Chadwell Heath and Seven Kings ends.
Track still survives however, at the site of “The Factory”, opposite Gidea Park Yard.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
From 1/9/15, the 1 group of services between Chelmsford and Canvey were revised.
1 was withdrawn on Saturdays, but 1A/B continue on this day.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 602 (YN04 PZZ) is reinstated.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 652 at Prittlewell on 27/9/15, working the Sundays and Holidays only, Essex CC contracted 11A Chelmsford to Southend service.
To the left is the former Eastern National depot, and behind that are the lights of Southend United FC’s Roots Hall ground.

RICHMOND, BARLEY.
Bova Futura AY03 TTV (ex 239 LYC), is now with A-Line, Coventry.
Herts CC routes 90/91 (Royston-Letchworth) have been gained, while another new service is 386 (Bishops Stortford-Stevenage).

ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
Commercial service R1 (Harlow-Katherines), resumed in mid September, but 255 (Harlow-Debden) and 511 (Harlow-Bishops Stortford) remained dormant.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Transferred to Stagecoach in Norfolk are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18348/9 (AE55 DKV/X).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: One of the recent ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs for the new TfL498 contract. No 10306 was caught at Brentwood High Street on 17/9/15.

It has been announced by TfL that all of the current (and future) LT class New Routemasters will receive opening windows, following many customer complaints about excessive internal temperatures.
Changes to introduce a night service to TfL238 (Barking-Stratford) went ahead from 12/9/15, despite the postponement of the night tube services.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17838/40 (LX03 BYP/S) have come from Selkent,and are now at Leyton (T). Trident 17873 (LX03 NFV) has moved from T to West Ham (WH).
Trident 17892 (LX03 ORC) is withdrawn following an engine fire. ADL/Enviro 40D 19734 is delicensed due to accident damage, and is being repaired.
New Rotemasters LT243, 463 (LTZ 1243, 1463) are back in traffic, after collision repairs.
ADL/Enviro 400s 10157/8 and Tridents 18452/65/6 have moved from North Street (NS) to Rainham (RM), with ADL/E400s 19734-41 going in exchange.
Transferred to Selkent are Tridents 17832/3/43/60/1/2/3/6. 17832/66 went to Bromley (TB) – the rest to Plumstead (PD).
Trident 17530 (LX51 FOP) has been scrapped. 17581 (LV52 HFO), has passed to GTG Training. 17583 (LV52 HFR), 17746 (LY52 ZFE), 17802 (LX03 BWV) have transferred to Stagecoach Fife Scottish. 17745 (LY52 ZFD) is now with Stagecoach Glenvale in Liverpool.
New Routemasters in overall adverts are LT264 (G Star Raw); LT271 (Nike); LT272 (John Lewis); LT312 (Tommy Hilfiger); LT315 (John Lewis); LT359 (Spectre 007); LT388 (Pepe Jeans).
The 12xxx ADL/E40Hs are going through first cycle repaints.

Above: Metroline New Routemaster LT95, demonstrates the Pepe Jeans livery (and lack of opening windows), at Warren Street on 28/9/15.

Other overall adverts are:
ADL/E40H 12321 (SK14 CSZ)- Green Bus.
Scania Omnicity double deckers 15151/64 (LX59 COJ, CRK), now with Centaur of Crayford, have been repainted white, and put to work on the University of Greenwich inter campus shuttle, between the sites at Greenwich and Avery Hill, Eltham. They work alongside Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 BK15 AZP.

STANS COACHES, GREAT TOTHAM.
LDV Convoy minibus EY54 DJD has been sold.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
Former Goodwins of Manchester short ADL/Enviro 200 426 (MX62 APO) is at Boreham, along with ex Reserve Volvo Olympian/Alexander RHs 830/1 (N959/60 FKK). ADL/Enviro 200 466 (DK57 OPZ) is now at Maldon ex Boreham. SLF/Caetano 454 (HV52 WTE) was on the 247 from Ipswich outstation in mid September. It was understood to be covering for accident damaged SLF/Super Pointer 459 (GU52 HKD).
SLF/Super Pointer 456 (XS 2210), has been re-registered back to its original GU52 HJX mark.
The 505 Danbury-Colchester schools service is now back “in house”, after a year being subcontracted to Fourways of Chelmsford.
From 1/9/15, Essex CC 73 (Maldon-Heybridge-Boreham-Chelmsford) was taken over (commercially), from First Essex. It has also partially replaced routes 71C (Witham-Chelmsford) and schools 630 (Wickham Bishops-Chelmsford), which is now 673. The 73 has become double deck worked.
From 2/9/15, Essex CC contracts 417 (Great Saling-Newport Grammar School) was gained from Hedingham. 418/9 came from Hedingham in the last academic year.
Also from 2nd September, there were changes to the 700 group of scholars services to Colchester Norman Way schools. 701 (from Harwich) was diverted via Frating; 702 (from Frinton) diverted via Thorrington; 703 (from Jaywick) withdrawn, replaced by 701/4; 704 (from Great Holland) diverted through St Osyth. 701 has also been sub contracted to Panther Travel (qv). As a result, the Clacton outstation has been reduced from 3 to 2 buses. It has also moved from the rear of John Canham Recovery, to his sub yard, across Telford Road.
After 13/9/15, Haverhill operated service 91 (Steeple Bumpstead-Hempstead) ceased.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Another ex Arriva London Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini via Ensign is LF52 UOW.

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
Reinstated is MCW MkI Metrobus C374 BUV; now a rare breed.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
Has a new Colchester to Royal Hospital School at Shotley contract, using Mercedes 0814/Classic PIL 4683.

TOWER TANSIT.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 TAL33205 (LX04 FYB), has been returned to Ensign – off loan.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Commercial service 311 (Hertford-Waltham Cross) ceased from 8/9/16.

TREKKERS OF HARLOW.
EU54 MBX is an Iveco 65C/Mellor welfare bus, ex Rotherham Council.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Sourced through Ensign is ex Go-South Coast Optare Solo V679 FEL. It is for a short term Park and Ride at County Hall, Hertford.
From 1st September, the following new commercial routes started:
244 (Canada Fields-Cheshunt Rail Station). M to F peaks.
245 (Cheshunt Station-Cuffley Station). M to F peaks.
247 (Cheshunt Station-Cuffley Station). M to F.
248 (Waltham Cross-Cuffley Rail Station). Sats only.
249 (Cheshunt-Chancellors School). Schooldays only.
From 13/9/15, a Sunday service was introduced on 410 (Harlow-Waltham Cross) and 411 (Hertford-Waltham Cross):

UNO.
Red Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 130 (KP54 BYK) is now in the two tone pink fleet livery.
Withdrawn Dennis Dart SLF/Wright Cadet X773 CVS was still at Hatfield depot in late September.
A number of routes were won from Sullivan Buses on Herts CC re-tender from 1/9/15:
200 (Essendon Mill-Coney Fields).
201 (Welham Green-Welwyn Garden City).
203 (Watton-at-Stone-Welwyn Garden City).
204 (Welwyn Garden City-Tewin Circular). Tue/Thu/Fri. New route partly replacing 388.
205 (Birchwood Estate-South Hatfield-Hatfield ALDI). Wed only.
206 (Panshanger and Welwyn Garden City Circular). Headway reduction, but partly covered by 204.
215 (Codicote/Welwyn-Monks Walk School/Welwyn Garden City).
312 (Bell Bar-Hatfield Tesco):

Ex UNO route 361 (St Albans-Bricket Wood), which passed on emergency Herts CC tender to Metroline in the early summer, has now been awarded to Red Eagle of Aston Clinton, as shown by this view taken at St Albans on 19/9/15. Red Eagle took over from 1st September.
Meanwhile, 603 (South Hatfield-Hatfield Business Park Circular) is a new commercial service, from 1/9/16. From this date there were also revisions to:
615 (Hatfield Business Park-Stanmore) – reduced to hourly off peak.
622 (Hatfield Business Park-Watford) – rerouted in South Hatfield.
636 (London Colney-Luton) – withdrawn between Hatfield Rail Station and London Colney.
641 (Hatfield Business Park-Broxbourne Rail Station) – rerouted via Cole Green,Birch Green, Staines Green and Hertingfordbury.
Green Line 797 (Hatfield-London) saw changes from 1st September. It was extended to Hitchin Rail Station at its north end, but was cut back to Baker Street in the south.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Ex Hedingham Mini Pointer Dart SLF X509 WRG is here, via Barham (dealer).
Indicar bodoed Iveco 80E18 FG03 JDJ, has been re-registered TUI 9840.

http://www.16seater.co.uk, BENFLEET.
Mercedes Sprinter/Concept MX54 VWL has been sold.

With thanks to: A Hazell, N Barber, J Benee, ‘Capital Omnibus’, Connor, R Daniel, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, L Harrison, LOTS, Panther Travel, P Proctor, PSVC, RM, D Stewart, S Spencer.

Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the August edition of Busmopolitan.
On 6th August, there was another Tube strike. London Underground staff walked out, commencing 1830 on Wednesday the 5th and resuming work 24 hours later.
The dispute was over Terms and Conditions with regard to the introduction of 24 hour services on selected lines, over weekends. This was to have been from September 12th, but has now been postponed indefinitely.
To cover the shortfall in peak hours, 250 extra buses were drafted in; mostly from provincial fleets. These appeared as duplicates on some on some central London routes, such as the 25 and 205. Several Essex operators participated, including Ensignbus, Panther Travel and Regal Busways.
Further strikes on 25th to 26th August and 27th to 28th August; both again for 24 hours and starting at 2100, were called off.

The new First Essex depot at Colchester opened on 29th August. Located in an industrial area on the southeastern fringe of the town, this spells the end (after many years) of the garaging of buses in the town centre.
Two locations were replaced.
The Queen Street facility dated from the 1920s, and was on the site of the Theatre Royal, which had been part owned by the Busmopolitan editor’s great great grandfather, Henry Nunn. Remains of the stage rear retaining wall were still discernable in this building at the time of closure. Queen Street garage outlived the adjacent bus station, which was open between 1961 and 2012; before disappearing under The Visual Arts Facility (VAF), a futuristic art gallery, which has attracted some controversy.
Parts of the (originally Colchester Corporation) Magdalen Street site dated back even further; the old tram shed to the early 1900s, (the newer “no 2” building was 1930s). First had occupied this location relatively recently; partially from 2006 and completely from 2008 when the previous incumbent, by then operating as TGM Network Colchester, relocated to Old Heath.

It is with very deep regret that Busmopolitan records the loss of an aircraft from Essex. Aviation is not usually covered on this site, but an exception is made here.
On 22nd August, North Weald based preserved Hawker Hunter T7 fighter jet G-BXFI (RAF serial no WV372), crashed onto the busy A27 trunk road while performing at an airshow at Shoreham, West Sussex. 11 people on the ground were killed.
Thoughts and condolences go out to all involved in this dreadful accident.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued revised guidelines about aerobatics. All of the remaining airworthy Hawker Hunters have also been grounded until further notice.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 90012 arrives at Ipswich on 13/8/15, on the 1730 Norwich to London service.

Work on refreshing the 118 strong MKIII carriage fleet is progressing well. Working in partnership with Vossler Kepplar, two coaches per week are being treated at Norwich Crown Point depot, in a temporary building known as “The Tent”. Work involves completely gutting and refitting the interiors, to a revised modern specification, including power points for mobile device charging and new toilets.
Three complete sets are to be ready for traffic in September, with completion of the project due by the renewal of the Greater Anglia franchise in October 2016.
Now in the new livery are MkIII RFM 10200, FO 11090, TSOs 12031/41/57.
The ‘Pretendalino’ NC64 set, was powered by 90010 again, by mid August, while ONE liveried set NC06 has 90012.

Above: In DRS blue with DB branding; 90034 calls at Ipswich on 31/7/15; propelling a London to Norwich service.

The first Class 321 to go for ‘Renatus’ refurbisment at Wabtec, Doncaster is 321303.
It will receive new seating, and get air conditioning, wifi, power sockets, a DDA compliant toilet, plus improved vestibules and more space for larger item stowage.
321303 is due to be oushopped in early 2016, with 9 further units to follow before October 2016, when the GA franchise changes.

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the platforms at Marks Tey were resurfaced.
On Sunday 31st August, platforms 2 and 3 were done, with buses/coaches replacing trains on the Sudbury branch and between Witham and Colchester from the London direction.
On Monday the 31st, platform 1 was dealt with. Sudbury trains ran normally and there was bi-directional working on the main line.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer X512 WRG, is now with Xeliabus, Eastleigh.
Volvo D10M/NC G641 BPH is withdrawn.

ANITAS, STANSTED.

Mb Tourismo tri-axle BT15 KNE (above), was on loan from Evobus at Coventry, while AC15 ERN underwent warranty work.

APT TRAVEL, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton KX04 HTD is ex Nichols of Barnsley.
Berkhof Axial bodied Volvo B10M R917 ULA, has passed to Advance Mini Buses of Southend.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
Essex CC Sunday/holiday contracted routes 1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead), 102 (Colchester-Harwich) and 352 (Chelmsford-Halstead), were reassigned to First Essex from 30/8/15.
On loan from Southend are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3530 (LF02 PNK), 3506 (KE51 PUK).
3530 was returned in late August.
Dart SLF/Caetano 1564 (HX04 HUH) now has Arriva fleet names on TGM livery.
Withdrawn is Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300 3831 (W907 UJM); leaving 3830 (W901 UJM) as the last of this type here.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3313 (S311 JUA) has gone to G8 Spares and Exports at Hullbridge, for scrap.

Above: Volvo B10BLE/ALX300 3830 being fuelled at Heath Park depot in March 2009. It was still in Classic Buses of Annfield Plain colours at that time. The workshop building had previously been used by Supreme Coaches.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Arrivals from AKT at Northfleet are Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers 3327/8/9 (X519, 471, 521 GGO). While Optare Versa 4213 (KX61 FHN) has moved over from Arriva Kent and Surrey.
On loan from Arriva Kent and Surrey, in early August was ADL/Enviro 200 4067 (GN59 FVJ).
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 2217 (T47 WUT), has received the engine from 3221 (P221 MKL) which will now be scrapped.
Withdrawn is SLF/Mini Pointer 3483 (W483 WGS).
New commercial service 1 (Harlow Circular) commenced from 17/8/15.

Above: In its original Arriva livery, Optare Solo no 2450 at Waltham Cross in August 2005.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

Above; Optare Versa no 4209 at East Beach on 13/8/13.

Optare Versa 4204 (YJ61 CHZ) has returned, off loan at Network Harlow.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3278 (T278 JKM), 3320/3 (T820/3 NMJ) and Plaxton Prestige bodied DAF SB220Ls 3911/8/9 (T911/8/9 KKM) have been taken for scrap, by G8 Spares and Exports, Hullbridge.
There were service revisions from 9/8/15.On Sundays and holidays, route 1 (Rayleigh-Westcliff) was extended westwards to Shoebury, with a 30 minute headway. The M-F 1 service already runs from Rayleigh to Shoebury throughout.Two under used M-F commercial shoppers’ routes are withdrawn; 6A (Belfairs-Leigh Rail Station) and 18 (Leigh-Ashingdon). 6A has been replaced by new Stephensons service 23 (see below).There are also enhancements to 4/A (Southend-Landwick), 5 (Southend-Basildon), 7/8/407 (Rayleigh-Shoebury), 9 (Rayleigh-Shoebury East Beach), 29 (Belgrave Road-Temple Sutton). Also withdrawn after 5/8/15 was 10 (Paglesham-Rayleigh).

Above: a retro view of route 7, with Leyland Olympian no 5829 at Southend Travel Centre in June 2005.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
ADL/Enviro 400 T13 (LJ08 CVH) has left Barking (DX), for Arriva London South at Thornton Heath (TH).

Above: One of the ADL/Enviro 400s displaced from Barking (DX) by the loss of TfL135; T25 explores its new south London surroundings along Streatham High Road, on 29/8/15.
It now works from the Thornton Heath (TH) garage of Arriva London South.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Acquisitions are of Bove Futura LUI 2244 – from Eastville of Bristol; Setra Imperial double deck coach LIG 7717 and Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas BAZ 7912.
A new metallic orange livery has been introduced, replacing the previous white with orange lining. Now in the new scheme are VH T815 UIL 2724; Ayatts Bravo Y386 AVV; Neoplan Skyliners YN51 XMW, YN05 WEF.
The fleet has also received names:
Setra S215 6884 YG = ‘Captain Pete’.
Setra S215 NIJ 7571 = ‘Master Matthew’.
Mercedes 0303 WIW 4749 = ‘Sir Steve’.
VH T815 UIL 2724 = ‘King Jack’.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas RUI 3661 = ‘Mr Lake’.
Ayatts Bravo Y386 AVV = ‘Dame Shirley’.
Neoplan Skyliner YN51 XMW = ‘Lady Ann’.
Neoplan Skyliner YN05 WEF = ‘Lord Frank’.
Subsequently, Ayatts Y386 AVV was re-registered to M155 BWR, while YN51 XMW became M155 HST.
Sold are Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount 9 metre F902 BLS; Neoplan Skyliner RUI 6686; Setra S215 LEZ 1795; Mercedes 814/Balmoral WIW 4748 and Duple 425s SIB 3277, RIL 5087. RIL had been used for spares.

Above: Setra S215 LEZ 1795 on Abellio rail replacement at Marks Tey, on 8/3/15.

BEESTONS.
Optare Solo M920s FP02 XMA/B/C, have passed to Summercourt Travel of Newquay.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dart SLF/MCV ED23 (LX07 BYO) is withdrawn due to accident damage.

BRENTWOOD COACHES.
Ford Transit 16 seater HK61 GPF, is now with Rainbird of Willingale.

C2C.
The second Electrostar EMU to be converted to high density Class 357/3 specification is 357222, which is now 357322.

CENTREBUS.
The former Harlow, River Way depot is now occupied by Odzil, (soft drinks wholesaler).
Service 700 (Stansted-Airport-Stevenage), ceased after 29/8/15, meaning Centrebus no longer runs into Essex for the time being. Several routes centred on Bishops Stortford and Royston passed to Myalls of Bassingbourn at the same time.

CHAMBERS.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 281 (V250 BNV) has been on hire from Hedingham.
From 30/8/15, service 84 (Sudbury-Colchester) was reduced to 2 hour frequency during the day (from hourly), while there were also revisions to the “mainline” 753/4 (Colchester-Sudbury-Bury St Edmunds) routes.

Above: Back in September 2009, ex Dublin Bus Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH R987 KAR, was working a Colchester bound 84 through Great Horkesley.

COLAS RAIL.
The Network Rail Test Train was in the area during August, with 37219 in charge.
It was pictured, below at Ipswich on 13/8/15.

COLCHESTER COACHES.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof N555 CCL has been sold to Candy of Shepperton, due to the end of the 703 Stephensons sub contract.
One school contract will be operated in the 2015/16 academic year, using the remaining coach; Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas T555 CCL.

Above: The Colchester Coaches fleet, pictured at Clacton OC on 28/7/13.

COOKS OF WESTCLIFF ON SEA.
Irizar i6 YN13 BXG has come from Gibson of Renfrew, Scotland.
This marks a departure for Cooks, who had previously had Bova as their standard coach.

CREST COACHES, EAST HAM.
Mb Touro BX06 UMD is ex York Pullman.

CT PLUS.
Scania Omnicity double decker SD1 is back from collision repairs, at ADL Harlow.

DBS.
Locomotives still in the old EWS livery, are now losing the EWS branding in favour of DB decals.

DLR.
There have been some traffic enhancements.
From w/c 23/8/15, there was a frequency increase on peak services between Stratford and Canary Wharf to every 4 minutes.
And w/c 30/8/15, there was an increased Saturday evening headway between Bank and Lewisham.
However, some “last trains” now finish up to 30 minutes earlier.
Also, the Beckton to West Ham route now terminates at Canning Town.
A programme is in hand to convert carriages to more longitudinal seating, to improve passenger circulation.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.

Above: EHV1, from the batch of new Volvo B5H/Enviro 400 MMCs for the recent TfL135 contract, at Crossharbour Asda on 29/8/15.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Ex Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President VP4 (X153 FBB) is being cannibalised by Ensign.
This was one of the former Easybus vehicles, which latterly served with Go-Ahead London Central.

ENIGMA TRAVEL, COLCHESTER.
Withdrawn is unusual Isuzu NPR/LCB midi coach R767 TKX.

ENSIGNBUS.
Ex Houston of Lockerbie ADL/Enviro 200 MX62 ARF, is in service as fleet no 715.
Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus 114 (PO58 NPN) is delicensed due to collision damage.
The MKII Vantage Power “retro” diesel to hybrid conversion, is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President W473 WGH. It has been successfully proven around Milbrook Test Track. The picture (below), shows it “before it was famous”, as London General PVL73; at Greenwich in December 2001.

Vehicles sold are; Trident/ALX400 109 (T87 KLD), Trident/EL 909 (T748 JPO), Trident;President 912 (PK02 RDO) – to Geldards of Leeds; Wright DB300/Gemini hybrid 508 (LJ58 AVK) – to Crosville of Weston-Super-Mare
Service 66 (Lakeside-Tilbury-Chadwell St Mary) has returned to its normal line of route, following repairs to Hogg Lane, Grays – after a sinkhole appeared there in May.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
On hire from Ensign, have been Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH open topper P493 MBY and Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President X159 FBB.
Deroofed Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President X158 FBB has gone for scrap.

