On 19th December 2013, a new tender result was released in the London Bus industry. Ones which people had been waiting for quite some time, originally due to be released in October that year, they were late by over two months. Many enthusiasts were wondering what was going on behind the scenes. 

When the results were finally released, two routes were announced. Route 8 and Route 100. The 100 had been lost from Abellio London's Walworth (WL) garage and was awarded to Go Ahead London's Mandela way garage. New Single Decker Hybrids were specified, causing a lot of excitement as these were to be the first Hybrid Single Decker buses London was to see in a long time.

Speculation had started that these were to be Wright StreetLite Hybrid buses with a Hybrid system powered by Williams. Then later it was announced that Streetlites hadn't been ordered and instead Go Ahead London had opted for Enviro200 buses, but still Hybrid and powered by Williams. Then a few months later, it was confirmed the buses weren't going to be Hybrids but Diesels fitted with a Flywheel made by Williams.

A few months later, even further disappointment came when it was announced that the new buses would not be ready for the start of he contract. Instead Go Ahead London were going to loan the current buses on the 100 from Abellio London.

On 20th September 2014, the day came where the route was due to be handed over to Go Ahead London. As was stated, existing Abellio Enviro200s and Plaxton Pointer buses were still running the route albeit with Go Ahead London stickers plastered over the Abellio London logos. The buses were to be housed in Mandela Way garage as originally planned. As these buses aren't officially owned by Go Ahead London, they still contain WL garage codes, and Abellio fleetcodes. Upon their return to Abellio

Then finally in December, there were reports of the first few buses being delivered and spotted in the garage. Then on Friday the 19th, SE219 was the first Go Ahead London bus to operate on the 100.

© GloriousWater 2014

The buses are 9.6m, and a very minor change is that the windows towards the rear of the bus are configured slightly differently to earlier versions, (therefore the roundel on the nearside looks slightly squashed). Other than that, there isn't much of a change in terms of the vehicle type for the route. It has just become another one of London's single decker routes which has had Enviro200s replaced by Enviro200s joining C1, 251, 493, 233, K1, K3, 434, 165, 256, E10 and 286. 

What do you think of the 100 changing operators? Did you prefer it at Abellio or do you prefer it with Go Ahead London. Please let us know your views in the comments section below!

Route 34 is a unique route, it is special in the fact that it is one of few routes which go from North East London to North West London. From Walthamstow Central to Barnet Church. When the route was up for tender, it interested many as there was a wide variety of operators who could bid for the route, from Stagecoach to Metroline, as well as there always remaining the possibility that the route would be retained by Arriva London continuing many years of History.

© GloriousWater 2014

On the 21st of May, the long awaited tender results were revealed. To much people's surprise, the route was announced to be coming to an end with it's history as an Arriva London route, and begin a new era with Metroline from their Potters Bar (PB) garage. Many enthusiasts were awaiting this change due to take place on the 8th of November. It was later announced that Metroline had opted to order Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 buses for the route, although in practice they were to be diverted to the 82 in return for the 13reg and 62reg TEs.

© GloriousWater 2014

Eventually 8th of November came, and to many people's surprise there were quite a few Wright Eclipse Gemini 3s (VWHs) on the 34, alongside spare TEs from Cricklewood (W) and Holloway (HT) made available.  In the picture to the right, we can see VWH2028 on stand at Walthamstow Bus Station on it's first day of service on the route. Funnily enough, not a single VWH has managed to make it onto route 82 at the time of writing this post. Prior to these buses entering service, rumours had it that the buses will no be able to have regular service on route 34 as the route had some speed bumps that would damage the bus. But that has now been proved to be false.

©GloriousWater 2014

As I said earlier, the route is also home to some TEs which have been transferred from Holloway (HT) and Cricklewood (W). In the photo to the left TE929 takes stand at Walthamstow Bus Station awaiting departure on a journey to Barnet Church. On the first day itself we can see that some drivers have forgotten to set certain blinds to the correct routes. Hopefully this does not have any significance on the route's future with Metroline.



So what do you think of this change? Metroline finally enter East London after many years of being a North and West London operator. Arriva also continue their spell of losing routes and not winning any. Would you like to see Arriva operating the 34 again, or are you happy to let it remain with Metroline? Please let is know in the comments section!

