We would like to firstly say thank you for all your support over the past 5/6 years but as the old saying goes all things must come to end and I'm afraid this is the end of the Circle of London Blog as you know it. In early 2015 the team held a talk in which moving to a new site was discussed and in November 2015 we made that transition. Well I'll keep it brief as you can now find us on our new website...http://www.thecircleoflondon.co.uk which features most of our old content. Please note that this site is now archived and will not be updated any further.
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London Recap - October 2015
Another month passes by and another recap to record. A brilliant month for Arsenal fans and not so great if your team is from the South-West corner of London...Plenty of news and transfers this month so where do we start..
New ADL Enviro 200's for Metroline Uxbridge
Seen here looking rather red at Uxbridge Station, is Metroline DEL2153 LK65 EAP one of ten that recently entered service on routes 331 & A10. Numbered 2145-2154, the vehicles were ordered against the 331 & U10, although they can be seen everywhere else bar the latter. They represent the first brand new buses for Metroline West, the West London subsidy of London super-group Metroline.
New ADL Enviro 200's for Metrobus Orpington
The beginning of October saw the delivery and introduction of seven 8.9m E200Ds numbered SE261-267 at Metrobus' Orpington Garage for Route 352 which runs a 9 mile course between Bromley North and Lower Sydenham.
New Routemasters on Route 149
Route 149 duly began its conversion from conventional diesel double decks to controversial Hybrid deckers in the form of LTs or the Borismaster if you like. The batch of 42 buses have numbers running from LT513-516 & 564-601 which replace the 400 series DWs onto the Enfield operated routes, which allow Arriva to get rid of 1st generation DWs and VLWs at the Garage.
New Shape Metroline Wrightbus Gemini 3's
The last day in October saw the first of a new body for Metroline in the form of VWH2122-2144 as they took over Route 295 respectively from Tower Transit, operating it from their Willesden Junction garage. However not all of the chosen vehicles were available in good time both VW and VWH classes were drafted in from Holloway and Potters bar to make up for the shortfall.
Poppy Buses
London Poppy Day has been running for a number of years now, it is where the Royal British Legion try to raise one million pounds in one day. To mark this occasion along with Remembrance Sunday in November, a number of London Buses carry a special advertising livery.#LDNPoppyDay
Romford Iconic Running Day
Scenes from Romford's iconic running day have been placed below
Last Day on temporary Route 541
The 30th day of the month marked the final day of operation for the 'temporary' Route 541 between Prince Regent Station and the Kier Hardie Estate via Canning Town Station. The route had been in operation for over two years, while Crossrail work took place at Custom House Station. The withdrawal of this route saw the re-introduction of the Scania type buses back at Silvertown Depot.
347 Go-Ahead to Arriva and the unfortunate 'Ockendon' incident
It should have been a dull takeover with boring E200s, but Arriva couldn't help but drawing attention during their takeover of Route 347 from Go Ahead, with the misspelling of Ockendon, which was printed Ockenden on the blinds. 4010 GN08 CHH was the 'new' bus chosen although its not the first time a new Arriva vehicle has operated on the Route 347, some may remember MDL1 YJ60 GGE and 10.3m VDL SB180 with MCV Evolution bodywork.
324 London Sovereign to Metroline
The swap between London Sovereign and Metroline was completed when Route 324 was transferred to Metroline's Cricklewood Garage on the 24th of October, using the former batch allocated to Route 326. Passengers along the route can benefit from a higher frequency route along with larger buses.
246 with refurbished MANs
A type in exile is Evolution boded MAN 12.240, the type itself has only ever operated with three companies in London as has been plagued by rumours of its unreliability out the 55 or so ever ordered only around half remain. Metrobus chose to refurbish a small number of these vehicles got the recently won Route 246 which they took over from Stagecoach on September the 19th however the refurbished vehicles only returned in October.
Metroline's TPs stay around for a while longer
Following the gain of the 295, more of the TP class vehicles have come out of storage to be returned to both Holloway and Potters Bar whilst their buses are loaned to sister company Metroline West fill the void left by the buses left undelivered for the 295.
Farewell to the DMC/DHL/DC
Whatever you want to call it, this class of vehicle is now leaving London following the introduction of newer E200s on their respective Routes. Metroline have started their withdrawal following the new buses on the 331 and A10 as well as Tower Transit who have started following the delivery of their new buses ,DMV 45112/3/4 and DM 45115-120.
Credits : Jacob - Route 324 Picture
New ADL Enviro 200's for Metroline Uxbridge
Seen here looking rather red at Uxbridge Station, is Metroline DEL2153 LK65 EAP one of ten that recently entered service on routes 331 & A10. Numbered 2145-2154, the vehicles were ordered against the 331 & U10, although they can be seen everywhere else bar the latter. They represent the first brand new buses for Metroline West, the West London subsidy of London super-group Metroline.
