Heathrow Buses 10th Anniversary and L1/Group 5th Anniversary.
HEATHROW NORTH AND SOUTHALL GARAGES OPEN DAY DETAILS - 02/11/13:
Open Hours:
HN: 1010-2000hrs
SA: 1109-1600hrs
A day for the family and the transport enthusiast. Heathrow Buses are celebrating their 10th birthday, and the 10th anniversary of the first bus running out of HN garage back in the old site, at midnight of 1st November 2003, a new Trident ALX400 left HN for Route 140. Also, on the 1st November 2008, the most hectic garage move began as in less than 7 hours, from 0000hrs to 0650hrs, the whole of HN staff, buses and offices moved to the new site, with also 5 years of the first new bus leaving the current site. This also celebrates the 5th anniversary of the new HN site and the L1/Group, also formed on 1st November 2008.
Transport:
Enter through the eastern entrance, just off Colnbrook By-Pass. Car Parking is in the field opposite to the garage, which is not recommended, due to limited space, and using Heathrow car parks have better space and safer parking. Heathrow North Garage itself, although is very large, has no car parking facilities for visitors due to the size of the event. Using the 7series buses from Heathrow Terminals is recommended, as it is free to use them from Heathrow to HN. Using public transport is the best way to get to HN. To cross Colnbrook By-Pass, a temporary crossing with lights will be fitted for the day (with permission with Slough Borough Council).
Shuttle buses will run between various places, and feeder services will run as following (vehicles are not confirmed):
Feeders:
15: Hornchurch Garage-Heathrow North Garage (via 5-115-15-N9)
91: Wimbledon-Heathrow North Garage (via 156-X91)
111: Hammersmith-Heathrow North Garage (via 190-490-111)
111: West Croydon-Heathrow North Garage (via N4-N111)
140: Watford Junction-Heathrow North Garage (via 395-140)
666: Edgware-Heathrow North Garage (via 142-266-190-490)
724: Chelmsford-Heathrow North Garage
726: Dartford-Heathrow North Garage
436: Weybridge Station-Heathrow North Garage
441X: Bracknell-Heathrow North Garage
474: Oxford-Heathrow North Garage
X1: Reading-Heathrow North Garage
Shuttles & Rides:
9X: Aldwych-Heathrow North Garage stopping only at Hyde Park Corner, Turnham Green (in order to be able to cover the 15/392 NBfL conversions)
81C: Slough-Heathrow North Garage (in order to see the Beeline in action)
111: Heathrow North Garage-Kingston
140: Hayes & Harlington Station-Heathrow North Garage
441: Bracknell-Heathrow North Garage (in order to see the Beeline in action)
813: Feltham Station-Heathrow North Garage
T123: Heathrow Central-T6-Hatton Cross-T4-T5-Heathrow North Garage
105: Southall Garage-Heathrow North Garage (for Southall Open Day)
224: Laleham-Uxbridge via Heathrow North Garage
Activities:
Tours of the ADL and refurbishment part of the depot, including E45H/E25H conversion and production stages will depart every 15 minutes using golf buggies from the ADL Stand, with an L1/Group "Bus Stop" pointing to route "45".
There are buses, coaches on display, including other companies, preserved buses and much much more, including stalls and activities! Walking tours of the garage occur on a regular basis throughout the day. After 1900hrs - weather permitting - people will be allowed to the roof balcony where people can view planes from a new point of view! People will be able to use the bus training simulator, driving part/full Route 111, 392, 456 and X91 virtually. Or even start up a bus, and prepare a bus for a certain route's service!
A "fun bus" will be available - where you can get your children to design, build and make their own paper buses, amongst other things!
Southall Garage are also holding their open day (with guided tours) on this day, and shuttle runs to and from that garage. This includes setting up buses for service (and how to turn on an engine of a bus) and buses on display. There is also the official opening of the new Southall Garage extension ceremony. From both garages, there is a raffle to see what
Some activities are in association with Brentford FC, Heathrow Airport and Philippine Airlines (who are running all running stalls, and each unveil 1 new all over advert on one double decker and single decker).
Notable scheduled events:
1000hrs - the unveiling of the new Beeline livery and brand will be unveiled as the gates open (note there ARE buses that will run with Beeline livery before official unveiling)
1010hrs - the official opening of the HN Open Day
1109hrs - 105 buses run to Southall Garage for tours of the garage (guided walking tours). SA Extension Opening Ceremony.
1111hrs - special visit from famous musical artists
1200hrs - unveiling of special presents to Au and Ronnie
1300hrs - 7series presentation, Philippine Airlines partnership presentation and unveiling of all over adverts on 6 buses.