EUROSTAR.
New are Siemens Valero EMUs 374017/8.

FIRST ESSEX.


The new £3.3m depot at Haven Road, Colchester (known as Quayside) became operational on 29/8/15, (top picture). Located on the site of the former International Timber yard, this facility replaced the garages at Queen Street and Magdalen Street.
The ultimate run ins to the old premises were on the night of 28th-29th August, with the very last bus into Queen Street being Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 32652 (AU05 MUP), off route 62A at 0145 on the 29th (pictured above). The following morning, buses left these sheds for the final time, returning to their new home that evening.
The existing workshop on Haven Road continues in use. It houses a MOT station.
Now in Refreshed livery is Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69434 (EU58 JWZ).
Scania L94UB/Wright 65683 (YR52 VEU) and “green” Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66804 (MX05 CCO) are back in use at Colchester (CR) ex long term VOR.
Withdrawn Scania L94/Wright 65653 (T653 SSF) has been cannibalised at Haven Road.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43735 (S735 TWC), has gone to Alpha for scrap.
X30 (Stansted Airport-Chelmsford-Southend) is now diverted at the southern end, away from Rayleigh Weir and via Eastwood Rise.
From 30/8/15, the Sunday and holiday 1/A (Ambrose Avenue-Greenstead) 102 (Colchester-Harwich) and 352 (Chelmsford-Halstead) Essex CC contracts were regained from Network Colchester (qv).
First ceased operation of Essex CC 73 (Maldon-Heybridge-Boreham-Chelmsford) after 28th August. Stephensons took it over from Tuesday 1st September (following the August Bank Holiday).

Above: First’s ex Carters of Capel St Mary ADL/Enviro 200 no 44900, at Heybridge on the 73 on 12/5/15.

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
JIG 8905 is a Van Hool bodied DAF SB3000, latterly with Falcon of Enfield.
Plaxton Cheetah bodied Mercedes 0814D YN53 EHU, has passed to Vale, Thruxton (dealer).

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Dennis Javelin/Caetano G854 VAY has been sold.

FOURWAYS, HIGHWOOD.
Mb 811D/Alexander N468 EHA is withdrawn.Sold are Dennis Dominator/EL J267 SPR, and Mercedes 709D/Alexander N910 NAP.

FREIGHTLINER.
Class 90 electric locos 90043/5/7 have been on loan to GBRf for Caledonian Sleeper duties.
They have been replaced in Intermodal by Class 66 diesels, made surplus by the loss of coal traffic.

GALE MOTORS, HARLOW.
Long serving Duple 425 LBZ 4329 is still in use here. Previously registered E125 LAD; it sees daily use despite being over 20 years old ! It was fully refurbished 3 years ago and can be often seen at shows and rallies.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Bova Magique WA09 HTO has passed to Rothbury of Alnwick, Northumbria.
Also disposed of is deroofed Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President G11 GTL.

GB RAILFREIGHT.

Above: 66761 made an unusual visit to Marks Tey yard on 5/8/15. It arrived mid afternoon with an aggregates train from Angerstein Wharf, Charlton, SE London, and later departed light engine to Peterborough.

HAVERING TRANSPORT.
Former Metroline Dennis Trident/ALX400 T87 KLD, has been returned to Ensign, off loan.

HEDINGHAM.
Dennis Trident/EL 725 (W825 NNJ) has arrived from Konnect. It is in Anglian livery.
Internal movements have seen Trident/ELs 712 (T812 RFG) transfer from Clacton (CN) to Tollesbury (TY); 729/34 (W829/34 NNJ) go from TY to Sible Hedingham (HD).
Trident/ALX400 737 (T107 DBW) has gone from store at CN to TY for service, while sisters 738/9 (T108/17 DBW) have come from HD to TY.
SLF/Pointer 253 (EU04 BVF) has transferred from TY to CN; 259 (EU56 FLP) is now at TY ex CN. Short ADL/Enviro 200 293 (EU59 AFJ) has moved from CN to HD.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 281 (V250 BNV) has been on loan to Chambers (qv).
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 83 (M273 UKN) is reinstated.
Withdrawn are Volvo Olympian/NC 69 (P608 CAY) – due to engine failure; and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 87 (P489 MBY). They are parked up at Kelvedon (KN).
From 30/8/15, service 87 (Colchester-Brightlingsea) ceased to run as a double loop around Brightlingsea.

Above: Newly transferred ADL/Enviro 200 no 293, at Deanery Gardens, Bocking on 29/8/15. (Terry Clark).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 22 (LR02 BBJ) has received the latest IB livery, and joined the main fleet. Previously, it had been restricted to schools, and retained London red.
Ex Lothian Super Pointer – Dart SLF no 135 (SN53 AVK), has entered traffic after repaint and retrim.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/EL Sprytes 91/7/9 (X91/7, 199 LBJ).

JR EXECUTIVCOPDOCK.
Setra S415 BX56 VUR has been re-registered JR56 BUS.

KB COACHES, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/VH YOI 7353 is reinstated.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
Is now a contractor for National Express, on A8 (Stansted Airport-London Liverpool Street) and for Terravision.
Setra S315 W213 UGX has been re-registered IJZ 474.

Above: Kellys Setra S415 BX06 UMV at Witham, on Abellio Greater Anglia rail replacement in September 2012.

KEVENDY, WICKFORD.
YN06 FTT is an ex Hutchinson of Easingwold, East Yorks Neoplan Starliner N516.
It has been re-registered K88 DYS.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.
Scania K113/Irizar R866 SDT is now A19 LNR.

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Withdrawn is Dart SLF/Mini Pointer W928 PTS, along with Iveco 59 C14 LCB, Mb 709D/Plaxton Beaver L878 VHT, Optare Alero YN04 XZR.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
An interesting acquisition is HDL255E, a Duple Bella Vega bodied Bedford VAM3; from Gange of Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Withdrawn is open top Leyland Olympian/NC PJZ 9463.

LONDON CENTRAL.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DWL32 (FJ54 ZUA) is withdrawn, after it caught fire at Blackheath while on TfL108 (Stratford-Lewisham) on 10th August.
Ex London General Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP207 (SN51 UAW) has arrived as a replacement.

Above: DWL18 at Stratford High Street, in August 2009.

LONDON OVERGROUND (LOROL).

Above; One of the first of its class into the new livery, LOROL ex Abellio 315801 arrives at London Liverpool Street on 12/8/15, on a late evening journey from Chingford.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
There were further 24 hour strikes on 5th to 6th, 25th to 26th and 27th to 28th August. (See Editorial).

From 8th to 30th August; the was no service on the Victoria Line between Seven Sisters and Walthamstow Central. This was for works, to enable a capacity increase along the entire length of this route from 2016. There were replacement buses for the duration.
These were 558 (Chingford Mount-Seven Sisters) operated by Metroline, M-F (see below), plus Service A (Walthamstow Central-Seven Sisters LUL stations only) – worked (daily) by Arriva London and Sullivan Buses and Service B (Walthamstow Central-St James Street-Stratford City) – M-F only and contracted to Arriva London.
Aditionally, there were M-F peak enhancements to local (Stagecoach East London) TfL bus routes 58 (Walthamstow-East Ham) – ((Walthamstow Central-Leyton Downsell Road section), 97 (Chingford-Stratford City) – (Walthamstow Central-Stratford City section), 158 (Chingford Mount-Stratford) – (St James Street-Stratford Bus Station section).

Above: A Walthamstow bound Victoria Line service, headed by 2009 Tube Stock car no 11028, at Tottenham Hale in May 2011.

Circle/District/H and C S7 Stock arrivals are 21477/8, 21479/80.

The latest D78 District Line stock withdrawals, are of 7001 + 17001 + 8000; 7008 + 17008 + 8008; 7029 + 17029 + 8029; 7039 + 17039 + 8039; 7041 + 17041 + 8041; 7060 + 17060 + 8060; 7072 + 17072 + 8072; 7118 + 17118 + 8118; 7122 + 17122 + 8122; 7125 + 17125 + 8125.

METROLINE.
Temporary TfL route 558 was operated, M-F between 8th and 30th August; partially covering the Victoria Line suspension north of Seven Sisters.
The 558 served all stops between Chingford Mount and Blackhorse Road, before calling at Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters only.
TP class Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents were used; gathered from around the Metroline fleet. TP457 (LK03 GJG) is pictured, below.

(Waltham Forest Guardian).

MIKES COACHES, BASILDON.
Previously withdrawn Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount MXI 675, is sold.

MTR/TfL RAIL.
315822/9/32/42/50 are the latest of their type to be outshopped in the new livery.

MULLEYS OF IXWORTH.
Supplied through Ensign are ex Dublin Bus Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s LW51 ZDY ex 01-D-10204 and 01-D-10202.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
A new contractor is Excalibur of Peckham, following its exit from partnership with Terravision.
Excalibur’s ex Terravision liveried King Longs and Sunsundegui Volvo B12Ts have been noted, in plain white on NX services between London Victoria and Luton and Stansted Airports.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Sold are the remaining Dart SLF/Super Pointers Y152 NLK, Y661/3 NLO, RX51 FNV.
Y152 NLK and Y663 NLO passed to Thandi of Birmingham. Y152 NLK was converted to single door and upseated by NHT, before dispatch.

OLYMPIAN COACHES/ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
The Roadrunner bus operations have passed to Townlink. Commercial routes 511 (Harlow-Bishops Stortford), R1/31 (Katherines Circulars) ceased w/e 22nd August.
A new metallic grey coach livery has been introduced. It has been applied to Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas XIB 3914; DAF SB3000/VH Y314 HUA; Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur V282 SBW and Scania K340/Irizar Century T50 APT.
T50 APT and Iveco Turbo Daily NX04 CTV are reinstated.
Withdrawn are Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas XIB 3914, LV02 LLJ; SLF/Mini Pointers V749 ECU, V729 DNL, V196/8 ERG, Y237 NLK, Y971 TGH; SLF/Pointers Y653 NLO, Y542 XAG; MSLF/ALX200s LX51 FGJ/N, FGV; Scania K340/Irizar PB YN04 GPF; Iveco Turbo Daily minicoaches EU54 LWZ, YN05 ARX, EU07 XGL.
Sold for scrap are Iveco Eurorider/Beaulases MKZ 6312 and S235 HGU.
Also sold are Dart SLF/Pointers S307/16 JUA; SLF/Mini Pointer X507 WRG; Eurorider XIB 3914 – shortly after it was repainted !
One time DAF SB3000/VH Y304 HUA is now with McGovern, Glangevlin, Eire as 01 CN 6081.
The former Temple bank depot is now used by Berendsen, a textile company.

Above:Y304 HUA in its Olympian Coaches days; seen outside the old Temple Bank depot in August 2009.

P and M COACHLINES, WICKFORD.
Mercedes 709D/Alexander AIG 2564 is withdrawn.
This was new as Stagecoach United Counties L372 JBD.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Javelin/Paramount 3200 G210 UAS is now in white/blue/silver fleet livery, ex yellow. It has been named ‘Bumblebee’ and re-registered to BIG 8856.
All Leyland Olympian BIG 9249 has been named ‘Albert’.
Leyland Olympian/ECW “Big Bertha” coach BIG 4005, is back in use.
“New” ancillary vehicles are Vauxhall Zafira crew ferry LD02 NCC and Peugeout 106 5 door h/b car P568 LKE.

Above: Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile BIG 6002 at Darsham, Suffolk on 31/7/15.
It had just arrived on a Greater Anglia RRP from Ipswich.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash P392 LPS is withdrawn.
SLF/Pointer 605 (W133 WGT) is sold.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Pink liveried ADL/Enviro 400 19164 (MX07 HNF) is at Cambridge.
MAN 18.220/Alexander ALX300 22058 (KV53 FAF) now has a super rear advert for Swansea University !
MAN 18.220/ALX300 22330 (AE51 RZA) is withdrawn and cannibalised.
Withdrawn Ford Transit drop N24 HPV and the two Ford Mondeos have gone for scrap, after parts recovery.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New Routemasters into allover advertisments are:
LT241 – Dove; LT248, M312 – Tommy Hilfiger; LT268, 388 – Pepe Jeans; LT271, 359 – Nike.
ADL/Enviro E40H 12142 (LX61 DDV) has reverted to fleet livery, ex overall advert.
Tridents delicensed are 17789/98 (LX03 BWC/M), 17922 (LX03 OSW), 18204 (LX04 FWP).
Withdrawn are Tridents 17581/3 (LV52 HFO/R), 17745/6 (LY52 ZFD/E), 17802 (LX03 BWV).
17836/7 (LX03 BYM/N) have moved from North Street (NS) to Leyton (T); 18451/3 have gone from NS to Rainham (RM). ADL/Enviro 200 36284 has returned to Barking (BK) from NS.
Optare Tempo hybrids LX09 BGK/U have been exported to New Zealand, via Ensign.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
Short ADL/Enviro 200s 425/6 (MX62 APK/O) are from Goodwins of Manchester.
Ex Nottingham City Transport Scania Omnidekkas YN53 CFP/U/V/X/Y have joined vthe fleets as nos 901-5. Existing Omnidekkas 507/8 (YN54 AFF/J) have been renumbered 906/7.
Leyland Olympians 863 (J563 HAT), 955/62 (L955/62 MSC) are now crew ferries.
Dart SLF/Caetano 453 (HV52 WTC) is the usual “spare” bus for route 247/Ipswich outstation, when “regular” SLF/Pointer 459 (GU52 HKD) is not available.
From 21/8/15, service 23 (Belfairs-Leigh) was introduced M-F, to replace axed Arriva 6A (qv).
Sales are of Leyland Olympian/Alexander RHs 955/62 (L955/62 MSC) – to Squarepeg of Garforth, Yorkshire, and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 827 (N827 FKK) – to Galloway of Mendlesham, Suffolk.

SULLIVAN BUSES.

Withdrawn are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers DP82, 92/6 (V782/92/6 FKH). DP82 was pictured, above on TfL RRP at Barking in October 2012; and below, in its London United days at Hammersmith Bridge in July 2009.

Service 312 (Potters Bar-Hatfield Tesco Circular) ceased after 29th August. From the same date, new route 306B (Potters Bar-Watford) started, replacing Saturday journeys on 398 (Potters Bar-Borehamwood).
Services in the Welwyn Hatfield area were de-registered at the end of August, upon expríry of Herts CC contracts.

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas PO58 HRF has passed to Vale of Henstridge, Dorset.
Also sold are MCW Metrobus B269 WUL and Setra S215 G393 CLH.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Now provides some coaches on contract to Terravision.

TERRAVISION.

Above: In Terravision livery, Volvo B12T/Sunsundegui BL14 LSX of Excalibur, at Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1 on 31/1/15.

Excalibur Coaches of Peckham is no longer a partner/contractor. The successor is Redwing of Camberwell and North Kent. Other new contractors noted are Westway of Raynes Park, Kellys of Nazeing and Talisman of Great Bromley (qv).
Scania K410/Irizar tri-axle YN64 AMX is back from accident repairs.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH.
DAF MB230/Van Hool SIL 1514 has come from Wheeler of Kendall, Cumbria.
It was new as G220 HCP.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Acquired is ex Emblings of Guyhirn Caetano bodied Dennis Javelin YIL 5494.
It has been repainted from white to blue.
Toyota Optima/Caetano R687 ACL is withdrawn.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Has absorbed the remaining Roadrunner operations (qv).
Although the SM Coaches operation ceased some time ago, Iveco 65C/Irisbus minicoach EU07 XGL was still present at Burnt Mills depot, in late August.

TREKKERS OF HARLOW.
The Duple 425 seems to be the popular choice of coach here; with the entire fleet made up of the marque.
In use are:
WAZ 3838 previously C300 BYO; currently in its original livery. It was new to the Metropolitan Police where it was used for the Police band. The rear section was originally changing rooms and lockers for instruments and equipment.
PJI 1244 was previously C716 NYJ and last with Barkerbus.
E208 EPB is the only one of the 425s that is Euro4 compliant, and can thus go into London. It has been re-engined with a Cumminsibe4/5 unit and refurbished internally.
LIL 5072 originally E205 EPB; previously with the now ceased Seymour Travel of Harlow. It has a Plaxton Paragon front end, as illustrated below.

Above: LIL 5072, seen on a trip to Braintree in November 2008.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Now on fleet is former Arriva London DAF DB250L/Alexander ALX400 X427 FGP. This retains dual doors and red livery, but now has led destinations.
Withdrawn are SLF/Pointer PD31 (R744 BMY); SPD28/9 (NK51 MKM/J); SLF/Caetano Y364 HMY. HMY has been cannibalised.
Sold are Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beavers MP5 (EIG 1357), MP6 (RHZ 9644); SLF/Pointers PD27 (RHZ 2264), SPD29; and DAF SB220/Optare Delta NFZ 5318. NFZ 5318 and SPD29/NK51 MKJ went to MC Tractors, Ramsey for scrap.
Route C1 (Canada Fields/Waltham Cross-Cuffley Rail Station/Chancellors School) was de-registered after 31/8/16 and replaced by the new 240 group of services from the following day. From 30th August, Sunday workings of 242 (Waltham Cross-Potters Bar-Welwyn Garden City) were again gained on re-tender.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Has acquired the coach activities of Wicks of Braintree.
One time Hong Kong Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer N978 RCD, has been sold.

UNO, HATFIELD.

Sold to Ripley, Carlton (dealer) are DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DFW773/6 (X773/6 EVS), and ex Centrebus former Sovereign Dart SLF/Super Pointers DP568/9/72/4/6 (W568 XRO etc). DP568 is pictured (above) at St Albans City Station in July 2005, when operated by Centrebus and still in Sovereign livery. These two companies were the direct predecessors of UNO in St Albans.  DP574, is illustrated (below), at St Albans Market Place in October 2008.

After 30th August, St Albans City Service S1 (Cell Barnes-St Peters Street) lost its evening and Sunday service (excluding public holidays). S4 (Cotton Mill-St Albans City Station) was axed completely from this date, with the exception of bank holidays. 5 (Harlow-South End) ceased from the same time, along with UNO involvement on 301 (Stevenage-Hemel Hempstead). The 301 is now full responsibility of Arriva The Shires. 354 (Buntingford-Harlow) has also ended.
The following trafic changes happened around Hatfield from 30/8/15:
602 (Hatfield-Watford) – stopped serving South Hatfield or Shenley Black Lion, with Mon to Sat evening frquency withdrawn.
607 (Hatfield Garden Village and Salisbury Village Circular) – commercial Sunday evening operation ceased.
625 (Letchworth Wilbury Hill-Hatfield) – withdrawn.
635 (Baldock-Hatfield) – withdrawn, partly replaced by extension of Green Line 797.
653 (Welwyn Garden City-St Albans New Greens Estate) – revised with New Green-Jersey Farm evening shorts withdrawn.

Above: Mb Citaro MB307 at St Albans in April 2008.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
From South Dorset at Swanage is Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas FG03 JDU.
An addition to the bus fleet is short ADL/Enviro 200 KX57 FMF; latterly with Scarlet Band of West Cornforth, County Durham.
Scania K114/Irizar SUI 9014 has passed to Ventura, Lingfield (dealer).
Also sold on are Optare Solo V668 EFX and Mercedes 0405N V384 MOA.

WICKS COACHES, BRAINTREE.
Has sold out to Turners of Essex (qv).
The home removals business will continue under Wicks.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas X638 GJU, has been sold.

Above: Wicks Neoplan Cityliner SIB 8345, at Feering in June 2010.
By this time, a blue livery (in the case of the Neoplan), or white with maroon lining had replaced the traditional dark red/grey scheme.

Acknowledgements:
With thanks to Alex Hazell, Connor, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, P Layzell, PSVC, RM, M Stokes.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the July 2015 edition of Busmopolitan.

7th July sees the tenth anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, when suicide attackers targeted the Capital’s public transport system with 3 devices on the Underground and one on a bus, during the morning rush hour.
52 people were killed (excluding the 4 terrorists), and around 770 injured.
The timeline of the bombings was as follows:
1: Explosion on Circle Line train between Liverpool Street and Aldgate at 0840. 7 killed. Service was clockwise, with C69 Stock unit 5548+6548 being damaged.
2: Circle Line service attacked at Edgware Road. 6 dead. Service was anti clockwise. C69 Stock car 6505 and C77 Stock car 5713 virtually destroyed.
3: Blast on Piccadilly Line train, in tunnel between Kings Cross and Russell Square. Death toll 26. Service was westbound, with explosion happening in the rear of 1973 Tube Stock driving car no 166. This and trailer no 566 were damaged beyond viable repair.
(All the Underground incidents happened within 50 seconds of each other).
4: Stagecoach East London Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17758 (LX03 BUF), blown up at Tavistock Square, with 13 deaths. The bus was on diversion off route 30, due to road closures caused by the earlier bombs.
As a result, central London was put into a lockdown, with all public transport in Zone 1 suspended. There were scenes reminiscent of New York on 9/11, with many workers opting to walk home or to the nearest Zone 2 bus or rail head.
Those who lost their lives were aged between 20 and 60 years, and came from diverse backgrounds. All but one were residents of London.
A permanent memorial for them stands in Hyde Park. It was unveiled by HRH The Price of Wales on 7th July 2009.
On 7th July 2015, there was a memorial service for the 7/7 victims in St Pauls Cathedral. This was preceeded by a wreath laying ceremony at Hyde Park by Prime Minister The Right Honourable David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson. The laying took place at 0850; the time the first bomb had been detonated, 10 years ago.
Then, at 1130, a minutes silence was observed; across London and beyond.