Welcome to the first edition of The Monthly Recap brought to you by The Team at The London Bus Blog. This is a new monthly series that will highlight all the news from the London bus scene over the past month. It is due at the end of each month.

Now sit back and enjoy!

Abellio London

8520, YX59BYN on route 201
©Unorm001

The operations of route 201 (Herne Hill - Morden) duly passed to Abellio from Go-Ahead London: London General on the 4th of October. It's currently operating with Alexander Dennis Enviro200's from routes 152, 407 and T33 until its own Alexander Dennis 200's arrive, more on that later. Older Alexander ALX400's have been deployed on routes 152 and 407 until the 201's buses arrive.

The loan of the 100's buses to Go-Ahead London: London General is set to continue for another month or so.

Route 415 (Elephant & Castle - Tulse Hill), which is due to join Abellio in March, is to be extended upon arrival. It will be extended to Old Kent Road Tesco via route 168 upon the new contract.

Arriva London

A loss, a retain, a conversion, an extension, and a garage shuffle all to be reported for Arriva: 

Route 135 (Crossharbour - Old Street) was lost to Go-Ahead London: Docklands Buses. It's not yet been announced where the current buses on the 135 will go when the route is lost.

Route 253 was retained with double-decker buses, the type yet to be confirmed. 

Soon to be a thing of the past.

Routes 137 (Oxford Circus - Streatham Hill, Telford Avenue) is to be converted to New Routemaster operation from 22nd November. It is not yet confirmed if the night division (N137: Crystal Palace - Oxford Circus) will convert too.

Route N133 is to be extended from Mitcham to Morden, the date has not yet been confirmed.

Route 312's (Norwood Junction - West Croydon) Optare MetroCity EV (Electric Vehicles) are still due to arrive at South Croydon (TC) garage. They are coded EMC1 and EMC2. A charging pod has been put in place at the garage, according to our sources. 

A garage shuffle is planned in the north for routes 141, 318, 329 and W6 on the 8th of November. And route on the 11th of November:

Route 141 will transfer to Palmers Green (AD) from Wood Green (WN) however, some of its buses will remain at Palmers Green (AD) due to lack of space.

Route 184 will have its buses moved from Edmonton (EC) to Wood Green (WN).

Route 318 will transfer to Enfield (E) from Tottenham (AR).

Route 329 will have its buses that were stored at Wood Green (WN) moved back to Palmers Green (AD).

Route W6 will transfer to Enfield (E) from Tottenham (AR).

Go-Ahead London

A pretty quiet month for London's biggest operator. Let's have a look:

Route 135 (Crossharbour - Old Street) was gained from Arriva London. It will begin operation with Docklands Buses on 23rd May 2015 with 15 brand new battery-hybrid double-decker buses.

Route 100's Alexander Dennis Enviro200 flywheel-hybrid single-decker buses have yet to arrive. They aren't expected for another month or so.

Arriva London's 8.9m Alexander Dennis Enviro200 buses that are currently being used on the 192 will be loaned to London General when the route transfers next month. This is because of the Alexander Dennis Enviro200 flywheel-hybrid single-decker buses ordered for the route have yet to arrive. They aren't expected until early 2015.

Routes 44 (Tooting Station - Victoria) and route 185 (Lewisham - Victoria) have both received Monday to Friday peak frequency increases. They will both be increased to every 8 minutes from tomorrow. 

Route 436 (Lewisham Shopping Centre - Paddington) will have a PVR decrease of 1 reducing to the PVR to 32. The Monday to Friday peak frequency decreases to every 6 minutes from tomorrow.

LOTS TLB has said route 432, which will transfer in May 2015, will now operate under London Central from Camberwell garage with existing WHVs. Where the WHVs will come from is not yet known, it could come from routes 12, 19 or 22. We'll keep you updated.

LT277, LTZ1277 in Ballymena before delivery
©Donrobni

Route 453's New Routemaster conversion is moving slower than we all expected. The highest number of LTs in service was 7, with only 2 usually found on the route. The conversion is now expected to be complete by the end of November.

Metroline

Routes 245, 460, A10 and U1 were all retained by Metroline this month.

The 245 and 460 have been retained with new or existing double-deckers, no change to either PVR. The new contract starts on the 27th of June 2015.

The 331 and U10 have been retained with new flyhweel-hybrid single-decker buses, no change to either PVR. The new contract for the 331 starts on the 4th of July 2015 and the U10 starts on the 2nd of May 2015.