1350hrs - tour of the HN Control Room (every 15mins for 2hrs only)
1500hrs - Conductor Training Practicals (until 2000hrs)
1600hrs - Raffle Results.
1700hrs - Blind Making Tours (and make your own blind display - costs £10) (until 2000hrs)
1800hrs - BAA Heathrow Customer Training Practicals (one session)
1830hrs - Brentford FC vs HN Staff/Visitors Indoor Football Match (45mins only)
1900hrs - Roof Tours
2000hrs - HN Open Day finishes.
Catering - there is a restaurant and canteen open for the whole day, at the eastern end with the other facilities.
Toilets - there are many scattered around the building, accessible toilets are mainly towards the office/restaurant side of the building, and the ADL works area.
Friday 25 October 2013
Monday 21 October 2013
WLTM Tenders October 2013 (from TfL)
Tranche 163:
186: Awarded to Arriva Shires (formerly Metroline) with new hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014.
237: Retained by L1/Heathrow Buses with existing hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014.
Tranche 164:
92: Retained by L1/Heathrow Buses with existing hybrid buses, contract start 3rd May 2014
223: Awarded to London OmniBus (formerly L1/Heathrow Buses) with existing buses, contract start 3rd May 2014.
E8: Retained by L1/Heathrow Buses with existing hybrid buses, contract start 3rd May 2014. Extension to Colnbrook By-Pass/Heathrow North Bus Garage starts 23rd November 2013.
Tranche 164A:
420: Awarded to London OmniBus with new buses, contract start 31st May 2014.
Tranche 166:
125: Awarded to L1/Heathrow Buses (formerly Arriva London) with existing/new hybrid buses, contract start 31st May 2014
166: Awarded to Henlev London (formerly Arriva London) with new hybrid buses, contract start 31st May 2014
Tranche 167:
54: Awarded to Stagecoach London (formerly Metrobus) with new hybrid buses, contract start 3rd May 2014
75: Awarded to Stagecoach London (formerly Metrobus) with new hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014. Also, a night service will be introduced (75N) as of the new contract.
123: Awarded to L1/Romford Buses (formerly Arriva London) with existing/new hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014.
Tranche 195 (four months early):
480: Awarded to Tower Transit (formerly L1/Heathrow Buses) with new hybrid buses, contract start 10th May 2014.
483: Awarded to Tellings Golden-Miller (formerly L1/Heathrow Buses) with new hybrid buses, contract start 31st May 2014
Other News:
Route 75 will have a new night service (75N), which is the same as 75, but it serves East Croydon Station too, starting with the new contract.
From the start of the new contract, Route 22 will be extended to Barnes Common via Barnes Station. Route 22/N22 will be awarded again, due to issues with the contract agreement with London General, and will be added to the tranche 179. This centres with the Barnes Common extension.
Route E8 will be extended from Hounslow Bus Station to Colnbrook By-Pass, Heathrow North Garage via 435 and Bath Road/Colnbrook By-Pass (commercial 75) from 23rd November 2013. This extension is funded by BAA and L1/Heathrow Buses.
Route 490 will be extended from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Colnbrook By-Pass, Heathrow North Garage via N95 and Route 350 will be extended to Langley, Axis Park via N95 and (commercial) 75. These extensions are funded by BAA, Slough Borough Council (350 only) and L1/Heathrow Buses. Both routes will be converted fully to double deck too. These extensions will start on 18th January 2014.
Due to the 480 transferring operator, the route is withdrawn between Acton High Street and Hanwell Terminus, as funding for that section is withdrawn. Route E8 will be increased in frequency to compensate. However, for the southern section, a double deck working tendered 480D will be tendered next month.
Route 311 will convert partly to NBfL operation when the 392 gets a full NBfL allocation (OPO on the 311), but will be operated with fully crewed NBfL from 31st May 2014.
Routes 15, 392, 38, 390, 7, 148 and 311 are the next conversions to NBfL:
15/392 - 2nd November 2013
38 - 23rd November 2013
390 - 30th November 2013 - in stages
7 - 22nd February 2014
148 - 29th March 2014 - in stages
311 - 31st May 2014
New Route 457 will be tendered next month and it runs from Colnbrook, Brands Hill via Stanwell, Stanwell Moor, Ashford to Feltham. The route will start on 31st May 2014.