New ADL Enviro 200's for Metrobus Orpington
The beginning of October saw the delivery and introduction of seven 8.9m E200Ds numbered SE261-267 at Metrobus' Orpington Garage for Route 352 which runs a 9 mile course between Bromley North and Lower Sydenham.
New Routemasters on Route 149
Route 149 duly began its conversion from conventional diesel double decks to controversial Hybrid deckers in the form of LTs or the Borismaster if you like. The batch of 42 buses have numbers running from LT513-516 & 564-601 which replace the 400 series DWs onto the Enfield operated routes, which allow Arriva to get rid of 1st generation DWs and VLWs at the Garage.
New Shape Metroline Wrightbus Gemini 3's
The last day in October saw the first of a new body for Metroline in the form of VWH2122-2144 as they took over Route 295 respectively from Tower Transit, operating it from their Willesden Junction garage. However not all of the chosen vehicles were available in good time both VW and VWH classes were drafted in from Holloway and Potters bar to make up for the shortfall.
Poppy Buses
London Poppy Day has been running for a number of years now, it is where the Royal British Legion try to raise one million pounds in one day. To mark this occasion along with Remembrance Sunday in November, a number of London Buses carry a special advertising livery.#LDNPoppyDay
Romford Iconic Running Day
Scenes from Romford's iconic running day have been placed below
 |
| RM324 (WLT324) is seen at Romford Market while working on the Route 103 to North Romford, Chase Cross, this is one of Stagecoach's Routemasters based at West Ham Garage for the Route 15 making a rare trip east. |
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| The Recently Restored RT1790 is seen at Romford Market while working on the Route 103 to South Hornchurch during the Romford Iconic Running Day |
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| MCW Metrobus 192 has recently been restored by Ensignbus and was shown off for the first time at the Romford Iconic Running Day, and is seen here arriving at Romford Market while working on the Route 365 |
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| LT239 (LTZ1239) is seen arriving at Romford Market while working on the Route 103 to Rainham Interchange. This bus was one of many vehicles taking part in the Romford Iconic Running Day. |
Last Day on temporary Route 541
The 30th day of the month marked the final day of operation for the 'temporary' Route 541 between Prince Regent Station and the Kier Hardie Estate via Canning Town Station. The route had been in operation for over two years, while Crossrail work took place at Custom House Station. The withdrawal of this route saw the re-introduction of the Scania type buses back at Silvertown Depot.
347 Go-Ahead to Arriva and the unfortunate 'Ockendon' incident
It should have been a dull takeover with boring E200s, but Arriva couldn't help but drawing attention during their takeover of Route 347 from Go Ahead, with the misspelling of Ockendon, which was printed Ockenden on the blinds. 4010 GN08 CHH was the 'new' bus chosen although its not the first time a new Arriva vehicle has operated on the Route 347, some may remember MDL1 YJ60 GGE and 10.3m VDL SB180 with MCV Evolution bodywork.
324 London Sovereign to Metroline
The swap between London Sovereign and Metroline was completed when Route 324 was transferred to Metroline's Cricklewood Garage on the 24th of October, using the former batch allocated to Route 326. Passengers along the route can benefit from a higher frequency route along with larger buses.
246 with refurbished MANs
A type in exile is Evolution boded MAN 12.240, the type itself has only ever operated with three companies in London as has been plagued by rumours of its unreliability out the 55 or so ever ordered only around half remain. Metrobus chose to refurbish a small number of these vehicles got the recently won Route 246 which they took over from Stagecoach on September the 19th however the refurbished vehicles only returned in October.
Metroline's TPs stay around for a while longer
Following the gain of the 295, more of the TP class vehicles have come out of storage to be returned to both Holloway and Potters Bar whilst their buses are loaned to sister company Metroline West fill the void left by the buses left undelivered for the 295.
Farewell to the DMC/DHL/DC
Whatever you want to call it, this class of vehicle is now leaving London following the introduction of newer E200s on their respective Routes. Metroline have started their withdrawal following the new buses on the 331 and A10 as well as Tower Transit who have started following the delivery of their new buses ,DMV 45112/3/4 and DM 45115-120.
Credits : Jacob - Route 324 Picture
London Recap - September 2015
Camberwell Garage Open Day
An open day was held at Camberwell Garage on Saturday 5th September, featuring a yard crammed full of a wide variety of vehicles, possibly the best from an a open day I have been too.
Willesden Garage Open Day - Saturday 19th September
Two weeks after Camberwell came Willesden, a yearly event held by Metroline, traditionally much smaller than other events with a small selection of buses outside used on services around the local area and few more buses inside a static display's. There is always a large number of stalls which are always worth having a look at.
The Return of the Suffix Part 2...
Latest batch of London United Wrightbus Gemini 3's
Route 312 becomes the first fully electric route in London.