VWH2024, LK64EDC at the CELF
©Anthony Or

The delivery of the new VWHs has begun for Potters Bar route 82 (North Finchley - Victoria). They are numbered 2024-2045 and were originally bought for the 34, which transfers from Arriva London on the 8th next month. The 34 will use TE1420-1441 instead.

DEL2070, LK64ECY on route 112
©LondonBuses72

And the news we've all been waiting for! The DELs for the 112 have finally entered service! DEL2062-2071 began to enter service at Cricklewood last week. They are registered LK64ECE/F/J/N/T/V/W/X/Y/Z. 







Stagecoach

36584, YY64GRK on route 273 on its first day.
©GloriousWater

The final hybrid entries and new diesels this month for Stagecoach.

The last hybrids of a mass order from Stagecoach have started to enter service at Plumstead (PD). The 30 strong batch of Alexander Dennis Enviro400 hybrids, numbered 12334-12363, are gradually entering service on routes 51, 53, 122, 177 and 472. They are intended for the 99, 122 and 472. They are registered 12334-12350, SN64OGG/H/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/R/S/T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z and 12351-12363, SN64OHA/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/J/K/L/O/P.

12 new diesel buses are due to enter service this month at Catford (TL). 4 of the 12 buses are 8.9m Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-decker buses for routes 124 and 354, numbered and registered as so, 36584-36587, YY64GRK/U/X/Z. The final 8 buses are 10.2m Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-decker buses for route 136's PVR increase back in May when it was extended to Elephant & Castle. They are numbered 10198-10205, the registrations are not yet known. The older Tridents that were covering will be withdrawn upon arrival of the new buses.

New Routemasters, LT312 and LT313 for the 55, have been delivered to Stagecoach Dundee. They will be trialed on the Tayway service between Dundee and Arbroath until the end of the year before returning to London for the 55 (Oxford Circus - Leyton, Baker Arms). LT314, LT315 and LT316 shall also be in London shortly for the 55 but aren't expected to enter service.

Tower Transit

Tower Transit's orders are out for their recently won routes. Still no news on their proposed Enfield garage.

33 new buses are on order for routes 212, 444 and 488. 

11 - 10.8m Alexander Dennis Enviro200 flywheel-hybrids for route 488 

11 - 10.8m Wright StreetLite DF for route 444
11- 10.5m Volvo B5LH/Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 for route 212.

At the moment, they're all expected to operate from Lea Interchange garage - unless the proposed Picketts Lock garage is accepted by Enfield council and built in time.

6 ex-Stagecoach Dennis Trident 2/Alexander ALX400 double-decker buses are on loan to Tower Transit from Ensignbus until March 2015. They will be used on routes 28, 31 and 328 whilst essential roadworks are completed on Great Western Road, Westbourne Park.

The 6 buses:

LX04FXJ 33200
LX04FXL 33201
LX04FXP 33202
LX04FXV 33203
LX04FXW 33204
LX04FYB 33205

What to Expect Next Month

More news on the Alexander Dennis orders, Arriva's MetroCity's, New Routemaster conversions, Go-Ahead London's fleet shuffle and Wright's new Gemini design.

A big thank you to our photo contributors; you can view their wonderful Flickr Photostreams below:

Anthony Or - https://www.flickr.com/photos/b777-200_g-ymmh/
Donrobni - https://www.flickr.com/photos/81709772@N07/
Unorm001 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/122132542@N02/favorites/

All photographs found on this blog are subject to copyright, images shall not be copied or printed without the written permission of the original photographer or authors of The London Bus Blog. Under all circumstances, copyright remains with the original photographers and people found to re-use without permission are breaking the law and are eligible for legal action taken against them and possible prosecution under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988. Thank you.

Thank you for reading this month's recap, please come again!

Stagecoach-operated route 472, operated from Plumstead (PD), is finally converting to hybrid operation after a long delay.

© GloriousWater 2014

Last year it was announced that the 472's contract had been retained by Stagecoach with new hybrid buses due in January/February 2014. But as most enthusiasts know by now, Stagecoach had a massive shuffle of the hybrids so other routes got shiny new Enviro400s and Gemini 3s while the 472 kept running with the old Tridents, some of which were among the oldest in the Stagecoach fleet.