Route 255 (Cheshunt-Debden, Roadrunner Coaches) will be part of TfL under the number 442, with routing standardised. Route 541 (Debden-Harlow, Trustybus) will be part of TfL under the number 475, with routing standardised to the Mon-Sat evenings/Sunday routing. Route 306 (Borhamwood-North Watford, Sullivan Buses) will be part of TfL under 306, with routing now Arkley, Arkley Hotel-Watford Junction, not serving Borhamwood Estates, covered by new Herts Route B6. These routes will be tendered next month.
November Tenders (note there are no December Tenders):
Tranche 168:
71: Chessington World of Adventures Station-Kingston (London United)
281/281N: Tolworth-Hounslow Bus Station (London United)
406: Epsom-Kingston (Quality Line/RATP)
418: Epsom-Kingston (Quality Line/RATP)
Tranche 170:
100: Liverpool Street-Shadwell (Abellio London)
Tranche 171:
4: Archway-Waterloo (Metroline)
43/43N: London Bridge-Friern Barnet (Metroline)
Tranche 173:
153: Finsbury Park-Liverpool Street (CT Plus)
Tranche 174:
357: Whipps Cross-Chingford Hatch (London General)
397: Crooked Billet-Debden (Arriva London)
Tranche 176:
176/176N: Tottenham Court Road Centrepoint-Penge (Arriva London)
Tranche 177:
65: Ealing Broadway-Kingston (London United)
N65: Southall, Ascot Gardens-Chessington (London United)
Tranche 177A:
457: Colnbrook/HN Garage-Feltham Station (new route)
Tranche 178:
224: Wembley Stadium-St Raphael's Estate (L1/Heathrow Buses)
239: Clapham Junction-Hammersmith (L1/Heathrow Buses)
338: Kingston Hospital-Turnham Green (L1/Heathrow Buses)
Tranche 179:
22: Piccadilly Circus-(Barnes Common) (London General)
49/49N: White City-Clapham Junction (London United)
232: St Raphael's Estate-Turnpike Lane (Metroline)
286: Greenwich-Sidcup (Arriva Kent Thameside)
332: Brent Park-Paddington (Metroline)
N22: Kingston-Trafalgar Square (London General)
Tranche 179A:
306: Arkley-Watford Junction (new tendered route, formerly 306 with Sullivan Buses)
442: Cheshunt-Debden (new tendered route, formerly 255 with Roadrunner Coaches)
475: Loughton-Harlow (new tendered route, formerly 541 with Trustybus)
480D: East Acton-Richmond (L1/Heathrow Buses)
Tranche 180:
293: Morden-Epsom (Metrobus)
407: Caterham-Sutton (Abellio London)
661: Petts Wood-Eltham College (London Central)
669: Thamesmead-Cleeve Park School (London Central)
672: Thamesmead-Woolwich (Stagecoach)
Tranche 195 (three months early):
113: Edgware-Marble Arch (Metroline)
N113: Trafalgar Square-Edgware (Metroline)
186: Awarded to Arriva Shires (formerly Metroline) with new hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014.
237: Retained by L1/Heathrow Buses with existing hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014.
Tranche 164:
92: Retained by L1/Heathrow Buses with existing hybrid buses, contract start 3rd May 2014
223: Awarded to London OmniBus (formerly L1/Heathrow Buses) with existing buses, contract start 3rd May 2014.
E8: Retained by L1/Heathrow Buses with existing hybrid buses, contract start 3rd May 2014. Extension to Colnbrook By-Pass/Heathrow North Bus Garage starts 23rd November 2013.
Tranche 164A:
420: Awarded to London OmniBus with new buses, contract start 31st May 2014.
Tranche 166:
125: Awarded to L1/Heathrow Buses (formerly Arriva London) with existing/new hybrid buses, contract start 31st May 2014
166: Awarded to Henlev London (formerly Arriva London) with new hybrid buses, contract start 31st May 2014
Tranche 167:
54: Awarded to Stagecoach London (formerly Metrobus) with new hybrid buses, contract start 3rd May 2014
75: Awarded to Stagecoach London (formerly Metrobus) with new hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014. Also, a night service will be introduced (75N) as of the new contract.
123: Awarded to L1/Romford Buses (formerly Arriva London) with existing/new hybrid buses, contract start 26th April 2014.
Tranche 195 (four months early):
480: Awarded to Tower Transit (formerly L1/Heathrow Buses) with new hybrid buses, contract start 10th May 2014.
483: Awarded to Tellings Golden-Miller (formerly L1/Heathrow Buses) with new hybrid buses, contract start 31st May 2014
Other News:
Route 75 will have a new night service (75N), which is the same as 75, but it serves East Croydon Station too, starting with the new contract.