Latest NBFL Adverts
Strongbow Cloudy Apple Cider
John Lewis 'Lemon' Home Store
Pepe Jeans 'Always London'
G-Star Jeans
John Lewis 'Pink' Home Store
New Go-Ahead Metrobus Mercedes...
September marks the start of the new registration period meaning that Go-Ahead Metrobus brand new style Mercedes Citaro's where the first London buses to feature the new 65 reg plates.
Showbus 2015 - Woburn Abbey
Tender Transfers - 168 Arriva to Metroline, 246 Stagecoach to Go-Ahead
Metroline New LT's for 16.
If you liked any of the pictures in this post then feel free to check out the rest of my pictures, @KLTP14 on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124193440@N06/
An open day was held at Camberwell Garage on Saturday 5th September, featuring a yard crammed full of a wide variety of vehicles, possibly the best from an a open day I have been too.
A line up of the newer vehicles within the Go-Ahead London Fleet, from left to right we have Ei 2, an Irizar I8 electric bus, then WHV55 a Wrightbus Gemini 3/Volvo B5LH and on the end EB 2 another BYD Electric bus.
Ensignbus MD60 also attended the event and is seen here having worked part of the Route 36 from Paddington to Camberwell Green.
Some of the older vehicles present, but can anyone spot the odd one out...
Willesden Garage Open Day - Saturday 19th September
Two weeks after Camberwell came Willesden, a yearly event held by Metroline, traditionally much smaller than other events with a small selection of buses outside used on services around the local area and few more buses inside a static display's. There is always a large number of stalls which are always worth having a look at.
An unusual combination...
Inside was a line up of mainly Routemasters with two RT's at the end.
The Return of the Suffix Part 2...
For two weekends a year London see's the return of suffixed routes, the first as featured in the August Recap was the Notting Hill Carnival Express Services (2X, 36X, 205X and 436X) but the lesser known part two normally happens a week later for the Gunnersbury Mela where London United provide a Route 65X between Ealing Broadway and Gunnersbury Park and return. SP111 is seen at Haven Green, Ealing Broadway on Sunday 6th September.
Latest batch of London United Wrightbus Gemini 3's
The Route 116 was converted to Double Deckers in September and was the second London United route to gain Wrightbus Gemini 3/Volvo B5LH's, following on from an earlier batch for the Route 285, these remained in the traditional design and one is seen here arriving Hounslow Bus Station.
The Special One...
Or it seems that way, September saw the return of Arriva The Shires ALX400 - 6123, following 16 months off the road. It returned in fully refurbished standard including the sapphire standard cream grab poles and full leather upholstery.
Route 312 becomes the first fully electric route in London.
A new contract started on the Route 312 in September, this included a frequency increase and subsequent PVR increase meaning more EMC's where needed, it also mean't that this was to become London's first fully electric route.
Latest NBFL Adverts
Strongbow Cloudy Apple Cider
This was actually a nationwide advertising campaign, with this advert appearing in full wrap form on a number of the buses around the country. But this one appears on one of the new routemasters from Stockwell, working on the Route 88
Pepe Jeans 'Always London'
G-Star Jeans
John Lewis 'Pink' Home Store
New Go-Ahead Metrobus Mercedes...
September marks the start of the new registration period meaning that Go-Ahead Metrobus brand new style Mercedes Citaro's where the first London buses to feature the new 65 reg plates.
A new contract on the Route 358 sparked new buses, these would come in the form of brand new 65-reg new style Euro 6 Mercedes Citaro's. Unfortunately on the first day a number of buses suffered issues with their destination blinds, this was soon rectified.
Showbus 2015 - Woburn Abbey
The Annual showbus event this year took place at Woburn abbey and as always there was a number of London buses present including the new kids on the block Uno as well as two Stagecoach Enviro 400's, one of which was 'Spirit of London'
Tender Transfers - 168 Arriva to Metroline, 246 Stagecoach to Go-Ahead
The Route 246 was to transfer from Stagecoach to Go-Ahead London on but the buses for which transferred from Croydon to Orpington Garages a few days before, one such bus is seen here on the Route R2.
The Route 246 operates between Bromley North and just outside the TfL boundary to the Kent Village of Westerham and on Summer Sunday's in runs even further to Chartwell House.
Another Tender Transfer this month has been the Route 168 which changed hands between Arriva London and Metroline, this is one of the major inroads Metroline seem to be making in South London now making them the second biggest operator in London.
Metroline New LT's for 16.
One of the latest New Routemasters (as we now have to call them) is seen at Marble Arch while working on the Route 16 to Cricklewood Bus Garage, the introduction of these buses on the Route 16 allowed buses to start on the new contract Route 168. These buses also feature the new style blinds with the Capital Letter qualifying point.
