Arriva have agreed to sell their bus business in Horsham to Metrobus, which will transfer with effect from Saturday 3rd October 2009.
The network includes five town services, route 93 to Dorking,various school routes, TfL route 465 & the Crawley Sainburys free bus services.
The fleet and routes are described in the sections on the right hand side of this site.

Fleetnumbers have now been allocated and are as follows
220~225 GN07 AVR/T/U/V/AUY
318 W218 CDN
388/389 P268 FPK/P179 LKL
390~395 P380/281-3/74/85 FPK
396/397 N232 TPK/R303 CMV
398/399 P278/269 FPK

Here is a selection of the buses at Horsham before the takeover and a few from the first weeks of operation.

Here is a selection of pictures in the spotlight at the moment. Check back for updates.

-----------------October update in brief----------------

All ELBG Tridents have now been returned to Catford for further service with them.

Scania double deck Omnicities for route 64 are all now in service but on route 119 due to low trees on the 64 route.. 964 is the 1000th Scania Omni to be produced . The vehicles are listed in the vehicle news below. Scania Omnidekkas 452-454, 456-468 have moved over to Orpington and release 482-491 to go to Crawley. Eventually 452/3/4/63/4 will be sold sister company Blue Star-Eastleigh

Here is a selection of pictures in the spotlight at the moment. Check back for updates.

On week commencing 26th January 2009, Metrobus said a sad goodbye to the Routemaster which was sold to sister group company, Brighton & Hove Buses. They have since painted into Thomas Tilling red & grey and is used on tours & private hires. RML 2317 was purchased by Metrobus in March 2004 from sister company London General. RML 2317 was not only one of the first batch of 50 Green RML's with LT., but she was one of the first 12 Green RML's to enter service, at Godstone (GD) Garage, on 8th September, 1965. and the other GREEN RML's also entered service that day, 2307, 2308, 2311 -2317 and 2319 at Godstone. The remainder of the 30-strong Godstone fleet were BORROWED RED RML's, as not enough green ones had been delivered in time for the conversion of routes 409, 410 and 411, (and Hospital Route 482 which Godstone also operated once a week).
RML 2317 suffered rear/off-side accident damage on the afternoon of her very first day in service, when a Hillman Minx car ploughed into her rear off-side corner whilst the bus was at the Oxted Bus Stop lay-by, on route 410 toward Bromley North Station. Its life history is as follows,

9/65 new to Aldenham
9/65 TH into store
10/65 GD new into service on 409, 410, 411
66-7 GD
4/68 GD to Aldenham repaint
2/69 GD into store
4/69 GD ..and out
1/70 GD transfer to London Country
1971 GD
4/72 GD to overhaul, and return
73-77 GD
12/77 bought by LT-Aldenham overhaul, painted red,
3/78 AE return to service
1991 fitted with Iveco engine
1993 refurbished
10/94-05/02 RA
5/02 SW transfer
11/03 AF transfer
3/04 CY transfer to Metrobus
4/04 fitted with Scania engine from RM928
7/04 repainted Lincoln Green with Metrobus fleetnames
7/04 appeared at RM50, Finsbury Park
1/05 used on last crew day on 36
4/05 used on last crew day on 19
7/05 used on last crew day on 22
12/05 used on last crew day on 159
2/09 sold to Brighton & Hove
Information supplied from Ian's Bus Stop

The new iBus system is now being fitted to all London Bus operating companies fleets, Metrobus has donated several vehicles for first fit trials-All the trials were done at the deserted Arriva garage in Clapton- Metrobus will not be fully operational with the system until January 2009 at Orpington depot and February 2009 at Croydon depot-Installations for Metrobus are being done at Arriva Norwood garage. 705 was the first bus to be fitted on23rd October 2008 as a first fit trial. Scania OmniCity 541, Scania OmnTown 601 and Scania OmniDekkas 431 & 951 were also fitted as part of the first fit trial. iBus is now fitted to all of the fleet.

Here is a selection of pictures in the spotlight at the moment. Check back for updates.

Friday 29th August was the final day of operation from Croydon depot of routes 434 (Whyteleafe-Coulsdon) & route 466 (Addington Village-Caterham-on-the-Hill). The routes were handed over to National Express London & Arriva respectively. Both routes had operated an excellent service over the years acheiving excellent results well above their minimum standards set by London Buses. Thanks to Rob Waughman, here is a selection of the vehicles operated on the last day. Let see if the new operators can match the Metrobus performance-I think not!!!!

A complete review of the year including bus movements, route changes and much more.

January-
The Crawley Darts 371-374 returned after spending the last couple of months at Orpington
for the B99 Park & Ride.
7209 has been repainted blue and red from the yellow training bus colours.
Transfers-
297/298/299 CY to CYw
371/372/373/374 MB to CY
Route Developments-
12th January-routes 526/527 (Crawley/Horley Circulars) transferred to Southdown PSV

February
Ten new Scania OmniCitys have been delivered for the upgrade of route 100 to Fastway status
in May. They are shorter than previous at 10.9 metres. They will not be used until then.
New-
624-633 YN08 DFJ/K/L/O/P/U/V/X/Y/Z Scania OmniCity Integral 10.9m B33F
Transfers-
356 MB to C
624-633 to CY
Disposals-
297 to Hanson-Stourbridge
298/299/312/313 to Brighton & Hove Buses
Route Developments-
23rd February-route 367 (West Croydon-Bromley) intro of am & pm journey schooldays only
23rd February-route 233 (Swanley-Eltham) transferred to Arriva Kent Thameside

March
A change of heart by TfL now means that route 293 will receive new Scania OmniCity single
decks and not double decks as was previously announced. Of the former First vehicles
all were refurbished by First, the last one being 139. the cascade of Mini Pointers to
Brighton & Hove continued with 296 being the last to be collected on 7th March. Darts 320/1
have been route branded for route 200 Gatwick Direct.
Transfers-
286 MB to C
339 C to CYu
Disposals-
291/296/339 to Brighton & Hove Buses
Route Developments-
16th March-route 246 (Westerham-Bromley) seasonal extension to Chartwell commences
29th March-route 284 (Lewisham-Grove Park) rerouted in Grove Park

April
Dart 334 has transferred to Orpington to cover for refurbishments to the Scania OmniCitys
Transfers-
120/121/122/123 MB to MBu
334 C to MB
Disposals-
399 to Rosses Minibuses-Inverness
Route Developments-
4th April-route 962 (Sutton-Cuddington) transferred to Ride Pegasus as route 620
7th April-route 901 (Crawley-Three Bridges) increase in frequency
7th April-route 916 (Crawley Dwn-Hookwood) projected back to start at East Grinstead
7th April-route 918 withdrawn and part replaced by route 916
12th April-route B14 (Orpington-Bexleyheath) rerouted in Albany Park

May
Scania OmniCitys 624-633 entered service on route 100 and was upgraded to Fastway status.
An order for 16 MAN 12.240 MCV 10.3 metre single decks has been placed for route 202.
Transfers-
224/225/301/303-308 CY to CYw
624-633 CYu-CY
Disposals-
292 to Brighton & Hove Buses
Route Developments-
10th May-route 100 (Maidenbower-Redhill) upgraded to Fastway, rerouted & retimed
24th May-route 23 (Crawley-Worthing) increase in frequency & rerouted
24th May-route 24 (Crawley-Horsham) revised timings
24th May-route 81 (East Grinstead-Haywards Heath) minor timing revisions
24th May-route 82 (Crawley-Haywards Heath) Sunday service withdrawn
24th May-route 84 (East Grinstead-Crawley) minor timing revisions
24th May-route 86 (Horsham-Haywards Heath) minor timing revisions
24th April-route 87 (Haywards Heath-Brighton) service withdrawn without replacement
24th May-route 270 (East Grinstead-Haywards Heath) minor timing revisions
24th May-route 280 (East Grinstead-Stone Quarry) new daytime Mon-Sat service
24th May-route 281 (Crawley-East Grinstead) pm journey projected to start at Gatwick Nth
24th May-route 291 (Crawley-Tunbridge Wells) minor timing revisions
24th May-route 391 (Crawley-East Grinstead) additional evening journeys added
24th May-route 490 (Stone Quarry-Gatwick) service withdrawn
24th May-route 491 (Stone Quarry-Gatwick) part replacement for route 490
24th May-route 684 (Crawley-East Grinstead) minor timing revisions
24th May-route 687 (East Grinstead-Imberhorne School) merged into a route 84 journey
27th May-route 89 (Haywards Heath-Horsham) transferred from Arrriva WSx
30th May-route 917 (Croydon-Shirley) transferred to Travel London
30th May-route 931 (Crystal Palace-Lewisham) transferred to Travel London
30th May-route 938 (Belvedere-Bexleyheath) transferred to Bexley Accessible Transport
30th May-route 950 (West Side-Wimbledon) transferred to Merton Community Transport
30th May-route 953 (Scrattons Farm-Chase Cross) transferred to First London

June
The long awaited two Scania double deckers for routes 409 & 411 arrived in Hull docks on
30th June. On 11th June Scania 489 suffered damage in Baring Road as it hit a tree. On 7th &
8th June as usual helped to operate route 800 from Croydon to the Biggin Hill Air Show with
London General. Darts 241/310/362/363/365/368/374/377/379 all now have digital blind
displays. Several Volvos will also be done soon. Scania 513 has been repainted into
Crawley town colours. As previously Metrobus helped out sister company London General
for Wimbledon tennis and Volvo 824 was transferred to Croydon the two week duration.
Transfers-
206/303 CYw to CY
383 MB to CYw
489 MB to MBu
497 Cto CY
824 CY to C to CY
Disposals-
224/225/307 to Countryliner-Guildford
Route Developments-
7thJune-route 800 (Croydon-Biggin Hill Airport) 2 day special express service for the air show
21st June-route 23 (Crawley-Worthing) no longer serves Findon

July
Dart 206 which suffered severe damage in November 2007 was back in serice on 4th July.
Scanias 953/954 entered service in Crawley on 14th July. Because of low trees on routes 409
& 411, the two Scanias were quickly changed to routes 1 & 200. By early July Volvos
817/818/819/821/822/823/824/825 had received digital blind displays. The saga with Scanias
947-952 continues with the weight issues and 951 & 950 were sent back to East Lancs to
be re seated and the change of type of seats that are more light weight. The last two Tridents
427/428 were stood down as Scanias 953/954 have now entered service and are awaiting
disposal to Wealden PSV. All TfL buses that receive a refurbishment will now have their
tip up seats removed.
New-
953/954 YN08 OBP/OBR Scania N230UD OmniCity Integral 10.8m H47/31F
Seating Changes-
950/951 from H43/23D to H45/23D
282/283 from B29F to B23F
524/530 from B37D to B32D
Transfers-
308 CYw to CY to CYw
428/428 CY to CYw
953/954 to CY
Disposals-
120/122 to Judges Coaches-Corby
305/306 to HTL Travel-Huyton
Route Developments-
26th July-route R2 (Petts Wood-Biggin Hill) minor timing revisions
26th July-route R3 (Princess Royal-Chelsfield) minor timing revisions

August
As previous years, Metrobus operated route 500 in Brighton for the Gay Pride event using a
range of Volvo Olympians. 835 has been repainted in all over advert for Southern Electric.
Six out of the seven Scania OmniCity for route 293 arrived in time for the start date. However
562 was delayed.
New-
561/563-567 YN08 OAS/V/W/X/Y/Z Scania CN230UB OmniCity B33D
Transfers-
356/357/358 C to MB
471/472/475/476/478 C to CY
497 MB to C
928/929/951/952 CY to C
Disposals-
118 to Lyle-Batley
121 to Countryliner-Guildford
Seating Changes-
947-949/952 H43/23D to H45/23D
Route Developments-
2nd August-route 500 (Brighton-Preston Park) special day service for Brighton Pride event
8th August-route 310 (Redhill-Nutfield) special 3 day service for the Redfest festival
30th August-route 293 (Epsom-Morden) transferred from Epsom Coaches (Quality Line)
30th August-route 405 (West Croydon-Redhill) route increased to every 15 minutes
30th August-route 434 (Coulsdon-Whyteleafe) transferred to Travel London
30th August-route 466 (Addington-Caterham on the Hill) transferred to Arriva London
30th August-route 612 (Selsdon-Wallington School) transferred from Arriva London
30th August-route T33 (West Croydon-Addington) frequency increased to 8 minutes

September
On 12th September, Metrobus for the first time in its history went on strike for 24 hours. The
following routes operated, despite the strike:Route 2 - initially a partial service which
developed into a full service during the day & evening. Route 4-started around lunchtime
with a service from Pound Hill to Langley Green but no County Oak in an anti clockwise
direction. Route 10-full overnight service with a near full service in the morning then a
full service during the afternoon & evening. Route 100-operated a 20-30 minute service
through the day. Route 200 ran between Bewbush & Gatwick until the afternoon when the
Horsham service was then added and full serviceran into the evening. Route 246 ran an
hourly service all day. Route 281 ran a few journeys morning and afternoon. Route 291 ran
some afternoon and early evening journeys between Crawley & East Grinstead. Route 293
evening service ran 30-60 minutes in the evening. Route 353 ran an hourly daytime service
Route 359 ran a full service from lunchtime. Route 391 ran all its evening journeys. Route 411
most journeys ran. Full service on routes 435/541/542 & 654. Routes R5 & R8 ran most
journeys and route T32 ran full service from 1200. Route X26 almost all journeys operated.
Route 202 commenced on 13th September using spare Scania OmniDekkas from route 466
and various amounts of Darts. From the same day, route 367 transferred to Orpington depot
along with the allocated vehicles. Many minipointers from Orpington went to Crawley for
further service after refurbishment. Due to the MANs being further delayed, three MANs
from route R2 transferred to Croydon for T32 route. In practice they seem to appear on 130.
Transfers-
217/218/219 MB to C
260-268 C to MB
274 C to CY to CYw
275/276/277/319 C to CYw
286 C to MB
287/288/289 MB to CYu
334/703/704/705 MB to C
947/948/949/950 CY to C
Disposals-
341/342/343 to HTL Travel-Huyton
427/428 to Wealden PSV off loan
Route Developments-
13th September-route 202 (Blackheath-Crystal Palace) transferred from ELBG
13th September-route 246 (Bromley-Westerham) transferred to ELBG
13th September-route 354 (Penge-Bromley) transferred to ELBG
13th September-route 356 (Shirley-Upper Sydenham) transferred to ELBG
13th September-route 358 (Crystal Palace-Orpington) timing revisions
13th September-route 367 (WestCroydon-Bromley) allocation transferred from C to MB
13th September-route R5 (Orpington-Knockholt) anti clockwise service renumbered R10
13th September-route R10 (Orpington-Knockholt)new anti clockwise service