Damaged C69 unit 5548+6548 was repaired, and continued in use until retirement of the type.
The bodies C69 car 6505 and C77 car 6713 were scrapped, and the chassis used as a base for new coachwork. They were re classified as C08 Stock and renumbered 6606 and 6734 respectively. They were paired with C69 driving car 5505 and C77 driving car 5713 respectively, and once again continued until the type was superceded by the new S Stock.
The damaged 1973 Tube unit, 166 + 566 + 366 was disbanded, with only 366 being of further use. 166 + 566 were stored under tarpaulins at Northfields depot, and any useable parts salvaged.

Above: Stagecoach East London ADL/Enviro 400 19000 ‘Spirit of London’, at Dunsfold during the London Bus Museum Gathering of April 2011. This bus directly replaced the destroyed 17758, which passed to PVS for scrap after the end of the criminal and forensic investigations.

Above: Stagecoach East London Trident 17762; involved in one of the failed “copycat” London bombings of 21/7/05 and sister to 17758 which was wrecked on 7/7. Pictured at Dagenham East in May 2015.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.

On 5/7/15, Blunts Hall bridge (pictured above), on the GEML between Witham and Hatfield Peveral, was damaged in an incident during ballast cleaning. There was significant disruption into the following week, with speed restrictions being imposed.

‘Inter City’ set NC06 headed by DVT 82133, is currently completely formed of stock in ONE livery. It was pictured (below) at Kelvedon on 8/7/15, being propelled by 90010 and forming the 0830 London-Norwich.

90012 had replaced 90010 on NC06 by the end of July.
‘Refreshed’ set NC01 was powered by 90003 with DVT 82114 in early July. The ‘Pretendalino’ NC64 set was top and tailed by 90010 and 82114 by late July, with 90008 then the traction, and by the end of the month, blue 90034. 90015 is the latest in the new livery, ex National Express.
Demonstration 321448 has been fitted with an AC traction package, ex DC.
Of the Class 321s, at least 321305/6/23 and 321426 sport unit numbers in smaller font, although 305/6 are at one end only and set lower than usual.
321323 is pictured (below) at Marks Tey on 24/7/15.

Now in the new livery are 90015, MkIII carriages FO 11076, TSOs 12005/56/89, 12167, DVT 82139, and EMUs 317502/8.

ADVANCE, SOUTHEND.
Mercedes Sprinter 413/Stanford DK04 LWM is sold – to Roe of Sandiacre, Notts.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers Y172, 202 NLK.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas PT03 APT has been re-registered back to its original FD03 YON mark. PT03 APT is now carried by by a Scania K114/Irizar which was previously SN03 CLZ.
Volvo B7R/Plaxton 827 APT has ben upseated from 57 to 70.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).

Ex Arriva Kent and Sussex DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3529/34 (LF02 PNJ/U) have appeared. 3534 is pictured above at Osborne Street on 22nd July.
From Arriva Guildford and West Surrey is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3228 (P228 MKL).
Scania Omnidekka 5373 (YN06 TFZ) is back in service, ex long term VOR.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3316 (S314 JUA) is withdrawn due to accident damage. It has gone to Southend for disposal.

Above: Omnidekka 5373 at North Station on 12/7/15.

Above: With the darker blue skirt, Dart SLF/Caetano no 3411, traverses Headgate, Colchester on 16/7/15.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Received from Arriva Kent and vSurrey is ADL/Enviro 200 4057 (GN09 AXK).
A second Optare Versa on loan from Southend is 4210 (YJ61 CJX). 4203/10 (YJ61 CHY, CJX) returned to Southend at the end of July, with 4204 (YJ61 CHZ) coming to Harlow.
ADL/Enviro 200s 4062/3 (GN59 FVD/E) are ex Arriva Kent and Sussex.
Optare Solos 1453/4 (YJ06 FXS/T), 1458 (KE04 PZG), 1466/7 (KE55 KTD/C), 1474 (YJ56 ATZ) now have yellow wrap round advertising for driver recruitment. 1474 is also now in Arriva livery, while 1465 has lost Network Harlow branding.
Withdrawn are SLF/Mini Pointer 1561 (BU51 REG) and SLF/Pointers 3317 (S304 JUA), 3221 (P221 MKL). They have gone to Southend for disposal.
Volvo B6BLE/Wright Cadet 3256 (V256 HBH) has passed to G8 Spares and Exports, Hullbridge, for scrap.

Above: Optare Versa no 4198 enters Chelmsford Bus Station on 24/7/15.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Sold for scrap, to G8 Spares and Exports at Hullbridge, is Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3279 (T279 JKM).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Yet another ex Arriva London South Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400, now at Barking (DX) is VLA105 (LJ05 BKZ).
ADL/Enviro 400 T24 (324 CLT), has left DX to join its sisters with Arriva London South at Thornton Heath (TH). Also moved from DX to TH is ADL/Enviro 200 ENL49 (LJ10 CSF).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
BAZ 7912 is an Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas, acquired from Welsh operator Davies of Caernarfon.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Scania N230UD/OptaRE oLYMPUSES 879-82 (PN09 ELV/W/X/F) ahave, following the loss of TfL498 to Stagecoach, returned to Metrobus. They however, now work from Croydon, rather than their original Orpington.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP194 (SN51 UAG) has gone to Metrobus at Orpington.

BUS 4 U (JONES OF BRAINTREE), STANSTED.

Above: One of the new pair of ADL/Enviro 20Ds, at Stansted Airport Coach Station on 5/7/15.

BUS AND COACH MISCELLANEOUS.
Registration mark KCH 106, which had originally been on a Trent Motor Traction Leyland Titan PD2; has been observed on a Kia Sportage MPV at Tiptree. The mark had last been recorded on a Ford Escort.

C2C.
Electrostar EMU 357223 has been renumbered 357323.
It has had its 3+2 seating replaced by 2+2 and received extra internal grab rails to make it into a “high density” unit. More of this sub class will follow.

CHAMBERS.
The latest ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka to record is 1506.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 576 (W517 WGH) has gone to Hedingham.

CRANFIELD SCHOOL, ROMFORD.
Has ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President LK03 UFJ, via Ensign.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL170 (X707 EGK), has gone to London General.
Following their use for Wimbledon Tennis, the ADL/Enviro 400s were distributed as follows: E209/12/5/22 – Metrobus; E216/7/9/21/3 – London Central.

Above: After temporary use at Docklands on the new TfL135 (Crossharbour-Old Street) contract (before receipt of new vehicles); ex London Central ADL/Enviro E40D E208 was one of several then used on Wimbledon Tennis shuttles by London General, prior to taking up appointment at Metrobus Orpington depot. This view was taken on 12/7/15; day of the tennis finals. Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the men’s title, while the womens’ champion was Serena Williams, from the USA.

DRS.
47790 and 47828 are reinstated.
47841 has been cannibalised.
Operational DRS ’47s now total 4.
One time Anglia/ONE DBSOs 9705/7 are in the new ‘Compass’ livery. They can now be seen in Cumbria, rather than Essex though.

ENSIGNBUS.

Above: Heritage Fleet Leyland Titan PD2 no RTW467, at the Metroline, Potters Bar garage Open Day, on 11/7/15.

Dart SLF/Caetano 783 (MV02 BLU) has passed to Trustybus at Harlow.
Leyland PD3/EL MHJ 347F has gone to a preservationist for restoration.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
SLF/Pointer KX03 HZW is via Ensign.
SLF/Caetano HV02 OZX has fleet number 751, and is in full fleet livery.
On short term loan have been Mini Pointer Dart SLF BX54 DKK, and Optare Solo M880 903 (YJ59 NNM).
SLF/Super Poiunter 751 (SK52 OKE) has been returned to Ensign.
Short ADL/Enviro 200 901 (KX58 GVC) and Optare Solo M880 902 (YJ08 PJX), have gone back to Dawsonrentals, off lease.

EUROSTAR.
Half sets 3219/20 and full set 373015/6 have donned the revised livery.

FIRST CAPITAL.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 33545 was one of those transferred to First Leicester, when First Capital closed in 2013.
It was pictured in its adoptive city on 4/7/15, promoting bargain bus fares.

Below: 33545 in its London days, at Chingford in December 2009.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66820, now with First Leicester, was seen in the city centre on 4/7/15.

Dart SLF/Caetano 41524 (LK03 UFB), and Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66806/14 (MX05 CCV, CDU), 69434 (EU58 JWZ) have donned Refreshed colours.
Sold to Alpha for scrap are Dart SLF/Pointers 43714 (R714 DJN), 43733 (S733 TWC).

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Scania Omnidekka L94UD YN06 JWL is now YN06 BUS.
Sold is former Thamesdown NC bodied Dennis Dominator SMW 56Y.
Bedford YNV/Duple D66 ONS has gone for preservation.

FOURWAYS COACHES, HIGHWOOD near CHELMSFORD.
A fleet upgrade has seen the arrival of the first low floor buses here.
Ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents LN51 KYC/D/G/W have been supplied through Ensign.

FREIGHTLINER.

Heavy Haul 66527 has been noted on Intermodal. It was pictured (above) heading the 4M92 service, London bound through Marks Tey on 23/7/15.
At Dagenham Dock, in addition to the sidings being lifted, the old crew accommodation block has been demolished.

GALLEON, HARLOW.
Sold to Decker Bus of Whittlesey is Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH T570 EGD ex 99-D-539.
Ayatts Bravo double deck coach WX05NFY, has passed to Moseley, South Elmsall (dealer).

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.

New is National Express Volvo B11R/Caetano Levante BK15 AJX; pictured above at Ipswich on 26/7/15.

GB RAILFREIGHT.
66761 has been named ‘Wensleydale Railway Association 25 years 1990-2015’.
66707 is in the new livery.

Above: On 23/7/15, 66756 powers the 4M02 “up” intermodal service through Marks Tey.

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
Scania K360/Lahden YT60 OTC, is now with GHP, Ancaster, Lincolnshire.

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
MAN 14.290/UNVI VV14 BOY carried a green overall vinyl advert livery for Doosan Group.
This was to do with Doosan’s sponsorship of the Open Golf Championship at St Andrews.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
One year on, Mercedes 711D/Onyx P2 BST remains withdrawn at the depot. There was interest from a local buyer, but this fell through.

HEDINGHAM.

Volvo B10BLE/Wright 481 (R216 HCD) is on loan to Chambers (Pictured above on 10/7/15, at Lexden Road, Colchester).
Received are ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas 1514/5 (YN55 PZV/W) – both allocated to Clacton.
Volvo Olympian/NC 90 (N427 JBV) plus Dennis Trident/ELs 701 (T801 RFG), 729 (W829 NNJ) and 734 (W83 NNJ) have transferred from Clacton (CN) to Tollesbury (TY).
Withdrawn is Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH 80 (J838 TSC). This leaves just one active Leyland; Olympian/NC 64 (K357 DWJ); pictured below at Kelvedon on 9/7/15 with Trident no 729. (Ignore the ‘Volvo’ badge, by the way !).

Previously sidelined Volvo Olympian/NC 66 (P602 CAY) has been cannibalised.
Withdrawn Volvo Olympians 81/2/4/5 (M144/6, 276/82 UKN) have moved to Anglian for storage.
Sold to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade for scrap are Volvo Olympian/NCs 63 (K107 JWJ), 94 (R259 LGH) and Optare Excel 202 (T789 XVO). The Excel was the last of its type in Hedingham ownership.

Above: The now scrapped Volvo Olympian no 94, seen on Colchester High Street in March 2005, as no L333 and working service 80 (Boxted-Colchester-Fordham) from Sudbury (SY) depot. Sudbury is of course now occupied by Chambers, while route 80 is operated by Stephensons.

Above: Volvo Olympian 93 pictured at Kelvedon on 14/3/14, when still numbered L341. It was minus fleetnames as it had a spell at Chambers. Alongside is Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH L366, now 76, which had also been seconded to Chambers, and was still so branded at the time of the picture.

NC bodied Volvo Olympian 65 (L109 LHL), has taken up residence at a school in Wimbledon, for use as a static library. Go-Ahead London helped in the conversion and delivery.
Former Dennis Dart/NC L342 (L108 HHV) has been resold via Nash (dealer) Ockley, to
Elliot and Richman, Rode Heath, Cheshire.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Further acquisitions from Lothian Buses are of Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents SN51 AXF/O/P. They are numbered 22/3/4, and were repainted/retrimmed before entering service.
On loan from ADL in late July, was Enviro E40D YY64 GWX.Optare Excel 170 (YG52 DGO), has a super rear advert for Bristo’s Dacia.
The workshop/bodyshop building at Constantine Road depot has been offered For Sale or To Let.
Former Leyland Atlantean/Roe 85 (WPV 85L) has passed to a preservationist, after many years as a mobile control “tower” at Anglia Gliding Club, Wattisham Airfield.

Above: Refurbished Dart SLF/EL Spryte no 94 at Ipswich rail station on 31/7/15. Note is has lost its name ‘Dauntless’

JONES (BUS 4U), BRAINTREE.
Plaxton Primos YX56 EZP/R have gone to Crosville at Weston Super Mare.

KLARNER, COLCHESTER.
GB15 KCL is a new Mercedes Tourismo.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Now 5 cars, ex 4 are 378220/1/2/31.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
There was a 24 hour stoppage on 8th and 9th July; connected with the commencement of weekend night services on certain lines from September. Unions are concerned about revised working conditions for the above. Extra buses were used at peak hours for the duration on some central area routes; co-ordinated by Ensignbus.

The latest deliveries of S7 Stock, for the Circle/District/Hammersmith and City Lines, are 21473/4, 21475/6.
Above: On 12/7/15, a D78 Stock set, headed by car 7113, departs Wimbledon for Barking, passing one of its S Stock successors on the District Line.

The first of the ex D78 stock cars converted to ‘D Train’ specification by Vivarail
was shown to the press and other interested parties, at Long Marston during July.
Externally, it is still recognisable as D78, but the cab end door has now gone and there are redesigned head/tail light clusters. Livery is green/silver with a black/yellow cab end. Internally, different seating configurations are available, for urban or rural/provincial use. Beneath “the skin”, there is a modular diesel power plant, to minimise maintenance downtime, along with updated electrical control equipment. Tests will start shortly. The vehicle sports unit number 230001.

MTR/TfL RAIL.
315818/27/8/31/5/6/56 are in the new livery.

NEW HORIZON.
School service 119A (Point Clear-Brightlingsea), has ceased.

OLYMPUS/ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer Y667 NLO, DAF SB3000/VH Y314 HUA and Scania K340/Irizar PB YN04 GPV are withdrawn.

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.

Above: Volvo B12T/Optare Olympus VXE729, from Rainham depot, approaches Southwark Bridge on 12/7/15.

Volvo B7TL/Ayatts VLY606 is now allocated to Rainham (RN).
Transferred to London United are Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH open toppers OA326/30/2 (J326/30/2 BSH).

P and M COACHLINES, WICKFORD.
Mercedes 709D/Alexander BAZ 8358 has come from Graham of West Auckland, County Durham.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther Y5 TRU is now in the black/silver livery, ex white/dark blue/silver. Pictured above at Marks Tey.
Acquired from Pats of Southsea is Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodied Dennis Javelin G210 UAS. Ex Regal Busways is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur J734 CWT.
Dennis Javelin/UVG BIG 8796 has returned from Turners of Essex, off loan.
Delicensed/Reserve for the summer school holidays are Volvo B6/Plaxton Pointer BIG 9248 at Parkeston; Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843 at Clacton and Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beaver SIL 2172 at Great Dunmow. Primo SB07 PAN moved briefly from Parkeston to Stansted.
A second Norfolk outstation has opened, at Great Yarmouth (Beach Coach Park). Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere BIG 611 and Javelin BIG 8796 are based there for Abellio Greater Anglia rail standby.

Above: A moody dusk view of Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DC04 PAN at Colchester on 12/7/15.

RICHMOND OF BARLEY.
New is Van Hool TX integral coach 403 NMM.

SOLITAIRE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.
Has Scania K124EB6/Irizar NH54 WMD, ex Snowdon of Easington, County Durham.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
To Reserve are MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300s 23323/4 (AE51 RYZ, RZA).
Vauxhall Vivaro van DN15 UNM is on loan from Enterprise, for ancillary use at Cambridge.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New for TfL498 (Romford-Brentwood) are ADL/Enviro 40D MMCs 13301/2/3/4 (YY15 OYS/T/U/V), 13305-7 (YY15 OYW/X/Y).
The first of the new ADL/E20D MMCs to enter service on TfL499 (Gallows Corner-Romford Circular) was 36601 (YY15 OWU) on 30th July. This was followed by 36602-8 (YY15 OWV/W/X/Z, OXA/B/C).
The above allowed the return of the temporary Tridents and ADL/E200s to their usual allocations.
ADL/Enviro 40H 12137 (LX61 DFP) and New Routemasters LT243/54/69, 359 (LTZ 1243 etc) are now back in fleet livery, ex overall adverts, with LT359 quickly being vinyled for BPay.
From Selkent is Scania Omnicity ‘decker 15042 (LX09 AAV). It has joined its colleagues at West Ham (WH). Also ex Selkent is Trident 17894 (LX03 ORG) – now at Barking (BK).
Delicensed are Tridents 17581/3 (LV52 HFO/R), 17745/6 (LY52 ZFD/E), 17802/37 (LX03 BWV, BYM). 17846/52/3 (LX03 BYZ, BZF/G), have moved from Leyton (T) to BK. 17812 (LX03 BZG) is withdrawn.
Collision damaged Trident 17557 (LY02 OBJ), has passed to Stagecoach Lincolnshire for spares.
Trident/ALX400 17857 (LX03 NFA) is now with Sleafordian Coaches, Lincolnshire, via Ensign.
Sister 17450 (Y524 NHK), latterly UWR 498 with Western Greyhound, has gone to MC Tractors of Ely for scrap, after cannibalisation by Ensign.
City Metals has taken, for scrap accident damaged Tridents 17556 (LY02 OBH), 17812 (LX03 BXG).

Above “Temporary” route 498 Trident no 18472 passes Brook Street, Brentwood on 18/7/15.

STANWAY TRAVEL SERVICES, COLCHESTER.
Registration mark 269 YPJ, which had been carried by a VW Transporter minibus in the fleet some years ago, is currently on a Mercedes CLS350 coupe.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.

All white short ADL/Enviro 200 YY15 NJO has been noted, ex Holmeswood Coaches in Lancashire. It is pictured, above at Witham on 17th July.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer no 413 at King Edward Way, Witham on 24/7/15. It is on a cross town service which was originally the province of Eastern National.

The first of the ex Nottingham Scania Omnidekkas to enter service, was YN53 CFU.

SULLIVAN BUSES.

Above: Preserved Metrobus M1069, at the Metroline Potters Bar garage Open Day on 11th July, 2015.

TERRAVISION.
Has taken delivery of four new Scania K360/Irizar tri-axle 63 seaters; YN15 FYA-D.

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: Scania hydrogen bus WSH62998 turns from Southwark Street onto Blackfriars Bridge Road, London SE1 on 12/7/15.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
Two new commercial services have been registered.
511 (Harlow-Bishops Stortford) from 28th July and 311 (Hertford-Waltham Cross) – Suns/hols only, from 30th July.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Pointers EDS22 (NK51 MKM), PDS22 (VJZ 3283 ex X501 WRG), SPD29 (NK51 MKJ) and Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beaver EIG 1357 ex R279 RAU.

UNO.
This operator´s first TfL contract commenced on 25/7/15.
Route 383 (Barnet-Woodside Park) was gained from Metroline. New for this are 8.9 metre ADL/E20D nos 601-4(YY15 NKA/C/D/E). They are short 25 seaters, and painted red.
Prior to Metroline, the 383 had been operated by another Hertfordshire independant; Sullivan Buses.

Above: Metroline short ADL/Enviro 200 DES796 at Whetstone in June 2010.

Meanwhile, acquired from Epsom Buses are Dart SLF/ELs 509-12 (PE56 UFL/M/N/S).

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Sold is Bova Futura FHD RUI 9458 ex M214 UYD.

WICKS OF BRAINTREE.
Withdrawn are Dennis Javelin/Neoplan Transliners PIB 2344 and X294 AKY.
Ex Goodwins Leyland Tiger/Van Hool A147 RMJ, has been sold.

Acknowledgements:
With thanks to Alex Hazell, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, PSVC, RM.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the June 2015 edition of Busmopolitan.
Abellio has teamed up with Stagecoach to bid for the new long term Greater Anglia railway franchise. The other preferred bidders are First and National Express. The result will be known in spring 2016, with the franchise beginning the following October, and lasting between 8 and 11 years. Part of this would involve investing in new rolling stock for the Norwich to London services.

