News Update October-December 2016

To see the sequel, News Updates 2017, click here.
To see the previous News January-September, click here.
Due to problems of me saving changes on my 2016 updates page, I had to split them up, sorry for any inconvenience.

News Update 30 November:
It's now apparent WVL481-95 (in use on 19/N19 right now) which are earmarked for X26 will have route branding and luggage racks included. Meanwhile, the 684 service will be operated by Metrobus and start service from 31st onwards.

It seems EH55 has crashed while on route 35 today, onto a post to avoid crashing into a car which didn't do the safest of road manoeuvring.

News Update 29 November:
For those that didn't hear, route R8 will have it's school journeys renumbered to 684 and routed between Orpington via 358 to Locksbottom and then R2 to Biggin Hill Black Horse, then R8 to Charles Darwin School.

News Update 26 November:
Hope you enjoyed yesterday but there's still barely any savouring news these days....in terms of buses, services are resumed but on a Sunday service rather than Monday-Friday as it's a Monday today, however it's Boxing Day thus the reason. 37's seemingly full of EHs today weirdly.

Whilst I said that, U9's E200MMCs are delivered in Hayes (WS) already.

News Update 24 November:
Whilst there's barely been much and I've been trying to develop a sound mod for OMSI which is good enough for my official own one and not a spin-off, in other news 379 which was awarded as To Be Confirmed in vehicle allocation may receive new buses, and so will part of R11 whilst another part will retain existing. Otherwise you can read this, an innovation where an exhaust modification can send a Euro 2 vehicle to Euro 6 level effortlessly and beyond for higher natural ones.

And, OV05 has caught fire.

News Update 18 November:
Rumours say part of 149 will swap with part of 67's Stamford Hill (SF) allocation in a bid to make the tight-spaced depot fully LT operated. 123 to Wood Green (WN), 259 to Tottenham (AR) and part of 19 to Tottenham (AR) too (and half Brixton [BN]).

News Update 17 November:
It seems route 133/N133 will transfer from Norwood (N) to Brixton (BN) with 137 moving the other way.
In other news, routes 167/549 and 380 are due a total of 16/9 normal 10.4m Enviro200 MMCs respectively, 362 with 4 10.9m long ones and 462 with 9 9m versions.
Route 42's E40H MMCs are commencing delivery whilst the issue of iBus and ticketing still exists.

News Update 15 November:
Tenders! SD = Single Deck     DD = Double Deck
17 Contract retained by Metroline. PVR 17>19. New Euro6 hybrid DD. 22/7/17.
186 Contract retained by Metroline. PVR 16>17. Existing Euro4 diesel DD. 22/7/17.
382 Contract awarded to Metroline from Arriva London North. PVR 9. Existing Euro5 SD. 15/7/17.
384 Contract retained by Metroline. PVR 9>5. Existing Euro5 SD. 15/7/17.
C11 Contract retained by Metroline. PVR 20. Existing Euro5 SD. 22/7/17.
W8 Contract retained by Metroline. PVR 15. Existing Euro4 DD. 22/7/17.
613/662/671 Contract retained by London United. PVR 1. Existing Euro4 DD. 29/7/17.
665 Contract retained by London United. PVR 1. Existing Euro4 SD. 29/7/17.

Notes:
Route 384 issued with a frequency decrease and withdrawal of school journeys, the 4 buses cut off from allocation to be reused on to 382 whilst 382 also takes in W9's redundant DEMs into it's allocation. 3 more buses are required which are unconfirmed.
Routes 613/662/671 will utilise current SPs on 131. Route 665 will use a DE off route 72.

It seems with 382's loss, Edmonton (EC) will finally close.

News Update 14 November:
Seems RATP's LT153 (pic not mine) crashed in Chiswick into a building....Go-Ahead's new WS68 for 39 also crashed unnoticed and Stagecoach's 36571.

News Update 13 November:
I take note N550 will be rerouted via Strand, Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill due to Thames Tideway works along it's route around Blackfriars and is expected to last 2 years minimum.

The new Abellio Southall has an opening date of 8 April. Meanwhile Stagecoach will be participating in operating the LO-T London Overground Rail Replacement service, from Barking (BK), Leyton (T) and West Ham (WH). Speaking of Stagecoach, an Enviro500 is being tested on route 5, the tri-axle buses neglection by TfL has seemingly been lifted and are looking into it for capacity increasing on main routes. In other news, route 183 will be receiving the VHRs instead of 13.

News Update 12 November:
Transfers:
PDL96 Grays (GY) -> Thornton Heath (TH)

News Update 9 November:
LT376 (with the Cadbury DoubleDecker ad) has returned in service after being smashed in Oxford Circus on N55.

News Update 8 November:
MHV6 has come back from it's crash in July on route 35 in Brixton with a fire brigade vehicle. SE281 came back from it's crash recently on 164 in Wimbledon with two cars.

News Update 7 November:
Word has gone through that W3 is getting 76's HVs instead of 253's HVs, meaning South London (133/333) are permanently stuck with 253's HVs which are carrying out the role of temporary allocation for 50 (so to shift it's DWs to 133 for 133 to give it's necessary Ts to 157, that is until 133 has it's HAs enter service).

News Update 6 December:
Despite MBK1 (BU13ZVE) being bought by Quality Line as MCS10, it still has it's LEDs. Meanwhile, Go-Ahead plan on swapping 424's LDP281-6 for 6 of G1's SEs, apparently as a measure for Putney air quality.