October
Two of the three Scania OmniCity deckers have arrived for route 612 although they will
probably operate on route 405. The third will arrive later next month. The three MANs
will arrive in late December for route T32. During October 844/845 spent half term at
Orpington for a rail replacement work. This meant blue & yellow returned to Orpington!!
The first Scanias to be repainted to two tone blue are 476/478 which appeared on 21st
October. Dart 372 now has an all over advert (Expect front) for Southern Electric
Renault Traffic crew vehicles have begun to replace 2003 Ford Transits at all three depots.
New-
8028-8041 LX58 DDU/Z/DFN/O/P/U/Y/Z/DGE/DHE/C/DGO/DGU/FGM Renault Traffic 7 Seat
Disposals-
118 to A Lyles & Sons-Batley
8001-8016 to Budget Rent a Van-Brighton
Transfers-
274 CYw to CY
Seating Changes-
523 from B37D to B32D

November
Route X26 was increased in frequency from 22nd November using five Mercedes Citaros
hired from Wealden PSV but delivered direct from Epsom Coaches (Quality Line).
As last year the B99 was operated with loaned Crawley Darts. Thirty new Scnia N230UD
double decks with Optare Olympus bodywork have been ordered for routes 54 & 75 due in
April 2009. Also sixteen Scania OmniCity deckers for August 2009. Fourteen Scania
OmniCity single decks are on order for February for Fastway upgrade. The will replace
531-540. It is the intention that 531-535 will be refurbished for further work in Crawley &
536-540 will replace the hired Mercedes Citaros for route X26.
New-
706/707/708 YX58 DXB/C/D MAN 12.240 ADL Enviro 200 10.3m B34D
955/956 YR58 SNY/Z Scania N230UD OmniCity 10.8m H41/22D
Acquired-
501-505 BU53 AWW/X/Y/Z/AXA Mercedes Citaro Integral 11.9m B38D from Wealden PSV
Seating Changes-
251-256/281/284/285/286 from B29F to B23F
519/523/527 from B37D to B32D
480/481 from H45/29D to H45/27D
Transfers-
369/371/373/374 CY to MB
837/842/843/844 Cy to CYw
Route Developments-
22nd November-route X26 (Heathrow-Croydon) frequency increased to every 30 minutes
29th November-route B99 (Norman Pk-Bromley) Park & Ride service commences

December
The three MANs arrived finally in late December exactly six months since they were due.
These buses are slighty longer than the previous MANs at 10.7 metres. The next batch for
route 202 have still not arrived. The blue & yellow Olympian 844 & Blue 837/842/843 were
back in service to cover for the Darts transferred to orpington for route B99. Scania 489
was back in service after suffering severe accident damage in November.
Darts 274-277 are now being retained and are being refurbished for further TfL work.
New-
706-708 YX58 DXB/C/D MAN 14.240 AD Enviro 200 10.7m B34D
Disposals-
295 to Clintonia-Brentwood via Ensign
Transfers-
369/371/373/374 MB to CY
274/293/294/295 CY to CYw
287/288/289 CYu to CY
489 MB to MBu
497 C to MB
706-708 to C
837/842/843/844 CYw to CY
Route Developments-
31st December-route B99 (Norman Pk-Bromley) last day of seasonal service

From 8th December, Metrobus assumed operations and vehicles with the following routes from First Centrewest Orpington depot, R1,R3, R4, R6, R9,R11 & T32. Here are a few photos from the current First fleet that transfered to Metrobus. The buses aquired are the following-
120~ V360 DLH~DMS 41360
121~V361 DLH~DMS 41361
122~V355 DLH~DMS 41355
123~V358 DLH~DMS 41358
124~LN51 DVA~DMS 41450
125~LN51 DVB~DMS 41451
126~LN51 DVC~DMS 41452
127~LN51 DVF~DMS 41453
128~LN51 RZZ~DMS 41454
129~LN51 SBO~DMS 41455
130~LN51 SBU~DMS 41456
131~LN51 SBV~DMS 41457
132~LT02 ZDA~DMS 41468
133~LT02 ZDC~DMS 41469
134~LT02 ZDD~DMS 41470
135~LT02 ZDE~DMS 41471
136~LT02 ZDF~DMS 41472
137~LT02 ZDG~DMS 41473
138~LT02 ZDM~DMS 41458
139~LT02 ZDN~DMS 41459
140~LT02 ZDO~DMS 41460
141~LT02 ZDP~DMS 41461
142~LT02 ZDR~DMS 41462
143~LT02 ZDS~DMS 41463
144~LT02 ZDU~DMS 41464
145~LT02 ZDV~DMS 41465
146~LT02 ZDW~DMS 41466
147~LT02 ZDX~DMS 41467
380~LK51 JYJ~DML 41411
381~LK51 JYL~DML 41412
382~LK51 JYN~DML 41413
383~W359 VLN~DML 41375
384~W361 VLN~DML 41380
385~W373 VLN~DML 41373
386~W374 VLN~DML 41374

Routes 541 and 542 have now been rebranded using vehicle 344-The routes originally started as A & B in 2000 to provide a link from the then newly developed Caterham Barracks to Caterham Station. The barracks was renamed 'The Village'. The route was originally provided by Linden Homes. It is now run with support from Surrey County Council. Here is a few shots with also some past shots added.

7th August was offically the last day of operation for Blue and Yellow buses at Orpington with one Trident operating on route 261. It markes the end of an era at the garage where it all started. There is one left at Croydon and six at Crawley-these will disappear fast too. I shall endevour to add some more to this section before they are gone.
16th August, was the official end to blue and yellow for Metrobus in London. 317 from Croydon depot will be on route 434 for the last time all day between Whyteleafe and Coulsdon. It maybe used again but only on rail work.
January 2008-297 & 299 have been withdrawn leaving only the two Tridents, Olympian 844 and 296 & 298 in the legendary blue & yellow.
6th March 2008 saw the final single deck (296) ran its last day on route 100.
As of 1st April 2008 only 427/8 and 844 remain in blue & yellow.
On 12th July 427 operated the 411 for the last time whilst then on Monday it operated a route 4. By Tuesday both 427 and 428 were withdrawn which left only 844 still in service-but for not much longer!!!
From 26th October 2008, 844 can be found on the Purley-Redhill replacement service. On the 31st December 2008, 844 was finally withdrawn from service and is now for sale.

On Saturday 20th August 1988, Metrobus decided to operate two routes in Gravesend using eight leased Mercedes-Benz minibuses with Reebur bodies. The registrations were F121-128 TRU. The routes were
Route A Northfleet~Hever Court Road via Valley Drive
Route B Painters Ash~Hever Court Road via Valley Drive
Both services were operated every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday, combining to provide a 10 minute headway on the commom section between Gravesend and Valley Drive. Maximum return fare was £1.30
On 14th November 1988, route A was extended from Northfleet to Swanscombe and route B was diverted at Painters Ash to Coldharbour.
On 4th December 1988, a Sunday service was introduced on route A between Gravesend & Swanscombe and route B between Gravesend & Painters Ash.
By 8th April 1989, route A was revised to operate from Singlewell~Swanscombe. Route B from Kings Farm~Painters Ash. The Sunday service was revised and re lettered C to operateKings Farm~Swanscombe via Gravesend on a hourly frequency.
On 1st January 1990, the operations passed to Kentish Bus which continued to operate both services. Metrobus leased the vehicles to kentish Bus.

It was on this day that Metrobus commenced operations on route 61 between Bromley North and Chislehurst via Orpington (Monday~Saturday) The route was extended to Eltham on Sundays, however this was withdrawn by 19th January 1991. Metrobus bought 13 DMS class Fleetlines surplus to London Buses requirements via Ensign Bus. All the DMSs were upseated to H45/25D. They were as follows,
KUC 898P~bought 7/86~sold 7/92
KUC 922P~bought 7/86~sold 11/92
KUC 960P~bought 7/86~sold 6/92
OUC 52R~bought 7/86~sold 12/92
OUC 54R~bought 7/86~sold 2/91
OUC 56R~bought 7/86~sold 11/92
OJD 167R~bought 7/86~sold 11/92
OJD 173R~bought 7/86~sold 2/91
OJD 198R~bought 7/86~sold 7/95
OJD 200R~bought 7/86~sold 11/92
OJD 211R~bought 7/86~sold 11/92
OJD 243R~bought 7/86~sold 3/95
KUC 898P was loaned to Transity in April 1990. KUC 960P was loaned to Harris Bus in June 1992. OJD 198R was loaned to Harris Bus in May 1993. OJD 200R was loaned to Frontrunner South East and Harris Bus in November 1991. OJD 243R was painted in overall ad for Saunders Abbott Motors and was loaned to Harris Bus in December 1993.

Jan-04 The outstanding Scania OmniDekkas & OmniCitys all arrived during January.
New-
472/473475/476 YN53 RYA/B/D/F Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka H45/29D
480/481/490-493 YN53 RYP/R/RZC/D/E/F Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka H45/29D
514-521 YN53 RXF/G/H/J/K/L/M/O Scania CN94UD OmniCity B37D
523-525/528-530 YN53 RXR/T/U/RXX/Y/Z Scania CN94UD OmniCity B37D
Re-registration-
471 YV03 RBY to YN53 USG
Withdrawn-
847/8/9/850/7/8
Disposals-
739 to Hams Travel-Flimwell Kent
846/852/853/854 to North West Bus Sales-Blackburn (dealer)
859-866 to Rossendale Transport-Rawtenstall 19-26
Transfers-
101 GDt-CYw
224-227 MB-CYw
241-248/842 MB-CY
301 MB-CYu
302 MB-CY
330 MB-GD
472/3/5/6/480/1/490/1/2/3/514-521/3-5/8-30 to MB
Route Developments-
10th January-route 409 (EastGrinstead-Croydon) minor timing changes
10th January-route 410 (Redhill-Westerham) evening service withdrawn
10th January-route 411 (Redhill-Chelsham) Sunday service withdrawn
10th January-route 420 (Redhill-Sutton) evening & Sunday service withdrawn
10th January-route 435 (Reigate-Merstham) Sunday service reduced

Feb-04 Transfers-
301 CYu-CY
731/732/764/765/767/769 CY-CYw
Disposals-
773 to Grayline-Bicester Oxfordshire
783 to Ensgin-Purfleet (dealer)

Mar-04 Acquired-
RM928 791 UXA AEC Routemaster Park Royal H40/32R from London Central
RM2317 CUV 317C AEC Routemaster Park Royal H40/32R from London General
Transfers-
224/225/226/227 CYw-CY
301/302 CYu-CY
719/786 CY-CYw
Route Developments-
31st March-route 323 (East Hill-Sevenoaks) last day of operation

Apr-04 RM 928 (791 UXA) has been aquired to provide spares for RML 2317.
Disposals-
788 written off as scrap
846/858 to Green Triangle-Atherton
Transfers-
719 Cyw-CY
724 CY-CYw
RM928 to CYw
Route Developments-
1st April-route 328 (East Hill-Gravesend) last day of operation
25th April-route 23 (Horsham-Worthing) new route replacing Satecoach route 2

May-04 The Fastway system carried its one millionth passenger this month. Scania 513 has
been withdrawn pending refurbishment into Fastway colours. Two routes were aquired
from Southlands Travel of Swanley and included in the deal was Kent County Council
owned Dart in yellow with a wide blue skirt.
Acquired-
380 GJ52 HDZ TransBus Dart TransBus Pointer 10.7 B39F from Southlands-Swanley
Transfers-
380 to GD
513 GD-CYu
724 CYw-CY
Route Developments-
29th May-route 1 (Broadfield-Bewbush) revised routing in Broadfield
29th May-route 2 (Furnace Grn-Langley Grn) early journies extended to Gatwick
29th May-route 3 (Furnace Grn-Langley Grn) renumbering of part of daytime route 2
29th May-route 10 (Bewbush-Gatwick) route to operate 24 hours day, daily
29th May-route 200 (Bewbush-Horley) early journies extended to start at Broadfield
29th May-route 231 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) minor timetable changes
29th May-route 233 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) minor timetable changes
29th May-route 234 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) certain journies to serve Hever Village
29th May-route 401 (Westerham-Sevenoaks) route transferred from Southlands Travel
29th May-route 421 (Swanley-Sevenoaks) route transferred from Southlands Travel
29th May-route 466 (Caterham-Addington Village) minor timing adjustments
30th May-route 6 (Crawley-Bewbush) new two hourly route Mon-Fri
30th May-route 23 (Horsham-Worthing) route rivised and extended through to Crawley
30th May-route 24 (Crawley-Horsham) new route Mon-Sat via Roffey
30th May-route 81 (East Grinstead-Haywards Hth) rerouted to operate as a circular
30th May-route 82 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 84 (Crawley-East Grinstead) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 86 (Horsham-Haywards Hth) transferred from Arriva West Sussex
30th May-route 87 (Brighton-Haywards Hth) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 270 (East Grinstead-Haywards Hth) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 271 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) rerouted in Crawley & Broadfield
30th May-route 272 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) transferred from Compass Bus and rerouted
30th May-route 273 (Brighton-Crawley) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 291 (Tunbridge Wells-Crawley) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 438 (East Grinstead-Copthorne) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 490 (East Grinstead-Gatwick) no longer serves Crawley Dwn & Copthorne
30th May-route 526 (Crawley/Horley circular) peak journeys rerouted
30th May-route 527 (Crawley/Horley circular) journies operated anticlockwise
30th May-route 684 (Crawley-East Grinstead) minor timetable changes
30th May-route 696 (Broadfield-Langley Grn) minor timetable changes

Jun-04 Scania 513 has been repainted in Fastway colours

Jul-04 Routemaster RML2317 has been repainted into green with gold fleetnames
Disposals-
717/718/719 to Compass Travel-Worthing
RM 928 to Mr C Sullivan-Isle of Wight
Route Developments-
24th July-route 353 (Ramsden-Addington Village) additional school journeys withdrawn