If you liked any of the pictures in this post then feel free to check out the rest of my pictures, @KLTP14 on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124193440@N06/
Route 79: Edgware to Alperton Sainsbury's (Timelapse Video)
Route 79 runs between Edgware Bus Station and Alperton Sainsbury's, serving Queensbury, Kinsbury, Preston and Wembley in the process.
The route is operated by Metroline from Perivale Bus Garage. The route is 7 miles long and has a Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) of 11.
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| Metroline VW1206 LK61BMV seen here on stand at Alperton Sainsbury's. |
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News August 2015
London Recap - August 2015
Another month has past, they seem to be dropping like fly's at the moment, this month featured a tube strike, the next batch of new routemasters were pressed into service as well as the first new style Wright Gemini 3's for London and not forgetting Notting Hill Carnival prompts the return of the suffix.
Tube Strike Extra's
Introduction of Mercedes Citaro's on Route 108
New Routemaster - Route 88
New Go-Ahead Volvo B5LH's at Croydon for Routes 119, 202, 405
Victoria Line Closure - Rail Replacement Buses
Notting Hill Carnival Extra Buses:
Second Irizar I2e Electric
This month also saw the introduction of the Second Irizr I2e Electric Bus at Waterloo Garage, Ei2 is seen on London Bridge on 01/09/15, taken by Kristian Lake.
Adverts:
New Nike 'Built for Brilliance'
New Dove - Rugby World Cup
Outskirts of London:
Arriva Kent Thameside - New 'Fastrack' Wrightbus Streetlites (Routes A/B Dartford-Bluewater area)
Tube Strike Extra's
Abellio London's 8018 is seen at Aldwych while working as an extra on the Route 188 (Taken by Kristian Lake on 06/08/15)
Ensignbus's pride and joy MD60 is seen on Whitechapel High Street while working as an extra on the Route 25 (Taken by Kristian Lake on 06/08/15)
Ensignbus ER882 is seen on Whitechapel High Street while working as an extra on the Route 15 (Taken by Kristian Lake on 06/08/15)
MEC21 is seen approaching North Greenwich, while working on the Route 108, MEC's have been rushed into service on this route following a recent fire damaged DWL. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 28/08/15). It has been rumoured that upon the introduction of the new BYD Electric E200s on Routes 507 and 521, MECs should be moving south, with Routes 108 and 293 mentioned.
New Routemaster - Route 88
LT509 is seen on Clapham Common Stand while working on the first day of service on the Route 88, the introduction of New Routemasters on this route will allow a cascade within Go-Ahead London to take place eventually ridding them of the remaining early numbered PVL's. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 22/08/15)
New Go-Ahead Volvo B5LH's at Croydon for Routes 119, 202, 405
WHV44 is seen on Blackheath Common while working on the Route 202, this is one of 39 new style Wrightbus Gemini 3's currently being introduced at Metrobus Croydon. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 22/08/15)
Victoria Line Closure - Rail Replacement Buses
TP408 is seen on Broad Lane, Tottenham approaching Seven Sisters while working on the Temporary Route 558 between Chingford Mount and Seven Sisters, normally long term closures frustrate regular users, however in the final days of the closure of the Victoria line a petition was set up by Chingford residents to keep this route in operation after the line has re-opened. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 11/08/15)
Notting Hill Carnival Extra Buses:
12313 is seen crossing Warren Street while working on the Route 205X between Liverpool Street and Harrow Road. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 30/08/15)
MEC14 is seen in Vauxhall Bus Station while working on the Route 436X between Peckham and Notting Hill Gate. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 30/08/15)
WVL397 is seen in Vauxhall Bus Station while working on the Route 36X between New Cross Gate and Harrow Road. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 30/08/15)
VLA65 is seen in Vauxhall Bus Station while working on the Route 2X between West Norwood and Notting Hill Gate. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 30/08/15)
Second Irizar I2e Electric
This month also saw the introduction of the Second Irizr I2e Electric Bus at Waterloo Garage, Ei2 is seen on London Bridge on 01/09/15, taken by Kristian Lake.
Adverts:
New Nike 'Built for Brilliance'
LT282 is seen at Trafalgar Square while working on the Route 453 sporting the new Nike 'Built for Brilliance' all-over advert. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 22/08/15)
New Dove - Rugby World Cup
LT241 is seen approaching Shoreditch High Street while working on the Route 8, this is one of the buses to have the #Scrum Together, Dove Men Care, Rugby World Cup advert. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 15/08/15)
New Tommy Hilfiger
LT440 is seen on Regent Street at Oxford Circus having arrived on the Route 12 from Dulwich Library. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 30/08/15)
Outskirts of London:
Arriva Kent Thameside - New 'Fastrack' Wrightbus Streetlites (Routes A/B Dartford-Bluewater area)
4303 is seen arriving at Bluewater Bus Station while working on Fast-track Route B. (Taken by Kristian Lake on 08/08/15)