Seems electric Optare Solo OP02ARE demonstrator has been running around London, spotted in Bromley, Angel and Lancaster Gate.

Transfers:
9072/3 Beddington Cross (BC) -> Walworth (WL)

News Update 5 December:
DW239 (on 133) has been involved in a seemingly minor accident with a car along Streatham High Road which is partly closed (between Telford Avenue and Christchurch Road).

Seems City of London wish for Bank junction to be bus and cyclists only between 7AM-7PM for 18 months as a trial.

Transfers:
DW334 Tottenham (AR) -> Norwood (N)

News Update 4 December:
It seems route 70 will get electric buses along with C1, with 120 expected to be from Perivale (PA). As originally intended, 183 will receive 6 2013 VHs from 13 (or 139 come 1 April 2017) with the arrival of 6 VHRs for 13(139). Seems the new VHs intended for 72 were used as a stop gap to cover for 183's SPs refurbishment whilst keeping the VEs/VLEs intact but once all of 183's SPs are refurbished, the VEs/VLEs should be withdrawn. As for the VLPs, it's apparent an option has been considered for their replacement, more VHRs..

Seems Abellio's 8449 has caught fire whilst on route 490...this makes the second bus fire in December and only two days after TA233's fire.

News Update 3 December:
Of course Go-Ahead commenced service on 152 with ex-D8 SE146-50 and SOEs 2/3/19/21/29/30, Arriva with Ts off 133 (133 using DWs from Brixton [BN] and DW336 from Tottenham [AR]), and Quality Line with new MCS01-09 and MBK1 which is known as MCS10.

Meanwhile, it seems London United have ordered Citaros for route 110, seemingly the O530K which is 10.6m long.

Transfers:
SE172/4 Sutton (A) -> Croydon (C)
DW232/33/34/36/37/38/41/43/44 Brixton (BN) -> Norwood (N)
DW336 Tottenham (AR) -> Norwood (N)

News Update 2 December:
Today is the last day for routes 152 (Abellio), 157 (Abellio) and 413 (Go-Ahead), tenders came out today regarding routes 70/120/C1/R68/R70.

Click here to see my clip of 2512 on route 157
Click here to read my 'Last byes for Abellio with 157

TA233 has caught fire in Kingston. Meanwhile, MHV54's on trial with Dublin Bus. SE90 returned from it's accident on W19's last day with Go-Ahead London and is back at Camberwell (Q). VHR45208 seemingly entered service (on 13), 19 HAs for 133/333 stored in Edmonton (EC).

Transfers:
HV31/4 Stamford Hill (SF) -> Brixton (BN)
DW230/5 Croydon (TC) -> Norwood (N)
DW239 Brixton (BN) -> Norwood (N)
SE90 Barking, River Road (RR) -> Camberwell (Q)

News Update 1 December:
Routes 242/259's B5LH Gemini 3's are being built and some are already en-route London.

Transfers:
DW242/4 Brixton (BN) -> Norwood (N)
SE146 Silvertown (SI) -> Merton (AL)
HV26 Stamford Hill (SF) -> Tottenham (AR) -> Brixton (BN)
HV28/30/33 Stamford Hill (SF) -> Brixton (BN)
HV52 Stamford Hill (SF) -> Tottenham (AR)

News Update 30 November:
Wrightbus decided to create a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Gemini 3 with the layout of the B5LH Gemini 3 (presumably on the B5LH chassis) and is set to be trialled next year.   

Delivery of 133/333's Enviro400 Citys have commenced with 13 in storage in Edmonton (EC) alongside 5 of 253's LTs. In Enfield (E), SLS5 which had an accident regarding it's nearside front 6 days back may be off road for a very long time. Abellio's 8436 was also involved in an accident, but on route 490 in Heathrow this morning whilst making a turn in Terminal 5 with a lorry.

As usual routes EL1/2 will have their contract renewals in February with 387 going to Go-Ahead as EL3, all three will be allocated LTs with EL1/3 having theirs phased in. EL1/3 will be rerouted/extended in Barking Riverside from Barking Reach in September.

It seems Hammersmith Bridge repairs have been put back further to late 2017 instead of summer 2017 because Hammersmith & Fulham are having a crisis of not spending money on it for the time being...

Transfers:
HV35 Stamford Hill (SF) -> Brixton (BN)
SOE30 Sutton (A) -> Merton (AL)

News Update 29 November:
Confirmed is that route 139 will go to London Sovereign at Edgware (BT) as originally rumoured on first Finchley Road consultation round, this time speculated to change with routes 82/113 change date, using 13's buses initially.

TfL have plans for a second Oxford Street consultation to be released in April 2017, but route 23 changes (from Liverpool Street to Westbourne Park rerouted to be Lancaster Gate to Wembley instead) are likely to be when Crossrail opens, or sooner but dependant on the second Oxford Street consultation's outcome.

It seems Go-Ahead grew fond of the 2 Irizar i2e's trialled on 507/521 and decided to have them in their fleet (instead of TfL's possession), and allocated to route 108.
Quick Fun Fact: EI1/2 are 12m long with two doors (as you know lol), and have 240hp electric motors and can run between 99-112 miles, have a seating capacity of 26 and standing capacity of 34, totalling to 60.

It's apparent route 152 will receive SOEs ex-42 with ex-D8 SEs as top ups as there's not enough SOEs, apparent by recent transfers.