Aug-04 Six more Pointer Darts are on order to upgrade route 138 which will eliminate the last step
entrance buses in the TfL operated fleet.
Transfers-
299 CY-GD
493 MB-GD
730 GD-CY
843 MB-CY
Route Developments-
21st August-route R5 (Orpington-Knockholt) rerouted to operate alternate working
28th August-route 23 (Crawley-Worthing) minor timetable changes
28th August-route 24 (Crawley-Horsham) minor timetable changes
28th August-route 81 (Haywards Heath-East Grinstead) minor timetable changes
28th August-route 271 (Haywards Heath-Crawley) minor timetable changes
28th August-route 302 (Dormansland-Oxted) pm journey extended to East Grinstead
28th August-route 324 (Redhill-Reigate) minor timetable changes
28th August-route-594 (Biggin Hill-Oxted) Sch day journeys re numbered 694
28th August-route 604 (Pound Hill-Oriel School) new SDO service
28th August-route 660 (Whitebushes-Horley Oakwood sch) minor timetable changes
28th August-route-694 (Biggin Hill-Oxted) Sch day journeys are re numbered from 594
28th August-route 900 (Redhill-Horley) new Sunday early morning service

Sep-04 On 18/19th September route 246 was operated by double decks and extra journeys were
operated on route 320 in order to accomadate extra passengers for the Biggin Hill Air Show
Transfers-
851/855 MB-MBw
Route Developments-
4th September-route 401 (Sevenoaks-Westerham) revised timetable
4th September-route 421 (Sevenoaks-Swanley) revised timetable
25th September-route 138 (Coney Hall-Catford) withdrawn from Bromley Nth & Catford
25th September-route 336 (Locksbottom-Bromley Nth) extended to Catford Bridge Stn
25th September-route 358 (Crystal Palace-Orpington) revised timetable

Oct-04 The eight former City of Oxford Darts 762-769 are to be converted to dedicated driver
training buses. They are in a specal livery mainly yellow with a blue skirt to the rear. The
contravision advert Darts have seen some changes. 364/365 advertise Crawley Leisure
Park. 361/362/363/366 advertise Crawley County Mall. 361/365/366 have REAR adverts
for Classic Gold Radio.
Transfers-
750 CY-GD
762/768 CYw-CYt
7771MBt-CYw
851/855 MBw-CYw
856 MB-CYw
Disposals-
752 to Ensign-Purfleet (transferred to Statford Blue operation)
849/852 to Burtons-Haverhill

Nov-04 Premises at Lagoon Road, St Mary Cray have been opened as a maintenance facility.
Various training vehicles are kept here. The garage code is LR however it is non
operational.
New-
251-256 SN54 GPV/X/Y/Z/GRF/K Dennis Dart Alexander Pointer B23F
Transfers-
251-256 to MB
493 GD-MB
710/711/713/715/734 MB-MBw
750 GD-GDw
714/7772/7778 MBt-LRt
761 GD-LRt
7763/7763 CYw-CYt
7764/7768/7769 CYw-LRt
Disposals-
7729/7771 to Ensign-Purfleet
732/732 to Trustline-Hoddersdon (via Ensign dealer)
738 to Ventura Bus Sales-Lingfield
Route Developments-
7th November-route 246 (Bromley Nth-Westerham) last day of seasonal extention
20th November-route 405 (West Croydon-Redhill) revised timetable
20th November-route 434 (Coulsdon-Whytelefe) revised timetable
29th November-routes 901/902/903/904/905/906 (Crawley-Tesco 3 Bridges) transferred
from Crawley Luxury Coaches
29th November-route 911 (Tesco Hookwood-Merstham) transferred from Crawley Luxury
29th November-route 912 (Tesco Hookwood-Reigate) transferred from Crawley Luxury
29th November-route 913 (Tesco Hookwood-Dorking) transferred from Crawley Luxury
29th November-route 914 (Tesco Hookwood-Dorking) transferred from Crawley Luxury
29th November-route 915 (Tesco Hookwood-Godstone) transferred from Crawley Luxury
29th November-route 916 (Tesco Hookwood-Crawley Dwn) transferred from Crawley Luxury
29th November-route 917 (Tesco Hookwood-Copthorne) transferred from Crawley Luxury
29th November-route 921 (Tesco Horsham-Town Centre) transferred from Crawley Luxury

Dec-04 A clear out of step Darts occurred this month leaving just 15 left in the fleet-they are
720-726/730/751/754 at Crawley & 756-760 at Godstone. The training fleet has been
transformed and now comprises of eight Marshall bodied Darts 762-769 and have now
been renumbered 7762-7769. They have been painted into a revised blue & yellow
livery. Four are based at Lagoon Road and four at Crawley.
Disposals-
80/101/710/1/3/4/5/734/750/761/7772/7778/7782/786 to Ensign-Purfleet (Dealer)
848 to Chambers-Bures
Renumbered-
762-769 to 7762-7769
Transfers-
299 GD-CY
319 MB-GD
722 CY-GD
7762/3/4/5 CY-LRt
7766/7/8/9 CY-CYt
Route Developments-
6th December-route 231 (Edenbridge-T Wells)some journeys start/finish at Lingfield
6th December-route 233 (Edenbridge-T Wells)some journeys start/finish at Lingfield

Jan-05 Scania OmniDekka 436 received severe accident damage in late January.
Four more Scania OmniDekkas are due shortly.

Feb-05 On 10th February, Tellings Golden Miller would transfer all TfL work at Dartford to
Metrobus from 5th March.
New-
494-497 YN54 AJU/V/X/Y Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka H45/29D
Acquired-
All of the below have been aquired from Tellings Golden Miller-Dartford
191 Y291 PDN Optare Solo M850 Integral B27F
192 YJ51 JWW Optare Solo M850 Integral B29F
193 Y293 PDN Optare Solo M850 Integral B27F
194 Y294 PDN Optare Solo M850 Integral B27F
195 Y295 PDN Optare Solo M850 Integral B27F
196 Y296 PDN Optare Solo M850 Integral B27F
197 W427 CWX Optare Solo M850 Integral B30F
198 W441 CWX Optare Solo M850 Integral B30F
199 W442 CWX Optare Solo M850 Integral B30F
220-223 KX04 HRD/E/F/G Trans Bus Dart Caetano Nimbus B32D
397 P347 HKU Mercedes-Benz 711D Crystals B20FL
398/398 BU04 UTN/P Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 411D Koch B16F
Disposals-
851/855/856 to Chambers-Bures
Route Developments-
19th February-route 466 (Addington Village-Caterham) minor timing adjustments

Mar-05 On 5th March, Metrobus took control of Tellings Golden Millers operation at Dartford.
The depot was not included in the deal and all services and vehicles were transferred
to Orpington although subsequently some routes would temporally operate from
Polhill depot. Pohill became operational from 5th March and routes 64/130/233/353/356
464/494/620/654/R5 & 900 series were transferred here whilst Orpington depot is
redeveloped and made bigger. The Polhill base is expected to be in operation for about
12 months.
Transfers-
191-199/220-223 to MB
397-399 to PH
214-219/283-289/312/313/331/2/4/5/381-389/391-393/408-423/451-470 MB-PH
491 MB-GD
494-497 to MB
723 CY-CYw
845 MB-PH
Route Developments-
5th March-route B14 (Orpington-Bexleyheath) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route R2 (Orpington-Biggin Hill) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route R6 (Orpington-St Mary Cray) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route R8 (Orpington-Biggin Hill) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route 917 (Shirley-Purley Way) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route 919 () transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route 931 (Crystal Palace-Lewisham) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route 934 (Crystal Palace-Lewisham) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route 938 (Crystal Palace-Bromley) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route 950 (Crystal Palace-Bromley) transferred to Metrobus
5th March-route 962 (Cuddington-Sutton) transferred to Metrobus
20th March-route 246 (Bromley-Westerham) seasonal extension to Chartwell on Suns

Apr-05 The transfer of routes duly happened on 16th April with routes 405/434 transferring
to Godstone. In return routes 409/10/1 moved to Crawley-this just leaves a
handful of country routes left at Godstone (Routes 231/2/3/4/401/421/A/B)
New-
541-545 (YN05 HFE/F/G/H/J) Scania Omnicity Integral B36F
Transfers-
206-213/291/314/5 CY-GD
541-5 to GD
369/71-4/6/756/7/8/819/21/-3/4/6 GD-CY
844 MB-CY
845 PH-CY
Route Developments-
16th April-route X26 awarded to Metrobus to operate East Croydon-Heathrow

May-05 Transfers-
722 GD-CYw
Route Developments-
21st May-route 246 (Bromley-Westerham) minor timetable revisions
21st May-route T33 (Addington Village-West Croydon) minor timetable revisions

Jun-05 Route Developments-
11th June-route 356 (Shirley-Upper Sydenham) minor timetable revisions
11th June-route 367 (West Croydon-Bromley) rerouted in Addiscombe & Shirley Oaks
11th June-route 494 (West Croydon-Shirley) route withdrawn

Jul-05 The six Scania OmniCitys arrived at Crawley in early July. These are destined for the
new Fastway route 20 which will link Broadfield to Horley via the Airport but not via
Town Centre.
New-
546-551 YN05 HCA/C/D/E/F/G Scania CN94UB OmniCity Integral B37D
Transfers-
158/159 GD-CY
546-551 to CY
725/757 CY-GD

Aug-05 Transfers-
283 PH-MB
291 GD-CY
339 MB-GD
397 PH-PHw
816 CY-CYw
Route Developments-
22nd August-route 917 (Shirley Pk-Purley Way) rerouted and to terminate in Croydon
22nd August-route 919 (Wandsworth-Springfield) rerouted in Wandsworth & Tooting
22nd August-route 931 (Crystal Palace-Lewisham) rerouted
22nd August-route 934 (Crystal Palace-Bromley) rerouted
22nd August-route 938 (Belvedere-Bexleyheath) rerouted
22nd August-route 950 (West Side-Wimbledon) rerouted
22nd August-route 962 (Cuddington-Sutton) rerouted
27th August-route 1 (Broadfield-Bewbush) minor timing revisions
27th August-route 2 (Tilgate-Langley Grn) rerouted and extended to County Oak
27th August-route 3 (Tilgate-Gatwick) peak journeys to Gatwick withdrawn
27th August-route 4 (Ifield-Pound Hill) minor timing revisions with earlier Sun journeys
27th August-route 5 (Ifield-Pound Hill) minor timing revisions with earlier Sun journeys
27th August-route 20 (Broadfield-Horley) new Fastway route via Gatwick
27th August-route 200 (Bewbush-Horley) withdrawn between Gatwick & Horley
27th August-route 281 (Crawley-East Grinstead) new hourly service
27th August-route 291 (Crawley-Tunbridge Wells) minor timing revisions
27th August-route 324 (Redhill-Reigate) minor timing revisions
27th August-route 526 (Crawley Horley Circular) minor timing revisions
27th August-route 527 (Crawley Horley Circular) minor timing revisions
27th August-route 604 (Crawley Schools) minor timing revisions
27th August-route 660 (Horley-Whitebushes) minor timing revisions
27th August-route X90 (East Grinstead-Gatwick) new route three times daily

Sep-05 Disposals-
722/723 to Burtons-Colchester 302/303
Transfers-
158/159 CY-GD
725/757 GD-CY
804 CY-CYw
Route Developments-
3rd September-route 320 (Bromley-Biggin Hill)extra journeys added for Biggin Hill Airshow
4th September-route 320 (Bromley-Biggin Hill)extra journeys added for Biggin Hill Airshow
5th September-route A (Caterham-Caterham Village) evening & Sun service withdrawn
5th September-route B (Caterham-Caterham Village) evening & Sun service withdrawn

Oct-05 On 30th October, 550 ran into a house causing damage to both bus and house. It has
been sent back to Poland for major rebuild. An application has been made to Sutton
Council for garage premises at 134 Beddington Lane for 120 buses. The proposal to use
the premises in Coulsdon seems to be shelved.
Route Developments-
22nd October-route R8 (Biggin Hill-Orpington) earlier & later journeys added

Nov-05 The new Scania OmniCitys (552-8) finally entered service in Crawley on route 1 on 21st
November. This meant in turn most of the Leyland Olympians could be withdrawn.
New-
552-558 YN55 PWJ/K/L/O/U/V/X Scania CN94UB Integral OmniCity B37D
Disposals-
397/804/806/807/814/815/816 to Ensign Bus-Purfleet
Transfers-
552-558 to CY
720/754/806/807/814/815 CY-CYw
Route Developments-
12th November-route 271 (Crawley-Haywards-Hth) rerouted to serve K2 Leisure Centre
12th November-route 273 (Crawley-Brighton) rerouted to serve K2 Leisure Centre

Dec-05 On 10th December newly won route 127 will operate from Metrobus' new depot in
Beddington Lane, Croydon using loaned PVLs from London General. The Sunday
operation will be from Godstone. The depot will take garage code 'C'. The route is being
taken over early from Centra due to operate difficulties. It is anticipated that all
Godstone TfL work will be transferred here by mid February. On the 8th December
RML 2317 ran over TfL route 159 to mark the last Routemaster route in London.
Inward Loan-
865-875 X595/6/7/8/699/702/501/2/3/4/705 EGK Volvo B7TL Plaxton President H41/23D
from London General PVL 195-9/202/1/200/3-5
Disposals-
720 to Brighton & Hove-Brighton
754 to Ensign Bus-Purfleet & subsequently to HTL Travel-Huyton
Transfers-
438/443 GD-C
Route Developments-
10th December-route 127 (Purley-Tooting) route transferred to Metrobus
10th Decemeber-route X26 (East Croydon-Heathrow) rerouted in Croydon
19th December-route 900 (Redhill-Horley) last day of operation
26th December-route 435 (Merstham-Reigate) yearly special service operates

Jan-06
Route Developments-
8th January-route 261 (Uckfield-East Grinstead) Newchapel extension withdrawn
8th January-route 901 (Crawley Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 902 (Crawley Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 903 (Crawley Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 904 (Crawley Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 905 (Crawley Tesco Service) now starts from Bewbush via Tilgate
8th January-route 906 (Crawley Tesco Service) timetable & route adjustments
8th January-route 911 (Hookwood Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 912 (Hookwood Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 913 (Hookwood Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 914 (Hookwood Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 915 (Hookwood Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 916 (Hookwood Tesco Service) minor timetable adjustments
8th January-route 917 (Hookwood Tesco Service) rerouted not via Crawley Down
8th January-route 918 (Hookwood Tesco Service) new route via Crawley Down
9th January-route 261 (East Grinstead-Uckfield) route transferred to Eastbourne Buses
9th January-route 324 (Redhill-Horley/Copthorne) rerouted in Redhill
10th January-route 233 (Swanley-Eltham) rerouted at Foots Cray for six months