It is with deep regret that a serious accident involving a coach on a continental school trip from Essex has come to light.
On the morning of 28/6/15 – (10 00 local time), a vehicle carrying a party from The Brentwood School en route to Cologne, Germany collided with a motorway bridge on the E40 at Middelkerke in Belgium; killing the co-driver and injuring many of the 41 other occupants, some seriously. The coach involved was VAZ 8888, a modern Volvo B12B/Van Hool T operated by Richmonds of Lisburn, Northern Ireland.
The question many will ask here is, “why was a coach all the way from Ulster picking up in Essex, for such a long journey ?”
With computerised scheduling systems, coach tour drivers can be efficiently rostered to take over coaches in “remote” locations, with no contravention of EU drivers hours. For example, the 2 drivers on the coach involved in the accident, would have likely flown from Belfast, to relieve the coach in London and would have had sufficient rest (in a hotel) before commencement of the journey. Keeping tour coaches out on the road and away for base for extended periods, especially in the “high season” equates to operational efficiency, but does not compromise safety – if the rules are followed. The stricken coach will be thoroughly examined by the authorities, with the tachograph being particularly scrutinised. Our thoughts go out to all involved in this dreadful incident.

On a much more positive note, Stagecoach gained further TfL routes in Romford from the end of June, with a large number of resultant vehicle movements.
There has also been much action around Harlow, with Arriva branding appearing on the Network Harlow fleet, rolling stock upgrades for EOS London and the arrival at Trustybus of a Dart SLF in a distinctive livery with an eyecatching nickname to match, plus route changes in the Roadrunner/Townlink stable.
Then, there is the registration of two competing services by Arriva and Trustybus respectively, over mileage where Arriva’s predecessor County Bus (then trading as Townlink – no connection with the current incarnation), vied with the Buzz Cooperative a quarter of a century ago. This Essex new town always seems to generate much public transport interest.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
As mentioned in the editorial, Abellio has gone into partnership with Stagecoach, to bid for the new 8 to 11 year rail franchise from October 2016.
The Class 317 EMU fleet is undergoing an internal Refresh. The work is being carried out at Clacton (CC) depot. The first to be treated were 317658/72.
DRS blue 90034 entered revenue traffic in early June.
Formation changes of the ‘NC’ Inter City sets, have seen 90011 and 12049 join NC01, while 90003 joined NC64. All of the NC sets currently are mixed livery; (Abellio, ONE or Virgin).
90009 is now in the new Abellio livery, ex ONE based Union Jack with silver roof scheme. DVT 82132 is also now in the new colours, along with MkIII carriages 10247, 10405, 11078, 12037, 12114 and EMUs 317710/32.

ADVANCE MINIBUSES, SOUTHEND.
Mercedes Sprinter 516DCi/Stanford WP11 BCK is ex Buzzlines of Hythe, Kent.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Leyland Olympian/NC E891 AKN is withdrawn and sold.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas FD03 YON, and Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R917 ULA have been sold. FD03 YON is now with Lainton of Manchester.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (GRAYS).
From 27/6/15, TfL499 (Gallows Corner-Romford Circular) was lost to Stagecoach East London on retender.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 4007 on the 499 at Harold Hill in May 2009.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
From 8/6/15, a single fare of £2 was introduced on the Colchester Park and Ride. Previously, travel had been free of charge.
An intermediate stop at Middleborough has also been introduced.
Dart SLF/Caetano 3411 (HX51 LRO), is the second to received a darker blue skirt.
Returned to Network Harlow, off loan is Trident/EL 5445 (T406 SMV).
Borrowed SLF/Pointer 3322 (T322 NMJ) has returned to Southend, via a brief loan to Harlow.
Withdrawn is Volvo B10BLE/Alexander ALX300 3829 (W903 UJM). It went to Southend for disposal, and was quickly resold to G8 Spares and Exports of Hullbridge, for scrap.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
Transfers from Arriva Midlands are Dennis Dart SLF/Mini Pointers 2217 (T47 WUT) and 2132 (V425 DGT).
Received from Arriva Medway Towns is ADL/Enviro 200 4058 (GN09 AXM).
Loaned from Southend is Optare Versa 4203 (YJ61 CHY).
Optare Solo 1474 (YJ56 ATZ) is now in Arriva livery, ex Network Harlow blue.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointers 1554/5 (V230/1 HBH) have passed to G8 Spares and Exports of Hullbridge for scrap. When new, they were branded for route 10, serving the then growing Church Langley residential area, and sponsored by the developers.
A new commercial service, numbered 1, has been registered between Harlow Bus Station and Sumners/Katherines. Trustybus has registered a competing route, T1.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Ex Arriva London South DAF DB250L/ALX400s DLA374/6/81/7/8 (LJ03 MSY, MTF/Z, MYY/Z) were briefly used at Barking (DX) before sale to Lister, Bolton (dealer).
Further ADL/Enviro 400s to Arriva London South at Thornton Heath from DX are T12, 17, 21/5/6 (LJ08 CVG, 217 CLT, LJ08 CUU/Y, CVA).
Withdrawn ex London South DB250L/ALX400 DLA256 (X508 GGO) is stored at DX.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Ayatts Bravo Y386 NVV, has been re-registered M155 BWR.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
From 27/6/15, TfL498 (Romford-Brentwood) passed to Stagecoach East London on retender.
SLF/Pointer LDP186 (Y986 TGH) is now in a cream/blue/gold Commercial livery.
ADL/Enviro 200 SE42 (LX10 AUW) has lost its Docklands Buses fleet names.
Transfers out are of SLF/Pointer LDP208 (SN51 UAX); Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL95 (LF52 ZNH) to Docklands and ADL/Enviro 400 EN27 (LK08 FKX), back to London General North at Northumberland Park (NP).
Withdrawn are ex London General, former East Thames Buses DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DW11/12 (LF52 TKN/A).

CARL WOODS, LEIGH ON SEA.
DAF SB/Caetano K669 RNR ex C17 WDS has passed to Red Rose of Blackburn.

CHAMBERS.
Ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka 1500 (YN53 RYP) entered traffic in early June. Sister 1510 (YN55 PZP) arrived later in the month.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 578/80 (W519/27 WGH) have transferred to Hedingham. 570 (W487 WGH) is debranded – (pictured below).

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Ford Transit 48 (EX07 UGH) and 53 (EU07 VUT), have been renumbered to 103 and 42 respectively.

COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE.

AEC PRV Routemaster RML2296 (CUV 296C) has been repainted gold, ex red. It has since been adorned with posters for Firstsite the Visual Arts Facility (VAF) – below.

COLCHESTER ZOO.

Two Dotto land trains are in use.
Q753 GPD is blue/red and named ‘Thomas’ (pictured above). The other is mint green/cream and unregistered. Both consist of an engine and 3 Treni trailers.
They operate the ‘Lost Madagasca Trail’ service around the zoological gardens on a network of dedicated roadways.

COUNTY COACHES, BRENTWOOD.

Volvo B10M/Caetano Algarve 2328 RU is now with ATS Minibuses of Romford. ATS appears to have taken on work from the defunct Clintona of Brentwood.

CT PLUS.
Scania Omnicity double decker SD1, is delicenced due to accident damage. It has gone to ADL at Harlow for repairs.

DLR.
Set 64 is in a rainbow livery for Pride.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
New for TfL135 (Crossharbour-Old Street) are Volvo B5LH/Enviro 400s EHV1-16 (BK15 AZR/T, BJ15 TWL, BL15 HBK, BJ15 TWP, BL15 HBJ/O/P/U/X/Y/Z, HCA/C/D, HBN). They have replaced the borrowed ex London Central ADL/Enviro 400s E208-223, which have moved to London General, some initially for Wimbledon Tennis shuttles.
The first B5LH to enter traffic was EHV5.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
Bova Futura DD05 DON has passed to Turners of Essex, Wickham St Paul.

DRS.
The Class 47 diesel locomotives ceased to be use on passenger operations with Abellio Greater Anglia after 15/6/15. They still appear on other duties.
Their replacements are Class 37s, which are push pull equipped.
47841 is now withdrawn.

ENSIGNBUS.

Buses named after fallen local soldiers from The Great War are:
B9TL/Olympus 115 – Lance Corporal Sidney Biles.
B9TL/Olympus 118 – Sapper Joseph Randall.
B9TL/Olympus 119 – Rifleman Basil Johnson.
B9TL/Olympus 120 – Rifleman Thomas Rowland.
B9TL/Olympus 123 – Private John Suckling.
B9TL/Olympus 124 – Private Edward McKay.
B9TL/Olympus 126 – Private John Goldspring.
B9TL/Gemini2 130 – Private Archibald Snaich.
ADL/Enviro 200 701 – Private Reuben Beaumont.
ADL/Enviro 200 702 – Private George Newton.
ADL/Enviro 200 703 – Sapper Bertie Gathercole.
ADL/Enviro 200 704 – Acting Bombardier Arthur Hills.
ADL/Enviro 200 705 – Private William Watkins.
ADL/Enviro 200 706 – Bombardier Harry Watkins.
ADL/Enviro 200 707 – Gunner Frederick Rogers.
ADL/Enviro 200 708 – Lance Corporal John Newbold.
ADL/Enviro 200 709 – Sergeant George Clarke.
ADL/Enviro 200 710 – Private Arthur Reed.
ADL/Enviro 200 711 – Second Lieutenant William Scott.
ADL/Enviro 200 712 – Private Edgar Truelove.
ADL/Enviro 200 713 – Private Charles Riches.
Another ADL/Enviro 200 to join the fleet is 714 (YN62 AOH). It is ex Littles of Ilkeston.
Volvo B12B/Caetano 604 (FN04 USE) has been re-registered to 864 DYE.
Withdrawn is Dart SLF/Caetano 783 (MA02 BLU).
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 109 (T87 KLD) has been offered for sale.
Trident/ALX400s sold are:
105 (V105 MEV), 143 (X343 NNO) – to Buses Etc of Mertsham.
192 (T192 CLO) – to Havering Transport.
194 (T194 CLO) – to Bear Buses of Feltham.
From 29/6/15, new commercial service 12 (Aveley-Lakeside) began. Aimed at commuters, it serves the new ‘The Village’ development at Aveley and then runs via Belhus, Ockendon rail station and South Road towards Lakeside. There are 8 journeys in total; 4 each am and pm peaks, M-F with the “tidal flow”. Initially, the Aveley terminus will be on the by-pass, until roads on the new estate are accessible to traffic. This coincides with the issue of Timetable booklet no 25 from 29th June.
AEC PRV front entrance Routemaster FPT 590C, has been sold for continued preservation.

EOS LONDON.
All white Optare Solo M880 YJ08 PJX is now here.
Via Ensign is ex Lothian Dart SLF/Super Pointer SK52 OKE.
The Optare Excels are all withdrawn.

Above: On 30/5/15, SLF SK52 OKE awaits collection from Ensign by EOS London. Alongside is one time Trustybus of Harlow SLF TNZ 1186, which had latterly been with Western Greyhound.

FIRST ESSEX.

Wright Streetlites 47657/8 (SN15 AEX/Y) was first noted in service from Colchester (CR) in early June. They have appeared on various local routes; particularly 63 (Roman Way-Tufnell Way). 47657 is pictured (above) at Crouch Street on June 11th.
Now in Refreshed livery are SLF/Pointer 42934 (SN05 DZP); Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66811/2/5 (MX05 CDK/N/V).
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32810 (T810 LLC) has moved from Basildon (BN) to Braintree (BE).
Dennis Dart SLF/Pointer 43480 (R680 DPW) had moved from CR to CF by mid June.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Mini Pointers 43357/9 (V357/9 DVG) – already delicensed; Dart SLF/Pointers 43714/7/9 (R714/7/9 DJN) – last of their batch; Scania L94UB/Wrights 65556 (R556 CNG), 65653 (T653 SSF).
Long term VOR are Scania L94UB/Wrights 62406 (YS03 ZKA), 65683 (YR52 VEU); Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66804 (MX05 CCO), 69432 (AU58 FFV).
SLF/Mini Pointer 43359 (V359 DVG); SLF/Pointers 43448 (P448 NEX), 43717/9 (R717/9 DJN) and accident damaged Scania L94/Wright Access Ultraflow 65652 (T652 SSF) have gone to Alpha for scrap.
Volvo Olympian/NC 34305 (L305 PWR) continues in use at Chelmsford (CF). It is the last of the batch of Olympians acquired from First Calderline in 1998, and has now spend considerably more time in Essex than its original Yorkshire home !

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Now has ex Nottingham City Transport Scania Omnidekka YN53 CFA. It came via Stephensons of Essex (as dealer).

FREIGHTLINER.

66544 continued on loan to Intermodal from Heavy Haul during June.
Seen (above) at Stratford on 3/6/15, on a Felixstowe to Lawley Street, Birmingham service.
(Picture by Roger Goodrum, courtesy Railway Herald Images).

GB RAILFREIGHT.
66711 has been named ‘Sence’.
66721 is in a commemorative ‘London Underground’ livery, featuring map diagrams on one side, and graphics of London Transport icons on the other. It is named ‘Harry Beck’, after the designer of the “classic” London Underground diagrammatic map.

Above: 66721 at Ipswich on 10/6/15.

HEDINGHAM.
1516 (YN55 PSX), is another ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka.
Received from Chambers are Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents 576/8 (W517/9 WGH). They are allocated to Clacton (CN).
Volvo Olympian/NC 91 (N540 LHG) has moved from Clacton (CN) to Tollesbury (TY).
Volvo Olympian/NC 66 (P602 CAY) is withdrawn following turbo failure, and is stored at TY.
There has been a cull of the ex Dublin Alexander RH bodied Volvo Olympians; with 81/2/3/4/5 (M144/6, 273/6/82 UKN) all withdrawn.
83 is stored at Kelvedon (KN) – pictured below.

Also withdrawn are EL bodied Dennis Tridents 728 (W828 NNJ), 730 (W83 NNJ) – which had both been long term VOR at CN.

From 1/6/15, there were enhancements to service 2 (Clacton-Mistley). It now additionally serves Great Clacton Morrisons and has extended operating hours.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Dennis Dart SLF/EL Spryte 94 (X94 LBJ), lost its ‘Dauntless’ name, upon repaint in the new livery.

KEANE TRAVEL, LINFORD.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL BIG 8751, has passed to Coastal Liner of Wolverhampton.

KIRBYS OF RAYLEIGH.
Founder Edward Kirby has passed away, at the age of 85. He started the business in 1953; after completing National Service. Kirby’s is well known for its Setras, and was the first UK operator of the marque, back in 1971 – with S130 OTW 116K, which is still owned by the company.

Above: Kirbys Setra S250 K100 BYS, at South Mymms Services in July 2005.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.
RJ15 KSZ is a new Mercedes 516CDi minicoach.

LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED.
New S7 Stock for the District/Circle/Hammersmith and City Lines are 21461/2, 21463/4, 21465/6, 21469/70, 21471/2.
The latest D78 Stock withdrawals are of
7023 + 17023 + 8023; 7049 + 17049 + 8049; 7055 + 17055 + 8055; 7059 + 17059 + 8059; 7066 + 17066 + 8066; 7078 + 17078 + 8078; 7090 + 17090 + 8090; 7-96 + 17096 + 8096; 7120 + 17120 + 8120; 7522 + 17522 + 7523.
The 7xxx and 7xxxx vehicles have passed to Vivarail for D Train conversion, while the 8xxxs have gone to Booth Roe of Rotherham for scrap.
Meanwhile, 7010 + 17010 + 8010 and 7123 + 17123 + 8123 have a new lease of life with LUL; as Rail Adhesion Train (RAT) vehicles.

LOROL (LONDON OVERGROUND).
Freshly repainted EMU 317817 ‘Transport for London’, was used to launch the new London Overground services, in a ceremony at Enfield Town on 1st June. London Mayor Boris Johnson officiated.
The Romford to Upminster branch now regularly uses a Class 317 EMU.
Ex Abellio 315801/2/4/15/7 are the first of their class to appear in LOROL livery. All the ‘315s have received LOROL branding. The relevant stations also now sport LOROL logos and signage.
Further new Class 378 trailers are 38421/2/4/5.
Electrostar EMUs 378218/9 are now 5 car, ex 4.

Above: 378221 at Stratford in August 2011.

METROLINE.
New commercial limited stop service 714 (New Barnet-St Albans-Luton) started on 20th June.

MILESTONE, CANVEY.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas YN05 ATO, has passed to PPH of St Albans.

MTR CROSSRAIL/TfL RAIL.

All of the ex Abellio Class 315s have received TfL Rail branding, along with the stations – as illustrated above and below.

315861 is now in TfL Rail livery, ex ONE. This was the last of its class in the old livery, and was pictured (below) at Brentwood on 16/5/15, when still running for Abellio.

315857 has lost its ‘Stratford Connections’ name plates.

NEW HORIZON.
The old Cedric’s site at Ardleigh has been cleared, with Volvo B10M/Jonckherre K908 RGE being sold.
The location is now used as a truck depot and workshop by Wasteaway, who operate an adjacent waste transfer station.

OLYMPIAN COACHES/ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
Withdrawn are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur V283 SBW, Scania K114/Irizar T50 APT, Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers S307/126 JUA, Dart SLF/ALX200s LX51 FGO, FHG.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther W3 TRU has been sold to Cavendish of Cardiff.
Dennis Javelin/UVG BIG 8796 is on hire to Turners of Essex.

PDQ TRAVEL, COLCHESTER. The site of the former depot; The Arena at Circular Road East, has closed.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y253 FJN is on loan from Trustybus.
Ex Western Greyhound SLF/Mini Pointers NA52 AWF/M have been acquired through Ensign.

RICHMOND OF BARLEY.
New is Van Hool TDX27 integral coach 403 NMM.
Van Hool T917 integral coach YJ11 AOO is ex Limberg Tours of Sheffield.
Van Hool TX BO13 BYM is now YJ13 GVT.

RICHMONDS COACHES, LISBURN.
Volvo B12B/VH VAZ 8888 was the coach involved in the serious accident in Belgium, on a trip from The Brentwood School on 28/6/15, (see Editorial). It is a complete write off.

ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
Commercial service 255 (Debden-Waltham Cross) suddenly ceased after 8/6/15. Two days later it restarted, but under Townlink.
Also between 8th and 10th June, services R1, R31, 511/2 were temporarily reallocated to Townlink.
SLF/Pointer S316 JUA has been transferred from Townlink.

SEE LONDON BY NIGHT, BARKING.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH open topper J345 BSH, has passed to Ensign.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
ADL/Enviro 400 19589 (AE10 BXA) has returned to service following accident repairs.
The former Cowley Road Park and Ride site, latterly used as part of Cambridge Stagecoach depot, has been offered To Let by Bidwells.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
The following new TfL contracts were gained from 27/6/15; 498 (Romford-Brentwood) – from Blue Triangle, and 499 (Gallows Corner-Romford Circular) – from Arriva Kent Thameside. Both are worked from Romford North Street (NS) garage. As a result, from the same date – the entire allocation of TfL103 (Chase Cross-Rainham Interchange) was concentrated at Rainham (RM) depot, with NS ceasing to have any involvement.
Initially, ex West Ham (WH) Tridents 17789/98 (LX03 BWC/M), 17834/46/52/3/5 (LX03 BYJ/Z, BZF/G, NEU), 17922 (LX03 OSW), 18204/5/10 (LX04 FWP/R/W) are being used on the 498, and also temporarily on TfL296 (Ilford-Romford). The latter is to release ADL/E200s onto 499. These arrangements are in advance on new buses arriving for 498 and 499. The Tridents from WH will appear on other NS routes too.
New Routemasters LT241/71 (LTZ 1241/71) are now in overall adverts for BPay.
Received from Selkent are more Scania Omnicity double deckers; 15036-41/3-8 (LX58 CGY/Z, CHC/D, LX09 AAO/U/Y, AZZ, ABF/G/N/O) which have released the Tridents to NS as detailed above. A solitary Trident to migrate from Selkent is 17837 (LX03 BYN).

Above: Omnicity no 15045 working for Selkent, at Greenwich in May 2009. These have been replaced on TfL177 by new Volvo B5LH/Enviro 400 MMCs.

Other transfers from Selkent are of Tridents 17836/7 (LX03 BYM/N) (Plumstead (PD) to NS); 17838/40 (LX03 BYP/S) (PD to Leyton (T)); 17893 (LX03 ORF) (PD to Barking (BK)) and ADL/Enviro 200s 36366/9/70 (LX59 ECV/Z, EDC) (TL to WH).
Dispatched to Selkent are Tridents 17876/7 (LX03 NGE/F); ADL/Enviro 200s 36276/7/8 (LX11 AWO/P/R).
Movements within East London are of ADL/E40Ds 10159-62 (EU62 AZN/O/P, AAO) from NS to RM, in connection with the route 103 changes; ADL/E40Hs 12129/30 (LX61 DFE/F)- surprisingly back from T to Bow (BW); Trident 17746 (LY52 ZFE) – WH to BK; ADL/Enviro 200 36284 (LX11 AXA) from BK to NS and New Routemaster LT463 (LTZ 1463) from BW to T.
Scania Omnicities 15151/64 (LX59 COJ, CRK) are now with Centaur of Crayford, via Scania, Worksop (dealer). They have been acquired for the University of Greenwich inter campus shuttle.
Withdrawn are Tridents 17530/7/56 (LX51 FOP, LY02 OAC, OBH). 17556 is for scrap.
Accident damaged Trident 17812 (LX03 BXG) is long term VOR.
Tridents resold via Ensign are:
17447 (Y447 NHK) – exported to Hshama Developments, Dubai.
17440 (Y522 NHK) – MC Tractors, Ely for scrap, after cannibalisation.
17565/77, 17550 (LV52 HDY, HFK, LY02 OBB) – to New Adventure Travel, Cardiff.
17803 (LX03 BWW) – to Brylaine of Boston, Lincolnshire.
17804 (LX03 BWY) – to Hornsby of Ashby, South Humberside.