A lot of VNs have transferred from Atlas Road (AS) to Lea Interchange (LI) with one going the opposite way, seemingly. LTs 235/6 also transferred, from Clapton (CT) to Stamford Hill (SF) (filling in for the amount of HVs lost with small amount of 253's own LTs). It also seems route 152 will be receiving ex-D8 Enviro200s. Sadly former London Arriva London DLA186 and Abellio London 8061 are getting scrapped.

Transfers:
SE149 New Cross (NX) -> Merton (AL), this should be a 152 bus
HV28/37/40/46 Stamford Hill (SF) -> Brixton (BN)
DW240/5 Brixton (BN) -> Croydon (TC)
PDL121 Croydon (TC) -> Thornton Heath (TH)
PDL142 Garston (GR) -> Thornton Heath (TH)

News Update 28 November:
Route 413's Citaro K's which have arrived, coded MCS01-09 have been registered, BV66GXY/Z/YA/B/C/D/E/F/G, on London Vehicle Finder. Last daytime week for routes 152/157/413 with their respective operators.

A consultation is open regarding the withdrawal of mobility route 931. Meanwhile, a consultation on route R2 (removal of Hail & Ride, replaced with stops) which closes on 20 December. 

Go-Ahead's EI1 has entered service on route 108 at last, meanwhile temporary shuttle 563 had it's 2 SEs ex-D8 swapped for 2 EDs from W19. On the topic of Go-Ahead, TfL want to faff with the EL1/2 a bit more and have EL1 go to Stratford from Ilford (presumably via 25/86/425[future]) and EL2 from Becontree Heath to Romford (presumably via 5).
It seems route 487 may finally get it's Enviro200 MMCs which are in Uxbridge (UX) at the moment, and were due on route 487 in June or July, but this date kept on being deferred.
Following Abellio's new depot to be opened in Southall, route 195 will transfer to Hayes (WS), speaking of Abellio, H26's new E200MMCs have entered service, and they have a less common (with single deckers) SN66-reg plate instead of the usual YX-reg.

Today's tranfers:
HV27/29/32 Stamford Hill (SF) -> Brixton (BN)
DW235 Brixton (BN) -> Croydon (TC)

News Update 27 November:
Arriva's HA20-53 are arriving for routes 133/333 and seems Stamford Hill (SF)'s HVs recently released from LT converted 253 will head off to form 133's HV allocation.
Go-Ahead's EH74-112 have also commenced delivery, for routes 42 and 14.
Quality Line have bought the Citaro K demonstrator BU13ZVE, commonly known as MBK1, has been coded as MCS10 alongside the 9 new MCS01-09 for route 413.

Route 118 will transfer to Croydon (C) as expected on the next Saturday to make space for route 152, moving it's allocated E138-50 to the depot.

Meanwhile, more of route 21's LTs are arriving along with ELT's LTs due for February.

News Update 26 November:
Today CT Plus take over route W19 from Walthamstow (AW) off Go-Ahead London at Barking (RR) with the Euro 6 9.6m Enviro200 classics with the Enviro400 City interior, 1221-37. One of them, 1229 strayed on route 385, of which the route transferred from Hackney (HK) to Walthamstow (AW) today.

The electric Irizar i2e's have awakened from their slumber since their transfer from Waterloo (RA) and Mandela Way (MW) whom received BYD E200MMC electrics. Said Irizar's have been seen on their before rumoured and intended.....108. Picture by Christopher Bradford.

Arriva's HV25/38/46 in Brixton (BN), HV40/9 in Tottenham (AR) all contain new style blinds with routes 19/N19 (both depots), 259 (Tottenham [AR]'s HVs) and 333 for (Brixton [BN]'s HVs) on the sets. HV40/49/50 all transferred from Stamford Hill (SF) to Tottenham (AR) recently. It seems Tottenham (AR) are receiving the remainder of 253's HVs from Stamford Hill (SF) to also aid 157's transfer to Arriva next week.

Temporary shuttle route 563 has finally appeared on LVF.

DW230 Brixton (BN) -> Croydon (TC) [loan]

News Update 25 November:
It seems Stagecoach have taken action on Abellio's retreat from their Surrey network by creating their 715 (Abellio's 515 pretty much), thus Stagecoach make an entry into Kingston and a part of London without other brands like Megabus. The 715 would start on 31st December.

Meanwhile, Abellio plan to open a base in Southall with routes E1 E5 E7 E9 run from there. This would involve the movement of 42 buses which makes space for 195, 427 and current U5 (internal new 350*) which only acquire roughly the same space. Current 350 (internal new U5*) to transfer to Twickenham (TF)

Consultation of Central London bus routes came out, click here to see my post.

* To avoid confusion, new U5 is the reduced 350 service with a PVR of 5 with 20 min frequency with single decks running between Heathrow Terminal 5 and Hayes & Harlington. New 350 meanwhile being the Uxbridge-Hayes & Harlington ASDA service with double deckers and no change to frequency from it's past life known as U5.

News Update 24 November:
Seems WVL451 had an accident on route EL2 yesterday around the rear door area.
Sullivan have ordered 12 E400MMC diesels with stop-start (possibly on the Voith gearbox) for route 217, these will also contain the Enviro400 City interior.
Following the loss of routes 195, 427 and U5, Hayes (HZ) will cease to operate routes and will be a training base. Route 207 will transfer to Greenford (G), U4 & N207 to Uxbridge (UX).
Five EDs from W19's current batch are to transfer to Orpington (MB) to replace R2's unreliable MAN Esteems.