Feb-06 Godstone garage closed after service on 24th February, buses moving to Croydon, Crawley
and Orpington. The garage at Lambs Business Park was inherited in June 1997 from
East Surrey Buses who had been there since 1986. Orpington is still under construction
Dart 248 suffered an accident as it was hit by a lorry and may not see further service.
The latest Scania OmniDekkas started to arrive earlier than expected and the first into
service was 902 (PH173) 903 (PH172) and 912 (PH182) on route 161 on 16th February.
New-
901-916 YN55 PZC/D/E/F/G/H/J/L/M/O/P/R/U/V/W/X Scania N94UD East Lancs H45/29D
Transfers-
901-916 to PH
Route Developments-
4th February-route B14 (Orpington-Bexleyheath) rerouted in Sidcup & Albany Park

Mar-06
Transfers-
210-213/271-277 MB-C
214/331/451-466 PH-C
215-219/283-289/336/337 MB-PH
413/416 PH-CYw
Route Developments-
18th March-route 161 (Chislehurst-Nth Greenwich) frequency increase eves & Sun
18th March-route 181 (Lewisham-Downham) transferred from Stagecoach
18th March-route 284 (Lewisham-Grove Pk) transferred from Stagecoach
25th March-route X26 (Croydon-Heathrow) rerouted at Hatton Cross

Apr-06 Tridents 401-416 were slowly returned to Ventura (dealer) in April with some spilling
through to May. The eleven Scanias for route 127 finally arrived, the first example was
925 on 5th April. Within a few days all were in use and the eleven hired PVLs were
returned to London General on 11th April. Dart 248 was officially written off by early
this month. The new Darts allowed older ones to be transferred from Croydon to
Orpington and therefore release the Solos to Tellings Golden Miller ownership. The
first in service were 262 & 263 on 27th April, with the rest all in service by the end of
the month. Olympian 805 found itself on route 411 on the last day of operation.
New-
257-268 PN06 UYL/M/O/P/R/S/T/U/V/W/X/Y Dennis Dart East Lancs Esteem B24F
Off Loan-
865-875 to London General-Merton
Transfers-
191/2/3/8/9 MB-MBw
201-208 C-CY
262/3/4/6/7 to C
352-4/6/8 C-MB
380/394/396/724/725/730/756/760/805/843/844/845 CY-CYw
751 CY-CYw-MB
865-875 C-Cw
Disposals-
191/2/3/8/9 returned to Tellings Golden Miller
402/403/411 to Carousel-High Wycombe
Route Developments-
22nd April-route 409 (East Grinstead-Croydon) transferred to Southdown PSV
22nd April-route 410 (Redhill-Westerham) transferred to Southdown PSV
22nd April-route 411 (Redhill-Chelsham Common) transferred to Southdown PSV

May-06 Transfers-
257/8/9 to MB
260/1/5/8 to C
312/313/357 C-MB
751 MB-CYw
845/846/847 CYw-CY
888/889/890 CY-CYw
7766/7769 CYt-Ct
7767 CYt-LRt
Disposals-
197 returned to Tellings Golden Miller and on to Burtons-Colchester
396 to Brighton & Hove-Brighton
409 to Top Line-York (converted to part open top)
412/413/414 to Reily-Bootle
Route Developments-
28th May-route 63 (Guildford-Horsham) transferred from Arriva (Suns Only)
28th May-route 98 (Southwater-Roffey) transferred from Arriva (Suns Only)

Jun-06 The lengthy occupation of Pohill depot came to and end on 2nd June. Vehilces moved
back to Orpington depot which now has 162 buses based there. Olympian 830 has
received an all over advert for Linden Homes, however the front remains blue & yellow.
Disposals-
194/5/6 returned to Tellings Golden Miller
724/5/730/751/756/759/760/805/888/889/890 to Ventura-Lingfield (dealer)
Transfers-
332/4/5/6/7/341/381-389/398/399/467-470/601-623/901-916 PH-MB

Jul-06 Olympian 826 was deroofed on 26th July in Horsham whilst running light to Brighton.
Disposals-
888/889/890 to Stephensons-Rochford
Transfers-
468 MB-C
Route Developments-
1st July-route 2 (Tilgate-County Oak) rerouted K2 Leisure Centre-Ifield
1st July-route 3 (Tilgate-County Oak) route withdrawn
1st July-route 4 (Ifield-Wakehams Grn) rerouted County Oak to Wakehams Green
1st July-route 5 (Ifield-Wakehams Grn) rerouted County Oak to Wakehams Green
1st July-route 7 (Maidenbower-Gatwick) new early morning only route
22nd July-route 620 (Biggin Hill Valley-Charles Darwin Sch) route withdrawn

Aug-06 Dart 246 has received all over advert livery for ASDA replacing 726. Scania OmniCity
returned to service after a lengthy time out of service. Darts 348/9/51-4 have had
their seating capacity changed from B27F to B21F thus removing the tip ups.
Disposals-
380 returned to Kent County Council & then onwards to Arriva Southern Counties
394 returned to Kent County Council
415 to Low Fell-Gateshead
Transfers-
550 CYu-CY
721/726 CY-CYw
Route Developments-
2nd August-route 354 (Bromley-Penge) diverted for 6 weeks via Rectory Road

Sep-06 The East Lancs Darts (228-236) intended for routes 146 & 336 drifted into service from
25th September.
New-
228-236 PN06 JEU/JFA/E/F/G/J/K/N/U Dennis Dart East Lancs Esteem 9.0 B24F
928-934 YN56 FDA/C/D/E/F/G/J Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka 10.6m H45/26D
Transfers-
228-236 to MB
928/929 to CY
Route Developments-
30th September-route 356 (Shirley-Upper Sydenham) minor timetable alterations
30th September-route 367 (Bromley-West Croydon) minor timetable alterations
30th September-route 434 (Coulsdon-Whyteleafe) route extended to Whyteleafe Sth
30th September-route X26 (Croydon-Heathrow) rerouted in Croydon & Teddington

Oct-06 The twelve Scania OmniDekkas for route 261 started to arrive in mid October to
replace the remaining Dennis Tridents. Passenger overloading on route 405 will mean
that this route requires a full compliment of double deckers and therefore some Dennis
Tridents will stay on route 261 until further Scanias are delivered. The remaining six left
over were stored at Croydon depot by late October, pending allocation to Orpington
during November.
New-
935-945 YN56 FDK/L/M/O/P/U/V/X/Y Scania N94UD East Lancs H45/26D
Disposals-
381-389/391-393 to Choice Travel-Wednesfield
Transfers-
158/159/201-6 CY-CYw
331 C-MB
381-89/91-3 MB-MBw
930-934 to MB
935/6/7/8/40/3 to CY
939/41/2/4/5 to Cu
Route Developments-
9th October-route 636 (Edenbridge-East Grinstead) route altered in Edenbridge
14th October-route X90 (Est Grinstead-Gatwick) extended days of operation
16th October-route 594 (Oxted local) SDO journey extended to Outwood Millers Lane
30th October-route 405 (Wst Croydon-Redhill) conversion to double deck operation

Nov-06 Metrobus has reported significant success at Crawley. Since taking over Arriva network
five years ago, patronage has increased by 64%. The PVR on town services has gone
from 29 to 41. There is a 100% low floor fleet with an average age of 4.3 years.
The B99 will be generally operated by Dennis Darts 207/8/334/5/6 and based at MB.
New-
946 YN56 FDZ Scania N94UD East lancs H45/26D
Disposals-
408 to Top Line-York (converted to part open top)
Transfers-
202/3 CYw-CY
207/8 CY-MB
337/8 MB-CYw
Route Developments-
19th November-route 246 (Westerham-Bromley) Last day of seasonal operation
25th November-route B99 (Bromley Park & Ride) re introduction of route

Dec-07 On 2nd December, there was a fun day in Coulsdon and Metrobus provided Scania 944
to travel up and down the soon to be opened Coulsdon By-pass.
New-
101/102 YJ56 WVF/G Optare Solo SE Integral 7.1m B17F
Disposals-
337/338 to Go West Midlands-Tivdale
417/9/20/1/2/3/4 to Wealden PSV and sold on to Metroline-Harrow*
* In practice all six buses remained parked at Crawley depot until collected.
Transfers-
201-206 CYu-CY
357/358 MB-C
419/424 MB-CY-CYu
417/420/421/423 MB-CYw
826 CYu-CY
939/41/2/4/5/6 Cu-MB
Route Developments-
2nd December-route R2 (Petts Wood-Biggin Hill) Earlier & later journeys introduced
2nd December-route R6 (Orpington-St Mary Cray) transferred to First London
31st December-route B99 (Bromley Park & Ride) last day of operation

Jan-07 Darts 201-206 finally went into service on route 2 on 30th January-they are in the same
style as 301. Scania 492 has now reverted to red livery ex Oyster Card overall advert.
Route 336 was diverted for 6 weeks from 8th January due to Turpington Lane being
closed. The Optare Solos arrived in December, however they were not placed into
service until 5th January. Darts 201-206 have been refurbished and repainted into
Crawley Town colours and are to be re launched onto route 2 by mid January.
Disposals-
335/336 to Go West Midlands-Tivdale
Transfers-
101/102 to MB
314 CY-CYw
335/336/399 MB-MBw
398 MBw-CYw
Disposals-
314/399 to Countryliner-Guildford
416 to Thames Travel-Wallingford
Route Developments-
27th January-route 20 (Horley-Broadfield) rerouted at Gatwick Airport
27th January-route 100 (Maidenbower-Redhill) rerouted at Gatwick Airport
27th January-route 490 (East Grinstead-Gatwick Airport) rerouted at Gatwick Airport

Feb-07 Darts 356/7/8 have been repainted red, leaving only 315/6/7/9 as blue & yellow Darts
operating in London. As to TfL double deckers and leaving aside the six Dennis Tridents
(418/422/5/6/7/8) which are to go soon, the last two Scanias not in all over red livery
were 497 (blue skirt) and 461 (playbus colours), the latter was due to be done some
time this month. On 21st February Dart 267 hit a telegraph pole in Shirley causing
extensive frontal damage.
Transfers-
207/208 MB-CY-C
291/292 757/758 CY-CYw
315/316 C-CYw
Route Developments-
17th February-route 261 (Bromley Comm-Lewisham) route extended to Locksbottom

Mar-07 On 1st March, Dennis Trident 418 on route 261 was in a collision with a pedestrian.
Scania 497 has now lost its blue skirt, thus making all Scanias in the TfL area red.
Transfers-
468 C-MB
Route Developments-
17th March-route 246 (Westerham-Bromley) summer extension to Chartwell (Suns)
31st March-route 6 (Crawley-Southgate) rerouted in Southgate
31st March-route 100 (Redhill-Maidenbower) timetable changes
31st March-route 271 (Crawley-Haywards Heath) timetable & route changes
31st March-route 273 (Crawley-Brighton) timetable & route changes
31st March-route 420 (Redhill-Sutton) timetable changes
31st March-route 430 (Merstham-Woodhatch) timetable changes
31st March-route 435 (Merstham-Reigate) timetable changes
31st March-route 460 (Redhill-Epsom) timetable changes
31st March-route 526 (Crawley/Horley Circular) timetable changes
31st March-route 527 (Crawley/Horley Circular) timetable changes

Apr-07 The five MAN/East Lancs buses that were due in December 2006 finally began to arrive
with the first one turning up on 20th April. Two more had turned up by the end of April.
The whole batch is anticipated to be in service by May. The ex Tellings Darts will be
returned to Dawson Rentals whom Tellings had bought them new from. Dart 267 was
back in service by 22nd April.
New-
701/2/4 PN07 KRK/O/V MAN 12.240NL East Lancs 10.3m B27D
Disposals-
158/159 to Ensgin-Purfleet
Transfers-
207 C-MB
221/222 MB-MBw
701/702/704 to MB
Route Developments-
14th April-route 127 (Purley-Tooting) timetable changes
23rd April-route 81 (Haywards Heath-East Grinstead) timetable changes
23rd April-route 270 (Haywards Heath-East Grinstead) timetable changes
23rd April-route 604 (Pound Hill-Maidenbower) timetable changes
23rd April-route 687 (East Grinstead Schools) route changes
28th April-route 917 (Shirley Pk-Croydon) route and timing change-wdn on Wednesdays
28th April-route 931 (Lewisham-Crystal Palace) rerouted in Sydenham
28th April-route 953 (Scrattons Frm-Barkingside) transferred from First London

May-07 New-
559/560 YN07 LKF/LKG Scania CN230UB OmniCity Integral B36D
703/5 PN07 KRU/X MAN 12.240NL East Lancs 10.3m B27D
950-2 YN07 EXK/M/O Scania N230UD OmniDekka East Lancs H45/23D
Disposals-
726/757/758 to Countryliner-Guildford
Transfers-
207 MB-C
222/223 MB-MBw
559/560 to CY
703/704 to MB
Route Developments-
5th May-route 233 (Swanley-Eltham) timetable changes
12th May-route 130 (Norwood Junc-New Addington) rerouted and increase in frequency
12th May-route 10 (Bewbush-Gatwick) frequency increase
12th May-route 20 (Broadfield-Gatwick) timetable changes
12th May-route 23 (Crawley-Worthing) timetable changes

Jun-07 Dennis Tridents 427/428 were transferred to Crawley to cover for newly won routes
409/411 until two new Scanias with East Lancs Olympus bodies arrive sometime in
September. The rest of the Tridents will be returned for disposal.
Entry of the new Scania OmniDekkas has been slow due to various problems meaning
they were returned to Scania for modifications.
Darts 208/209 have stood down from normal service work to be converted to training
vehicles. This is due to driving test buses must have ABS from 1st July. Dart 344
has a modified livery in preparation for route branding on 541/542. Dart 315 came out
of storage and was used at both Croydon and Crawley whilst a bus or two was used
on the Wimbledon tennis services.
New-
947-9 YN07 EXF/G/H Scania N230UD OmniDekka East Lancs H45/23D
Disposals-
220/221/222/223 to Dawson Rentals-Milton Keynes (note not to Tellings Golden Miller)
316 to Hansons-Stourbridge
401/404/410 to NIBS-Wickford
405/406 to Burtons-Colchester
407 to Top Line-York (converted to part open top)
Transfers-
208/209 C-CYt
292/292 CYw-CY
315 CYw-C (loan)
331/334 MB-C
427/428 MB-CY
949/950/951/952 to CYu
Renumbering-
208/209 to 7208/7209
Route Developments-
2nd June-route 409 (East Grinstead-Croydon) transferred from Southdown PSV
2nd June-route 411 (Redhill-Chelsham) transferred from Southdown PSV
2nd June-route 694 (Oxted-Biggin Hill) timetable changes