From the start of the new contract, Route 22 will be extended to Barnes Common via Barnes Station. Route 22/N22 will be awarded again, due to issues with the contract agreement with London General, and will be added to the tranche 179. This centres with the Barnes Common extension.
Route E8 will be extended from Hounslow Bus Station to Colnbrook By-Pass, Heathrow North Garage via 435 and Bath Road/Colnbrook By-Pass (commercial 75) from 23rd November 2013. This extension is funded by BAA and L1/Heathrow Buses.
Route 490 will be extended from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Colnbrook By-Pass, Heathrow North Garage via N95 and Route 350 will be extended to Langley, Axis Park via N95 and (commercial) 75. These extensions are funded by BAA, Slough Borough Council (350 only) and L1/Heathrow Buses. Both routes will be converted fully to double deck too. These extensions will start on 18th January 2014.
Due to the 480 transferring operator, the route is withdrawn between Acton High Street and Hanwell Terminus, as funding for that section is withdrawn. Route E8 will be increased in frequency to compensate. However, for the southern section, a double deck working tendered 480D will be tendered next month.
Route 311 will convert partly to NBfL operation when the 392 gets a full NBfL allocation (OPO on the 311), but will be operated with fully crewed NBfL from 31st May 2014.
Routes 15, 392, 38, 390, 7, 148 and 311 are the next conversions to NBfL:
15/392 - 2nd November 2013
38 - 23rd November 2013
390 - 30th November 2013 - in stages
7 - 22nd February 2014
148 - 29th March 2014 - in stages
311 - 31st May 2014
New Route 457 will be tendered next month and it runs from Colnbrook, Brands Hill via Stanwell, Stanwell Moor, Ashford to Feltham. The route will start on 31st May 2014.
Route 255 (Cheshunt-Debden, Roadrunner Coaches) will be part of TfL under the number 442, with routing standardised. Route 541 (Debden-Harlow, Trustybus) will be part of TfL under the number 475, with routing standardised to the Mon-Sat evenings/Sunday routing. Route 306 (Borhamwood-North Watford, Sullivan Buses) will be part of TfL under 306, with routing now Arkley, Arkley Hotel-Watford Junction, not serving Borhamwood Estates, covered by new Herts Route B6. These routes will be tendered next month.
November Tenders (note there are no December Tenders):
Tranche 168:
71: Chessington World of Adventures Station-Kingston (London United)
281/281N: Tolworth-Hounslow Bus Station (London United)
406: Epsom-Kingston (Quality Line/RATP)
418: Epsom-Kingston (Quality Line/RATP)
Tranche 170:
100: Liverpool Street-Shadwell (Abellio London)
Tranche 171:
4: Archway-Waterloo (Metroline)
43/43N: London Bridge-Friern Barnet (Metroline)
Tranche 173:
153: Finsbury Park-Liverpool Street (CT Plus)
Tranche 174:
357: Whipps Cross-Chingford Hatch (London General)
397: Crooked Billet-Debden (Arriva London)
Tranche 176:
176/176N: Tottenham Court Road Centrepoint-Penge (Arriva London)
Tranche 177:
65: Ealing Broadway-Kingston (London United)
N65: Southall, Ascot Gardens-Chessington (London United)
Tranche 177A:
457: Colnbrook/HN Garage-Feltham Station (new route)
Tranche 178:
224: Wembley Stadium-St Raphael's Estate (L1/Heathrow Buses)
239: Clapham Junction-Hammersmith (L1/Heathrow Buses)
338: Kingston Hospital-Turnham Green (L1/Heathrow Buses)
Tranche 179:
22: Piccadilly Circus-(Barnes Common) (London General)
49/49N: White City-Clapham Junction (London United)
232: St Raphael's Estate-Turnpike Lane (Metroline)
286: Greenwich-Sidcup (Arriva Kent Thameside)
332: Brent Park-Paddington (Metroline)
N22: Kingston-Trafalgar Square (London General)
Tranche 179A:
306: Arkley-Watford Junction (new tendered route, formerly 306 with Sullivan Buses)
442: Cheshunt-Debden (new tendered route, formerly 255 with Roadrunner Coaches)
475: Loughton-Harlow (new tendered route, formerly 541 with Trustybus)
480D: East Acton-Richmond (L1/Heathrow Buses)
Tranche 180:
293: Morden-Epsom (Metrobus)
407: Caterham-Sutton (Abellio London)
661: Petts Wood-Eltham College (London Central)
669: Thamesmead-Cleeve Park School (London Central)
672: Thamesmead-Woolwich (Stagecoach)
Tranche 195 (three months early):
113: Edgware-Marble Arch (Metroline)
N113: Trafalgar Square-Edgware (Metroline)
London OmniBus Updates
Time for your regular London OmniBus update!