Route 47 which is currently running as far as City Hall due to Tower Bridge works and other reasons, has an expected return date to Shoreditch on 17th December but via Tower Bridge.

Seems I forgot to mention I spotted STL1470 in Streatham running around with personnel onboard, seemingly still due to be tested on route 289 but who knows, in any case MBK1 has been spotted running around in Morden.

SOE25 Camberwell (Q) -> Barking (RR)

Fun fact:
Stagecoach's Leyton (T) as garage of the year
RATP's Hounslow Heath (HH) get Silver for best bus garage of the year
Arriva's Brixton (BN) get Bronze best bus garage of the year

Go-Ahead with London's best bus driver
RATP with Gold for unsung hero (bus driver) and silver for best bus driver
Stagecoach get the safest bus driver award of the year
Abellio Surrey with a silver for best national bus driver
CT Plus with Bronze for best bus driver of the year

News Update 23 November:
9 more days of Abellio on 152/157 left, Go-Ahead on 413. I notice VLA129 which had a rear accident in February has returned in service over a week ago. Yesterday a lot of SENs earmarked for 39 which were scattered across Go-Ahead assembled n Plough Lane (PL) to initiate the plan to withdraw the SK52-reg LDPs. More Darts in Croydon (C) are gaining white blinds which should be complete by now and Arriva's T84-105 should all have white blinds too.

It also seems WVL242-5 have been bought by Thames Travel.

News Update 21 November:
An Optare Solo electric demonstrator (OP02ARE) has arrived for London, pic by RMC1490.

Transfers:
WVL325 Peckham (PM) -> Bexleyheath (BX)
WVL361 Peckham (PM) -> Sutton (A)
E226 New Cross -> Merton (AL)

The first of route 39's Streetlites have entered service, WS67 SK66HSF.

News Update 20 November:
So yesterday the 436 reroute at Vauxhall to Battersea Park Station and 452's extension from Wandsworth Road Station to Vauxhall occurred. In turn route 36's PVR increased from 34 to 38 (plus a 171 bus in AM peak and a 63 bus in PM peak) with 436's PVR dropped by 10 (from 31 [32 temporarily] to 21). From Monday onwards school routes 639/670 will transfer from Stockwell (SW) [670's Putney (AF) in afternoon currently) to Putney (AF).

Go-Ahead's SE281 crashed into two cars whilst on route 164 in Wimbledon. This accumulates to 6 bus crashes (1 tram derailment) and two fire incidents this month.

Routes H20 and 39's E200MMCs and Streetlites respectively have arrived and are awaiting service commencement.

News Update 18 November:
Seems 20 of 253's HVs will transfer to Brixton (BN) to shift Brixton (BN)'s DWs to 133 so to give 157 it's T allocation, for the time being this is a temporary move. HV25 has already entered service in Brixton (BN).

Abellio 8324 has been refurbished.

News Update 17 November:
Arriva's order of 75 B5LH Gemini 3's, HV249-323. For routes 2/N2, 19/N19 & 249.

CT Plus has ordered
17 E400 City's for route 388
7 10.9m E200MMCs for W13
1 9m E200MMC for W12
27 9.75 E200MMCs, 11 for W11, 10 for W16, 5 for 397 and 1 for 309

Metroline's VWH1364 was involved in a crash on route 52.

News Update 16 November:
7 MECs from the Red Arrow routes to head to Carousel.

The coming Saturday when 436 diverts at Vauxhall to Battersea Park, it's peak frequency will be reduced from every 6 to 7-8 mins and off peak frequency from every 7-8 to 12. PVR drop from 32 to 21 (+ 36 bus in PM hours). According to TfL, 36 will have it's peak frequency increased towards Queen's Park in mornings and New Cross in the afternoons, though we don't know to what frequency..

News Update 15 November:
T100 and VLA33 have gained white blinds. Meanwhile, the DWs that do LO-T have transferred from Edmonton (EC) to Wood Green (WN).

News Update 14 November:
Remember the tender award for 436 and it stated 436 will use a PM (63) bus for it's PM peak hour service? That's been swapped in a chain of crosslinks. So as usual 363 draws a bus from 63 during PM hours, and what's supposed to be 436 draws another bus also from PM hours, but 436 has been swapped for 36 as 36 is known in PM where 436 (on top of it's rerouting) would be much less known. 63 uses 33 buses in AM peak but 30 in the PM peak, the other one being used on X68.

In other news T87/96/97 obtained new white blinds alongside T91, VLA19/39 and VLA109/22/23.

News Update 13 November:
Route 363's PVLs (329-42) are all withdrawn. Abellio 8104 has caught fire on Staines Road.

News Update 12 November:
Route 133/333's Enviro400 Citys have been spotted!
T103 Norwood (N) -> Thornton Heath (TH)

News Update 11 November:
I thank the 1K views for this page, I didn't expect this many views over a month! Thank you all!
Whilst I don't have much to say, it seems more Es post-2011 are having their Topodyn tweaked to perform more 'manly' or 'beastier'. Stockwell (SW)'s transfer 13-reg allocated 77 being what I noticed myself. If you don't know what tweaking to the Topodyn software (exclusive to ZF Ecolife gearbox'd vehicles) does, I suggest you watch this clip by Cbreezer15.

Otherwise, it seems ADE45 went back to Epsom (EB) to be the extra bus on the new timetable for route X26. TfL requires 5800 buses to convert to Euro 6 emissions both single and double deck.

Fun fact: NRMs have the same engines E40Hs use....same engine found in E200s.