Jul-07 Mercedes Sprinter 398 returned to service for 10 days from 30th July to be used on a
section of the rote 464 that could not be accessed by the normal vehicles
Disposals-
315 to Hansons-Stoubridge
Transfers-
315 CY-CYw
398 CYw-MB (Temp)
947/948 to CYu
Route Developments-
7th July-route 200 (Gatwick-Bewbush) route extended hourly to Horsham
14th July-route 146 (Bromley-Downe) Hourly Sunday service introduced

Aug-07 The Scania OmniDekkas 947-952 which had been stored for over two months finally
entered service in August on route 405. One pair of seats has been removed towards
the rear offside of the upper deck. The next pair has been turned to face backwards
leading to a large space between the seats, thus reducing the weight at the rear. This
has meant full certification. They should now be classified as H43/23D.
Dart 317 was the last blue and yellow bus in service in London and duly operated its last
trip on route 434 on 16th August, then went to Crawley that evening for disposal.
Darts 7207/7208 are now in yellow livery and these two buses comply with new test
regulations.
Transfers-
317 C-CYw
332 MB-C
418/422/425/426 MB-CYw
935-938/940/943 CY-MB
947-952 CYu-CY
7208 Ct-LRt
7209 Ct-CYt
7766 Ct-LRt
7767 LRt-CYt
7769 Ct-CYt
Route Developments-
18th August-route 917 (Shirley-Croydon) minor timetable changes
18th August-route 938 (Crystal Palace-Lewisham) minor timetable changes

Sep-07 Dart 344 having once branded for Caterham Village and more recently Redhill Water Colour
development, now has a third colour scheme-The Caterham Villager routes 541/542
It has the solgan Up and Down with Ease
Transfers-
215/467/497 MB-C
Route Developments-
1st September-route 161 (Chislehurst-Nth Greenwich) frequency increase in evening
1st September-route 405 (Croydon-Redhill) two extra journeys on schooldays
2nd September-route 2 (K2-Ifield) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 23 (Crawley-Worthing) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 24 (Crawley-Horsham) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 84 (Crawley-East Grinstead) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 281 (Crawley-East Grinstead) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 291 (Crawley-Tunbridge Wells) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 409 (Croydon-East Grinstead) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 610 (Bewbush-Crawley) new schoolday route
2nd September-route 636 (Edenbridge-East Grinstead) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 687 (East Grinstead Schools) minor timing alterations
2nd September-route 692 (Crawley Schools) minor timing & route alterations
8th September-route 127 (Purley-Tooting) minor timetable changes
11th September-route 246 (Bromley-Westerham) last day of seasonal service to Chartwell

Oct-07 Disposals-
721 to Stotts Coaches-Huddersfield
Transfers-
207 C-CY

Nov-07 The Bromley Park and Ride route B99 will operate from 24th November until 31st
December and is to be operated using 4 blue liveried Caetano Darts (371-374) which will
be transferred from Crawley for the duration. Repaints into two tone blue have gained
pace leaving only 296-299/427/428/844 left in blue and yellow. Dart 207 has been
repainted from red to Crawley town blue livery.
Route Developments-
24th November-route B99 (Bromley Park & Ride) new seasonal service commences

Dec-07 Metrobus is to acquire the First London operations from their Orpington Depot on 8th
December. The route contracts and staff, depot and 35 buses are included in the deal.
Route T32 will go straight to Croydon depot with three Darts and route 119 will transfer
to Croydon from the same date.

Jan-99 Route Developments-
4th January-route 246 (Bromley-Edenbridge) timetable revisions
4th January-route 302 (Lingfield-Oxted) timetable revisions
4th January-route 324 (Est Grinstead-Reigate) extended to Redhill to replace route 325
4th January-route 464 (Tatsfield-New Addington) timetable revisions
4th January-route S1 (Sevenoaks Circular) Timetable and routing revisions
4th January-route S1A (Sevenoaks Circular) Timetable and routing revisions
29th January-route 705 (westerham-Victoria) last day of operation

Feb-99 Eight of Limebournes repossessed Dennis Darts were aquired via Ensign and will be
allocated to route 352 and also displace several Bedfords at Godstone
Acquired-
301-308 (P301-8 HDP) Dennis Dart Plaxton B33F Ex Limbourne-Battersea
Disposals-
H220 JLJ E957 GGX 167 (D167 TAU) 168 (D602 RGJ) to Ensign-Purfleet
Transfers-
165/166 MB-GD
Route Developments-
15th February-routes 231 revised timetable
15th February-routes 233 revised timetable
15th February-route 232 re routed on Saturdays via Troy Town
15th February-routes 234/235 extended from Cowden to Tunbridge Wells
15th February-routes 236 (Edenbridge-Troy Town) withdrawn
15th February-route 238 route extended on different days to various towns
15th February-route 239 (East Grinstead-Tunbridge Wells) withdrawn
15th February-route 291 increase in frequency & Sunday service introduced
between East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells
15th February-route 509 (Lingfield-East Grinstead) one journey extended to Edenbridge
22nd February-route 302 the SDO journey from East Grinstead is to start from Lingfield

Mar-99 Darts 305/8 were hired in mid March by Arriva Kent for car park services at Bluewater
although they have been operated directly from Orpington depot. The two open top
Fleetlines that had operated last year will not be operated this year. They will be
operated by normal double decks instead.
Disposals-
953 (M153 LPL) to Bodman-Devizes

Apr-99 No news to report

May-99 Darts 301-304 are based at Orpington, 305-308 at Godstone, the former are used on
route 352 and the latter used on routes 231/233. A demonstrator S343 MOJ Mercedes
Benz UVG body was used on route 354 in the week 10th-14th May (see below).
A clear out of non standard buses has seen the last two ex East Surrey Bedfords and
the unique Sevenoaks DC livered Iveco depart the fleet. The latter has been covered
by a standard midibus from the Sevenoaks town allocation.
Inward Hire-
S343 MOJ Mercedes-Benz 0405 UVG B43F On loan from Mercedes sales
Disposals-
907 (F31 CWY) to Holloway Commercials-Walsall
Route Developments-
1st May-route 37 (Redhill-Reigate) renumbered to route 324
1st May-route 40 (Wakehurst Place-Danehill) new Sun route
1st May-route 87/88 (Crawley-Brighton) new Sunday service to replace route 772
1st May-route 270 (East G/stead-Haywards Hth) Sun service transferred from Arriva WSX
1st May-route 310 (Nutfield-Oxted) route extended to Redhill from Nutfield
1st May-route 324 (Redhill-Reigate) timetable revisions
2nd May-route 238 (Edenbridge-East Grinstead) new Sunday feeder service for Coastlink
2nd May-route 246 (Bromley-Edenbridge) route extended on Suns to Tunbridge Wells
2nd May-route 719 (Thornton Hth-Lewes/Brighton) Coastlink service resumed for summer
2nd May-route 738 (Forest Hill-Lewes/Brighton) Coastlink service resumed for summer
2nd May-route 753 (Orpington-Lewes/Brighton) Coastlink service resumed for summer
2nd May-route 755 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) service resumed for summer
2nd May-route 761 (Woolwich-Hastings/Eastbourne) service resumed for summer
2nd May-route 764 (Selsdon-Hastings/Eastbourne) service resumed for summer
2nd May-route 765 (Crystal Palace-Hastings/Eastbourne) service resumed for summer
2nd May-route 781 (Forest Hill-Hastings/Eastbourne) service resumed for summer
10th May-route 328 (East Hill-Gravesend) introduced also on Mondays as well as Thurs
15th May-route 351 (Bromley-Sydenham) re routed in Penge
15th May-route 352 (Bromley-Forest Hill) extended to Sydenham Hill

Jun-99 The Iveco minibus (detailed below) was loaned to the Southlands coaching fleet
and has been repainted from the maroon of Roundabout to blue & yellow.
Inward Hire-
RH1 C501 DYM Iveco 49.10 Robin Hood B21F loaned from ???????
Route Developments-
1st June-S1 (Sevenoaks Town Service) transferred to Arriva Kent Thameside
1st June-S1A (Sevenoaks Town Service) transferred to Arriva Kent Thameside
1st June-S2 (Sevenoaks Town Service) transferred to Arriva Kent Thameside

Jul-99 The three new Darts for Lewes/Newhaven arrived in July and the two East Sussex CC
Leyland swifts were returned. Long term withdrawals 32 (OHV 208Y) & 727 (H840 GDY)
remained at Godstone awaiting disposal. 863 was de-roofed in Southend Lane on
4th July whilst running light to start route 738.
New deliveries-
309-311 (T309-11 SMV) Dennis Dart Alexander B32F
312-316 (T312-16 SMV) Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer B29F
401-411 (T401-11 SMV) Dennis Trident East Lancs Lolyne H45/24D
Off Hire-
G91/92 VMM
Disposals-
316 (BYX 216V) to Capital Logistics-Croydon
328 (BYX 228V) to Blue Triangle-Rainham
320 (EYE 320V) to London Traveller
908 (F41 CWY) to Holloway Commercials-Walsall
Transfers-
309-11 to SC
320 MB-MBw
352 SC-MB
MCWs 316/28 SC-SCw

Aug-99 Five Dennis Dart MPDs came into service for routes 146/246
Most of the Tridents entered service in this month
New deliveries-
412-415 (V412-15 KMY) Dennis Trident East Lancs Lolyne H45/24D
Disposals-
327 (GYE 527W) 335 (BYX 235V) 347 (GYE 447W)
359 (BYX 259V) 362 (BYX 262V) 376 (WYW 76T) to London Traveller
728 (H841 GDY) to Ashworth Hospital-Liverpool
Transfers-
733 GD-SC
736-7 GD-MB
802-6 MB-SC
Route Developments-
7th August-route 161 extended from Woolwich to North Greenwich
14th August-route 146 contract renewal with new MPD Dart
14th August-route 246 Bromley-Edenbridge converted to new MPD Dart

Sep-99 The company was sold to the Go-Ahead Group on 3rd September. This included
all three depots. The purchase price was over £14 million comprising £3.7 million
cash and the assumption of £10.3 million debt
Disposals-
910 (G301 CPL) to Fosseway-Chippenham, Wilts
Transfers-
80/101/701 MB-GD
348/95 SC-GD
412-15 to MB
802-6 MB-SC
Route Developments-
26th September-route 40 (Wakehurst Place-Danehill) last day of service
26th September-route 246 last day of Sunday service (Bromley-Tunbridge Wells)
26th September-routes 719/738/753/755/764/765/781 last day of service

Oct-99 352 (BYX 252V) has been re fitted with a new blind set and has been re instated
and usually on school route 693
Inward Hire-
S838 VAG Dennis Dart SPD East Lancs Spryte B??F
Transfers-
352 MBt-SC
Route Developments-
2nd October-route 123 (Lewes-Newhaven) improve frequency & Sat Operation
30th October-route 138(Coney Hall-Bromley) timetable revisions
30th October-route 464 (Tatsfield-New Addington) timetable revisions

Nov-99 The 10 Dennis Darts arrived in early November-they are been used on the
Bluewater shuttle and ultimately on the Tramlink replacement routes. From 1st Nov
route 781 was taken over from Stagecoach and re numbered 281 (Uckfield to
Eastbourne) and is normally worked by Olympians from Lewes.
First Orpington Buses went on strike on 17th/22nd November, double deck buses were
used on route 358 to compensate. Dart 732 suffered a minor accident in Tunbridge Wells
on 5th November.
New deliveries-
322-331 (V322-331 KMY) Dennis Dart 10.7m Plaxton Pointer B31D
Transfers-
322-331 to-MB
Route Developments-
1st November-route 781 transferred from Stagecoach and renumbered 281
6th November-a shuttle bus is operated between Bluewater coach park and
the bus station until 9th January 2000
28th November-route 181 Sunday service increased from 30mins to 20 mins

Dec-99 Special route 2000 was operated by Metrobus between Vauxhall & Marble Arch
from 1600 to 0500 next morning. After 2330 it was impossible to operate due to
the crowds and buses got to the south side of Vauxhall Bridge and performed
journeys to Brixton, Camberwell, Clapham and Wandsworth. This carried on till
0330 when all four buses returned to the depot most working extras on N2 and one
on the N36. The other four buses continued on route 2000 till 0500.
Running numbers were 2001-2013 838/5/57/30/2/4/55/37/48/33/42/53/58. Spare
was 836 as running number 2000.
The R & S Olympians (830-858) have had blind box conversions making the
displays wider and clearer.
On Hire-
511 (V511 KMY) Optare Excel Integral B35F from Optare-Leeds
Transfers-
511 to MB

Jan-00 Two Darts (324/5) moved to Godstone for a special service from 31st January to 12th
March between Morden and Colliers Wood via South Wimbledon Station. Further new
Darts 322-331 batch will run LT route TL1 (Croydon-Wimbledon) from 19th February
until the start of Tramlink. Two Volvo Olympians (860/862) have transferred to Godstone
for a couple of months for route 320, due to driver shortage at Orpington.
Transfers-
323/4 MB-SC
324 SC-GD
325/860/2 MB-GD
Route Developments-
8th January-route 320 shared between MB & GD. MB PVR 4/4/1 GD PVR 2/2/1
10th January-route 526 (Crawley Circular) rerouted to standardise timetable

Feb-00 Ten ex Isle of Man Darts are now in full livery and are awaiting re registration
They are CMN 103/5-8L/CMN 9-13H-they are however not in service yet.
804 is now back in service after accident damage in January
Darts 324/5 are usually on the South Wimbledon Service and 322/6/7/8/9 are
allocated to route TL1
Aquired-
771-773 K621-3 PGO Dennis Dart Plaxton B35F Ex Isle of Man Transport
775-775 K449/50 PGO Dennis Dart Plaxton B35F Ex Isle of Man Transport
778-782 J118-122 HGF Dennis Dart Reeve Burgess B35F Ex Isle of Man Transport
Transfers-
322/7/8 SJ-GD
326/8 MB-GD
812 MB-GD
Route Developments-
7th February-routes 123/261/281/291/624 minor timing adjustments
19th February-route TL1 (Tramlink Replacement) transferred to Metrobus