Recent tender awards announced that we have won routes 223 and 420, and intend to operate both with existing MAN/MCV buses. Route 421 will get new Tempos replacing the MAN/MCVs.
Route 420 is a new route which runs from Heathrow Terminal 6 to Denham via West Drayton and Iver. As it follows the busiest part of commercial route 45, the 45 will be withdrawn when the 420 contract begins. What will be done with the three Optare Versas has yet to be decided. Route 41 will continue to operate between Terminal 6 and Britwell, albeit with an amended timetable including a few services terminating at West Drayton Rail Stn.
Over the course of the next few weeks, many buses are being refurbished including MAN/MCVs for Byfleet routes, Scania OmniCitys for route 195, Wright Meridian 113 for route 701 and 114 for route 218A. In addition, three buses are set to be withdrawn and either sold on or scrapped, these being 152 (CB52BUS), 104 (CU04AMK) and 106 (CU56AVP).
The MAN 18.290 / Plaxton President buses will arrive in late November to convert route 195 to double-deck, and one more B5LH / President has been ordered to take up services at Harrow Weald (HD).
That's all for now, another update will precede once any more major changes are announced!
Sunday 20 October 2013
L1/Group News October 2013
General Note:
The Loaned Fleet (with same numbers):
ex-Metroline VP317-347, 466-472, 474, 476, 477, 479. Code VPN These will be returned when the 409 passes to Croydon Buses in 2014.
ex-GAL WVL124-126, on loan from Southdown PSV. Code WVN. These have been returned to Southdown PSV for sale.
TE1256, the E45H demonstrator with non-standard doors will now move across each of the garages over 25 weeks (three weeks at each garage, 4 at UP), moving to SA on 27th October, before moving to DI from the 20th November, and continuing via WE, LF, UP (for 4 weeks), HO, SD and U before returning to HN for use on Route X91.
In partnership with Philippine Airlines and Philippine Tourism Board, we will start accepting their air tickets on the 7series. In response, we will place Philippine Airlines and "It's More Fun in the Philippines" adverts on some of our non-showbus double deckers and two 7series Citaros.
In another partnership with local football club (of which one of the owners is a supporter of) Brentford FC, adverts for them will appear on many buses from Heathrow Buses, and ten so far have been adorned with overall advertising for the football club for the season.
This is in addition to the existing arrangements with all over adverts on double decker (mainly) buses.
Heathrow North (HN)
The "Slough Locals" DEs are being refurbished and repainted to a base yellow:
DE391-399, DE494-504. The new Beeline livery will be applied after the 2nd November, when the official launch for Beeline is done.
Some buses will be used on the 409 from November under the temporary contract, mainly VPNs will be used, the same buses used on the 408 earlier this year.
The Volvo B5TL demonstrator is at HN on Route 105 (usually), coded VTN1090 and will move on 4th November to the 456 at SA
For Greenline 701/702, TENs ex-23 are being refurbished at HN, and will be ready by December 2013. Regular TEs will be drafted into HN as spares.
Route 335 will now have a half/half allocation at each HN and SA, as opposed to just the double decker workings. All the MCNs (non-hybrids) will move to HN, leaving the hybrid MCs at SA.
Route 9 (Addlestone-Englefield Green) operated by Jeakins Coaches currently will be transferring to L1/Heathrow Buses from 4th November 2013 using 2 E25Hs from either Beeline or Surrey Local services. The route will be advertised as a "Surrey Local" route, and will run hourly Mon-Sat, every 2hrs every Sunday. Also, it would be extended to Slough from Englefield Green Cherrywood Avenue, thus a 3rd bus may be needed.
Route 305 (Colnbrook-Staines) operated by Bear Buses currently will be transferring to L1/Heathrow Buses from 20th November 2013 using 2 E25H from Beeline services. The route will be advertised as a "Beeline" route, and will run hourly Mon-Sat only, except late evenings. The route will be extended on the same date to Heathrow North Bus Garage.
7series X74 will be extended to Oxford Station from Oxford Carfax from 2nd November 2013. The PVR will increase by 1, this covered by TE peak extras being all day, until new extra buses arrive for the 7series/Surrey Locals. This may be the Enviro 350H (options are being evaluated).
A E350H from First Essex is being evaluated for use on 7series. This bus will run on route 74 as an extra bus, or on the 75 peak extras. In response, a E25H bus will move to First Essex to cover, and evaluation. This will be from the London fleet, displaced from the 456.