Above: In its “heyday”, Trident 17556 at Victoria in September 2003. The N8 has since been extended to Hainault.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.

SLF/Caetano 454 (HV 52 WTE), briefly replaced regular SLF/Pointer 459 (GU52 HKD) on the 247 in early June. 454 was pictured (above), on Colchester High Street.
Route 80 (Boxted-Colchester-Fordham) has reverted to cross working with 676 (Great Waltham-Chelmsford-Colchester schools). The 80 runs in service firstly showing ‘Colchester’ as its ultimate destination, then reverting to ‘Boxted’ or ‘Fordham’ (depending on direction of travel), upon reaching Colchester.

Acquired for spares is ex Stagecoach South Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer T593 CGT.
Withdrawn are Volvo Olympian/Alexander RHs 827/8 (N827/8 FKK). These were new to Dublin Bus as 96-D-254/3 respectively.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Has ex Arriva London North Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis LF52 UPL/M/V – via Ensign.
They are numbered VLW6, 7, 5 respectively.

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
Mercedes 1836RL BU53 AXH is now with Eclipse of Melbourn, Cambs.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Acquired from J and B Travel, Horsforth near Leeds are former London United/National Express Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale coaches N119/20 UHP. These had been J600 JBT and J900 JBT with their previous operator.
Sold to Holmeswood Coaches of Cheshire, is Dennis Trident/Plaxton President W567 RSG.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Berkhof bodied 10 metre Dennis Javelin M684 LRU, has come from Three Star Coaches of Luton.

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON.

The east side of Canning Town Bus Station was closed for works during June, with access only in a southbound direction. Northbound routes picked up/set down on Silvertown Way instead.
TfL services affected were 5, 69, 115, 300, 309, 330, 474, 541, N550. The picture above illustrates the closed part of the bus station, while the shot below shows the temporary stops. Both views taken on 21/6/15.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Volvo B10M/Alexander PS M765 RAX is now overall red.
New commercial service T1 (Harlow-Katherines/Sumners) has been registered, competing against Arriva.

UNO.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP576 (W576 XRO) has passed into preservation. It is now in Universitybus white, with mauve lining. This colour scheme was never carried by the bus in service. It wore Sovereign blue/cream, and UNO pink/purple during its career.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Volvo B12T/Jonckherre double deck coach B19 WSC is ex Westway of Raynes Park. It was new to Clarkes of London as P77 COL.
From Robinson of Burbage, Leics is Iveco 80E18/Indicar FG03 JDJ.
Neoplan Cityliner IIG 3840 has been sold to YMS of Canterbury.

WHIPPET.
Loaned from SGBC Scania K340EB4/Caetano Levante NX02/NX23 (FJ57 KHK) was still in use at the end of June. It was pictured (below) in Cambridge.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the May 2015 edition of Busmopolitan.
Transport for London took control of the inner suburban routes out of Liverpool Street from 31st May. What had been part of the Abellio Greater Anglia franchise is now with two concessionaires; London Overground (LOROL) for the West Anglia lines and the Romford to Upminster branch, and TfL Rail, a shadow company for MTR in advance of Crossrail, for the Shenfield ‘Metro’ route. When ‘Busmopolitan’ visited Emerson Park on 30th May, the Abellio posters were being replaced by new LOROL ones, while similar work was observed at Harold Wood; but for TfL Rail.
There has been an influx of new buses into First Essex; in the shape of more Wright Streetlites. Most have appeared in south Essex, around Basildon and Southend; but two have gone to Colchester – as a prelude for further fleet modernisation there later in 2015.
Meanwhile, further late model Scania Omnidekkas continue to upgrade the Hedingham and Chambers fleets – and further introduce the new livery.
Finally, slightly out of the area but still in south east England; history was made on 19th of May when Reading Buses successfully “raced” its bio waste powered Scania K270UB/Enviro 300 around the Littlebrook test track in Bedfordshire – attaining a top speed of 80 miles per hour. Still 20 mph short of what the CMT Midland Red coaches used to achieve on motorways, back in the unrestricted days of the early to mid 1960s !

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.

The first refreshed MkIII coach set (NC10), performed an inaugural run on 1/5/15. Running as the scheduled 1P31 1100 Norwich-London, it was in the care of  90001+82143 and carried press as well as normal customers. The MkIII carriage consist is TSOB 10401; FOs 11067/99; TSOs 12009/13/5/46/91, 12126. The picture above, shows it at Ingatestone on 4th May. DVT82126 is back in the NC64 ‘Pretendalino’ set, replacing 82112 but then was replaced by 82139, while loco 90015 was swapped for 90011 by the end of the month. Now in TfL Rail colours are 315842/53/7/60. To LOROL livery are 315817, 317708/29. 90004 and DVT 82114 have been repainted into the latest AGA colours, along with FOs 11066/95, TSOs 12064/73, 12125/41 and EMU 317505.

Above: 82126 leads the ‘Pretendalino’ set through Kelvedon, on the 0830 London Liverpool Street to Norwich, on 12/5/15.

Above: 90004 heads the 0800 Norwich-London Liverpool Street through Kelvedon in April 2015.

Above: Freshly repainted into the new Abellio scheme; 90004 tackles Belstead Bank near Ipswich on 18/5/15, on the 1030 Norwich to London Liverpool Street service.

Above: 313848 in TfL livery at Brentwood on 16/5/15.

The Shenfield- Liverpool Street Metro route passed to TfL Rail (on behalf of MTR Crossrail) from 31/5/15.  This excludes the Romford to Upminster branch. It includes traincrew depots/stabling points at Gidea Park, Ilford and Shenfield. EMUs 315818-61 passed to the new operator. The ‘315s no longer work beyond Shenfield, so thus no longer stable at Southend Victoria or run up the Southminster branch.

Above: 315817 ‘Transport for London’ enters Brentwood on a London Liverpool Street to Shenfield service on 16/5/15. This is one of the type to have passed to LOROL.

From the same date, the West Anglia Metro network and the Romford to Upminster branch passed to London Overground (LOROL), along with a traincrew depot/stabling point at Chingford, and an outbase at Cheshunt. EMUs 315801-17, 317708-10/4/9/23/9/32, 317887-92 moved over to LOROL.
AGA continues to provide staff for the Romford-Upminster. The last AGA train over this route was 317884 on 30/5/15. The pictures below shows it approaching and departing Emerson Park Halt on the final day.



Above: LOROL poster heralding change at Emerson Park on 30/5/15.

Above: Back in West Anglia Great Northern (WAGN) days; 315844 at Highams Park, on the Chingford branch, in June 2003.

Maintenance of the Class 315 EMU fleet will continue to be done at Ilford, for both operations.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
Contrasting arrivals (size wise) are of Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 V130 MEV, from Weaver of Newbury and LDV Convoy EP04 URY.
Withdrawn is Dart SLF/Caetano R558 UOT.
Cannibalised Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Beaver T300 CBC has gone for scrap.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Dart SLF/Caetano HV52 WTG has appeared with new ‘Ambus’ logos; in the form of a white ‘A’ in an orange circle.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointers X595 FBB and X506 WRG have been resold via Ensign, to Axe Vale Coaches of Biddisham, Somerset.

ANITAS, STANSTED.
Bova Futura FHD RY05 ERN, has passed to Kingdom of Tiverton, Devon.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).
On loan from Network Harlow are Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3413 (SN54 HWY) and Dennis Trident/EL 5443 (T406 LMV).

Above: Both the aforementioned vehicles have worked at Colchester before. SLF 3413 was new to Colchester depot in November 2004, (with fleet number 360). It was pictured at Horkesley Heath in April 2005, when service 8 still regularly reached that location. The 8 now terminates northbound at Highwoods, with the 2 reaching Horkesley instead, (except evenings, Sundays and holidays).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
A second ex Dartford VDL 200/Wright Pulsar2 is 3755 (YJ08 DZE).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).

The latest DAF SB220/Plaxton Prestige to be withdrawn is 3918 (T918 KKM). This leaves 3912/3/4/6 still active; from a batch which came from Northfleet in 2009. The picture shows 3914 in its original haunts; at Dartford in October 2003.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
TfL135 (Crossharbour-Old Street) was lost to Docklands Buses on re-tender from 23/5/15. Arriva had operated this route since its inception in May 2008. The T class ADL/Enviro 400s from the 135 (T14-16/8/9, 20/2/3) have transferred from Barking (DX) to Arriva London South, to replace the last revenue DLA class DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400s at Thornton Heath (TH).

Above: ADL/E400 T23 on the 135 at Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf in June 2012. The Shard can be seen in the distance, to the left.

Above: The first day of TfL135; in May 2008. T21 heads away from Westferry, onto the Isle of Dogs.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
From 23/5/15, TfL541 (Canning Town-Kier Hardy Estate shuttle) was transferred from Docklands, with Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL95 (LF52 ZNH) and Scania Omnidekkas 946 (YN56 FEG), SO1-5 (BV55 UCT/U/W/X/Y). The SOs have thus returned “home”.
Ex First Dart SLF/Marshall DMN11 (LT02 NUV) has been noted running in plain red with no fleet names.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL67 (W467 WGH), has been resold via Ensign to Sullivan Buses at South Mymms.

Above: Ex London General Dart SLF/Pointer LDP194 at Dagenham East on 30/5/15.

BRENTWOOD COACHES.

Above: In the new livery, unusual Irisbus 397/Plaxton Paragon 5189 RU at Hornchurch on 30/5/15.

Bus4Us, STANSTED AIRPORT. (JONES OF BRAINTREE).
New for hotel shuttles are 8.9m ADL/Enviro200s YX15 XRO/P.

CARTERS OF CAPEL ST MARY.
Ex Metroline former Armchair Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 T152 AUA has gone for scrap.

CENTREBUS.
The Ware town services were revised from 14th May.
M1 became a complete circular. Evening peak journeys have been renumbered M2. M4/M5 (Wareside) have been increased in frequency.

CHAMBERS.
Ex Plymouth Citybus Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents Y731 TGH, X507 EGK, have been renumbered to 583/2 respectively, from 1449/50.
Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas 1500 (YN53 RYP) and 1509 (YN55 PZM) are now here.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 575 (W516 WGH) has gone to Hedingham.
Accident damaged Optare Solo 962 (MX58 XDB) has passed to Barham (Panther Travel as dealer) for spares.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Acquired is Ford Transit 16 seater BJ12 XYM.
Sold are Mercedes Sprinter 411CDi/Stanford 117 (WA55 OFV) and Ford Transit 11 seater 135 (EA55 LPZ).

CT PLUS.
Scania Omnicity ‘deckers SD6-10 (YR59 NPJ/N/E/K/O), surplus following the loss of TfL contract 212 to Tower Transit, have moved to the Jersey, Channel Islands fleet.
They are now registered J127199-203.

DBS.
A downturn in coal traffic, and loss of other contracts has led to 93 Class 66 diesel locomotives being declared surplus and being either stored (19) or used in Europe (74). The operations affected are generally in the Midlands and North, although in the ‘Busmopolitan area’, the traincrew depots at Barking and Ipswich are to close, leaving Hither Green as the main base for the London area.
The loss of coal haulage has been caused by the impending closure of the last deep mines in the United Kingdom, at Hatfield (Doncaster), Thoresby (Nottinghamshire) and Kellingley (North Yorkshire).
DBS, has however gained new contracts for the Thames Gateway port.

Above: The DBS fleet has a “free range” across the UK, with the locomotives being “common user”; meaning they can turn up virtually anywhere on the system. Back in EWS days, 66072 was pictured at Bow Midland Goods in December 2000. This part of east London has now changed considerably; thanks to the 2012 Olympics and gentrification. The railway location is now known as Bow Olympic.

DE VERE TRAVEL, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
New commercial service 333 (Great Yeldham-Sible Hedingham-Sudbury) commenced on 5/5/14, running M-F.  A “popular” newspaper recorded this as being “the first public transport link between Sible Hedingham and Sudbury in 262 years”(!).  The last service was by horse and cart in 1753. However, this is not technically true, as much more recently, there was the once a week service 5, worked by Hedingham.
The 333 is operated by new 14 seat accessible Mercedes Sprinter BD15 CWJ.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Gained TfL135 (Crossharbour-Old Street) from Arriva London North on re-tender, from 23/5/15.  Initially 16 E class ADL/Enviro 400s loaned from London Central (E208-223) – were used on this new contract. They appeared on other Docklands routes too, such as the D7.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 E210 at Crossharbour on 30/5/15.

Meanwhile, Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL90 (LF52 ZNY) has moved to London Central.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
Volvo B13R/VH YJ12 KFE has been re-registered to DN12 DON.

DRS.
Class 47 loco 47790 is “stopped”.

ENSIGNBUS.
Ex Metroline Dennis Trident/Plaxton President LK03 GHY has been converted to open top, and joined the fleet as no 301. It is in red/silver livery.
Ex Brighton and Hove Trident/EL open topper T808 RFG is now 392 MBF. (Pictured below).

Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 603 (YN 54 DCY) has been re-registered ULL 933.
Dart SLF/Caetano 784 (784 EYB) has reverted to its original mark of HV52 WTK.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 192 (T192 CLO) has returned, off loan from Renown of Bexhill.
Trident/ALX400s 105 (V115 MEV), 109 (T87 KLD), 192 (T192 CLO) have lost their fleet names.
ADL/Enviro 400 SN56 AWW has been reacquired from Aintree Coachline at Bootle; but is for sales stock only.
Names commemorating fallen local soldiers from World War 1 are beginning to appear on the service bus fleet. This was launched with a ceremony at Purfleet Heritage Centre on 4th May, where Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 no 130 was named ‘Private Archibald Snaich’. A full list will be published later. The name carried by ADL/Enviro 200 no 703 (PX12 BSY) is pictured below.

Traffic news is that on 28/5/15, a large sinkhole appeared on the A126 Hogg Lane in Grays. Caused by old chalk mine workings, it closed the southern half of this busy thoroughfare and directly affected service 66 (Lakeside-Tilbury-Chadwell). It is not known when the road will reopen, and an emergency timetable has been put in place, with 66 running between Grays and Chadwell only.

EOS LONDON.
Optare Excels 700 (R300 PAR), 761/2 (JFZ 8261/2) have all gone for scrap. 700 had previously been cannibalised.
Route HC1 (Harlow-Epping) ceased from 1/5/15.

EPPING FOREST COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
New are Mercedes Sprinter 513/Bluetec welfare buses LJ15 FGX, FHB.

EXECUTIVE MINIBUSES, AVELEY.
Mercedes Sprinter 516CDi/Stanford DK11 BVY is ex Amersham and Windsor, Wooburn Green.
Sprinter 413CDi/Plaxton welfare bus EM56 BUS has passed to Scottish operator Yule of Mioniaive. Mb Sprinter 515/Ferqui UU57 BOY is also sold – to Hopkiss of Stalham, Norfolk.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
Fully accessible Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon 20514 (WV02 EUP) has been outshopped in Excel style livery of dark blue with gold lining.

FIRST ESSEX.

New Wright Streetlite DFs are 47643-9 (SN15 AEZ, AFA/E/F/J/K, AEL) at Hadleigh (HH) and 47650-6 (SN15 AEM/O/P/T/U/V/W) at Basildon (BN). BN examples are appearing on route 9 (Basildon-Billericay-Brentwood). 47646 is pictured above, at the Clacton Rally on 31/5/15. Streetlites 47657/8 (SN15 AEX/Y) are at Colchester (CR), and were noted on road test and staff training in late May. Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43480 (R680 DPW) has been transferred from Basildon (BN) to Colchester (CR). This is the first SLF allocated to CR for some years. It is pictured below, at Shrub End, on an evening journey on the 15 North Station to Prettygate commuter service, on 15/5/15.

Trident/Presidents 32818 (T818 LLC), 32859 (V859 HBY), 32883 (T883 KLF) have gone to First Devon and Cornwall.  Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66805/20 (MX05 CCU, CEJ) have moved to First Leicester. From First Leicester is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 32087 (KP51 WPZ).

Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 20463 (X193 HFB) has received a purple/pink driver training colour scheme.
Optare Solo 53112 is now in Refreshed livery with ‘Chelmsford City’ fleet names.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66828 (MX05 CFE) now has grey leather seats. Sister 66798 (MX05 CCA) is the latest to undergo the ‘CLEG’ exhaust trap conversion, and has appeared in the green stripe livery. Volvo B7TL/ALX400 30903 (W758 DWX) is now in Refreshed livery.
Colchester local route 63 (Roman Way-Tufnell Way) reverted to saloons at the end of May; after a brief spell of double deck operation, following its revision at the start of April.

Withdrawn Scania L94/Wright 65576 (T576 JNG) has been further cannibalised at CR.

Dart SLF/Pointer 43719 (R719 DJN) has been replaced at Clacton (CN) by 42923 (EU05 AUP) from HH. Withdrawn is SLF/Pointer 43735 (S735 TWC) at HH.

Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 43715 (R715 DJN) has gone to Alpha for scrap, after cannibalisation. Parts were used to rejuvenate 43480. The picture shows 43715 in its “heyday”, in April 2005 at North Station Road, Colchester. During its career, 43715 served at Basildon, Colchester and Hadleigh depots.

Also passing to Alpha, for breaking were SLF/Pointers 43732/6 (S732/6 TWC) and Scania 113L/Wright 65538 (R138 GSF).

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
Ex Chariots Mercedes 709D/Plaxton Beaver welfare bus P331 TGS is sold.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Scania K410EB6/Higer demonstrator YN64 XPP has moved on to SBC of Basildon, for continued trials.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: 70013 heads through Brentwood, on the “down electric line”, on 16/5/15; bound for Felixstowe. Note that is shares the same number as a well know steam locomotive – ‘Oliver Cromwell’.

66418 is now in ‘Powerhaul’ livery, ex DRS blue.
On loan to Intermodal from Heavy Haul are 66419 and 66544.
A number of Heavy Haul Class 66s have been temporarily stored, due to a downturn in coal traffic, which equates to around 50% of FLHH’s total business. This has been offset by some small contract gains, but there is a surplus of resources. It looks like some FLHH locos and staff will be redeployed to Intermodal; as mentioned above.

GALLOWAY OF MENDLESHAM.
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante 341 (FJ61 EYG), is ex Edinburgh Coachlines. It is in National Express livery.
Mercedes Citaro demonstrator BP14 FJZ has been on loan from Evobus.

GB RAILFREIGHT.
Some Class 66s have been stood down due to a decline in the traffic on which they were used.

Above: GBRf 66715 ‘Valour’, stabled at Ilford Car Sheds with an engineering train, in February 2005.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Has ex Stagecoach East London Trident/ALX400 LX03 BVW – via Ensign.
It has been converted to single door and fitted with a led destination display.

GRAHAM’S, KELVEDON.

Above: Mercedes 811D/Plaxton Beaver dual purpose N376 EAK, unusually at Maldon Morrisons on 15/5/15; having just arrived on the run from Colchester High School. It was deputising for the failed regular vehicle, Mercedes 0814D/Euro AE54 FMG.

HEDINGHAM.
Ex Anglian Bus is Dennis Trident/EL 725 (W825 NNJ). From London General is former Metrobus Scania Omnidekka 1513 (YN55 PZU).
From 11/5/15, the Kelvedon allocation was down to 7 buses, ex 8, and was later reduced further to 6 vehicles. However, up to 2 buses from TY may park up at KN during weekdays in school terms, to free up space at TY.
Volvo Olympian/NC 63 (K107 JWJ) is withdrawn.

Above: Hedingham ex Anglian Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 no 743; at Maldon Road, Colchester on 14/5/15. It is on the 0745 92 working from Tollesbury.

IPSWICH BUSES.

Dart SLF/EL Spryte 98 (X98 LBJ) has been refurbished by Hants and Dorset Trim, and outshopped in the new livery. It is pictured above at the Clacton Rally on 31st May. Acquired from Lothian Buses are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointers SN53 AVG/K/M/P, which have been numbered 134-7. These will replace X reg EL bodied SLFs not considered suitable for refurb.

There were service revisions from 24/5/15. 4 (Martlesham-Broke Hall-Tower Ramparts) no longer runs to/from Ipswich rail station off peak. X5 has been replaced by 5 with better frequency, while 6 and 11 (Tower Ramparts-Ipswich Hospital) are now linked, with frequency increases to the 6.

KEANE OF LINFORD.
This has the former operations of Roomes (AVRO77), Stanford Le Hope.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President LK51 XGG has been re-registered KIG 1263.

Volvo Olympian/NC R284 LGH is reinstated.

KINGS TOURS, COLCHESTER.
The latest new coach is 12.9m VDL Futura 2 KC15 ABC.
Bova Futura FHD KC10 ABC, has passed to Edwards Coaches of Hailsham, East Sussex.

KIRBY, HOCKLEY.
(Not to be confused with Kirbys of Rayleigh).
Setra S215 B81 RLO is withdrawn.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.
Leyland National Greenaway/EL HLZ 4439 is ex Velvet of Eastleigh.

