Metroline's TA's return to service!

London Returns to Normality

Over the past 3 months, London has faced one of it's biggest challenges over the Summer: The Olympics.

Throughout the whole of September, London Bus Companies have been returning to normal service after their vehicles have been used on either Olympic shuttles or helping passenger increases on certain routes.

This series of posts will be on the buses used as Olympic Shuttles, as well as new arrivals for bus companies

Part 3: Metroline's TA's return to service!

In 2005 following the retention of 266 contract with Metroline, 23 9.9m Alexander Dennis ALX400's on the Dennis Trident chassis (TA's) were delivered for use on the route (even though the PVR was 25!)

 All rights reserved by Peter Horrex

Here's the fleetlist:

TA638 - LK05GFO

TA639 - LK05GFV

TA640 - LK05GFX

TA641 - LK05GFY

TA642 - LK05GFZ

TA643 - LK05GGA

TA644 - LK05GGE

TA645 - LK05GGF

TA646 - LK05GGJ

TA647 - LK05GGO

TA648 - LK05GGP

TA649 - LK05GGU

TA650 - LK05GGV

TA651 - LK05GGX

TA652 - LK05GGY

TA653 - LK05GGZ

TA654 - LK05GHA

TA655 - LK05GHB

TA656 - LK05GHD

TA657 - LK05GHF

TA658 - LK05GHG

TA659 - LK05GHH



After a good 6 years in service, sadly it was announced in Autumn 2011 that Metroline had lost the 266 to First. 

This meant that these buses would become surplus and become logistical spares unless they could be better suited somewhere else within the company!

 All rights reserved by George Reed



 All rights reserved by George Reed

The picture above was taken a week after the route had been lost to First.

The TA's were moved ot the 32 due to the fact that the TAL's had been decommissioned and sold to Ensign Bus of Purfleet. Essex.

In late Spring these buses were sent off for refurbishment at Hants & Dorset trim in Eastleigh, for use on Metroline's Olympic duties. Which 91 buses had been allocated.

 All rights reserved by George Reed

Original reports suggested that they would move to Holloway Garage (HT) as the 'Existing buses' for the 43, but later it was also revealed that they would move to EW for the 240 contract; but this was not to be. 

So for the time being, the will remain at Cricklewood (W) whilst the future of these buses is decided.

 All rights reserved by George Reed

 All rights reserved by Lawrence Abel

 All rights reserved by Lawrence Abel

 All rights reserved by Lawrence Abel

 All rights reserved by Lawrence Abel

 All rights reserved by Lawrence Abel

A special thanks to all those whose pictures feature above!

Thanks for Reading!

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