So here are some pictures of the old stuff on the 472.

17427, which is among several Tridents since transferred to TL for the 136 extension.

©GloriousWater 2014

©GloriousWater 2014

A common working was (and still is) an 11-reg E400 diesel, such as 19748 seen here picking up in Thamesmead.

©GloriousWater 2014

The new hybrids started to arrive near the end of September, but took a really long time to actually go on the 472 in any large amount. They are shared with the 122, and are pretty much the same as the batch delivered to TL in March. The conversion is still ongoing, so diesel buses remain common on the route.

Brand new 12342 in Thamesmead.

©GloriousWater 2014

Similar 14-reg hybrids delivered in May for the 122 also appear on the route (more often than the intended 64-reg in fact) as shown here by 12302.

©GloriousWater 2014

So overall, a very quiet conversion. Now there's just time for the fleetlist. Vehicles in italics are not yet in service at the time of writing.

Route 472 fleetlist:
12334 - SN64OGG
12335 - SN64OGH
12336 - SN64OGJ
12337 - SN64OGK
12338 - SN64OGL
12339 - SN64OGM
12340 - SN64OGO
12341 - SN64OGP
12342 - SN64OGR
12343 - SN64OGS
12344 - SN64OGT
12345 - SN64OGU
12346 - SN64OGV
12347 - SN64OGW
12348 - SN64OGX
12349 - SN64OGY
12350 - SN64OGZ
12351 - SN64OHA
12352 - SN64OHB
12353 - SN64OHC
12354 - SN64OHD
12355 - SN64OHE
12356 - SN64OHF
12357 - SN64OHG
12358 - SN64OHH
12359 - SN64OHJ
12360 - SN64OHK
12361 - SN64OHL
12362 - SN64OHO
12363 - SN64OHP

Thank you for reading this post, please visit again soon!

Unallocated: 2459, SL14DDX on route 49

On Saturday the 6th of September, Abellio London successfully took over the operations of the 49 from London United. The route is operated from Queenstown Battersea with 22 Alexander Dennis Enviro400Hs (2465-2486).

Abellio London ended London United's 15-year grip of the 49 on the 6th, as they took over from the west London powerhouse with brand new cleaner, greener hybrids. The 49 runs between Clapham Junction, Bolingbroke Grove and White City Bus Station passing through Battersea, Chelsea and Kensington on the way. It makes for a nice journey as the route passes many, detailed and historic houses.

The 49 was part of Tranche 449 (oh, the irony), and was the only route not to gain a 2-year contract extension, for the third consecutive time under London United. Unfortunately for them, this time, the route was lost to London's second youngest bus operator, Abellio. The change does bring a few positives to London United, it allows them to displace older buses in their fleet with the current Scania OmniCity (SP) buses on the route.

Now, let's take a look at the history...

London United won the route from London General back in September 1999 with 10.8m Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 2 (DP80-99) buses, converting the CBC (Chelsea-Battersea-Clapham Junction) link to single-deck operation, with the 319 and 345 already single-decked. However, London United's takeover of the London General route didn't go so deckers. Due to weight restrictions on Hammersmith Bridge, the new 10.2m Plaxton Pointer 2 buses for the 209 were unable to cross the bridge as they were too heavy, and with the 49's DPs running late a logical deal was agreed that London United would continue to operate the 209 with the existing buses and Armchair would operate the route with the new buses intended for the 209 until they were cleared to cross.
smoothly.

Taken at Clapham Junction on 04/09/2014

Moving into 2004, the route was retained by London United for the first time, with much needed double-deckers, those consisting of new buses in the form of ten East Lancs Myllennium Vyking (VE) buses on a Voith Volvo B7TL chassis and existing buses in the form of 12 Alexander ALX400 (VA) buses on a ZF Volvo B7TL chassis transferred from the 337, which was lost to Arriva. These buses went on to work the route for the next 5 years.

The 49 was re-awarded to London United in 2009 with new buses to run alongside the VEs. The VAs were replaced by Scania N230UD chassised Scania OmniCity (SP) buses, this remained the allocation up to 2014 with a few other bus types temporarily filling in, more on that later. Shortly after the second contract renewal, the 49 was listed in London's Top 10 bunching on the route being recorded. As timed move forward, certain bus types were no longer to be seen on the 49. Common workings of the 52-reg VAs allocated to the 220, disappeared after new buses were bought for the 220. The two lingering Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs (VR) buses were withdrawn, followed by most of the spare Euro 2 VAs.