LACEYS OF EAST HAM.
The latest vehicle to carry the cherished UHM 79 registration mark, of this one coach operator, is a Setra S315.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Took over the West Anglia Metro routes and Romford to Upminster branch line from Abellio Greater Anglia, from 31/5/15. Initially, existing Class 315 and Class 317 EMUs will continue to be used.
315801-17; 317708/9/10/4/9/23/9/32, 317887-92 have come from Abellio (qv).
More new Class 378 trailer cars are 38418-20/3.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New are S7 Stock units 21457/8, 21459/60.
D78 stock 7045 + 17045 + 8045 and 7116 + 17116 + 8116 are withdrawn.
7045/17045, 7116/17116 have pased to Vivarail.
8045/116 have gone to Booth Roe at Rotherham for scrap.
Vivarail has used 7056 for crash tests.

MTR/TfL RAIL.
Took over the London Liverpool Street-Shenfield Metro service from Abellio from 31/5/15. MTR is initially operating as TfL Rail, using ex Abellio Class 315 EMUs. These will run until the new Class 345 EMUs come on stream in 2017. The ‘315s and stations along the route are all being refreshed. 315818-861 have come from Abellio.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Service 48 (Laindon-Wickford) was withdrawn from 13/5/15.

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
Rainham (Ferry Lane) depot now has an allocation of its own, rather than being an outbase of Wandsworth. The code is RN. DAF DB250L/Plaxton Presidents DLP205/16 (T205/16 XBV) have been allocated there.

OSBORNES OF TOLLESBURY.
This name makes a return, to record the death of one time joint proprietor George Osborne, who was in his eighties. He is survived by his brother Barry Osborne.
Osbornes of course sold out to Hedingham Omnibuses in 1997. The depot at New Road is still in use today.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther LK53 KWF has been re-registered DC53 PAN, while sister YU04 XFC is now DC04 PAN. (DC are the initials of Finance Manager Diane Challis).
Plaxton Primo SB07 PAN is now named ‘Paul’, having previously been ‘Stephen’.
Ex Hedingham Dart SLF/Mini Pointer W339 VGX has been overhauled and repainted white.
Leyland Olympian/ECW BIG 9210, Optare Excel BIG 9861 and SLF/Mini Pointer SIL 6719 are delicensed.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
On hire from Ensign is ex Western Greyhound Dart SLF/Pointer NA52 AWF.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 607 (W136 WGT) is delicensed.

RICHARDS TRAVEL, CHELMSFORD.
Former National Express Scania K114/Irizar PB YN55 PZB, is now with Go North East.
Also sold is Setra S415 BK08 XYG.

ROADRUNNER, HARLOW.
SLF/Mini Pointer X507 WRG has been destroyed by fire.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 34580 (PX04 DSE) came to Cambridge from Huntingdon, and subsequently went on to Stagecoach Norfolk.
ADL/Enviro 400s 19619/20 (AE10 BYK/L) have returned off loan to Stagecoach Yorkshire; where they had been used on a Sheffield Supertram replacement.
Former Huntingdon and District Volvo B10BLE/Wrights 21161-4 (R121-4 HNK) are stored at Cowley Road depot.
Ancillary vehicles: Two Ford Mondeo estate cars have appeared at Cowley Road, one being AK02 ZFC. Both are in partially dismantled condition.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 no 19734 at Dagnam Park Drive terminus, Harold Hill on 30/5/15.

ADL/Enviro 400s 19734-7 have moved from North Street (NS) to Rainham (RM). Trident 17572 (LV52 HFD) has come from Selkent, and is Reserve at West Ham (WH). Now driver trainers are ex Selkent Dart SLF/Pointers 34353/5/7/8 (LV52 HKE/G/J/K).

ADL/E40H 12137 (LX61 DPF) now carries an overall advert for World Environment Day.

Above: Trident 17804 in original condition, at Farringdon in September 2004.

Sales are of Tridents 17441/66 (Y441 NHK, LX51 FLC), 17505/6 (LX51 FNH/J) to Lister, Bolton (dealer); 17803/4/6 (LX03 BWW/Y, BXA) to Ensign, Purfleet (dealer) and sisters 17573 (LV52 HFE), 17801 (LX03 BWU) to Metal Waste Recycling for scrap.
Trident 17755 (LX03 BTZ) has been resold by Ensign, to Brylaine of Boston, Lincolnshire.
Scania Omnicity ‘deckers 15155/8 (LX59 CPK/U), are now with Coach Services of Thetford, Norfolk.

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
ADL/Enviro 200 demonstrator 204 (YX14 RXB), has returned to Alexander Dennis, off loan.
During May 2015, service 80 (Boxted-Colchester-Fordham) ceased to cross work with 676 (Little Waltham-Chelmsford-Colchester) in school terms, and did so with 702 (Frinton-Colchester) instead.

Above: Scania Omnicity no 506 on a Boxted bound 80, at Head Street, Colchester on 8/5/15.

Above: 506 on the 702, at Southway, Colchester on 11/5/15.

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas YN07 EBC has passed to Vale of Henstridge, Somerset.
Scania K114/Irizar YN53 OZO is now with Armstrong of Castle Douglas, Scotland.

SWIFT TRAVEL, NORTH WEALD.
Mercedes Sprinter 311CDi 15 seat minicoach KF56 DZG, is now here. It has been re-registered S28 WFT.

TOWNLINK, HARLOW.
From 3/5/15, a Sunday service was introduced on commercial  routes 19 (Harlow-Epping), 20 (Harlow-Ongar).

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Aquired through Ensign are ex Metrobus Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 11m Y364/6/74 HMY.
Commercial service 505 (Harlow-Chingford) was taken over from Arriva from 11/5/15. From the same date, route 392 (Harlow-Hoddesdon) became circulars 392/3. The picture below shows the 505 in Arriva days – back in May 2010, with ex Wests of Woodford Dart/Wright Handybus 3366 departing Chingford station.

UNO.
One time Premiere of Nottingham Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DP130 (KP54 BYK) , is now here via Ensign.
Similar KP02 YUJ, is plain white and a permanent driver training vehicle.
Mercedes Citaro bendy no 324 caught fire in Hitchin on 9/5/15. There was outwardly no serious damage. However, it was quickly dispatched to PVS (dealer), Barnsley, suggesting significant internal/technical damage.
Service 695 (Hatfield Rail Station-UH Forum) ceased after 25th May.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Previously withdrawn Iveco 59/Marshall P29 KOP has been sold.

WARD’S OF ALRESFORD.
Volvo Olympian/NC M923 PKN has passed to Temple Hill School at Dartford, thus returning it to its native Kent.

WHIPPET.
The new Scania K440EB4/Caetano Levante National Express coaches have arrived, NX8-10 (BK15 AHV/X/Y) noted so far. This has allowed the borrowed Scania K340EB4/Levantes to return to South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach; NX05-7 (NX06 AAA, NX56 AAA, L555 SGB) being sent back.

Edited by JOHN PODGORSKI BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the April 2015 edition of Busmopolitan.

The Colchester Park and Ride opened on Monday, 13th April. Centred on Cuckoo Farm, at Junction 28 with the A12 trunk road to the north of the town; the £5.9 million project was completed in around 3 months. The service runs Monday to Saturday 0700 to 1900, and operates non stop to the town centre, where it follows the clockwise one way loop, serving stops at High Street – outside the town hall, and Head Street. Colchester has had a rather chequered history regarding park and ride. Back in 1971/1972, a “full time” Christmas scheme was tried, from a site on the garrison and worked by the then Colchester Borough Transport. It attracted custom, to the point that is was continued (on Saturdays only) beyond the festive period, but then petered out by the February. C B T repeated the Christmas P and R on the four Saturdays leading up to 25th December 1973. Then from 13th December 1975 a Park and Ride was established at North Station, running to/from the town centre. Operating on Saturdays only (once again by Colchester BT) on a 6 month Essex County Council sponsored trial, it was poorly used; to the extent that the local media published an article featuring a P and R bus, with the caption, “is the driver the loneliest person in town ?”. Not surprisingly, this experiment wasn’t pursued after its expiry on 6th March 1976, and it was not until 1995 that another Monday to Saturday schedule was tried, running between two sites either side of the town centre, these being car parks at Sheepen Road (to the north) and Butt Road (to the south). Hedingham Omnibuses was the contractor (on behalf of Colchester Borough Council), and the service number C2 was allocated . Once again, this was not successful; one theory being that the termini were within walking distance of central Colchester anyway. This scheme was subsequently revised to run from Butt Road only. Then in 1999, Eastern took over operation; but the C2 was reduced to Saturdays only. Eastern National had already been operating a Saturday only Borough Council sponsored Park an Ride since 1993; between North Station and the town. This was eventually numbered C3. The C2 ceased in 2002, but the C3 continued until 2007. This only stopped when the railway company began charging for car park use at weekends, and a suitable alternative site could not be found. This left Colchester with no park and ride again.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
From DRS is electroc loco 90034. It is in unbranded blue.
EMUs 315836/7/43/8/50 are now in the new TfL blue/white livery. Only 315856/60/1 are left in the old ONE colours.
EMUs 317504/5/729 have received the latest AGA colours.
The WB64 ‘Pretendalino’ set, (AGA set no NC64) had been reformed to its original by mid April; including DVT 82126. However, loco 90001 is no longer part of this consist, having been replaced by 90015. Then in late April, 82126 was swapped with 82112, and 11007 with 11018. Set NC12 is no longer completely in ONE livery.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxgton Mini Pointers X595 FBB, X506/12 WRG have passed to Ensign.
Volvo B10M/Caetano Enigma OIB 3514 is now plain white, ex fleet livery.

ANITAS, STANSTED.

New is Mercedes Tourismo tri-axle AC15 ERN (pictured above).

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial APT 42S, has been re-registered back to its original R917 ULA.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK COLCHESTER).

The Colchester Park and Ride commenced operation on 13/4/2015.
The new ADL/Enviro 20Ds for this service are 4071-5 (SK15 GXR/S/T/U/V). They are in black/silver livery, like the First P and R buses in Chelmsford. 4074 was pictured (above), at Cuckoo Farm on the first day. The Colchester buses also sport ‘Arriva’ fleet names.
Dart SLF/Super Pointer 3701 (S701 VKM) has returned to Harlow from Colchester, off loan. SLF/Pointer 3281 (T281 JKM) has come from Southend – on loan.
From 5/4/15, there were changes to Essex CC contracted Sunday/holiday services. 66 (Rowhedge-North Station) ceased to run “direct” into town down the Military Road “hill”, but was diverted through the new housing on Roberts Road (on the site of the Hyderabad Barracks), to continue via Mersea Road). The 102 (Colchester-Harwich) has its Colchester terminus altered from Osborne Street to Stanwell Street.
Mercedes Sprinter service van MF04 DNJ has lost its TGM branding.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (NETWORK HARLOW).
From Kent Thameside at Dartford is VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar2 3756 (YJ08 DZF).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
From Arriva London South are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s VLA101/2 (LJ54 BCO/U). They are allocated to Edmonton (EC).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Sold are LDV Convoy minibus X956 BNE and BMC 850 midicoach BX55 NYB.
Withdrawn are Mercedes 814L/Balmoral WIW 4748; short Dennis Javelin/WSs N982 BHE, FA54 WMW.
Sold is Renault PP160/WS truck derived schoolbus K18 WPA.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Short ADL/Enviro 200 SEN38 (SK07 HLO) has returned from London General, with SEN39 (YX09 FLP) going in exchange.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL70 (W578 DGU) is now with BVT Ltd, Newquay – via Ensign. Sister PVL110 (W401 WGH) has been resold by Ensign to Seaford and District.

BUSINESS B, SOUTH WANSTEAD.
Has AEC PRV Routemaster RML2697 (SMK 697F).

CRUSADER HOLIDAYS.
One coach from the Motts fleet usually stables at the old Crusader depot at Clacton. During April this was Setra S416 EU08 FAJ.

CT PLUS.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer DPS3 (MM51 XVB) has been transferred to the Yorkshire fleet.
Redundant Trident/Presidents HTP3, 4, 6 (PN03 UMB/K, ULY) have gone to Dawsonrentals, Milton Keynes (dealer).

DE VERE TRAVEL, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
New is Mercedes City accessible minibus BD15 CWJ, for use on stage work.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
Impressive used acquisitions are YJ12 KFE, a Van Hool bodied Volvo B13R 57 seat tri-axle coach, from Elliot of Manchester; and Scania K400/Lahden 6X2 YT61 GRK – ex New Adventure TGravel of Cardiff.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
One time DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DW5 (LV52 TJV), latterly with London General; has gone to MC Tractors of Ely for scrap, after cannibalisation by Ensign.

ENSIGNBUS.
A “new” open topper is ex Brighton and Hove Trident/EL T808 RFG. It was initially used on General Election campaigning by the Conservative party. Trident/ALX400 192 (T192 CLO), has gone on loan to Renown of Bexhill. Trident/ALX400 156 (LX04 FXR) is now WLT 916; 158 (LX04 FXT) is now WLT 428.
Alexander Royale bodied Volvo Olympian 827 (WLT 307) is withdrawn, leaving 829 (WJY 759) as the last of this type in the operational fleet. Tridents are no longer used on stage service; only private charters and rail now.
Acquired as part of a “job lot” from the now defunct Western Greyhound is former Southend Corporation/Southend Borough Transport Leyland Titan PD3/EL MHJ 347F.  Whether or not Ensign keeps it, its future is now secure. It requires restoration.
Also set aside for potential Heritage Fleet use is ex Western Greyhound ‘RMA’ Routemaster NMY 648E, while restored former Southdown Leyland Tiger PS/Harrington DUF 179 is now back in use.
Also for the Heritage fleet is former Southend Transport VH Astromega JEV 245Y, acquired from Fords of Althorne.
Temporary fleet Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 913 (X653 LLX) has been sold to Redroute of Northfleet. Short term operated Optare Solo 985 (WK11 APV) is now with Pickford of Chippenham.
The 24th edition of the Ensign ‘Thurrock Area Bus Times’ booklet was issued from 13/4/15. This coincided with minor enhancements to routes 22 (Aveley-Grays), 25 (Lakeside-Wiliam Edwards School – schooldays only), 33 (Lakeside-Chafford Hundred-Grays), 44 (Lakeside-Purfleet-Grays) and 73 9Lakeside-Tilbury). On Saturdays, the frequency of the 44 has been increased to half hourly.
A new Vauxhall Vivaro engineers’ van is EY15 DVO.
Ford Transit minibus HK59 AZO has been converted into an engineers’ van, with its rear and side windows blacked out.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 101 (X158 FBB), is withdrawn after being deroofed under a low bridge.

EPPING FOREST COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.
VW Crafter DX09 KWO is in use.

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL – COMMUNITY LINK.
There have been some changes to operating centres in north east Essex.
Now ceased are The Old Rectory at Brook Street, and Marylands at Colchester and the coach park at Clacton Common Shopping Village. The welfare buses at the latter have moved to the far side of the Shopping Village car park/Kennedy Way in Clacton, and the former to Peddars Close, Shrub End in Colchester.

EXECUTIVE MINIBUSES, AVELEY.
Mercedes Sprinter 515CDi/UVM EM08 BUS has passed to WMSNT of Birmingham.

FIRST CAPITAL.

The former Dagenham depot at Chequers Lane is now a distribution centre for on line grocery specialist Ocado.
Picture taken on 12/4/15.

FIRST ESSEX.
SLF/Pointer 43480 (R680 DPW) has moved from Chelmsford (CF) to Basildon (BN). Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66798 (MX05 CCA) has transferred from CF to Colchester (CR).
Withdrawn at Clacton are SLF/MPDs 43357/9 (V357/9 DVG); Scania L113/Wrights 65527/38 (R147/38 GSF); Scania L94/Wrights 65651/2 (T651/2 SSF) – 65652 is accident damaged.
Long term withdrawn Scania L94UB/Wright 65569 (S569 TPW) has gone for scrap, along with sister 65570 (S570 TPW).
From 6/4/15, Colchester town service 63 (Roman Way-Tufnell Way) ceased to be commercial and became an Essex CC contract. It has been reduced from 30 mins to hourly and tickets are now inter available with those on Hedingham service 50 (Colchester-Layer/Tollesbury). 63 is also now scheduled for double deckers.
On the same date, Colchester local 66A (Old Heath-West Bergholt) was rerouted away from “the hill” on Military Road, to run via Mersea Road and the new Roberts Road, to gain its line of route.
(Military Road “hill” is still served by routes 61/A, 66).
And the Colchester terminus for routes 103/4 (Harwich-Colchester) was changed from Osborne Street to Stanwell Street.

The Colchester travel shop and crew facilities have moved from Queen Street, to the bottom of Queen Street; into premises previously used by Arriva Colchester. Queen Street depot is now only used for bus maintenance and parking.

FIZZ TOURS.
Volvo B10M/VH RUI 6607 was in withdrawn condition at the Clacton OC in April.

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE.
This is the new title for coaches previously operated under the Bobby’s Minibuses/Chariots of Essex/Priory of Essex fleet names. Livery is white/blue, which follows that of the erstwhile Priory vehicles.
Arrivals are of VH Bodied Volvo B10Ms L975 OWY – from Down of Mary Tavy, Devon, and L56 REW – ex Fraser and Golding of Rufford, Lancashire.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.
Acquired via Ensign is former Stagecoach East London ex Stagecoach Merseyside Trident/ALX400 S808 BWC.
On loan from Scania of Worksop (dealer), is Scania K410EB6/Higer YN64 XPP.

Van Hool Astromega double deck integral coach Y245 JEV has passed to Ensign – for preservation. It was one of a batch new to Southend Transport.

FREIGHTLINER.
Has been sold by its current owners, Arcapita, to USA based Genesee and Wyoming (G and W). G and W now has majority shareholding, with the existing Freightliner management retaining 5% of the shares.
The Dagenham Dock operation has ceased; with the end of the scrap traffic to Cardiff. The sidings have been lifted. The picture below shows the site in February 2010.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Impressive new additions are YK15 OKA, a VDL SBR4000/Berkhof tri-axle double deck coach, and YN15 YTP an Irizar i6 integral coach.

GALLOWAY OF MENDLESHAM.
New is Mercedes Tourismo tri-axle BF15 XPJ – in a blue, white and yellow “swirly” livery.

GORIDE.
Mercedes Sprinter/UVG KE04 PUH has come to Essex, from the Oxfordshire fleet.

HAILSTONE TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
New is HT15 BUS; a Mercedes 1523L 33 seat coach with UNVI bodywork.

HEDINGHAM.
Received from Anglian Bus are Dennis Trident/ELs 712 (T812 RFG), 722 (W822 NNJ).
Anglian Scania Omnidekka 554 (YN55 PZF) appeared at Clacton (CN) depot, in late April, en route from Hants and Dorset Trim.
Volvo B10BLE/Wright 486 (R233 HCD) has moved internally from Sible Hedingham (HD) to CN; Tridents 702 (T802 RFG), 743 (X386 NNO) from CN to Tollesbury (TY).
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 81 (M144 UKN) is withdrawn.
Withdrawn Optare Excel 202 (T789 XVO) was still at Clacton depot in April. Also present were cannibalised Trident/EL 730 (W83 NNJ) and long term VOR Trident/ALX400 737 (T107 DBW).
Sold Volvo Olympian 65 (L109 LHL) was noted at The Storage Pod self storage depot, West Byfleet, Surrey in April. It is to be converted by Go-Ahead London into a static school library.
From 27/4/15, the Kelvedon (KN) allocation reverted to 8 buses, ex 7. School contract 098 (Silver End-New Rickstones Academy) is now worked by KN throughout. Previously HD had run the 098 in the afternoon, (except for the Wednesday “late bus”, and when the Academy finished early at end of term, which have always been KN duties).

IPSWICH BUSES.
On loan in early April was Mercedes Benz demonstrator BP14 FJZ.
A subsequent history is of AEC Regent 65 (DPV 65D) , which is now Masons Tea Bus at Ten Mile Bank, Norfolk. It has previously been at Quantock Motor Services in Somerset.

JONES (BUS 4 u), BRAINTREE.
From CT Plus is BMC YJ59 HLX. It is normally used on the Stansted Hilton Shuttle.

KEANE OF LINFORD.
Has ex Metroline Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President LK51 XGG, via Ensign. It has been converted to single door, but retains London style roller blinds.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
Bova Futura FHD KC10 ABC has passed to Moseley, South Elmsall (dealer).

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Scania L94/Van Hool V40 DGE is now with DA Travel of Kilphedar, Scottish Islands.

LONDON BOROUGH OF HAVERING.
Has some of the first MANTGL10.180/Nuk truck based welfare buses to enter service; BAA0115, 0215, 0315 (SN15 VDE/F/G). Also new are Mercedes 513CDi/Treka welfare buses BMT0115, 0215 (LJ15 FKG, FGZ).

LONDON CENTRAL.

Above: Dusk is falling on 12/4/15, as Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP209 heads through Westcombe Park, on a southbound 108 working.
The Victorian grandeur of this section of the Stratford to Lewisham route contrasts starkly with the gritty urbanness it encounters north of the River Thames.

LONDON GENERAL (NORTH).
Received from London Central are Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s WVL448/9 (LJ61 GWG/K).

LONDON OVERGROUND.
New Class 378 trailers are 38407-12/14.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New are S7 Stock units 21431/2; 21447/8; 21451/2; 21453/4.

Above: In original condition; D78 7117 at Upminster in June 2004.