Mar-00 Fouteen Dennis Darts are on order for use on routes 464/494, Gatwick Direct and route
X38. The first example was observed on 17th March. Routemaster RMC1490 which is in
private ownership has been treated to Metrobus colours and is expected to be used on the
Bluebell Railway route 473 this year. The ex Isle of Man Darts went into service from 11th
at Godstone replacing some Metroriders. 774 was the first into service. The two Volvo
Oympians on loan to Godstone for route 320 were returned to Orpington by 13th March.
This coincided with the end of the Northern Line job at South Wimbledon.
Disposals-
911/913/914/915/917 to Guernseybus-Guernsey
Transfers-
327 GD-MB
771/2/5/9/80 to Mbu
773/4/8/81/2 to Gdu
860/2 GD-MB
Route Developments-
28th March-route 161 (Chislehurst-Nth Greenwich) diverted at Sainsburys via Bugsbys Way

Apr-00 The first three of the latest MPDs 318/9/39 entered service on route X38 but were
moved to TL1 due to grounding problems. In turn the ex Isle of Man Darts have been on
the Surrey/Sussex routes. The last Starrider was withdrawn on 20th April (909)
Olympian 824 crashed into a solicitors office turning from Kentish Way into Widmore Rd
Severe damage was done to the bus, however it was expected to be repaired.
A Routemaster has been loaned for the season to operate on route 473-Bluebell Railway
It is based at Godstone and has been repainted in all over blue.
New-
317/9/339/341-3 (W317/9/39/41-3 VGX) Dennis Dart SFD 8.8m Plaxton Pointer B29F
332/4-8 (W332/4-8 VGX) Dennis Dart SFD 10.7m Plaxton Pointer B31D
Long term Loan-
RMC1490 (490 CLT) AEC Routemaster Park Royal Loaned from Cooper/Hayward/Newton
Transfers-
324/6/9 GD-MB
332/4/5 to MB
317/9/39 to GD
341/2/3 to GD
734/5 GD-MBt
771/2/5/9/80 Mbu-GD
813 MB-GD
Disposals-
909 (F70 CPL) to Fosseway-Chippenham
Route Developments-
1st April-route 82 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) transferred from Arriva WSx
1st April-route 84 (Crawley-East Grinstead) Mon-Sat transferred from Arriva WSx
1st April-route 234 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) additional peak journeys
1st April-route 291 (Tunbridge Wells-Gatwick) withdrawn between Nth Terminal & Cargo
1st April-route 526 (Crawley/Horley Circular) two journeys diverted via Gatwick Zoo
1st April-route 660 (Horley-Whitebushes) minor timing change
21st April-route 40 (Ardingly-Sheffield Park) re introduction of summer Sunday service
29th April-route 81 (Haywards Hth-East Grinstead) re routed in East Grinstead
29th April-route 84 (Crawley-East Grinstead) re routed in East Grinstead
29th April-route 238 (Edenbridge-East Grinstead) Oxted extension withdrawn
29th April-route 146 (Downe-Bromley) SDO journey from Biggin Hill withdrawn
29th April-route 246 (Bromley-Edenbridge) route extended to East Grinstead
29th April-route 509 (Lingfield-East Grinstead) route withdrawn-part replaced by 246
29th April-route 529 (Lingfield-East Grinstead) route withdrawn-part replaced by 246
29th April-route 809 (Lingfield-Crowhurst) withdrawn from Crowh

May-00 Route TL1 transferred to Orpington on the 13th May, but finished once the Wimbledon
service began on 31st May. Seven MPDs arrived in May for service on new pre Fastway
routes 200/300 & 400 from 13th May. Of these 791-3 are unbranded and 794-9 are
branded Gatwick Direct. They are in standard colours with mauve route branding.
From 20th May the two MCW Metrobuses at Lewes were swapped with two Olympians
and are now back at Orpington for the training school and route 654. The three
remaining Lynxs at Orpington are used as spares for the Excels and Olympians. Dart 711
hit a tree in South Norwood on 16th May and maybe written off.
New-
337 (W337 VGX) Dennis Dart SFD 8.8m Plaxton Pointer B29F
791-799 (W791-799 VGV) Dennis Dart SFD 8.8m Plaxton Pointer B29F
Transfers-
110 MB-GD
252/321/323 SC-MB
305 GD-MB
336/8 to MB
814/815 MB-SC
322/5/8 GD-MB
337 to MB
341/2/3 GD-MB
735 MBt-SC
791-9 to GD
811 MB-GD
Route Developments-
1st May-route 701 (Woolwich-Eastbourne) Coastlink service resumed for the summer
1st May-route 702 (Lewisham-Hastings) Coastlink service resumed for the summer
1st May-route 703 (Sydenham-Brighton) Coastlink service resumed for the summer
1st May-route 704 (Crystal Palace-Hastings) Coastlink service resumed for the summer
1st May-route 705 (Catford-Brighton) Coastlink service resumed for the summer
1st May-route 706 (Crystal Palace-Eastbourne) Coastlink service resumed for the summer
1st May-route 707 (Selsdon-Eastbourne) Coastlink service resumed for the summer
13th May-route 200 (Broadfield-Gatwick) new route branded Gatwick Direct Mon-Sun
13th May-route 300 (Broadfield-Gatwick) new route branded Gatwick Direct Mon-Sun
13th May-route 400 (East Grinstead-Horley) replaces Arriva WSX route X38 Mon-Sun
13th May-route TL1 (Tramlink replacement) allocation moved from Godstone to Orpington
20th May-route 64 (New Addington-Thornton Hth) rerouted in Croydon
20th May-route 353 (Orpington-Croydon) withdrawn between Addington & Croydon
20th May-route 354 (Bromley-Croydon) withdrawn
20th May-route 359 (Selsdon-Forestdale) rerouted and extended to New Addington
20th May-route 464 (Addington-Tatsfield) frequency increased & Suns added
20th May-route 630 (Addington-Coney Hall) rerouted in Addington
20th May-route 654 (Croydon-Orpington) route to start at Selsdon & ext to Ramsden
20th May-route 693 (Green St Grn-Ramsden) route withdrawn & replaced by route 654
20th May-route T33 (Addington Vill-W Croydon) new route to replace 353-freq increase
31st May-route TL1 (Tramlink replacement) route withdrawn

Jun-00 AEC Routemaster RMC1490 appeared to be still awaiting a new engine by the end of June
Route Developments-
24th June-route 351 (Bromley-Sydenham) route alterations & frequency changes
24th June-route 352 (Bromley-Sydenham Hill) route altered & frequency changes
31st June-route 26 (Seaford circular) transferred from Stagecoach

Jul-00 Route Developments-
2nd July-route 321 (Sevenoaks-Swanley) route transferred to Sams Taxis

Aug-00 Victoria line replacement service was operated by 812-816 during August. Lynx 104
was transferred to Lewes for temporary use on route 26 won from Stagecoach.
Darts 717-726 are now in the latest livery. The increase in frequency on route 358
now means 301-308 are used on this. The Optare Excels are currently going
through a major overhaul. 248 (B248 NVN) has lost its Mercury FM advert in
favour of standard livery. 344 arrived in August and is dedicated to routes A/B
and is branded as the Village Flyer and is operated on behalf of Linden Homes.
New deliveries-
344 (X344 YGU) Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 8.8 B29F
Transfers-
103 MB-GD
104 MB-SC
308 GD-MB
813 GD-MB-GD
814 SC-MB-SC

Sep-00 Two new Dennis Dart Mini Pointer arrived for route 56 in Brighton
On 12th September Metrobus operated a Sunday schedule due to the fuel supply
crisis. By the 16th September normal services had resumed
New deliveries-
346/347 (X346/7 YGU) Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 8.8 B29F
Transfers-
104 SC-GD
306/307 GD-MB
344 to GD
737 MB-SC
Route Developments-
2nd September-route 84 (Crawley-East Grinstead) extra SDO journey
2nd September-route 246 (Bromley-East Grinstead) revised timetable and rerouting
2nd September-route 302 revised timetable and rerouting
2nd September-route 358 Mon-Sat frequency increased from 20 to 15 mins
2nd September-route 438 (East Ginstead-Copthorne) transferred from Arriva WSX
2nd September-route 526 (Crawley Circular) revised timetable and routeing
2nd September-route 630 one journey extended to Biggin Hill Black Horse
2nd September-route 638 (East Ginstead-Copthorne) transferred from Arriva WSX
2nd September-route 809 transferred to Pickerings Coaches-Sth Godstone
2nd September-route 810 (Dormansland-Lingfield) transferred from Arriva WSX
2nd September-routes A/B (Caterham Village-Catherham Stn) new route
30th September-route 701 (Woolwich-Eastbourne) seasonal service withdrawn
30th September-route 702 (Lewisham-Hastings) seasonal service withdrawn
30th September-route 703 (Sydenham-Brighton) seasonal service withdrawn
30th September-route 704 (Crystal Palace-Hastings) seasonal service withdrawn
30th September-route 705 (Catford-Brighton) seasonal service withdrawn
30t September-route 706 (Crystal Palace-Eastbourne) seasonal service withdrawn
30th September-route 707 (Selsdon-Eastbourne) seasonal service withdrawn

Oct-00 511 (V511 KMY) was returned to Optare after 10th October. The Dennis Dart
8.8 metre Pointers were removed from route 494 due to grounding and were
reassigned to route 233. Route 494 now has step entrance Darts on for the time
being.
Off Loan-
511 (V511 KMY) Optare Excel Integral returned to Optare-Leeds
Transfers-
816 MB-SC
346/7 to SC
737 SC-MB
757/8 SC-GD
Route Developments-
2nd October-route 26 (Seaford circular) transferred to Connex
2nd October-route 47 altered and merged with route 147 (Brighton-East Saltdean)
2nd October-route 56 (Patcham-Knoll Estate) transferred from RDH Services
2nd October-routes 59/59A Hollingdean section withdrawn
2nd October-route 121 (Lewes circular) pm journey transferred to Brighton & Hove
2nd October-route 122 (Lewes circular) pm journey transferred to Brighton & Hove
2nd October-route 123 (Lewes circular) pm journey transferred to Brighton & Hove
2nd October-route 124 (Lewes circular) pm journey transferred to Brighton & Hove
2nd October-route 145 (Newhaven circular) transferred to Connex
2nd October-route 146 (Newhaven circular) transferred to Connex
2nd October-route 147 (Brighton-East Saltdean) route withdrawn
7th October-route 261 SDO Pratts Bottom-Green Street Green withdrawn
7th October-route 352 Hail & Ride sections altered to fixed stops
30th October-route 302 (Lingfield-Caterham) Morning journey withdrawn

Nov-00 Olympian 824 that collided with a building in Bromley in April was returned to service.
Route Developments-
26th November-route 91 the Crawley-Gatwick section of route 291 renumbered
26th November-route 291 additional Sundays journeys between E Grinstaed-Crawley

Dec-00 The two trainer Metrobuses 252 & 321 continue to appear in service at Orpington
Transfers-
737 GD-MB
912 GD-GDu
Disposals-
32 (OHV 208Y) gone from the fleet-untraced
Route Developments-
2nd December-route 200 revised timetable with earlier journeys
2nd December-route 300 revised timetable with earlier journeys
16th December-route 410 (Sevenoaks-Westerham) renumbered to route 401
16th December-new route 483 Tatsfield-Selsdon via Chelsham for 3 months
26th December-route 200 ran a special service

Jan-01 Driver trainer Dart 734 is no longer a dedicated trainer, other Darts used as trainers
as and when required are 712/3/52 as well as Metrobuses 252/321
Route Developments-
8th January-route 291 schooldays journeys to Holy Trinity withdrawn & all services
operate via Copthorne Village

Feb-01 On 22nd February Metrobus announced they would register a commercial town
network in Crawley from 31st March. This will include staff and depot.
On 24th February route 494 reverted to low floor buses (341-3) and older standard
Darts returned to route 233.
Route Developments-
24th February-route 161 rerouted to serve QE Hospital at Woolwich

Mar-01 The Crawley town network started on 31st March with route allocations being
the Excels on routes 4/5, the Oxford Darts on route 1 and ordinary Darts on routes
2/3. Within days this was changed due to capacity problems to the Excels on route
1, Oxford Darts on route 2, and the ordinary Darts on route 3/4/5. The seven
Volvos loaned from Arriva WSX worked route 100 and nine MCW Metrobuses
operated the 409. The MCWs took fleetnumbers but the Volvos didn’t.
Route 367 is to be operated from 17th March although new low floor mini pionters
maybe re allocated to routes 233 and 356 due to grounding in Cumberland Road
New Deliveries-
348/9/51-4/6-8 (Y348/9/51-4/6-8 HMY) Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer B27F
Inward Hire-
V204/5/7/8/9/11/2 (L204/5/7/8/9/11/2 YCU) Volvo B6 NCME B39F (until 20/04/01)
Route Developments-
17th March-route 181 (Lewisham-Grove Park) transferred to Stagecoach
17th March-route 284 (Lewisham-Grove Park) transferred to Stagecoach
17th March-route 367 (Bromley Nrth-W Croydon) transferred to Metrobus
31st March-route 1 (Gossops Grn-Broadfield) new route
31st March-route 2 (Gatwick-Furnace Green) new route
31st March-route 3 (Maidenbower-Gatwick) new route
31st March-route 4 (Ifield-Wakehams Green) new route
31st March-route 5 (Ifield-Wakehams Green) new route
31st March-route 82 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) timing revisions
31st March-route 84 (Crawley-E Grinstead) timing revisions
31st March-route 85 (Crawley-Forest Row) new route
31st March-route 86 (Horsham-Haywards Heath) retained by Metrobus but
reassigned to Arriva WSX by mutual agreement
31st March-route 91 (Crawley-Gatwick) route withdrawn
31st March-route 100 revised routing and timetable revisions
31st March-route 270 (E Grinstead-Haywards Hth) Fri/Sat evening service withdrawn
31st March-route 271 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) timing revisions
31st March-route 291 (Tunbridge Wells-Crawley) minor timing revisions
31st March-route 400 (East Grinstead-Gatwick) minor timing & routing revisions
31st March-route 409 (East Grinstead-Croydon) reassigned to Metrobus
31st March-route 438 (Manor Royal-Imberhorne) reassigned to Metrobus
31st March-route 491 (Horley-Tunbridge Wells) new Sunday route
31st March-route 638 (Manor Royal-Imberhorne) transferred from Arriva WSX
31st March-route 648 (Manor Royal-Imberhorne) new schooldays route
31st March-route 692 (East Grinstead-Crawley Schs) new schooldays route
31st March-route 693 (Crawley Dwn-Crawley Schs) new schooldays route
31st March-route 696 (Crawley Schools) new schooldays route

