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Tuesday 12 June 2012

Abellio London Beddington Cross Garage [BC]

Today saw a visit to Abellio London's Beddington Cross garage. The garage is home to Abellio London who are the remains of Connex and Travel London who were part of the national express group. The Garage is one of three garages that are situated within close proximity of each other, the other two being Metrobus Croydon (C) which was also visited and Arriva Beddington Farm (CN), albeit now mothballed.


The relatively small base was opened at the start of the Millennium in the year 2000 following the unexpected expansion of the unsettled Connex Bus who also ran the Southern and South Eastern Rail franchises at the time. The purpose built garage was built to house the route 3 which was won of London Ceneral in 1999. after a very long stint with the operator. 

The small base is comprised of two storage units as well as a compound which includes a bus wash amongst the other normalities you'd expect in a Bus Garage. From the compound visible, is the Metrobus Croydon Depot which is located literally across the road! That tied up with Arriva Garage TC which is only a short distance away makes for perfect competition across the whole Croydon borough especially at the time when tenders are submitted. 

Although not a purpose built depot, in its own right, the company Abellio, since taking over Travel London, who themselves took over the below-par Connex operation, have gone a long way to somewhat turning it into a base fit for a purpose, which is to win, sustain and retain work, this has become evident in the recent tender wins which has seen 455 and T33 won in recent times. 

Credit to the Abellio London staff for allowing us onto their premises and ensuring that all safety codes and conducts were followed whilst we were on site to ensure that our safety was paramount.


8014 is seen in the engineering shed
Welcome to Beddington Depot
8776, YX61ELH blinded for route 931

8776 interior
9754 awaiting engine work
8775 has a day off
8025 blinded for the C1

Outside storage
8505 blinded for the T33

8778, YX12DLE - new bus for Route T33

9068, BX55XNY
A typical work space in the engineering shed
Engineering shed overview
Recently transferred from WS (Hayes), 9066 having some work done 
8026 having some under work completed
9030 gets ready to go on the brake test rollers 
8776 cab
9022 being prepared to get towed
8476 gets some attention outside the engineering shed 
Outside yard with bus wash
Key Facts to note about Beddington Garage
  • Opened in 2000
  • Holds 83 Buses
  • Opened primarily to hold the route 3 that was won in 1999
  • Comprised of three separate units 

1 Comments:

Anonymous
at: Sunday, November 16, 2014 5:00:00 pm said...

Wasn't 9066 the bus that exploded?

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