News Update 10 November:
It's been a year since 2498 has caught fire on route 109 in Norbury......meanwhile route 118 has a transfer date to Croydon (C) on the third of December to make space for route 152 which will be based in Merton (AL).

Due to East Croydon bus station works route 250's night service (which double runs East Croydon) will be as per daytime route (and not serve East Croydon).

News Update 9 November:
I'm sure as you know that Trump has been elected for presidency......

Meanwhile in London, a tram derailed in Croydon (5 dead, 51 injured). 8310 is fire damaged, last on route S4. A StreetAir has been seen around South Kensington most likely route trialling 360. Refurb SOE39 has crashed on route 413 on the 4th. It also seems the white-on-black reblinded Darts at Croydon (C) contain 152 on their blinds (probably 130's 03-reg and 355's 53-reg).

Fun fact: The fire of CT Plus 2510 was due to a low coolant and the agency driver was very cynical about that despite being notified, the bus then began overheating and the engine bay temperature warnings gone off and a fire alert, that didn't stop the driver from driving in service, the fire occurred then. Since then the person has been fired.

Transfers:
WVL171 Putney (AF) ->  Stockwell (SW)
SEN41 Camberwell (Q) -> Stockwell (SW)
SEN43 Camberwell (Q) -> Stockwell (SW). This bus had no blinds and was banditised with paper.

Stagecoach South 37146 returns to Winchester depot after being route tested.

News Update 8 November:
An interesting move from Go-Ahead, to have London Central and Docklands Buses adapt under the London General operator license, just like Metrobus did some years ago. An obvious reason to this is easier transfers inside the company.

News Update 7 November:
Tenders!

Seems WHY10 has the new iBus screen found on the SEe's. Video by BusesInLondon.

News Update 6 November:
Stagecoach South's 10.9m E200MMC 37416 is with the London subsidiary to trial routes as they don't have 10.9m versions. One route that comes to mind is 549 which Go-Ahead didn't seem to throw one of 364's 10.8m E200s on.

News Update 5 November:
LOTS' online update states that route 253's HVs will move to south London to release enough Ts for route 157. Also states route 14's 39 EHV class order has been cancelled in favour of EHs. London United's Kingston Uni B5LH Gemini 3s (VH45209-13) should enter service soon.

News Update 4 November:
There are a number of pictures uploaded on Flickr relating to the Bus Expo this year, it includes the MetroCity EV, MetroDecker EV, B5LHC SRM electric, Go-Ahead's BYD E200MMCs, Metroline's BYD1474, including a StreetAir EV 10.6m exactly like Go-Ahead's one which ran around in London recently, but with Arriva's interior and Yutong E12 electric as well as others. Here's a link to Simon Smiler's photos of the event on his Flickr. Or even a generic view.     

The StreetAir DF 10.6m I mentioned just above will be trialled with Arriva Merseyside before being trialled with Arriva London.

Meanwhile, it seems X26's Citaros may be going off lease and 413's Citaro K's to arrive soon.

News Update 3 November:
Nothing much, but having a look on LVF early in the morning suggests WVL381 was on 170, going as far as Clapham Junction before being subbed, then returns later Roehampton-bound. After a two week rest, WS65 makes an appearance on route 360.

It seems some buses have problems with their Wayfarer ticketing machine, I've noticed on 8212/8345 where the machine delays to charge the fare (when in contact with oyster) for a while then the result comes out as an error.

TfL are at it again with trialling technology that's mostly known elsewhere, this time battery powered countdown on bus stop flags. The article can be read here.

SE155 Peckham (PM) to New Cross (NX)
9555/6 Battersea (QB) to Walworth (WL)

News Update 2 November:
Route 19 to be split Tottenham (AR) and Brixton (BN). Still decisions whether it will be controlled by Purley Way or Tottenham (AR)
Route N19 to be Tottenham (AR)
Route 123 to return to Tottenham (AR) once 76 leaves
Route 133 to be put on an emergency schedule to curtail to Brixton (BN) due to Tower Bridge works
Route 157 to be operated by Thornton Heath (TH) but buses housed in Norwood (N)
Route 242 - 5 DWs will stay until it's cut back from Tottenham Court Road to St Paul's
Route 259 to be Enfield (E) with meal reliefs at Tottenham (AR)
Route 333 to be Brixton (BN)
Route W3 to be reallocated with HVs off 253, W3's Ts going Garston (GR)

The MetroDecker electric is expected to enter service on route 36 from the start of 2017.
SE220 - Mandela Way (MW) to New Cross (NX).
ENL69 - Barking (DX) to Grays (GY)
Newham council plan to 'improve' Stratford Town Centre.

News Update 1 November:
A video has been uploaded on Volvo's facebook about the Volvo B5LHC electric Wright SRM
Seems an Optare Metrocity Electric-Vehicle with Go-Ahead interior and blinds for 36 has surfaced with the leaves livery?
Meanwhile, Sullivan have put up the registrations for route W9's E200MMCs which will contain the E400City interior as mentioned before.
Here's a screenshot
Routes 422 and 486 swapped allocations due to 486's Es not being suited to Shooters Hill conditions (gearbox on the E400s not being in good condition) whereas 422 is a less hillier route.
It's been observed that route 152 driver training has commenced, with spare 61-reg SEs, presumably off D8. Meanwhile 2424-8 seem to be off for refurbishment. In other news Stockwell (SW) have been replacing the destination blinds of their early WVLs with white ones....