Withdrawn are D78 units 7052 + 17052 + 8052; 7062 + 17062 + 8062; 7076 + 17076 + 8076; 7085 + 17085 + 8085; 7117 + 17117 + 8117.
Vivarail has acquired 7052/17052, 7062/17062, 7076/17076, 7085 + 17085; 7117/17117 for the D-Train project.
Booth Roe, Rotherham has taken 8052/62/76/85/117 for scrap.

Above: A noctural view of D78 7051 at Upminster in September 2004.

MAYHEM EVENTS, ABRIDGE.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S92 EGK has been sold.

NEW HORIZON.
Dennis Dart SLF/Super Pointer Y661 NLO is now Reserve, after a brief spell back in service. It is parked up at the rear of Frating depot. After having been used on the Stena Line shuttle at Harwich International Port, SLF/Super Pointers Y152 NLK and Y663 NLO appeared on stage work at the end of April. They have been replaced at Harwich by Volvo B6BLE/Wrights.
Withdrawn Toyota Optima P960 DNR and cannibalised Dart SLF/Super Pointer RX51 FNS have gone from Ardleigh site; leaving withdrawn Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Deauville K908 RGE still there.
The former Elmstead Market depot is now a used car lot – Elmstead Car Sales.

OLYMPUS, HARLOW.
Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas F10 BUS is withdrawn.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YU04 XFC is now in black/silver fleet livery, ex Crawley luxury green/cream.
Enterprise Primo YX07 GVD is now SB07 PAN. It is allocated to Parkeston and has displaced Solo VB08 PAN to a regular spot at Stansted. Other vehicles with regular allocations are Solo BIG 7006 and Leyland Olympian BIG 9249 to Parkeston; Dart SLF/Mini Pointer BIG 9856; Mercedes Sprinters AB52 PAN, AB03 PAN and Leyland Olympian BIG 7758 to Stansted; Volvo B12T/Panther AB07 PAN to Great Dunmow. All other vehicles are common user.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther W3 TRU has been offered for sale.

Above: W3 TRU at Stansted Airport in January, 2015.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Acquired through Ensign is former Bus Eirean Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer EK51 XXC orig 02-D18253, which had latterly been with Green Triangle of Manchester.
All Leyland Olympian 1204 (H263 GEV) has passed to Wigley, Carlton for scrap.

Neoplan Starliner tri-axles MV12 ODR and OV63 XCN are in Grand UK Holidays and Sunrise Direct livery respectively, ex plain white.
Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 515 (P392 LPS) is delicensed.

RICHARDS TRAVEL, GREAT BADDOW.
Sold is Scania K114/Irizar YN55 PZB.

SEE LONDON BY NIGHT, RAINHAM.
Now has former Brighton and Hove Trident/EL T818 RFG, via Ensign.

SPECHT, ABRIDGE.
This small operator has retired.
Sold is Scania L94IB/Irizar X498 AHE.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
MAN 18.220/ALX300 22058 (KV 58 FAK) is back in fleet livery, ex pink overall advert for Cancer Research UK.
Ancillary Ford Transit dropside truck N24 HPV, is withdrawn due to accident damage.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
From 4/4/15, Rainham (RM) began joint operation with North Street (NS) on TfL103 (Chase Cross-Rainham). As a result, Scania Omnidekkas now appear on 103. From 27th June, Rainham will take over 103 completely, as North Street will need capacity for new TfL contract gains 498, 499.

Above: Trident 18456 at Chase Cross, the northern terminus of 103 in May 2009. At this time, ELBG owned East London, rather than Stagecoach.

Above: Trident 17794, pictured outside Leyton garage in October 2004; has now been donated to a local school (see below).

Trident 17573 (LX03 BTV) has come from Selkent, but is not to be used.  Internal moves are of Tridents 17891/2 (LX03 ORA/C) from Leyton (T ) to BK; ADL/Enviro40Hs 12128-53 from Bow (BW) to T.  The  Enviros were displaced from BW by the conversion of TfL15 to LTs, and have replaced Scania Omniciites and  Tridents at T. Trident 17427 (LX51 FKA) is now a driver trainer.  Withdrawn are Tridents 17751-3/6/7/81-4, 17801/5 (LX03 BTF/U/V, BUA/E, BVT/U/V, BWU/Z). Sisters 17503/88/9 (LX51 FNF, LV52 HFX/Y) have transferred to Stagecoach East Midlands. Trident 17140 (V140 MEV) is now with DA Coaches of Coatbridge, Scotland – via Ensign.  Tridents 17441/66, (Y441 NHK, LX51 FLC), 17505/6/45/51 (LX51 FNH/J, LY02 OAU, OBC) have passed to Lister, Bolton (dealer), while 17570 (LV52 HFB), 17801 have been scrapped at West Ham. 17794 (LX03 BWH) has passed to Sandringham School.
Scania Omnicities 15152/3/7/61 (LX59 COU, CPE/O/Z) have passed to Sullivan Buses at South Mimms.
New Routemaster LT271 (LTZ1271) is the first of the ‘Year of the Bus’ silver vehicles, to lose this livery. It is now in a pink and black overall advert for Magnum Ice Cream.
The hybrid Optare Tempos, 25111-5 (YJ08 PGO, LX09 BGF/K/U/V) have passed to Ensign. 25112 was re-registered from WLT 461 back to its original mark before sale. These had been used by Selkent at Catford (TL), but were latterly stored at WH.

Above: The hybrid Optare Tempos were originally numbered 29001-5.
29004 was pictured at Canary Wharf in August 2009.

STEPHENSONS.
Leyland Olympian/NC 947 (H547 VAT) has been reinstated and allocated to Haverhill. Also now at Haverhill are Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL 724 (J624 GCR) and NC-Leyland Olympians 862/3 (J562/3 HAT), plus Volvo Olympian/Alexander RHs 827/9 (N827/81 FKK). All of these came from the Essex fleet. 862 has been working from Great Dunmow outstation.
From 1/4/15, became the operator of council contracted service 18 (Newport-Haverhill); taken over from Freedom Travel.
Acquired in a dealer capacity are ex Nottingham City Transport Scania Omnidekkas YN53 CFA/P/U/V/X/Y.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Ex Stagecoach East London Scania Omnicity ‘deckers are LX59 COU, CPE/O/Z. They have fleet numbers DS50-53.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Now in fleet livery, ex overall adverts are ADL/Enviro 40Ds DN33778/9/82 (SN12 AVU/V/Y).
The Tridents borrowed from Stagecoach East London have been (logically) renumbered. LX03 BTU/V/Y are now TAL33207/8/9, ex TAL33209/7/8.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW
Acquired via Ensign, is ex Western Greyhound/Velvet Dart SLF/Pointer KX51 UDG, which is in allover pink and has been dubbed the ‘Pepper Pig bus’ ! SLF/Super Pointer SPD9 (NFZ 6606) has gone to Lawrenson of Preston  for scrap – via Ensign – after recovery of its seats. This bus was new to Stagecoach West as W501 VDD.  The same purchaser took SLF SNZ 7296.

Above: NFZ 6606 awaits collection from Purfleet on 3/4/15.

UNO.
Trident/President Y847 GCD and SLF/Pointer KP54 BYK, have come via Ensign.
St Albans City Services S4/S5 (St Peters Street-Cottonmill Circulars) passed to Redline Buses of Aylesbury from 5/4/15.

WARD’S OF ALRESFORD.
Founder/proprietor Edgar “Eddie” Ward has passed away, after an illness. He was in his late sixties. The company was established in Southgate, London in 1969 and moved to Essex 10 years later.

AND FINALLY………..

Former Yorkshire Traction Bristol VRT LAK 937W is now a static cafe in Deptford, SE London. Pictured on 12/4/15.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the March 2015 edition.
This is the time of the year when the vehicle registration date number changes; it moving from 64 to 15 on this occasion.
There are several 15 reg buses to note around Essex and District; naturally the London area has seen some – Volvo B5H hybrids for new TfL contracts at Tower Transit; while in the provincial area, Ensignbus has put some brand new Volvo B9TL/Gemini2s on the road and Stephensons has an Enviro 200. While on E200s, ones for the forthcoming Colchester Park and Ride have also been delivered during March.
A major change happened at TGM early in the month, when all routes at Colchester and Harlow were transferred to Arriva Kent Thameside. This marks the end of TGM in Essex, with operations now concentrated only at London Heathrow.
New Horizon meanwhile, has vacated its Ardleigh site. Acquired with the Cedric’s business in 2013, its location meant access was difficult and it apparently also attracted a high rent. Operations are now concentrated at Frating.
UNO ceased to run into Essex from 29th March, when the 700 service serving Stansted passed to Centrebus on retender.
Shock news is that the Colne Valley preserved Railway has been given notice to quit the site it has occupied for more than 40 years. It is seeking an alternative home.
Also on the rails, DBS appears to be retrenching some of its freight operations, while Freightliner is filling the void; with the Ipswich tank train being one of its latest gains.

Finally, Busmopolitan would like to extend its sympathy to all those affected by the loss of the Germanwings flight in the French Alps on 24th March. A dreadful incident, made all the more chilling by the actions of the co-pilot; a professional who should have been trusted with the lives of the 149 passengers and crew, plus himself.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
379013 has returned to its usual duties on West Anglia/Stansted Express, after being converted back to standard EMU from IPEMU (battery powered).
360116 has regained the latest style Abellio Greater Anglia fleet names.
Now in the new AGA livery are loco 90002; MkIII carriages FO11077, TSOs 12062, 12105/9; DVT82143.
The ‘Pretendalino’ set has been reformed, with DVT 82139 replacing 82105. 90006 + 82127 currently form a MkIII set which is still completely in the old ONE livery – pictured below at Kelvedon.

Above: A multi coloured Abellio Greater Anglia consist; headed by DVT 82152, on the 0830 London-Norwich, speeds through Kelvedon.

ADVANCE MINIBUSES, SOUTHEND.
Mercedes 0816D/UNVI YN58 AFA is ex Allenby of Caterham, Surrey.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Former Burnley and Pendle Optare Versas YJ57 XWD/F/G, have been acquired via Ensign.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
Ex Banstead Coaches Dennis Javelin/Berkhof N946 JBX is now A12 APT.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
TfL444 (Chingford-Turnpike Lane) was lost to Tower Transit on re-tender, from 7/3/15.
From Arriva London South is Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 VLA103 (LJ54 BCV) – now at Edmonton (EC).

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Scania K113/Irizar R971 CUG has been sold.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
New are B25D bodied ADL/Enviro 20Ds SE232/3/4 (YX15 XMK/L/M) for TfL W19 (Ilford-Walthamstow).
Ex London United “short” B26F bodied ADL/Enviro 200s SEN38 (SK07 HLO), SEN39 (YX09 FLP) have been swapped.
SEN38 has gone to London General, with SEN39 coming in exchange.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL72 (LF52 ZPB) has transferred to London Central.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL97 (W497 WGH) has been resold by Ensign to BAM Nuttall (contractor).

CHAMBERS.
Optare Solo 962 (MX58 XDB) is withdrawn due to accident damage.
Hedingham ADL/Enviro 200 261 (EY57 FZE) is on loan as a replacement.

CHARIOTS, STANFORD LE HOPE.
This company has gone into administration, but operations continue under the associated Flavin undertaking. Chariots also uses the title of Bobbys Minibuses, while Flavin trades as Priory of Essex.

COGGESHALL COMMUNITY BUS.
A minibus from Stanway Travel, Colchester – is occasionally hired in, complete with driver. It is usually Renault Master EU58 FVC.

COLNE VALLEY RAILWAY.

It is reported that this heritage line will have to vacate the site at Castle Hedingham by the end of 2016.
Built on part of the trackbed of the former Chappel to Haverhill South railway line; the Colne Valley was established in 1973.
The site owner is based in Australia and has owned the location since 2006.

Above: A view of the depot area. Top: The rebuilt former Castle Hedingham station.
Both pictures taken on 25/10/15.

COOKS OF WESTCLIFF ON SEA.
Acquired from Kent of Uxbridge is WA10 KNL; a Bova Futura FHD.
Bova Futura S901 GUB is now NHJ 714.
Withdrawn is Bova Futura P932 KYC.

CT PLUS.
TfL212 (Chingford-Walthamstow) was lost to Tower Transit on re-tender, from 7/3/15.
As a result, a number of buses have been withdrawn; Trident/EL HTL13 (LR52 LYJ); Trident/Presidents HTP3-6 (PN03 UMB/K, LR52 KWG, PN03 ULY), and Scania Omnicity double deckers SD6-10 (YR59 NPJ/N/E/K/O respectively). The remaining Omnicities now appear on TfL388 (Stratford City-Embankment).
Trident/Plaxton President HTP5 (LR52 KWG) has gone to Dawsonrentals, off lease.

DBS.
The Wednesdays only Ipswich to Fawley tank train finally ran on 25/3/15; with the contract passing to Freightliner from 1/4/15.
DBS ran this as part of their Wagonload network; with the consist usually being 3 TTA tank wagons.
Freightliner had previously just been involved in tripping the tankers from Ipswich Fuelling Point to the Upper Yard. Under the new contract, Freightliner will run to/from Lindsay Oil Refinery “up north”, rather than the “southern” Fawley.

Above: DBS EWS liveried 66140 approaches Kelvedon with the Ipswich to Fawley tanks on 11/3/15; running early at 0904.

DIRECT RAIL SERVICES.
47810 is withdrawn. It has been “stopped” at Crewe.

Above: 47810 stabled at Norwich in July 2011.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
From London Central are Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents PVL151/70 (X551 EGK, X707 EGK).

EAST THAMES BUSES.
DAF SB120 DW5 (LF52 TJX), latterly with London General, is being stripped by Ensign.

ENSIGNBUS.

New are Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s 127-31 (LX15 GOK/P/U, GPY/Z).
After successful trials, the MkI Vantage Power Diesel Hybrid converted Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 599 (T199 CLO) is withdrawn.
It has been returned to Vantage at Greenford. A Mk II conversion is under way; based on a Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President.
Volvo B10A/Plaxton Expressliner bendi coaches 401/2 (P671 LWB, P563 MSX) have been sold to Reliant Coaches of Coalville and Seaford and District, respectively.
Volvo B10M/Jonckherre 602 (S662 JSE) has passed to Dews of Somersham.
Versas 266/8/9 (YJ57 XWD/F/G) are now with Amber of Rayleigh (qv).
Trident 192 (T192 CLO ex 392 MBF) is now with Renown of Bexhill, while Volvo Olympian’Alexander Royale 828 (P428 UUG ex WLT 428) has been sold to AC Williams, Lincolnshire.
Olympian/Royale 827 (WLT 307) is delicensed, while 829 (WJY 759) is back off loan from A to B at Luton; meaning this is the last Olympian active at Ensignbus. Sister 826 (WLT 916) – which was sold to A to B, retains its cherished WLT 916 registration with its new owner.
Temporary ex Brighton and Hove Trident/Presidents 910/1 (Y848/61 GCD) have been resold to Clyde of Barton Le Clay, Bedfordshire.

Above: Ensign’s new Volvo B9TLs were all delivered in “dealer white”, and then repainted into fleet colours.

EOS LONDON.
Acquired are white Plaxton Primo KX58 LGA and yellow ADL/Enviro 200 KX58 GVC.

FIRST ESSEX.
Trident/President 33080 (LN51 GNP) now has ‘Essex’ fleet names. It is back in service at Braintree (BE), after mechanical repairs at Hadleigh (HH). SLF/Pointer 43480 (R680 DPW) is now in use at Chelmsford (CF), after having received the engine and gearbox from donor 43715 (R715 DJN);  the transplant having been done at BE. 43480 also now has a led destination.
Internal transfers are of SLF/Pointer 42936 (SN05 DZS); SLF/MPD 43356 (V356 DVG) from BE to CF and Volvo B10BLE/Wright 66169 (W369 EOW) from Colchester (CR) to BE.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointers 42447 (R447 CCV) and 43474 (R474 CAH); Scania L113/Wright 65554 (R554 CNG); Scania L94/Wrights 65569/70 (S569/70 TPW) have gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap.
By early March, work on the new Colchester, Haven Road depot has reached the stage where the yard was complete, and the building was being refurbished.

FLAGFINDERS, BRAINTREE AND HALSTEAD.
Neoplan Skyliner GIG 3239 has passed to Collins of Flint Cross, Cambridgeshire.

FREEDOM TRAVEL.
This operator has ceased trading, and its work has passed to other companies, including Stephensons of Essex.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President G11 GTL (orig X649 LLX) was deroofed under the low railway bridge at Chertsey Lane, Thorpe Park on 27/3/15. 11 passengers were slightly injured. The bus was on a school trip from Epping to Thorpe Park. The picture (below) shows it on AGA RRP at Cheshunt, in November 2013.

GALWA TRAVEL, ABRIDGE.
Scania L94/Irizar X498 AHE is ex Specht of Abridge.

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
From Solus of Tamworth is Scania K340EB4/Irizar YN08 OCE. It entered traffic in overall yellow.
An exotic arrival is MAN24.480/Beaulas Glory PO60 HZH. Ex Coach Choice of Bilston; it was new to Florida of Halstead, Essex.
National Express specification Scania K340/Caetano Levante FJ08 KMX and Scania K340/Irizar YN08 MOA have passed to South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach, Patchway. Scania K340/Levante MX56 HZA is now with Holmeswood of Rufford.

HAILSTONE TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
Mercedes 0813D/Excel 24 seater YX08 EHF ‘Breeze’, has been sold to Coach Travel of Farningham, Kent.

HEDINGHAM.

The first of the ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekkas are 1517/8/9 (YN06 JYB/C/D); allocated to Clacton (CN). 1519 is illustrated.
They are in the new Chambers inspired livery with white led destinations, and have been converted to single door, by Hants and Dorset Trim. The new colours will eventually become standard across all Hedingham vehicles.
ADL/Enviro 200 261 (EY57 FZE) has gone to Chambers (qv).

NETWORK COLCHESTER.
From 8/3/15, all service under TGM were de-registered and re-registered under Arriva Kent Thameside.
All buses displayed paper “On hire to Arriva Kent Thameside” (AKT) notices, and paper TGM legals for one week. All bodyside legals are now AKT.
SLF/Pointer 3701 (S701 VKM) is on loan from Network Harlow (below).

New Park and Ride ADL/Enviro 200s are SK15 GXR/S.
Blue fleet numbers are now replacing the hard to read yellow ones.

JACKSONS OF BICKNACRE.
EV06 BUS is a Mercedes 1836l integral coach, ex Bennetts of Gloucester.

NETWORK HARLOW.
From 8/3/15, all services under TGM were de-registered and re-registered under Arriva Kent Thameside.
All buses temporarily displayed “On hire to Arriva Kent Thameside” notices, as per Network Colchester vehicles.
Some buses have lost their ‘Network Harlow’ fleet names.
Green Line 725 (Harlow-St Albans) ceased from 15/3/15.

NEW HORIZON.
Ardleigh depot has closed operationally. Vehicles now run from Frating, Lufkins Farm, or an outstation at Harwich International Port (railway station car park).
Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointers Y152 NLK and RX51 FNV have been reinstated, for use on a Stena Line contract at Harwich International Port. They are outbased at this location, and are working a ferry passenger shuttle, as the walkway to the ships is out of commission.
Meanwhile, sister RX51 FNS has been cannibalised, and remains at Ardleigh site (pictured below).

Withdrawn ex Cedrics Toyota Optima/Caetano P960 DNR, has passed to Venture Coachways of Clopton, Suffolk for spares only. It had been stored for some time at Ardleigh.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Withdrawn is Scania N113/Alexander RH H226 LOM.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
New is Mercedes Tourismo BX15 XOV.
Offered for sale is Scania L94/VH V40 DGE.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Extra trailer cars for Class 378 EMUs are now being delivered.
38402-6/54 arrived during March.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
New S7 Stock deliveries are 21449/50, 21455/6. S7 unit 21443/4 is the second to recive the SSR Upgrade overall advert.
Previously withdrawn D78 DM and T cars 7081/17081 have passed to Vivarail at Long Marston for the ‘D-Train’ DEMU project, while UNDM car 8081 was despatched to Booth Roe at Rotherham for scrap.

MULLEYS OF IXWORTH.
Optare Solo YJ57 YDB is from Enterpise at Peterborough.

P and M COACHLINES, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/Jonckherre TIL 8148 is now with Graham of Orpington.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Acquired from Crawley Luxury is Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YU04 XFC. It has been named ‘Karen’.
Delicensed is Leyland Olympian/ECW coach BIG 4005.
Renault Clio service van AB51 PAN has been sold for repair. Its cherished registration mark has been retained.
A new outstation has opened at Witham, which is managed from Stansted.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
Part of the trackbed of the former line from Audley End has been breached by new housing at Saffron Walden; just east of the former overbridge at Thaxted Road.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Another high specification coach to join this fleet is MX10 DFK; a Neoplan Starliner N216SHD, from Ellisons of St Helens.

RICHARDS COACHES, GREAT BADDOW.
Temsa Safari YJ14 CEV has passed to Roseberry Travel of Marton.

RICHMOND OF BARLEY.
Optare Solo YJ05 XMY is now white/green for the Waitrose Shuttle in Saffron Walden.
Van Hool TX11 YJ14 CDN has been re-registered 275 FUM.