RML2584 (JJD584D) and RML2569 (JJD569D) are new acquisitions for the heritage fleet from various owners in order to help supplement the existing fleet of heritage Routemasters, and the hand-over will be at HN Open Day, on the 2nd November 2013.
Southall (SA)
Garage news - the site now has access via a new level crossing towards Southall Station, on the western end, adjacent to the Brentford Branch Line off the GWML. Unless there is a train passing, the level crossing will be in use for buses, allowing an adjacent site to be annexed to Southall Garage. The annex is currently being used to store LTs for the 392 full route conversion, where 45 LTs are planned to be used. Half the allocation will be shared with 311 at DI, half at the 392 solely.
The duty share between Routes 695 and 392 has ended, the working moving solely to the 392 in order to get full day extra workings on this busy route. Route 695 shared duty will now share with Route 483 on Monday-Thursday, and will share with Route 311 on Friday, both at DI. This change happens on the week beginning 21st October 2013.
LTs 112-138 will be based at SA.
Due to bus shortages, the conversion of Route 456 to full allocated double decker with increased frequency will be deferred, thus incurring penalties for us (it is currently allocated single deckers, but using mostly double deckers due to overcrowding). This has also led to Route 195 being pressured to be double decked too.
Both conversions are expected to be done by February.
New E45Hs are being built for the 456 at this time (TE1300-1325), with TE1300 expected in service in November.
OVE1 that was in not in service trials on the 456 has now gone to another operator.
Route N7 has transferred to SA, no buses have moved.
Route 335 will now have a half/half allocation at each HN and SA, as opposed to just the double decker workings. All the MCNs (non-hybrids) will move to HN, leaving the hybrid MCs at SA.
The deliveries for the 83 contract are continuing, with TE1270 (E45H) in service as of posting.
Brentford (DI)
We say farewell to another DI route, Route 267, moving back to its former home with London United Fulwell. The E40Hs will be distributed across the company.
All ex-First "DNH" (TE) buses have L1/Group logos applied and are in a refurbishment at HN at the moment.
All diesel buses from the 23 (except TEN111) have been replaced with TE (E40H/E45H) ex-266.
Route 695 shared duty will now share with Route 483 on Monday-Thursday, and will share with Route 311 on Friday, both at DI. This change happens on the week beginning 21st October 2013. LTs 139-164 will be based at DI, along with existing LTs 1 and 50 (for the earlier trials).
From 2nd November, Route 392 will have half the allocation shared with 311 at DI, half at the 392 solely. This means that Route 311 will be officially converted to NBfL with another batch of NBfLs eventually, after modifications to Kew Riverside Bus Station are made. This is planned to be 31st May 2014.
Wembley (WE)
NBfLs from the trial at DI and for 392 are at WE for driver training for Route 16.
Due to the future loss of the 18 and N18, N18 will move to WE from 2nd November.
Fulwell (LF)
Routes 85 and 213 are now settling nicely at Fulwell Garage with their new E45Hs.
The first production E45H, TE1257 is in service in UP, running mainly on the 5 and 248.
Hackney (HO)
Stratford (SD)
Upton Park (U)
The Loaned Fleet (with same numbers):
ex-Metroline VP317-347, 466-472, 474, 476, 477, 479. Code VPN These will be returned when the 409 passes to Croydon Buses in 2014.
ex-GAL WVL124-126, on loan from Southdown PSV. Code WVN. These have been returned to Southdown PSV for sale.
TE1256, the E45H demonstrator with non-standard doors will now move across each of the garages over 25 weeks (three weeks at each garage, 4 at UP), moving to SA on 27th October, before moving to DI from the 20th November, and continuing via WE, LF, UP (for 4 weeks), HO, SD and U before returning to HN for use on Route X91.
In partnership with Philippine Airlines and Philippine Tourism Board, we will start accepting their air tickets on the 7series. In response, we will place Philippine Airlines and "It's More Fun in the Philippines" adverts on some of our non-showbus double deckers and two 7series Citaros.
In another partnership with local football club (of which one of the owners is a supporter of) Brentford FC, adverts for them will appear on many buses from Heathrow Buses, and ten so far have been adorned with overall advertising for the football club for the season.
This is in addition to the existing arrangements with all over adverts on double decker (mainly) buses.
L1/Heathrow Buses
The "Slough Locals" DEs are being refurbished and repainted to a base yellow:
DE391-399, DE494-504. The new Beeline livery will be applied after the 2nd November, when the official launch for Beeline is done.
Some buses will be used on the 409 from November under the temporary contract, mainly VPNs will be used, the same buses used on the 408 earlier this year.