Former 344 Enviro400s for sale at Ensign.

News Update 31 October:
Arriva's DW524's upper deck has partly been torn off, news say it was by a crane, or by a rubbish truck...

Shocker: Route 427's contract with Abellio is non-extendable, 3 years!

Wright StreetAir 10.6m demonstrator seen in Wrightbus' Orpington facility (photo not mine) and has since been out and about in London, judging by it's interior it's bound to Go-Ahead. Previously I mentioned it was seen running around the Camberwell (Q) area, and rumours say it's for route 360.

Excluding the news of route W3 receiving 253's HVs, nothing much. Though November is when we should be seeing the VHRs enter service on 13. Rumours say S3 may be getting classic E200s in form of the 3 new buses on top of 6 existing ones (ironically intended for S4). E136 has entered service in Orpington (MB) on route 320. Route 39's 8 Streetlites (WS66-73) are of course on delivery. Route 108 gets 18 MECs which are upseated to 33 seats.

Abellio are expanding Hayes (WS) following the win of 427.

It seems from now on tender awards can't specify vehicles Euro 4 or less (usually school routes get the eldest, see 617/629 announcement with Euro 5 Scanias off 48), however routes specified with Euro4 vehicles that have contracts expand past 2019 will be modified to Euro 6 (re-engine I'd assume). Those that have contracts in 2019 would have their Euro 4 vehicles replaced.

News Update 29 October:
Go-Ahead's E35 seems to have been repaired from it's fire on route 63 and not been repainted (photo not mine).

Meanwhile, Abellio's 2438 has transferred to Walworth (WL) from refurbishment at Thorntons Brothers (Ashington), at the moment carries existing dayglo blindset from Battersea (QB).

News Update 28 October:
Tenders are out!

Ensign now have a range of ex-London buses for sale, 05-reg TAs, ex-1 VWLs, ex-HD VPs.

Abellio 2438 has transferred from Battersea (QB) to Walworth (WL), in withdrawal for the KN52-reg. CT Plus' 1221-37 are now registered on LVF, along with all WHVs except WHV166. Route 1's batch seems to be WHV143-167. Metroline's commercial DEL855 has been seen with a poppy on it's front.

News Update 27 October:
Route 39's 10.8m Streetlites are starting to be delivered.

Mentioned in a route-one article, Arriva has ordered 123 B5LHs.
Abellio have started withdrawing the KN52-reg Tridents, 9830 withdrawn (replaced by 9554's transfer). The Connex Tridents are mostly withdrawn or in storage.

Routes 43 and 271 will be curtailed due to diversion in Upper Holloway, curtailments to Moorgate and Old Street respectively.

Hackney Council has been having talks to 'modernise' Hackney by 'relocating' Clapton (CT) in the process.

News Update 26 October:
Life has been harsh and thus my time for being on my laptop has drained a fair bit.

Arriva have ordered 12m BYD E200MMC electrics for Liverpool, expected June 2017. Speaking of electrics, our StreetAir EV on the Wright Eclipse 3 body but with StreetDeck drivetrain (carrying the Go-Ahead interior), has been seen in London!

Go-Ahead's E136, originally Stockwell (SW) along with E129-137, which transferred to Bexleyheath (BX) to replace the PVLs, has moved to Orpington (MB) but has not begun service. Another Go-Ahead vehicle (but originally East Thames Buses), VWL41 from route 1, has already went to Ensign.

Stagecoach's 12147 has returned from Finland. West Ham (WH) have 8 buses more than Catford (TL) allocation-wise, where Plumstead (PD) houses 203 buses at most. No double deck refurb floats, but 4 Versas remain as floats. 250 Tridents in fleet (trainers included).
Stagecoach's 12402, mystery E40H, seems to be for route 277.

TfL have decided to proceed with their consultation on removing the hail & ride on K1. Otherwise, 353 crowns itself best excuse for a PVR increase.....to allow drivers to go to toilets.

News Update 23 October:
WVL305 PM > BX.

News Update 22 October:
Today 563 is run out of Northumberland Park (NP) as you may have spotted on LVF, using two single decks ex-D8, with a frequency of every 12 mins during Monday-Friday peaks and 10 every other time it's running. I correct what I previously said.....Upper Holloway bridge on Holloway Road between Archway and Upper Holloway Station was closed hence this shuttle. Routes 17/43/263/271/N41 diverted via Tuffnell Park.

Esteem Dart 228's transfer was to aid in the refurbishment of P5's 11-reg E200s.

News Update 21 October:
Peckham (PM)'s Evosetis have begun service, first is MHV25 on 363, MHV27 on 63, then MHV23 on X68. First MEC refurb in service is MEC2.

Rare workings today: SE84 on 89, 228 on P5, WHV19 on 196, WVL174 on 249, SP157 on 94

A new B5LHC virtual electric (both electric and hybrid at the same time) double deck chassis has been created, utilising the existing 7900e electric but also utilising the B5LH's powerful electric motor with better rated batteries and extended period of time it stays in electric mode. Two are due for us Londoners in 2017 with the SRM body. They will also have roof charging (like trolleybuses). Read more here. This may explain why the B5LH in the SRM has extended electric mode and more powerful engine.

Route 619 is the next for SRM type training. London Sovereign's DPSs are to be prepped for use on routes 33 and 72 to oust their DEs the other way to H9/H10.

Metrobus's Dart Esteem 228 which moved to Bexleyheath (BX) as a spare for B14, has transferred to Camberwell (Q). Putney (AF) are making more space by chucking out their own buses to neighbouring garages, the most recent cases are WVL39/174 to Stockwell (SW).

