2011 = New Enviro Orders - 2012 = The same cycle

 

In the turn of the last month Stagecoach have recieved another new set of Enviro 400s for a few of their East London routes. The fleet of these routes were starting to age and these new vehicles were needed to be compliant to TFL's latest requirements. Here's how the stories unfolded.

The first set, numbered between 19847-19858 went to Barking for Route 101. The route runs between Wanstead and Gallions Reach Shopping Park via East Ham and Beckton. This is a famous route in East London, being well known for spending nearly a century at Upton Park (U) depot. However the spell drew to a complete close when Upton Park shut last September, moving the 101 to Barking with older Tridents. Bear in mind the 101 hasn't been under low-floor double decker operation for long. It only took place in 2005 displacing Scanias.

The next set, 19859-19871 took up part of the 104 and 158 allocations at West Ham. The 104 only converted to double decker operation in 2003, when T reg Tridents displaced from the 115 duely took operation on this route when newer Tridents came for the 'Suburban' 15. There were many surplus Tridents as a result of the new Enviros coming, these have been sent to Bromley for school routes. The 158 was only won by Stagecoach from First London in 2005, and new Tridents numbered between 18266-18277 were ordered. The 158 is known to have moved depots during the 7 year stint in Stagecoach. One year into the contract the route was moved to Bow from the old Stratford base to make the space up lost from Route 67. In 2009 it was moved to Leyton as a result of the 69's day operation being moved to West Ham as a consequence of the award of Route 215. Thus filling part the gap. Last year, it was moved to West Ham as a result of Leyton not having space to suffice additional buses in the night following the loss of Route N26 to First. The route recieved an increase following increased demand due to Stratford City opening in September. So the Tridents initally ordered in 2005 were not enough for the route.

The next set, 10101-10112 were bought for the full 238 allocation at West Ham. Like the 104, this route converted to double deck operation in 2003 using displaced buses from the 115. The route runs between Stratford and Barking via Plashet Grove and East Ham.

Lastly, Route 275 - After over 20 years without inital new buses - has finally got some. These are numbered between 10113-10123 and are allocated to Leyton garage. This is a newly won route that runs between St James Street and Barkingside via Woodford and Walthamstow Central. This route was originally meant to be getting new VLA buses from its previous award in 2005, however they were diverted to Tottenham Garage. 7 years later, Arriva lose the route to Stagecoach. Both these operators have lost out a lot in recent times and see much of their work falling out of reach.

I am hoping to write a review into this year so far which includes these pictures. So - Watch this space!

Written by Mark Leonard

Illustrated by SnakeyDave