London United Twickenham Garage [NC]...Last day as an operational garage

Today hosted a visit to London United's Twickenham Garage. Today, Friday 1st March 2013 was the garage's last day as an operational garage. As of tomorrow, the garages routes, Route 33 and 419 will transfer to Fulwell and Stamford Brook respectively.

 VA50, R950YOV

Twickenham Garage, located in Twickenham Trading Estate opposite Twickenham Stadium, opened in November 2005. It was the first garage for NSL Buses, formerally know as NCP. The garage was originally used to operate routes 33 and 419 like it is today however, route 493 was won in 2007 by the company and housed at this garage. 4 years later, the company sold operations to Transdev London (now London United). All buses began the process of integrating into the Transdev London fleet although this did take quite a while to happen! After the news that London United had lost Route 493 to Go Ahead London, many thought the future of the garage was in question. The news was announced that the Private hire fleet will move from Fulwell garage to Twickenham to allow Route 33 to move in at Fulwell. The garage will be used only for the private hire fleet and some buses waiting disposal/sale. Many thanks to the kind staff on site who welcomed me to the garage and I wish them all the best in the future. Pictures from the visit can be seen below

 DP7, S307MKH

 DE118, YX60CBY

 DPS702, SN55HKE

 New advert being applied to the buses

Former TV DPS601, SN51TDU

 Former AV VA103, W139EON

 DPS601 & DPS702

 DPS593 & DPS594

 

Former TV DPS557, Y557XAG

 Former AV VA104, W141EON

 Former TV DPS602, SN51TEU

 Welcome to Twickenham Garage!

 General yard shot

 VA82, V205OOE

 General yard shot

 DE118, YX60CBY

 DPS703, SN55HKF

 DPS703, SN55HKF hiding in the bus wash