Otherwise in transfers, EN25 HE>E.

It also seems Crossrail's Class 345 trains are being tested (photo not mine).

News Update 20 October:
I have a photo of VLA123 on route 417, a video is to follow.

Confirmed in LOTS's The London Bus is:
23 E40H Enviro400 MMCs for route 277
10 E20D Enviro200 MMCs for route 273
Orders for 162 362 380 462 549 to be announced.

Tower Transit's order of B5LH Evosetis for route 58 (part) 82 (the new 13) and 308 is an amount of 51. Former WHD1, the now hydrogen-hybrid demonstrator is with them, to be known as WNH35501. It will go on route 308.

Meanwhile, CT Plus' Enviro200s for route W19 contain the same moquette as Enviro400 Citys. Route 385 will be moving to Walthamstow (AW) on 26 November.

Route 104, last of tranche 556 due to be announced, has had it's contract extended 21 months until the end of 2018. This route has been in one of TfL's bus revision documents, in the Newham document, where 104 has been thought for a split..
     Stratford via Lonsdale Road to West Silvertown
     Manor Park via Lonsdale Road to Custom House
Having said 2018, this may come in conjunction with Crossrail....

Seems route H14 is seeing double decker workings which are finally appearing on LVF.
Routes 646/648 failed their Citaro test and are due no Citaros. MECs1/2 have fully been refurbished and are at New Cross (NX) ready for service.

Abellio 9739 has been written off (withdrawn).

Fancy a read on Londonist's page about the most popular hopper bus routes?

News Update 19 October:
It seems VHR45203 entered service on school route 618.

New temporary shuttle route 563 during works at Upper Holloway Station, it's to run between Holloway Nag's Head and Upper Holloway Station.
Upper Holloway pick up at Holloway Road/Fortnam Road, set down at Holloway Road/Hampden Road.
Holloway pick up on Holloway Road, set down on Seven Sisters Road.
Operator, frequency and vehicles to be confirmed, suspected to be Metroline. Starts service from 22 October 2016 to 16 January 2017.

News Update 18 October:
Another rare working in my area, up pops double decker 9822 on single decker restricted 201.
Fun fact: Walthamstow (AW) don't have major maintenance facilities which seems that Hackney (HK) will have to pick up the slack.

One of 413's Citaro K's are rumoured to be in a Bus Expo event in November.
Meanwhile routes 646/648 will get 5 Citaros as planned originally, but upseating, certificate-ing, reevaluating and refurbishment is taking it's time.

The last of the SLSs to enter service, SLS11, started 450 yesterday.

News Update 17 October:
It seems route 1 is finally seeing it's intended WHV allocation rather than being loaned MHVs off Camberwell (Q) to start off the contract in some way. Most if not all of MHV56-85 are in service, bound for 185 but in use on 42 (not like Camberwell [Q] are strict with allocations) until it's EHs arrive.

3 Enviro200 old style (ADL call them classic) have been seen parked in Walthamstow (AW), for W19.

News Update 16 October:
Yesterday was Stockwell (SW) open day, if you visited I hope you enjoyed it. I didn't enjoy their trick and treats though.... (two DPs on 322 and this morning PVL288 on 432).

The 17 of W19's E200's (coded 1221-37) have commenced delivery operation, they're rumoured to be the classic type and not the MMC type. These will be the first buses to operate from Walthamstow (AW).

Otherwise in non-London...18 E40D MMCs (6499-516) have been delivered to Southend for route 1, shifting 13 Versas (4200-12) to Guildford to replace Cadets, which the Cadets will become trainers, while also moving some E200's elsewhere.

Abellio 8318 has been decommissioned.

News Update 15 October:
DW94 has had an accident on route 466

News Update 14 October:
Nothing much, but it seems the HVs to be released from route 253 will go to Enfield (E) for route 279 which will in turn release it's Enviro400s to Garston (GR).

The new VHs for Kingston University services and SRMs for Edgware (BT) have been delivered to Hounslow Heath (HH).

News Update 11 October:
Seems a brand new ST was fitted with opening windows prior to delivery (photo not mine).

News Update 10 October:
VLA41 has transferred from Edmonton (EC) to Norwood (N) and whips a rare servicing on 133.
One of the new VHRs have arrived at Hounslow Heath (HH).

News Update 9 October:
It seems school route contract requirements have upped from Euro 3 (+SCRT*) to Euro 5 with probably bare Euro 4 wins/retains.
* - Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology, reduces harmful pollutants to a point it ups Euro emissions by 2, however can't up from Euro 4/5 to Euro 6 due to different exhaust requirements.

News Update 8 October:
Two Abellio 61reg are believed to be off for refurbishment at Thorntons of Ashington.
Go-Ahead's Streetlites allocated to 462 now will transfer to Orpington (MB) for routes R4 and R6.
Abellio's dual door 9.7m MMCs for route P13 have entered service, and here's a photo of 8347.
I've also photographed PVL296, on route 118.
DLA615 seems to be the last DLA in TfL service, last seen on route 305 on 16th August.

Go-Ahead's demonstrator WHV11 (BX14TJV) which was previously intended to go Croydon (C) has taken a diversion and ended up in Mandela Way (MW) for route 1.

