Changes to Route 453

Another one bites the dust! This time it was the turn of Route 453 to say goodbye to its bendy buses for the last time. The route was converted to E400 on Saturday 24th September. Below are some before and after shots. Some PVL's are currently being used on the 453 due to late delivery of a few new buses

VLE618 Road Traffic Accident

Today I stumbled across this road traffic accident whilst taking some shots of the 453. The accident happened just after Westminster Bridge. A transit van, which is out of shot, is the vehicle which caused the damage to the bus. I have no idea how the taxi managed to get wedge in though plus there was passengers on board! Hope they got a discount!

Service Changes: Saturday 24th September - A Summary Video

VA71 transferred to Fulwell (FW) Garage

I received news that VA71 has transferred over to Fulwell (FW) from Hounslow (AV). The reason for the bus transferring there is currently unknown, however I have a gut feeling that it may be refurb cover whilst the remaining TA's go away for refurb, but then again that’s just a guess! If I find out the confirmed reason I will let you know!

Here is VA71, V187OOE pictured on Route 281 standing at Hounslow Bus Station

Odd Observation

Today I spotted 8058, Y864KTF on Route 235. This bus can usually been seen on Route H20.

Stratford City Bus Station

Today I took the 1 hour long trip to check out the new Stratford City Bus Station. Below are some pictures of what you might expect to find if you go there yourself!

Route 97, Stagecoach London, 17817, LX03BXM

Route 241, Stagecoach London, 17832, LX03BYG

Route 241, Stagecoach London, 18267, LX05BVZ

Route 97, Stagecoach London, 17507, LX51FNK

Route 339, First London, DM44167, YX60DXL

Service Changes: Saturday 17th September - A Summary Video

The London Bus Guide (New Book For 2011)

I recently managed to get my first published photo in "The London Bus Guide" a new book releasing on the 18th September. Orders can be placed online. Its a excellent read and very interesting! A must have for London Bus Enthusiasts

THE LONDON BUS GUIDE

Separate sections give details of

The Operators - Who are they? Who runs what?

The Buses - The types currently in use, with a photograph of every variant for easy recognition

The Garages - Their addresses, the buses in their allocations, the routes they run

The Routes - Peak Vehicle Requirements, frequencies, designated bus types

In addition . . . An Overview section explains the system - how fares work, how contracts are awarded and what criteria the operators, and the bus types, have to meet. There’s even a section on the mysteries of the integral bus and the latest ECWVTA specification, and a final summary of the ‘added extras’ you can enjoy in London.

In short, pretty much all you need to know.

A5 size (handy for camera bags)

152 Full Colour pages

200 photos

Printed on high quality 135gsm gloss paper with
a 250gsm laminated cover.

More details can be found here: http://www.visionsinternational.biz/html/bus_stop.html

Odd Observation

VP107,W451BCW is seen here outside the Treaty Centre in Hounslow. Route 111 is usually served with Scania OmniCity (SP) but I spotted a Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President and knew I had to get a picture. Lately AV garage seem to be using a lot of odd vehicles on the 111 including VA's and VP's

New TFL information sheet

Its out with the old and in with the new! Some of you may have noticed that the new TFL information sheets which have been in use for less then a year have already started to be replaced with the new updated version! Below are pictures of the old one and the new one with new changes.

Quality Line - Epsom (EB) Garage Visit

I managed to book a date to go to Quality Line's Epsom garage. The main reason for the visit was to have a look at how this small company operates and also have a look at the new buses for the 467 which are now in service. The staff was very friendly and I must thank them for allowing me on site. Quailty Line operates both TFL and Non - TFL routes from its base in Epsom. I hope to revisit in the near future when the new buses for the 465 and X26 arrive

DD12, SN11BVH

OVo1, YJ60KGA





SD33, SN51UCO





SD48, PE56UFN





OP14, YN53SUF

London United - Atlas Road Storage

A few weeks ago I stumbled across this yard by pure luck. I then went away and contacted London United to gain permission to go around and get some photos. London United has rented this yard out to store their old DPs and VAs going off lease and they have been there since before Christmas. They are having trouble to find anyone who is interested in buying them hence they have been sat and seen no action for quite some time. The majority of buses which are on the site at from Hounslow (AV) and Shepherd's Bush (S) garages. Below are my pictures from the site.It was very interesting to stumble across DP37, the only DP which received an official refurbishment.