Apr-01 From 21st April the company took routes 100 & 409 in their own right and the
Volvo B6s reverted to Arriva WSX-The MCWs were retained for a few weeks longer
Routes 82/84/100/200/300/271/400/420/460/491/526 and school routes
438/638/692/693/696 are being worked from Crawley and 409/410/411/430/435
are operated from Godstone. The company acquired 18 Dennis Darts with Caetano
along with 3 hired Darts from Dawson Rentals until 3 more were built by Caetano.
The hired MCWs were a stop gap until the Olympians moved from Orpington.
New Deliveries-
359/361-369/371-4/76 (Y359/61-9/71-4/6 HMY Dennis Dart Caetano Nimbus B38F
416 (Y416 HMY) Dennis Trident East Lancs Lolyne H42/23D
Acquired-
872/877-880/82 (N532/537 LHG, WLT 688, N539/40/2 LHG) Volvo Olympian
NCME Palatine I H48/27D Ex London Central
Volvo B6s reverted to Arriva WSX-The MCWs were retained for a few weeks longer
Inward Hire-
397/398 (P830/1 BUD) Dennis Dart Marshall 10.7m B39F from Dawson Rentals
399 (S719 KNV) Dennis Dart Marshall 10.7m B39F from Dawson Rentals
221 (CUD 221Y) Leyland Olympian ECW H47/28D from City of Oxford
Transfers-
221/364-9/71-4/6/99 to GD
359/61/2/3/97/8 to CY
725/6 MB-CY
733/5 SC-MB
750-2/91-9 GD-CY
774/5 GD-SC
810 SC-GD
816 MB-SC
Route Developments-
1st April-route 246 An hourly Sunday service introduced from Bromley to Chartwell
1st April-route 320 revised Sunday timings
1st April-route 401 (Westerham-Sevenoaks) evening service withdrawn
21st April-route 3 additional peak journeys between Three Bridges & Maidenbower
21st April-route 88 first and last journeys extended from Turners Hill to Crawley
21st April-route 100 operated by Metrobus daily
21st April-route 291 minor timing revisions
21st April-route 324 minor timing adjustments
21st April-route 409 transferred from Arriva WSX rerouted via Chelsham and Selsdon
21st April-route 410 transferred from Arriva WSX
21st April-route 411 transferred from Arriva WSX and extended to Chelsham Common
21st April-route 420 one return SDO to Redhill subcontracted to London General
21st April-route 435 Sunday service rerouted from Reigate back to Redhill
21st April-route 460 evening & Sunday service reinstated to replace route 306
21st April-route 483 route withdrawn-replaced by rerouting of route 409
21st April-route 526 minor timing adjustments
21st April-route 606 (Godstone-Oxted) new SDO service
21st April-route 624 minor timing adjustments

May-01 The first six Volvo Olympians from London Central went into service on route 261
in turn cascading six P reg Olympians to Crawley. The six dual doors arrived a
couple of weeks later to release five P reg Olympians to Godstone. The last three
London Central Olympians went straight to Crawley by the end of May. Olympian
828 went for accident repair. Also Dart 322 was an accident victim. From 26th May
the MPDs finally entered service on route 367 due to the change in road layout.
in turn the 8.5m Darts went back to route 233 and the 9m darts went to 351/356
Acquired-
868/870/1/3/5/881 (N528/530/1/3/541 LHG) Volvo Olympian NCME H48/27D
Ex London General
888/9/90 (WLT 838/M409/10 RVU) Volvo Olympian NCME H47/30F
Ex London Central
Off Hire-
221 (CUD 221Y) returned to City of Oxford
Transfers-
221 GD-Oxford 248/395 GD-CY
817/8/9/21/3 MB-CY
824/5/6/8/9 MB-GD
868/70-3/5/77-88-2 to MB
Route Developments-
5th May-route 701 (Woolwich-Eastbourne) coastlink route reintroduced for summer
5th May-route 702 (Lewisham-Hastings) coastlink route reintroduced for summer
6th May-route 707 (Woolwich-Hastings) new Coastlink route

Jun-01 The sixteenth Trident arrived on 1st June in order to top up the allocation on 161
381 (Y381 HKY) was officially the first Pointer bodied Dart to be built at Falkirk
Metrorider 912 (H152 UUA) is now a staff bus based at Godstone and is usually found
parked at Redhill Bus Station.
New Deliveries-
416 (Y416 HMY) Dennis Trident East Lancs Lolyne H45/23D
Acquired-
787 J787 JNJ Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer B40F Ex Brighton & Hove
Transfers-
252/321 CY-MB
729 GD-CY
787 to MBt
Route Developments-
4th June-route 84 (Crawley-Est Grinstead) journey via Rowfant renumbered 684
4th June-route 684 (Crawley-Est Grinstead) new schooldays journey
4th June-route 696 (Crawley Schools) no longer serves Ifield Parade

Jul-01 Fleet numbers are being applied to all buses on the nearside front bumper.
The five MPDs due are the first Plaxtons to be built at Falkirk. Twelve more Dennis
Tridents have been ordered for route 261 for December 2001.
New-
377-379 Y377-379 HMY Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus 11m B38F
382/3/6-8 Y382/3/6-8 HKE Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 8.8m B27F
Off Hire-
787 (J987 JNJ) returned to Brighton & Hove
397/398 (P830/1 BUD) 399 (S719 KNV) returned to Dawson rentals-Milton Keynes
Transfers-
252 MB-CYt
364/365 GD-CY
377-379 to GD
397/398 CY-wdn
399 GD-wdn

Aug-01 All twelve new MPDs duly arrived intime to be mixed with Orpington depots existing
twelve MPDs on routes 233, 336,367,494. Darts 702-707 moved from the route 233
to join other 9.0 metre Darts on routes 351 & 356 and displace Darts 708-716 to driver
training duties. All retain their class 6 status. The Metrriders remain on route 138 for the
time being. Olympian 852 was loaned to Crawley and was mainly used on route 460.
Scania L94/Wright Solar was on loan to route 161 and was used on 22/23 August only.
Dart 343 has suffered accident damage and will be out of action for a couple of months.
New-
381/4/5/9 Y381/4/5/9 HKE Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 8.8m B27F
Inward Hire-
X94 USC Scania L94 Wright Solar B40F from Scania UK-Worksop
Renumbered-
248 to 898
395 to 895
741-748 to 241-248
791-799 to 291-299
Transfers-
381-389/391-393 to MB
708-711 MB-CYt
712-716 MB-MBt
852 MB-CY-MB
Route Developments-
18th August-route 138 (Coney Hall-Catford) withdrawn between Catford & Bromley
18th August-route 336 (Locksbottom-Catford) transferred to Metrobus

Sep-01 One of London Generals Greenways GLS483 (83 CLT) came on loan in late September
for use at Godstone depot and remained here through October for evaluation to
replace Lynxs. Dart 314 had suffered major front end damage on route 246 at
Westerham Hill on 1st September.
Disposals-
252/321 to Fleetmaster-Horsham
912 to Southlands Travel-Swanley
Outward Loan-
729/752 to Go North East for two months
Transfers-
365 CY-GD
Route Developments-
1st September-route 246 (Bromley-Est Grinstead) timetable revisions
1st September-route 540 (East Surrey Hosp-Woldingham) transferred to Northdown
1st September-route 646 (Edenbridge-Est Grinstead) new schooldays route
1st September-route 654 (Selsdon-Ramsden) rerouted in Orpington
29th September-route 6 (Crawley-Pease Pottage) new route via Bewbush
29th September-route 271 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) rerouted in Crawley & retimed
29th September-route 273 (Crawley-Brighton) new route to replace Arriva WSX route 23
29th September-route 594 (Hurst Green-Oxted) SDO journey withdrawn from St Marys Sch
29th September-route 595 (Hurst Green-Oxted) new SDO route to part replace route 594
29th September-route 671 (Crawley-Holy Trinity) afternoon service withdrawn
30th September-route 707 (Woolwich-Hastings) last day of service

Oct-01 Transfers-
342 MB-GD
701 GD-MB-CYu
710/711 CYt-MB
754 GD-CY
773 GD-SC
808 SC-GD
Route Developments-
1st October-route 323 (East Hill-sevenoaks) rerouted in Horton Kirby
1st October-route 328 (East Hill-Gravesend) projected to start/finish at Otford
27th October-route 1 (Broadfield-Bewbush) frequency increase & rerouting
27th October-route 2 (Gatwick-Tilgate) daytime frequency increase
27th October-route 3 (Gatwick-Maidenbower) route withdrawn
27th October-route 4 (Ifield-Crabbet Park) timing and route changes
27th October-route 5 (Ifield-Crabbet Park) timing and route changes
27th october-route 84 (Crawley-East Grinstead) minor timing changes
27th October-route 100 (Redhill-Crawley) rerouted & extended to Maidenbower
27th October-route 200 (Broadfield-Horley) frequency incease over certain sections
27th October-route 300 (Broadfield-Horley) frequency incease over certain sections
27th October-route 231 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) one journey diverted via Groombridge
27th October-route 234 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) SDO journeys rerouted
27th October-route 238 (East Grinstead-Edenbridge) withdrawn from King George Ave
27th October-route 261 (East Grinstead-Uckfield) minor timing changes
27th October-route 290 (Tunbridge Wells-Groombridge) route withdrawn
27th October-route 291 (Crawley-Tunbridge Wells) additional journeys added
27th October-route 646 (Edenbridge-East Grinstead) pm journey extended in Edenbridge

Nov-01 From 11th November, route 246 & 320 are interworked with double deckers. 778 & 782
have been converted to traning buses.
Transfers-
778/782 GD-CYt
901 MB-GD
902/905 MB-CYw
Route Developments-
4th November-route 246 (Bromley-Westerham) seasonal extension to Chartwell w/drawn

Dec-01 December 26th saw the operation of free route 435 and was worked by Darts 291/293
Metrorider 906 was the last in service at Orpington on route 138-this ceased from 12th
December. The Tridents on order should arrive this month, this in turn will release the
Volvo Olympians (868/870-3/5/7-882) back to London Central. The two Wadham Stringer
Darts have returned from the North East and reinstated to the training fleet.
New-
417-419 LV51 YCC/D/E Dennis Trident East Lancs Lolyne H45/23D
Off Hire-
729/752 returned from Go North East-Newcastle
Transfers-
314/343 MBu-GD
342 GD-MB
417/418/419 to MB
702/703 MB-MBu
708/709 CYt-MB
712/713/714/715/716 MBt-MB
729/752 to CYt
771/772 GD-CYtu-MBt
773 SC-GD
778 CYtu-MBt
902/905 MB-CYw
903/906 MB-CYw
904 MB-GD
918 GD-GDw
Route Developments-
26th December-route 300 (Broadfield-Gatwick) special service operated
26th December-route 435 (Merstham-Reigate) special service operated

Jan-02 The first few Dennis Tridents entered service on route 261 on 8th January and all
were in service by 29th January. The twelve ex London Central Olympians
(868/70-3/5/7-82) became surplus. Seven are being retained but the other went
back to London Central to provide a top up on route 40. Darts 314 & 343 have returned
to service after accidents.
New Deliveries-
420-28 (LV51 YCF/G/H/J/K/L/M/N/O) Dennis Trident East Lancs Lolyne H45/29D
Transfers-
80/824 GD-CY
918 GDw-Cyw
165/901 GD-GDw
103 GD-CYw
343 GD-MB
750/751 CY-GD
704/5/6/7 MB-MBw
859/60 MB-GD
870/1/2/80/1 MB-MBw
Disposals-
701-707 (J701-7 EMX) to Birmingham Coach Co-Tivdale
902 (N902 HWY) to Red Rose Travel-Aylesbury
Route Developments-
5th January-route R2 (Biggin Hill-Charles Darwin) this school journey numbered 620
5th January-route 620 (Biggin Hill-Charles Darwin) new route replaces school R2
7th January-route 246 (East Grinstead-Bromley) temp rerouting around Dormansland
7th January-route 409 (East Grinstead-Croydon) temp rerouting around Dormansland

Feb-02
Disposals-
103 to Town & Country Buses-Purfleet

Mar-02 A Volvo B7L demonstrator has been evealuated at Crawley. It is in full Go North East
colours and carries fleet number 800-a number that was used by Oxford previously. It
moved on by 3rd April. From the pool of eight buses that were surpluss from
Whitelaws, two have been bought as replacements for the Leyland Lynxs. Volvo
Olympian 850 has been painted in gold for the Golden Jubliee celebrations.
Aquired-
158/159 L58/59 UNS Volvo B10B-58 Alexander Strider B51F Ex Whitelaw-Stonehouse
Loan-
800 Y814 BOJ Volvo B7L Wright Eclipse B40F from Go North East-Gateshead
Transfers-
158/159 to CYu

Apr-02 Most of the transfers were to do with the overnight assumption of Aventa's school
routes in Horsham from 15th April. A Dart was loaned during April from Caetano.
It was mainly used on route 246.
On Hire-
X93 FOR Dennis Dart Caetano Nimbus B25D loaned from Caetano-Waterlooville
Disposals-
901/905/906/918 sold to ?????????
Transfers-
158/159 CYu-GD
730/761/773 GD-CY
804 SC-CY
808 GD-SC
865 MB-CY-GD
901 GDw-GD-GDw
903 CYw-GD
918 CYw-GD-GDw
X93 FOR to GD
Route Developments-
15th April-route 651 (Horsham Schools) transferred from Aventa
15th April-route 652 (Horsham Schools) transferred from Aventa
15th April-route 661 (Horsham Schools) transferred from Aventa
15th April-route 662 (Horsham Schools) transferred from Aventa
15th April-route 674 (Horsham Schools) transferred from Aventa
15th April-route 681 (Horsham Schools) transferred from Aventa
15th April-route 682 (Horsham Schools) transferred from Aventa