Due to Tower Bridge closure traffic:
- 21 running as far north as Old Street
- 43 running as far south as Moorgate Finsbury Square
- 48 running as far south as Shoreditch High Street Worship Street
- 78 running as far north as Liverpool Street Wormwood Street
- 133 running as far north as Liverpool Street Wormwood Street
- 141 running as far south as Moorgate Finsbury Circus
- 172 running as far north as Charterhouse Street
- 271 running as far south as Old Street
- 344 running as far north as Borough High Street

News Update 7 October:
Daredevil seen surfing on a 1

SLS22 enters service with DWS13 heading to Edmonton (EC) to get decommissioned. Otherwise DW280 from Norwood (N) and T162 off Thornton Heath (TH) help Croydon (TC). More MHVs enter service.

News Update 6 October:
N21's Bexleyheath (BX) allocation will not move to New Cross (NX).
N1's Belvedere (BV) allocation will also remain as it is, but will gain 3 extra journeys crosslinked from route 180.

The next Assembly Transport meeting is coming up. As for fleet conversion to Euro6, engine conversions of existing buses are being considered, if successful would be 1000 buses per year or so. Including possible multiple consultations based on previous bus network reviewing.

News Update 5 October:
VHR45203 (LJ16EXD) has went in service on route 13 but was taken out of service after 27 minutes as appropriate driver training was not taken...The engine in the SRM (the Euro6 Volvo D5K) is more powerful and is bigger (hence no rear window), a different from conventional B5LHs.
189's LT789-811, 253's LT813-844 and 21's LT845-74 of course are still waiting for the fitment of Oyster and ETM which have ran out. The question that lays now is that what route will the final ~27 LTs be allocated to? Bearing in mind Central London will be remapped due to the closure of Oxford Street and possibly other changes due to the introduction of the Hopper fare which TfL are using as an excuse to reroute routes.

A number of routes will be getting timetable changes with some of them (37/N89) including the implementation of 20mph speed limits. Route N21 will have it's Bexleyheath (BX) half transfer to New Cross (NX) and be LT-operated. Meanwhile, the introduction of Jubilee Line's night service sparks up a night service on weekends for routes 114 and 183. All these changes to occur this Saturday (8th).

Arriva London North has called off their bus strike due this Friday.

News Update 4 October:
VHR45204-7 will probably be reregistered into 66-reg before entering service, VHR45203 is being used as driver training. Speaking of the devil, it's photographed in Edgware (BT) (photo not mine).
The retrofitting of windows onto LTs will be completed by early 2017, apparently.

RATP, subcontracted the LO-J rail replacement service, will be using SPs due to be refurbed for route 183, meaning VEs/VLEs/VLPs stay until the SPs come back.

VLA19 has white blinds for route 157

Revised East London crossings by Mayor. With a revised consultation on TfL's website.

#AdsByUnorm
Kickdown: Abellio London 8318 (BX54DLU) - route P13 to Streatham

News Update 3 October:
Nothing much, but SLS4 is the next SLS to enter service on 450
An OmniCity has done route 135.
RATP's SRM VHR45203 has been seen parked in Edgware (BT).
Route 251's 11-reg DEs have been receiving white blinds, no one knows why

LTs 845 & 850 have been seen running about in London, due for route 21. Route 21's batch of LTs is LT845-874.

Transfers:
WVL365 C>A. PVL296 A>AL. E58/60 A>Q. WVL442/4 AL>A. E186 Q>AL. E187/8 Q>A
SE142-4 SI>PM. SE145 SI>NX. SE146/7/8/50 SI>RR.
PVL371-4 are the buses for 180 instead of PVL372-5. Thus C>BV.
WVL251 SI>Q.
WVL26 has transferred from Q to Carousel's High Wycombe base.

News Update 2 October:
Rumours come round again about Abellio selling off to RATP..

Routes 63 and 363 will receive their new buses in November, perhaps the same with routes 1, 14 and 430's WHVs. Not forgetting certain utilities (iBus/ETM) are in shortage and will take longer to put new buses in service. As a result not all of 253's LTs are in service, 21's LTs are lined in the queue.

Meanwhile Hounslow Heath (HH)'s VHs have blinds for single decker route H22

News Update 1 October:
Arriva London North will be having a driver's strike day on next week's Friday the 7th.

The new iBus announcements (not stop/route announcements) can be seen in a video (not mine).

Go-Ahead on the other hand are offering drivers their form of existing pay rate for current bus drivers who wish to leave the job who obviously had experience. They're also offering no training rates, and PCV holders who're not employed as bus drivers can join but start from a year's pay rate.

Route 72 to convert to double deck soon with the VHs currently on 94 and unused VHs (some used on Kingston Uni services) to free compliant DEs for H9/H10's contracts. Hammersmith Bridge works are still being bickered about here and there and have not begun nor a solid start date.

Stagecoach's LT376 (Cadbury Double Decker ad) has been involved in an accident in Oxford Circus on route N55.

Meanwhile rumours say 23 may replace the 7 by being extended westwards once the Elizabeth Line opens in 2019.

Sources;
London Vehicle Finder
London Bus Routes.net
RouteOne
The Bus Forum
General observations

3 comments:

  1. What buses will route 152 be getting?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe it hasn't been confirmed yet, but knowing Go Ahead London it will be something out of the blue. Only existing single decks to use seem to be the SOEs left by 42.

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    2. Oh and how can I forget, D8's E200s of which 2 have been utilised by P12, 2 others on temporary use, and 3 or so in use on either 108/360.

      413's SEs are bound to 455 plus unconfirmed single deckers to make up 455's full PVR.

      Delete