SLE43, YN55NKM on route 49
©Au Morandarte

Worst Performing Bus Routes, this has stayed with the route since with many instances of

SP32, YN08DHY on route 49 to Clapham Junction

During 2013, Shepherd's Bush became short on buses and needed some more if they were to provide for the scheduled PVR increase to 20. The two buses sent on a long-term loan were East Lancs OmniDekka bodied Scania N94UD (SLE) buses, numbered SLE43 and SLE44. This was a new type to Shepherd's Bush and nobody knew how long they would stay. They then became important to the 49's allocation with few SPs becoming problem buses (SP30 and SP35). Towards the end of 2013, the last two remaining VAs were withdrawn from service, to cover the loss, two TAs redundant from the 57 transferred over. Later on in 2014: SLE44, SP39 and SP40 all departed Shepherd's Bush, this then allowed a further four TAs to make the switch. They remained allocated to the 49.

Going back to November - On the 21st, the 49 was lost to Abellio London with 22 new hybrid double-deckers. The route was widely expected to be lost because of its inconsistent service. The specified hybrids for the route was to be a relief, cleaning the air along the busy
roads it travels along. If you want to get an idea of the inconsistent service, I took a few screenshots on London Vehicle Finder of the route at some of its bad moments.

SP34, YN08MRU on route 49

ADH16, SN60BYM on route 49

Towards the end of March (2014), the 49 was treated to an ADH (13) off route 94, this was the first time a bus of this type had made it onto the 49 in nearly 6 months. Previous workings of this bus type usually occurred during unsociable hours of the day or only made one or two trips, so yes, they were very rare. The spontaneous working of ADH13 on the cool Sunday evening was a surprise to many of us at the time, I myself, went out to get a picture, but the bus was
running earlier than I expected, thus missing the rarest working Battersea had seen in ages.

TA248, LG02FBV on route 49 to White City
©Au Morandarte

This working became a hot topic, many wondering whether they would continue to appear on the 49... And they did, becoming a vital part of the 49's allocation towards the final months of London United operation.
Apart from the increase of ADHs and TAs on the 49, the route remained quite quiet up to the last day. Scania OmniCity SP37, YN08MRY was the last bus on the 49, ending 15 years of service.

At current, SLE44, SP29-37 and TA231/8/40/5/7/8 are still in service or have no confirmed future. However, VE1-10 are all expected to return of lease in the coming weeks.
London United Fleetlist

Paper:

SP29 YN08DHU

SP30 YN08DHV

SP31 YN08DHX

SP32 YN08DHY 

SP33 YN08DHZ

SP34 YN08MRU

SP35 YN08MRV

SP36 YN08MRX

SP37 YN08MRY

SP39 YP58ACJ

SP40 YP58ACO

VE1 PG04WGN

VE2 PG04WGP

VE3 PG04WGU

VE4 PG04WGV

VE5 PG04WGW

VE6 PG04WGX

VE7 PG04WGY

VE8 PG04WGZ

VE9 PG04WHA

VE10 PG04WHB

Drafts:

SLE43 YN55NKM

SLE44 YN55NKO

TA231 LG02FAJ

TA238 LG02FBC

TA240 LG02FBE

TA245 LG02FBN

TA247 LG02FBU

TA248 LG02FBV

The change...

2482, SN64OFH setting off for Clapham Junction

2480, SN64OFE and the Westfield logo

2469, SN64OET on route C2
This was the first 64-reg to enter service
in London.

Abellio London took the operations of route 49 on the Saturday, although the buses weren't kept 'fresh' for the route, with 20 of the 22 buses all entering service prior to the changeover. Early comers, 2465 (SL14LOA) and 2466 (SL14LOD), entered service nearly 2 months before they were due to, registered on 14-plates, they worked along the other hybrids on the 211. The remaining 20 buses for the 49 came on a 64-plate, some entering service on the first legal day for 64-plate vehicles. For most of the week (Tuesday 2nd to Friday 5th), the new hybrids worked on route 156 (Wimbledon - Vauxhall), showcasing the new beasts of the 49.

After a week of service, Abellio still haven't quite got the hang of things yet, let's hope it doesn't take them too long to settle in!