The Volvo B5TL demonstrator is at HN on Route 105 (usually), coded VTN1090 and will move on 4th November to the 456 at SA
For Greenline 701/702, TENs ex-23 are being refurbished at HN, and will be ready by December 2013. Regular TEs will be drafted into HN as spares.
Route 335 will now have a half/half allocation at each HN and SA, as opposed to just the double decker workings. All the MCNs (non-hybrids) will move to HN, leaving the hybrid MCs at SA.
Route 9 (Addlestone-Englefield Green) operated by Jeakins Coaches currently will be transferring to L1/Heathrow Buses from 4th November 2013 using 2 E25Hs from either Beeline or Surrey Local services. The route will be advertised as a "Surrey Local" route, and will run hourly Mon-Sat, every 2hrs every Sunday. Also, it would be extended to Slough from Englefield Green Cherrywood Avenue, thus a 3rd bus may be needed.
Route 305 (Colnbrook-Staines) operated by Bear Buses currently will be transferring to L1/Heathrow Buses from 20th November 2013 using 2 E25H from Beeline services. The route will be advertised as a "Beeline" route, and will run hourly Mon-Sat only, except late evenings. The route will be extended on the same date to Heathrow North Bus Garage.
7series X74 will be extended to Oxford Station from Oxford Carfax from 2nd November 2013. The PVR will increase by 1, this covered by TE peak extras being all day, until new extra buses arrive for the 7series/Surrey Locals. This may be the Enviro 350H (options are being evaluated).
A E350H from First Essex is being evaluated for use on 7series. This bus will run on route 74 as an extra bus, or on the 75 peak extras. In response, a E25H bus will move to First Essex to cover, and evaluation. This will be from the London fleet, displaced from the 456.
RML2584 (JJD584D) and RML2569 (JJD569D) are new acquisitions for the heritage fleet from various owners in order to help supplement the existing fleet of heritage Routemasters, and the hand-over will be at HN Open Day, on the 2nd November 2013.
Southall (SA)
Garage news - the site now has access via a new level crossing towards Southall Station, on the western end, adjacent to the Brentford Branch Line off the GWML. Unless there is a train passing, the level crossing will be in use for buses, allowing an adjacent site to be annexed to Southall Garage. The annex is currently being used to store LTs for the 392 full route conversion, where 45 LTs are planned to be used. Half the allocation will be shared with 311 at DI, half at the 392 solely.
The duty share between Routes 695 and 392 has ended, the working moving solely to the 392 in order to get full day extra workings on this busy route. Route 695 shared duty will now share with Route 483 on Monday-Thursday, and will share with Route 311 on Friday, both at DI. This change happens on the week beginning 21st October 2013.
LTs 112-138 will be based at SA.
Due to bus shortages, the conversion of Route 456 to full allocated double decker with increased frequency will be deferred, thus incurring penalties for us (it is currently allocated single deckers, but using mostly double deckers due to overcrowding). This has also led to Route 195 being pressured to be double decked too.
Both conversions are expected to be done by February.
New E45Hs are being built for the 456 at this time (TE1300-1325), with TE1300 expected in service in November.
OVE1 that was in not in service trials on the 456 has now gone to another operator.
Route N7 has transferred to SA, no buses have moved.
Route 335 will now have a half/half allocation at each HN and SA, as opposed to just the double decker workings. All the MCNs (non-hybrids) will move to HN, leaving the hybrid MCs at SA.
The deliveries for the 83 contract are continuing, with TE1270 (E45H) in service as of posting.
Brentford (DI)
We say farewell to another DI route, Route 267, moving back to its former home with London United Fulwell. The E40Hs will be distributed across the company.
All ex-First "DNH" (TE) buses have L1/Group logos applied and are in a refurbishment at HN at the moment.
All diesel buses from the 23 (except TEN111) have been replaced with TE (E40H/E45H) ex-266.
Route 695 shared duty will now share with Route 483 on Monday-Thursday, and will share with Route 311 on Friday, both at DI. This change happens on the week beginning 21st October 2013. LTs 139-164 will be based at DI, along with existing LTs 1 and 50 (for the earlier trials).
From 2nd November, Route 392 will have half the allocation shared with 311 at DI, half at the 392 solely. This means that Route 311 will be officially converted to NBfL with another batch of NBfLs eventually, after modifications to Kew Riverside Bus Station are made. This is planned to be 31st May 2014.
Wembley (WE)
NBfLs from the trial at DI and for 392 are at WE for driver training for Route 16.
Due to the future loss of the 18 and N18, N18 will move to WE from 2nd November.