SALWA TRAVEL, ABRIDGE.
Bova Futura FHD A19 KFC orig G994 UKL, has gone for scrap to MC Tractors of Ramsey.

SPECHT, ABRIDGE.
Scania L94IB/Irizar LEZ 3342 has passed to Cocklin of Rainham (Essex).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New Routemasters for TfL15 (Blackwall-Oxford Circus) appeared from 2/3/15. LT392/3/7, 404/5/6 (LTZ 1392 etc) were the first noted.
Omnicities 15075/7 have moved from Selkent.
ADL/Enviro 40Hs 12131/7/9/44/50 and ‘Green Bus’ overall advert 12142 have moved from Bow (BW) to Leyton (T) for TfL56 (Whipps Cross-Smithfield); replacing Scania Omnicities, of which 15148-53/5/7/8/9/61-9 are withdrawn.
ADL/E40D 10182 has lost its Megabus overall advert.
ADL/E200s 36340/4/69-75 displaced by the loss of TfL488 (Bromley by Bow-Clapton) to Tower Transit, have gone to Selkent at Catford (TL), where they have replaced SLF/Pointers – some of which will become driver trainers. ADL/E200 36276 has moved from WH to BK.
Tridents moved within East London are: 17466, 17873/5/6/7, 17905/6 – T to WH; 17756 – NS to WH; 17858 – NS to BK; 17801, 18208 – T to BK; 18207 – T to NS.
ADL/E400 19000 ‘Spirit of London’ has moved from T to RM, while 10155 has gone from NS to RM.
Trident 17427 is now a trainer.
17478, 17503/88/9 have gone to Stagecoach East Midland; 17580 to Lister, Bolton (dealer). 17570 has gone for scrap.
Withdrawn are Tridents 17545/51.
Tridents resold by Ensign are LX51 FKR to Golden Coast Sporting Villas, Woolacombe; LX03 BUA/E to Brylaine of Boston; LX04 FXK to London Borough of Havering, while LX03 BTF/U/V/Y have been hired by Ensign to Tower Transit.

STEPHENSONS.
New is “short” ADL/Enviro 20D 424 (EU15 AZT). Leyland Olympian/NC 952 (H552 VAT) has passed to Blowfield of Forest Hill, Oxfordshire.
“Long” ADL/Enviro 200 464 (EU62 FDF) deputised on the 247 for regular SLF/Super Pointer 459 (GU52 HKD) during March.
There is a new outstation at Ipswich Buses Constantine Road depot, which has replaced Hadleigh.

SUPREME COACHES, RETTENDON.
From Chariots of Stansford Le Hope are Van Hool bodied Volvo B10Ms L19/20 PCC.
Sold are Mercedes 1836RL BU53 AXH and Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas YU04 XJH.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH.
Volvo B10M/VH A4 APT has reverted to its original mark of H181 DVM.
The A4 APT mark has been returned to APT of Rayleigh, from whom this coach was acquired.
Sold is Bluebird yellow school bus R513 SCH.

TOWER TRANSIT.
New TfL Contracts gained from 7/3/15 were 212 (Chingford-Walthamstow St James Street) from CT Plus, and 444 (Chingford-Turnpike Lane) from Arriva London North. A new base at Ponders End has opened for these.
TfL25 (Ilford-Tottenham Court Road) has been temporarily diverted over the Bow Flyover. This is due to Cycle Superhighway works on the roundabout below.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Acquired via Ensign is ex Stagecoach South Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y243 FJN. Also arived are ex Stagecoach South sisters Y239/43 FJN. Y239 FJN initially operated in full Fleet Buzz yellow and black.
Herts CC route 242 (Waltham Cross-Potters Bar/Welwyn Garden City) – Suns and hols only, was gained from UNO from 29th March.
Metroline continues to run the 242 commercially at other times.

UNO.
SLF/Pointer KU02 YDJ has been acquired through Ensign.
Operation of Green line 797 comenced from 2/3/15, after Arriva The Shires abandoned it. 797 is no longer Hitchin/Stevenage-London though; it has now been shortened to run between Hatfield and London, and Monday to Friday only. It is operated by Green Line liveried Mb Citaros.
From 29/3/15, service 700 (Baldock/Stevenage-Stansted Airport) passed to Centrebus on Hertfordshire CC re-tender. On the same date, Sunday/holidays 242 (Waltham Cross-Potters Bar/Welwyn Garden City) went to Trustybus, and St Albans city routes S8, S9 and 652 (renumbered to 361) were taken over by Metroline – also all on HCC contract. The St Albans locals are only until August 2015 in the first instance.
695 is a new service linking Hatfield Rail Station with UH Forum. It started on 9th March and runs in university terms only. 657 (Flamstead-Hatfield Business Park) ceased to run to Redbourn, bar one journey, after 30th March.
Optare Solo M880 OS403 (MX57 BZY) is now with Z and S, Aylesbury.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the February, 2015 Busmopolitan Blog.
The march of ‘Borismasters’ across east London continues, with the conversion of route 55 followed by the introduction of the type to service 15; a high profile corridor which received new hybrid buses not all that long ago. These are to be cascaded to other work – and will help to replace some of the unloved double deck Scania Omnicities of Stagecoach London, withdrawal of which has now commenced.
“Up state”, some “clean” buses have appeared with First in Colchester.
Immediately identifiable by distinctive green lining to their already Refreshed livery, these Wright bodied Volvo B7RLEs have been fitted with exhaust particulate traps, as part of a low emissions project in Britain’s oldest recorded town.
In Braintree, one of First’s local drivers was hailed a hero in early February, when he used his bus to help in a dramatic escape from a blaze on the High Street. More on this further down the page.
Progress on Crossrail is now becoming evident in Essex with visible works starting at Brentwood and Shenfield. In addition, one of the veteran Class 315 trains in the area has received “vanilla” style white/blue colours, which is a prelude to the transfer of Metro operations from Abellio to MTR in a few months time.
And the ‘Pretendalino’ carriage set has been a regular sight up and down the Great Eastern Main Line (between Norwich and London Liverpool Street). This is basically MKIII coaches made up to Pendalino appearance. They were used as a “test bed” on the West Coast Main Line by Virgin trains, in advance of the real Class 390 electric multiple unit Pendalino tilting trains entering service, and following the end of their useful lives between Euston and Glasgow, passed (via their leasing company) to Abellio Greater Anglia, as cover for their MkIII stock refresh programme.
Trials of the Independantly Powered (battery) Class 379 EMU concluded in mid February, and appear to have been a success.

ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA.
The trial of IPEMU 379013 on the Harwich branch ended on 13/2/2015 and the train was returned to Bombardier at Derby, for conversion back to its original “pure” EMU spec. It will then return to its original duties on the AGA West Anglia section.
315837 has appeared in a Transport for London “neutral” livery, of white with a blue skirt (similar to London Underground), ahead of MTR taking over the Liverpool Street to Shenfield route from the end of May 2015; and effectively starting the transition to Crossrail.
Blue coloured electric loco 90034 has been received, on hire from DBS.
360116 has (surprisingly) lost its new style Abellio Greater Anglia fleet names. The 360s had only recently been rebranded as such.
The ‘Pretendalino’ set has been at work; sandwiched between loco 90001 and DVT 82105.
Now in the new Abellio livery are electric loco 90012; EMUs 317501/7 and MKIII carriages 10401, 11099.

Above: The ‘Pretendalino’ at Colchester on 18/2/15; on a Norwich to London Liverpool Street service.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN.
All Leyland Olympian G299 UYK has been acquired from Lodge of High Easter.

APT, RAYLEIGH.
YS03 ZKZ is a Scania K114/Irizar, acquired from Meek of Cannock.
BMC1100 BX07 OPH has been sold to Lee of Holywell, North Wales.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE SOUTHEND.
Ex Arriva Guildford and West Surrey is DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3935 (GK52 YUY).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer 3324 (T824 NMJ) has been returned, off loan from Arriva Guildford and West Surrey.
Withdrawn is DAF SB220L/Plaxton Prestige 3915 (T915 KKM).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Further ex Arriva London South Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s at Barking (DX) are VLA107/8 (LJ05 BLK/N).

ARRIVA ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
Open top tri-axle Metrobus UAR 250Y is now with Vintage Event Catering of Bournemouth, via Ensign.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH open topper OA319 (J319 BSH), is sold.

ARROW, MALDON.
Re-registrations are of Ford Transit minibus HY58 XXK to AR08 OWS, and Mercedes Sprinter AR60 OWS to VF61 AVO.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
In from Docklands Buses are Scania N230UD/Optare Olympuses 886/94/5 (PO09 ENC, PO59 KFW/X). Ex London Central is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL72 (LF52 ZPB). WVL75 (LF52ZPE) and WVL98 (LF52 ZNL) have gone to London General.

CHARIOTS OF STANFORD LE HOPE.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere J3 KCT has passed to Thorn of Rayleigh.
Also sold is LDV Convoy DK03 OYT.

CROSSRAIL.
Works have begun at Brentwood and Shenfield stations.
At Brentwood, the platforms are being extended, while at Shenfield, a new bay platform is being constructed on the north (“down”) side of the station, at the London end.

Above: The platform works at Shenfield on 21/2/15.

CT PLUS.
The latest TfL tender awards have seen school route 675 (Walthamstow-Woodford) lost to London General North, from 17/10/15.

DIRECT RAIL SERVICES.
It has been announced that the Class 47 diesel locomotives will be withdrawn by the end of 2015. They are a familiar sight along the Great Eastern Main Line; especially on ‘Thunderbird’ and RHTT duties, and also on the Norwich-Yarmouth line further north. They will be replaced by Class 37s.
The ’47s are “non standard” for DRS’s fleet strategy, and in fact each loco constitutes its own “sub class”, due to individual modifications made to them over the years. The ’47s also lack push pull capability.

Above: Back in September 2004, 47818 was in ONE livery for ‘Thunderbird’ work. It was pictured at Colchester depot.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet DW6 (LF52 TJX), has been resold by Ensign to Western Greyhound.

ELITE TRUCK TRAINING, UPMINSTER.
Has Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KX53 SDV – via Ensign.

ENIGMA TRAVEL, COLCHESTER.
Now has MAN18.310/Noge V323 EAL; ex City Travel of Cullingworth, West Yorkshire.

ENSIGNBUS.
In temporary operational use were ex Burnley and Pendle Optare Versas 266/8/9 (YJ57 XWD/F/G) and ex Western Greyhound Optare Solos 983/4/5 (WK11 APO/U/V). They were used as extras during industrial action by some TfL contractors .
Dart SLF/ALX200 780 (LX51 FGK) has been on loan to Buses Etc at Merstham.
AEC Swift/Marshall dual door EDJ 238J has passed to Aintree Coaches; and returned to its Merseyside roots as it was new to St Helens Corporation Transport.

FIRST ESSEX.
Now in Refreshed livery with ‘Essex’ fleet names, ex Barbie 2 are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimber 41513 (LK03 NGF); Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65667 (SN51 UXZ) and Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66816 (MX05 CDY). Sisters 66800/1/3/4/7/9/10/16/28 (MX05 CCF/J/N/O/Y, CDE/F/Y, CFE) are Refreshed with ‘green flashes and stripes’ – which is a “semi hybrid” livery, to do with Low Emissions/CRT trap fitment. This is for the Colchester centred CLEG project.

Above: CRT fitted B7RLE 66804 awaits commissioning at Colchester on 16/2/15. Alongside is withdrawn Scania L94UB 65576.

Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69429 (AU58 FFR) has lost its ‘Ipswich’ fleet names.
Delicensed are Scania L94/Wrights 65651/2 (T651/2 SSF).
Scania L113/Wrights 61054 (R434 GSF) and 65551 (R551 CNG) have been removed from Clacton for scrap.
Alpha Recovery, Crmalington, has taken for scrap Oprate Solo 4008 (T161 BBF); Volvo B10B/Wright trainer 60305 (M510 PNA); B10BLE/Wrights 60810/1 (S661/2 RNA); Scania L113/Wright 65532 (R152 GSF).
Scania L113/Wright 65551 (R551 CNG) has had a better fate however; being acquired by a preservationist.

Braintree based First Essex driver Andy Waterman, has been commended for helping to rescue a man from a burning building – using his double deck bus.
48 year old Mr Waterman was returning light to the Sringwood Drive depot on the evening of 11/2/15, when he came across the blaze on Braintree High Street. He drew the Dennis Trident – 32856 (V856 HBY) alongside, to allow a man trapped on the 2nd floor to jump to safety – onto the roof of the bus; still a 10 foot drop.
On 26/2/15, at a ceremony at Braintree bus garage, Andy was awarded by the Chief Fire Officer of Essex for his bravery. He received a certificate and glass trophy, and met with the gentleman whom he saved, Mitchell ‘Mitch’ Cook.

FREIGHTLINER.
66414 is now in the new ‘Powerhaul’ livery; ex DRS blue.

GALLEON TRAVEL, HARLOW.
From London United is Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH N138YRW.

GOLDEN BOY COACHES, HODDESDON.
XO64 BOY is a new Irizar i6 integral 12.9 metre 53 seat coach.

HEDINGHAM.

Volvo B10BLE/Wright 485 (R232 HCD) is now in service from Clacton (CN), having been delicensed for some time.
Dart SLF/MPD 282 (W339 VGX) has gone to Panther Travel.

Above: No 282 being prepared for service at Kelvedon depot in December 2012. Originally numbered L403, it served at Kelvedon, Tollesbury and Clacton. Traces of its previous Brighton and Hove life were evident in this photo.

JONES, BRAINTREE.
BMC YJ59 HLX is now here; for use at Stansted Airport.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
S7 Stock unit 21445/6 is now in an overall advert for “SSR Upgrade – this is one of 191 new trains”.
More D78s withdrawn are 7067 + 17067 + 8067; 7081 + 17081 + 8081; 7128 + 17128 + 8128.
7067/17067, 7128/17128 have passed to Vivarail at Long Marston, for DEMU conversion.
Booth Roe, Rotherham has taken 8067/128 for scrap.
A timetable change has seen limited operation of Hammersmith and City (H and C) Line trains, beyond Barking to Upminster. However this is limited to 2 early morning and 2 late evening journeys only.
The H and C trains stable overnight at Upminster, and are worked by District Line crews. S stock is used. Back in 2000, C stock was briefly used for a similar operation; which was not successful due to clearance problems.

Above: D78 double ended unit 7129 + 17129 + 8129 at Upminster in June 2004; forming the rear of a Wimbledon service.

MILESTONE TRAVEL, CANVEY.
Ex Wifreda Beehive of Ardwick Le Street MAN18.400/Beaulas RE07 ANN is now here.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
This is the new operator for Crossrail, who will take over the ‘Metro’ Liverpool Street to Shenfield services from Abellio Greater Anglia in May 2015.
MTR has begun a recruitment drive for operational staff.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes SR113/14 (FJ60 HXV/X) have passed to Edwards, Pontypridd.

NETWORK COLCHESTER.
From 1/2/15, Essex CC Sunday services 66 (West Bergholt-Old Heath) and 67B (Colchester-West Mersea) no longer served Colchester bus station when running southbound.
Commercial service 6 (Town Centre-Old Heath), ceased from 2/2/15.
From the same date, route 2 (Horkesley Heath-Highhwoods) no longer served Severalls Park, but instead ran direct to a new terminus at Jovian Way (via Gavin Way), and journeys on service 4 (Head Street-Tollgate) were reduced from 5 to 3 round trips. On route 8 (Monkwick-Highwoods Tesco), the 10 minute daytime frequency was restored.

From 9/2/15, service 4 went over to double deck operation; interworking with the Grampian Foods 801/2 works contracts. Observations however, suggest this applies to school terms only. The picture shows Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 6131 at St Johns Street on 16/2/15.
Dart SLF/Super Pointer 3421 (AY54 FPZ), Scania Omnidekka 5372 (AY55 DKA) and Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 6131 (LF02 PLO) have received Arriva Kent Thameside legals. Operations are to pass to AKT in March 2015.
Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 1563 is delicensed.

NEW HORIZON.
SLF/Super Pointer Y661 NLO was back in use during late February; running with slipboards.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA is delicensed.

REDBRIDGE TRANSPORT.
More ex Metroline Volvo B7TL/Plaxton Presidents sourced through Ensign are LK51 XGM/R.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 no 17794 on TfL55 at Leyton Garage in October 2004. After a spell with Selkent, this bus is now part of the 47 pool – see text below.

The New Routemasters for TfL55 (Leyton Green-Oxford Circus) are LT312-6, 357-90 (LTZ 1312 etc). LT360 was damaged in a shunting accident, and went to ADL at Harlow for repairs.
From 28/2/15, TfL15 (Blackwall-Oxford Circus) was due to be progressively converted to LT operation, ex ADL/E40H hybrids, while TfL488 (Bromley by Bow-Clapton) passed to Tower Transit on retender.
Received from Selkent are Tridents 17478 (LX51 FLP), 17794 (LX03 BWH), 17833/42/3 (LX03 BYH/U/V), 17955/6/62 (LX53 JYV/W, JZE).
Moved to Selkent are Tridents 17851/98-900/50 (LX03 BZE, ORN/P/S, LX53 JYO) and SLF/Pointer 34380 (LX03 BZM).
Trident 17506 (LX51 FNJ) has transferred from Rainham (RM) to West Ham (WH) (and back to pcv use ex trainer); 17551 (LY02 OBC) Barking (BK) to WH; 17858 (LX03 NFC) BK to Romford North Street (NS).
Trident 18208 (LX04 FWU) has moved from Leyton (T) to BK, while 17745 (LY52 ZFD), 18249 (LX04 FYS) are now at NS ex T.
Presumably these have been displaced by the new LTs on TfL55.
ADL/Enviro 200 36276 (LX11 AWO) has reallocated from WH to BK.
Trident 17427 (LX51 FKA) has become a driver trainer.
Tridents 17478 (LX51 FLP), 17503/6/30/56/7/74 (LX51 FNF/J, FOP, LY02 OBH/J, LV52 HFF), 17794 (LX03 BWH), 17833/42/3 (LX03 BYH/U/V) form a pool providing extra buses on 47 (Shoreditch-Catford Garage) in connection with Crossrail works.
In Reserve are Tridents 17441/66, (Y441 NHK, LX51 FLC), 17505/45 /51/9/88/9 (LX51 FNH, LY02 OAU, OBC/L, LV52 HFX/Y). Withdrawn is 17580 (LV52 HFN).
Trident 17487 (LX51 FMF) has gone to Stagecoach East Midland; while 17509/26/86 (LX51 FNM, FOJ, LV52 HFU) have passed to Lister PSV (dealer).
Tridents 17454 (Y454 NHK), 17571 (LV52 HFC) have gone for scrap after cannibalisation by Ensign. Sister 17570 (LV52 HFB) has also gone for scrap. One time SLF/Pointer 34132 (V132 MVX), latterly with Stagecoach Wales, has been resold through Ensign to Renown of Bexhill.
The withdrawal of the Scania Omnicity double deckers has commenced, with 15147/8/54/5/6/60 (LX59 CNY/Z, CPF/K) being returned to their lessors Scania at Worksop; and replaced in part by new LTs on TfL55. More will be released by ADL/E40H hybrids released from 15 going onto TfL56.

Above: Scania Omnicity no 15125 at Yardley Lane, Chingford terminus in March 2010; shortly after Stagecoach had gained the TfL contact for 215 from First.
The bus is in Greater London, but the trees in the background are in Essex.

ADL/E40H 12134 (LX61 DFL) is back in fleet livery, ex Candy Crush overall advert.

STEPHENSONS.
From 25/2/15, Services 506 (Maldon-Colchester schools) and 3 (Colchester Head Street-Hythe Tesco) were converted to saloon operation, ex double deck.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
TfL school routes 692, 699 (Potters Bar-Southgate) have been won from London General North on retender, from 21/11/15.

TERRAVISION.
Accident damaged Scania K410EB6/Irizar YN64 AMX has gone for repairs.

THORNES OF RAYLEIGH.
Sold is Bove FLD L120 OWF. It is now with Khokhar of Smethwick, West Midlands.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Has had an intake of new buses for new TfL contracts.
Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini2 hybrids VN38101-11 (BF15 KFV, BL64 MHE/F/J/K/M/N, BF15 KFU, BL64 MHU/V/X) are for 212 (Walthamstow St James Street-Chingford); Streetlites WV46101-11 (SN64 CVS/F-H/J-M/O/P/R) are for 444 (Chingford-Turnpike Lane) – both starting March 2015 and ADL/Enviro E20Ds DMV 45101-11 (YY64 YKL-P/R-W) for 488 (Bromley by Bow-Dalston) – commencing 28/2/15. 212 and 444 will be run from a new depot at Ponders End.

Above: Arriva London North Dennis Dart SLF 10.8m/Alexander ALX200 ADL8, on the 444 at Chingford Mount in October 2006.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Has ex Stagecoach South, originally Stagecoach London “short” Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y239 FJN, and ex Stagecoach Wales Volvo B10M/Alexander PS M765 RAX – both via Ensign.
SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers PDS17, 18 (TNZ 1186, 1252) have been resold via Ensign to Western Greyhound.

VICEROY OF ESSEX, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Has had its O licence revoked. Operations continue while a new O licence is applied for. Optare Solo M850 KX51 UCU has passed to Diamond of Garforth, West Yorkshire.

Dennis Dart SLF/Caetano Nimbus 41513