Abellio London Fleetlist

2465 SL14LOA

2466 SL14LOD

2467 SN64OER

2468 SN64OES

2469 SN64OET

2470 SN64OEU

2471 SN64OEV

2472 SN64OEW

2473 SN64OEX

2474 SN64OEY

2475 SN64OEZ

2476 SN64OFA

2477 SN64OFB

2478 SN64OFC

2479 SN64OFD

2480 SN64OFE

2481 SN64OFG

2482 SN64OFH

2483 SN64OFJ

2484 SN64OFK

2485 SN64OFL

2486 SN64OFM

Unallocated: 2463, SL14DFA on route 49 at White City 

Route 49 runs between Clapham Junction, Bolingbroke Grove and White City Bus Station

Operates out of Abellio's largest garage, Queenstown Battersea (QB)

Uses 22 Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Hybrid buses

Was with London United for 15 years

Stay tuned for Part 2 due in January! 

Thank you for reading this post, please leave a comment below and be sure to return!

Route 8 was converted to New Routemaster operation on the 28th June 2014, just over a year after the first full New Routemaster conversion of the 24. Ever since the buses have entered a full service on multiple routes such as: 9, 10, 11, 38, 148, 390 and now the 8.

Prior to the conversion of the route, it was allocated with ALX400s. These were often intermixed with the batch for route 277 which is also operated from the same garage (Bow) as the 8. 

Route 8 today runs between Bow Church and Tottenham Court Road Station, it's original western destination is Oxford Circus but currently it is cut back to Tottenham Court Road due to Roadworks affecting the Holles Street stand. At the time the above picture was taken, the 8 was also cut at the eastern end from Bow Church, but it has since returned to it's original terminus of Bow Church.

A week or so before route 8 converted to New Routemaster operation, Bow Garage started taking delivery of brand new Euro6 Enviro400 Hybrids for route 205. It was unknown if these Hybrids would ever make it onto Route 8 with it's conversion date fast approaching, but nonetheless BW did give us a treat and put 14reg Hybrids on very often. In the picture on the left Jack caught up with the working and managed to take a pretty good picture of it. 

Route 8 was the first route in London to gain these types of vehicles upon contract renewal, It was announced with the tender that the route would be operating these vehicles in OPO mode only, with no conductor present at any time of the day. This is a very controversial move and there have been mixed reviews about this.

The conversion itself didn't get off to a great start, when these buses started to phase in early many of them did not have working ibus equipment and then it was at doubt whether all the buses would be delivered in time for the contract start of 28th June. But despite all the speculation, Saturday the 28th came with a full allocation of New Routemasters on the 8. 

I went out to test out the vehicles for myself on the 28th of June. I first wanted to test out the 38, but that failed miserably and after than I knew my mood was not good for making a proper judgement on the 38. After taking a quick retreat into McDonald's from a thundershower I went to Tottenham Court Road to ride the 8. 

It started off pretty well, the bus turned up 6 minutes earlier than it was scheduled to, and at no point in the Route it had to be regulated. Although the "New Bus smell" of the LTs still had quite a strong presence on the bus. Then later when we were between St Paul's and Bank we got stuck behind a group of cyclists and had no way of overtaking. But once we passed them there was one more obstical in our way, which was the Bishopsgate. Although it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and we managed to get through pretty fast.

The area of Bethnal Green, Old Ford and Bow was pretty enjoyable. Many of you may know that this area contains many tight turns, but the LTs managed to clear these turns with ease and still managed to maintain speed. But when we reached the part of the Route which I was most anticipating, the A12, I was completely upset to find a long line of cars stretching out into the distance. Eventually we reached Bow church, from where I started to make my journey home. But not until I stopped to take a few more pictures. 

Like Route 38, the 8 is home to 6 Adidas liveried buses for the 2014 World cup, I spotted one in the form of LT268. while waiting for my bus home

Overall I think Route 8 has been a Pretty decent conversion, it could have been better on many different aspects, although it did outperform itself on other sections of the Route. I will probably need to take a ride on it again once It is re-instated to Oxford Circus as I would like to see it perform that turn into Hanover square. But judging by today I don't think that would be much of a problem. 

What route is next? Route 453 is converting on the 4th October 2014 followed by Route 55 on the 28th February 2015.

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