Fulwell (LF)
Routes 85 and 213 are now settling nicely at Fulwell Garage with their new E45Hs.
L1/Romford Buses
Upminster (UP)
The first Volvo B5LH/Plaxton President for the East London Transit is at UP for evaluation.
The first Volvo B5LH/Plaxton President for the East London Transit is at UP for evaluation.
The first production E45H, TE1257 is in service in UP, running mainly on the 5 and 248.
Hackney (HO)
E45H has been ordered for 55/N55, Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini 2 (x5 - the last new Wright Gemini 2s), Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini 3 (x15) and Plaxton President (x9) have been ordered for the 48. The Volvo Gemini 3s will be coded VT.
Stratford (SD)
Routes 25 (full HO allocation), 425 has moved to SD. Existing TELs and TEs for the 25/425 have moved for the change.
Upton Park (U)
All the LTs for the 15 conversion to NBfL are currently being stored at UP before use. Some are being tested on Routes 15 and N15.
Tuesday 8 October 2013
Croydon Buses Mini-Update
This is a small update to keep you up to date with the latest stuff at Croydon Buses Ltd. We have recently purchased 2 buses, both of which are Dart Pointers. These are; MX56YHE (PDL2), a 10.7m Dart Pointer for Route 445, our new commercial route between Biggin Hill and East Croydon, Bus Garage running every 2 hours. Another bus we have purchased is AE53GHF (PDL1), a 8.8 metre Dart Pointer for Route 445, as a spare bus. We have since refurbished these buses, and here are some pictures! (PDL1 is pictured on test run at Waddon Marsh, PDL2 is on Wellesley Road doing route learning)
PDL1 at Waddon Marsh tram stop, route learning. It seems one of our drivers got a little lost!
PDL2 in Wellesley Road, route learning.
That's it from us, we'll update you in 2 weeks, cheerio!
Monday 7 October 2013
Henlev Group News: Cornish pasty
Henlev Buses in London are proud to have gained the 411 contract from Quality Line. 8 Mercedes Benz Citaro 12m have been ordered for the route which will run from our Walton & Molsey garage.
The T88 trials have been somewhat successful with a Caetano Nimbus and a Dennis Dart proving to be the most suitable buses for this route. Therefore, 5 Enviro E25H's will be ordered for the route. These should be in service by the end of the year. Until then, spares will continue to be used on this service.
The new SDE's entered service on the 598 two weeks ago, however SDE4 was involved in a RTI, so PP01 has been transferred back to Barwell to replace it while it is sent for repairs at Alexander Dennis.
Henlev is also in the process of buying Coaches Etc's division, Buses etc. The services run by Buses Etc would transfer to Chessington garage, but the coaches will remain at Dorking South as the garage will still be owned by Coaches Etc. If the deal goes ahead, the purchase price would be £1 million
More bad news comes here as one MCA (Citaro G) has caught fire whilst operating the 18 (Newport - Apse heath). All MAL's have been withdrawn and all but one is awaiting scrap. The one not being scrapped will be sent as a donation to the Isle of Wight bus museum for preservation.
Route replanning is well underway with timetables and duties being compiled for the new 1 service replacing current routes 4 and 5. The current route 1 will be renumbered 10 and will continue to run as normal. New route 1 will provide more frequent services between Ryde/Newport and East Cowes.
New night services will also follow soon
Thats all from Henlev for this month, Goodbye!
Friday 4 October 2013
London OmniBus: By the Fleet
Officially at 0300 tomorrow morning, Byfleet (BF) garage will become London OmniBus property.
We'd like to firstly thank L1/Group for their cooperation behind the transferal and the drivers who are switching companies to become part of our wonderful team.
In the run up to the addition of BF to our garage collection, it was decided to transfer a few other commercial services which we already operate to the garage. These include:
Route 218 - Staines to Kingston
Route 218A - Staines to Shepperton
Route 701 - Heathrow Central to Woking (National Express Railair)
The buses have been transferred accordingly.
Finally, refurbishments for other buses are currently under the way smoothly, and I will update you again soon!
FRED BRUNDELL
We'd like to firstly thank L1/Group for their cooperation behind the transferal and the drivers who are switching companies to become part of our wonderful team.
In the run up to the addition of BF to our garage collection, it was decided to transfer a few other commercial services which we already operate to the garage. These include:
Route 218 - Staines to Kingston
Route 218A - Staines to Shepperton
Route 701 - Heathrow Central to Woking (National Express Railair)
The buses have been transferred accordingly.
Finally, refurbishments for other buses are currently under the way smoothly, and I will update you again soon!
FRED BRUNDELL
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