May-02 During mid May Olympian 818 was loaned to Brighton & Hove so they could trial the
assault screen fitted. In return Dennis Lance 104 was used in Crawley. Four London
Central/General Darts have been aquired and painted into standard colours. This was
for an increase in PVR on route 358 which has now operated under contract to London
Buses as opposed to commercially operated from 18th May. From the same date routes
359, T33 and 630 were transferred to Godstone. Routes 430 & 435 were transferred to
Crawley. This included one journey on route 411.
Aquired-
224-227 P724-727 RYL Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10m B36F Ex London Central
Disposal-
165 to Southdown PSV-Copthorne
Transfers-
104 /110/365-368/377-379/825 GD-CY
224/225/226//27 to MB
312 313 GD-MB
322-331/862 MB-GD
730/761 CY-GD
Route Developments-
4th May-route 701 (Woolwich-Eastbourne) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 702 (Lewisham-Hastings) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 703 (Sydenham-Brighton) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 704 (Crystal Palace-Hastings) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 705 (Catford-Brighton) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 706 (Crystal Palace-Eastbourne) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 707 (Woolwich-Hastings) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 708 (Crawley-Eastbourne) commencement of seasonal service
4th May-route 709 (Crystal Palace-Eastbourne) commencement of seasonal service
18th May-route 236 (East Grinstead-Westerham) new route part replaces route 246
18th May-route 246 (Westerham-Bromley) route curtailed to Westerham/Chartwell
18th May-route 358 (Orpington-Crystal Palace) route alteration & frequency increase
18th May-route 409 (Croydon-East Grinstead) route alterations around Stone Quarry
18th May-route 646 (Edenbridge-East Grinstead) route alteration in Edenbridge area

Jun-02
Acquired-
891-894 M401 RVU/ 2 CLT/M403/4 RVU Volvo Olympian NCME H47/30F Ex Lndn Cent
Route Developments-
30th June-route 710 (Redhill-Littlehampton) new Sun & Bk Hol service

Jul-02 Former London Central vehicles continue to drift in. Unusually NV6 (now 886) ran
for a few days in red on route 320 on 12th July.
Acquired-
885/886 M405/6 RVU Volvo Olympian Northern Counties H47/30F Ex London Central
896 N411 JBV Volvo Olympian Northern Counties H47/30F Ex London Central
Off Hire-
211/3/4 WLT 311/S113/4 EGK to London Central
Transfers-
158/159 CY-GD
862 GD-MB
Route Developments-
1st July-route 2 (Tilgate-Gatwick) diverted via new City Place
1st July-route 200 (Broadfield-Gatwick) diverted via new City Place
1st July-route 300 (Broadfield-Gatwick) diverted via new City Place
6th July-route 351 (Bromley-Penge) renumbered to 354
29th July-route 473 (Est Grinstead-Kingscote) operates daily and diverted via Standen

Aug-02 Two Oxford Olympians have been hired at Crawley ready for the school term
On Hire-
883/884 BBW 214Y/BBW 224Y Leyland Olympian ECW H47/28D from City of Oxford
Transfers-
166 GD-CYw
825 CY-GD
883/884 to CY
Route Developments-
31st August-route 64 (New Addington-Thornton Hth) frequency increase to 8 minutes
31st August-route 630 (New Addington-Biggin Hill) transferred to Stagecoach
31st August-route 664 (New Addington-Biggin Hill) new schoolday route

Sep-02 Scania demonstrator 512 (YR52 VFO) was still in use at Godstone mainly on route 246
Due to the collapse of London Easylink, Metrobus operated for 5 days on route 185
using Volvo Olympians-some days two buses were provided. On 22nd September 865/6
were used.
Transfers-
331 GD-MB
Route Developments-
1st September-route 473 (East Grinstead-Kingscote) reverts to weekends only
2nd September-route 81 (East Grinstead-Haywards Hth) re routed in East Grinstead
2nd September-route 84 (East Grinstead-Crawley) re routed in East Grinstead
2nd September-route 236 (Westerham-East Grinstead) Felbridge journeys reduced
2nd September-route 261 (East Grinstead-Uckfield) minor timing revisions
2nd September-route 281 (Uckfield-Eastbourne) transferred to Eastbourne Buses
2nd September-route 291 (Crawley-Tunbridge Wells) minor timing revisions
2nd September-route 409 (Croydon-East Grinstead) major timing revisions
2nd September-route 410 (Redhill-Westerham) minor timing revisions
2nd September-route 420 (Redhill-Sutton) one school journey rerouted to Reigate Sch.
2nd September-route 438 (Copthorne-East Grinstead) minor timing revisions
2nd September-route 526 (Crawley/Horley Circular) minor timing revisions
2nd September-route 544 (Dormansland-Crawley) route variation and timing revision
2nd September-route 636 (East Grinstead-Edenbridge) transferred to Southdown PSV
2nd September-route 660 (Whitebushes-Horley) afternoon trip re timed
2nd September-route 810 (Dormansland-Lingfield) rerouted to include Blindley Heath
22nd September-route 185 (Lewisham-Victoria) journeys covered for 5 days
24th September-route 526 (Crawley/Horley Circular) Gatwick Zoo route withdrawn
24th September-route 810 (Blindley Hth-Lingfield) rerouted

Oct-02 The sole Scania OmniCity ordered for route 664, was exhibited at ExpoCoach at the NEC
and was delivered to Godstone by 19th October. It is in a new revised livery and is
numbered 513 (YP52 CTO) and works the school route 664 then route 246 between
the school journeys. In turn the hired Scania 512 (YR52 VFO) was returned on the 20th.
It was replaced with 511 (YP52 ABN). An Optare Solo has arrived for the revised Kent
Karrier network in Edenbridge-its in Kent County Council colours of all over yellow.
The Fastway guided bus system in Crawley and Gatwick is to be operated by Metrobus
The first part of the system is expected to start next year with a full opening by 2004.
The network will require 23 vehicles once completed.
New-
513 YP52 CTO Scania CN94UB OmniCity B42F
394 YE52 FGV Optare Solo Integral B25F
On Hire-
511 YP52 ABN Scania Wright Pulsar B??F from Scania-Worksop
512 YR52 VFO Scania Wright Pulsar B??F from Scania-Worksop
Transfers-
394 511 512 513 to GD
754 CY-GD
903 GD-GDw
Route Developments-
25th October-route 6 (Crawley-Pease Pottage) withdrawn
28th October-route 271 (Crawley-Haywards Hth) route revised in Crawley
28th October-route 273 (Crawley-Brighton) route revised to serve Pease Pottage

Nov-02 No news to report this month
Off Hire-
883/884 returned to Oxford Bus
Disposals-
951/952 to Dawson Rentals-Milton Keynes
Route Developments-
4th November-route 232 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) additional journeys introduced
4th November-route 234 (Edenbridge-T Wells) Sat service transferred from Southlands
4th November-route 238 (E Grinstead-Sevenoaks) rerouted and curtailed & Retimed
4th November-route 246 (Bromley-Westerham) seasonal withdrawal from Chartwell
4th November-route 284 (Tunbridge Wells local) Sat service transferred from Southlands
16th November-route B (Caterham Villager) evening & Sundays converted to route A

Dec-02 Olympian 850 was repainted to blue and yellow. This was the Golden Jubilee bus
Route Developments-
26th December-route 435 (Reigate-Merstham) special Xmas service operated
31st December-route A (Aldwych-Marble Arch) special night service for one night only

Jan-03 The first Scania Omnidekka (451) arrived on 23rd January. It is mainly red with blue &
yellow colours of Metrobus applied in a stylised manner. It was used on a photo shoot
in central London for Scania on 25th January. 452 & 453 followed by the end of
January in time for a press launch at Crawley on 30th January. The Scania OmniCity
513 that was delivered last October and which subsequently spent much time back at
Scania in Worksop finally entered service from 9th January on route 310. It operates on
route 664 and daytime journeys on route 246. Dart 291 moved to Orpington for a PVR
increase on route 233 after reductions on route 400 in Crawley.The second Optare Solo
has arrived and is in standard blue & yellow unlike 394 which is in plain yellow livery.
394 is the standard vehicle for the Edenbridge Kent Karrier with 396 as back up.
New-
396 LW52 AFA Optare Solo M850 Integral B27F
451/2/3 YU52 XVK/L/M Scania N94UB OmniDekka East Lancs 10.6m H45/29D
Transfers-
291 CY-MB
396 to GD
451/2/3 to MB
Disposals-
903 to Nu-Venture-Aylesford
950 to Dawson Rentals-Milton Keynes
Route Developments-
11th January-route 81 (East Grinstead-Haywards Hth) minor timing revisions
11th January-route 82 (East Grinstead-Haywards Hth) Mon-Sat omit Copthorne Village
11th January-route 84 (Crawley-East Grinstead) withdrawn between EG & Forest Row
11th January-route 85 (Crawley-Forest Row) all journeys withdrawn
11th January-route 100 (Redhill-Maidenbower) route change & timing revision
11th January-route 200 (Horley-Broadfield) route change & timing revision
11th January-route 231 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) minor timing revision
11th January-route 233 (Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells) minor timing revision
11th January-route 236 (East Grinstead-Westerham) journeys via Felbridge renumbered
11th January-route 237 (East Grinstead-Westerham) new route via Felbridge
11th January-route 291 (Crawley-Tunbridge Wells) new Sun service introduced
11th January-route 300 (Horley-Broadfield) route change & timing revision
11th January-route 391 (Crawley-East Grinstead) new route to replace some 84/85
11th January-route 400 (East Grinstead-Horley) route withdrawn
11th January-route 409 (East Grinstead-Croydon) minor timing revision
11th January-route 420 (Redhill-Sutton) Suns increased to hourly Sutton-Redhill
11th January-route 430 (Merstham-Woodhatch) major timetable revision
11th January-route 435 (Merstham-Reigate) rerouted & major timetable revision
11th January-route 460 (Epsom-Redhill) minor timing revision
11th January-route 490 (East Grinstead-Gatwick) new route part replaces route 400
11th January-route 491 (Horley-East Grinstead) route withdrawn
11th January-route 638 (East Grinstead-Copthorne) minor timing revision
11th January-route 648 (East Grinstead-Copthorne) minor timing revision
11th January-route 684 (East Grinstead-Crawley) minor timing revision
11th January-route 687 (East Grinstead-Crawley) minor timing revision

Feb-03 Orders for a total of 109 new vehicles have now been placed, including two Darts for
Surrey work, ten for fastway in Crawley and the rest to cover the recent TfL tender
awards. The three OmniDekkas were returned to Scania but came back by the end of
February.
New-
454/455/457 YU52 XVN/O/R Scania N94UD East Lancs Omnidekka 10.6m H45/29D
Renumbered-
729/752/771/771/778/782 renumbered with an extra '7' in front

Mar-03 The new Scania OmniDekkas have had their 52 marks changed for 03. They are having
to be returned to East Lancs for modifications and seating changes. Two Darts arrived
at Crawley in early March for route 526. However they still were not registered by
the end of the month. On 10th March Dart 788 went out of control at Crawley Bus
Station. It hit the back of 895 which was about to leave on route 273. The Dart
knocked down a bus shelter and finished up in the wall of Boots. One woman was killed
and four injured. Olympian 821 has received a repaint and the new style company
fleetname added. Only two Leyland Lynxs remain in service, 80 at CY and 101 at GD.
New-
320/321 LX03 OJP/OJN Trans Bus Dart Tranbus Pointer B37F
456/458 YNO3 DFC/D Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka 10.6m H45/29D
Reregistration-
455 from YU52 XVO to YN03 DFA
Transfers-
317/904 GD-CYu
320/321 to CY
456/8 to MBu
773 CY-GD
807 SC-CY
788/ CY-CYu
Disposals-
104 110 166 to Nu Venture-Aylesford
904 to Countryliner-Guildford
Route Developments-
3rd March-route T33 (Addington-W Croydon) additional double deck journeys in peaks

Apr-03 Finally the first two Scania OmniDekkas (451/2) went into service on 2nd April they
became the first two to enter service anywhere in the UK. As at 4th April just seven
(451-4/6-8) had reached the company, of which 454/6 were in store at Scania in
Purfleet. The others were still at East Lancs in Blackburn. The Scanias are replacing
the NV class Olympians that have been on long term loan from London Central.
875/9/93 were the first to go, being stored at First Leicester depot by 15th April.
886 & 896 followed on 22nd April, with 885 & 892 by 30th April. Darts 320/321 were
still in store with Trans Bus at Guildford. Route 138 has always been worked by step
entrance Darts. However between 8th-17th April an 8.8 metre SLF was trailed round
the route on running number 85. On 20th/21st April the whole route was allocated SLF
The trial was successful meaning that the route should be converted in the near future.
Off Hire-
875/868/879/885/886/892/893/896 returned to London Central
Disposals-
916 to Ensign-Purfleet and onward to Red Route-Northfleet
Transfers-
331 MB-GD
451-459/461/464/466/467 to MB
838/839 MB-CY
868/875/879/885/886/892/893/896 MB-MBw
916 GD-GDw
Route Developments-
28th April-route 2 (Tilgate-Gatwick) off peak terminates at South terminal
28th April-route 100 (Redhill-Maidenbower) minor timetable changes
28th April-route 409 (Croydon-East Grinstead) minor timetable changes
28th April-route 411 (Chelsham-Redhill) minor timetable changes
28th April-route 420 (Sutton-Redhill) minor timetable changes
28th April-route 526 (Crawley-Horley) minor timetable changes

May-03 NV Class Olympian 868 was returned to London Central by 2nd May. 320/321 finally
entered service on route 526 on 8th May. Scania OmniDekkas continued to arrive in May
and delivery was completed in May for route 64.
New-
460/2/3/5/8 YN03 DFG/K/L/U/Y Scania N94UD East Lncs OmniDekka H45/29D
Transfers-
317 CYu-GD
455/459/467 to MB
460/462/463/465/468 to MB
773 CY-GD
Disposals-
877/878/891/894 returned to London Central but stored at Leicester
Route Developments-
10th May-route 161 (Chislehurst-Nth Greenwich) re routed from Nrth Greenwich Station

Jun-03 On 13th June, a planning application for a new bus garage has been made at Ullswater
Crescent in Coulsdon with a capacity for 80 buses. 455 has returned to service following
accident repair.
Disposals-
873/882 returned to London Central but stored at Leicester

Jul-03 Scania OmniDekkas 455 & 464 have received a revised version of the red livery-they now
have a thin yellow and blue band below the lower deck windows. The yellow changes to
blue halfway along. Four of the former Oxford Darts went back to Oxford for use on
route 14-they were on loan and their fronts painted into Oxford colours.
Lewes depot closed on 26th July and routes generally passed to other local operators.
Mini Pointers 346/7 passed with route 56 to Brighton & Hove in exchange for two of
Brighton's Dennis Lances-these will replace the two final Lynxs in the fleet which will
become trainers. 309-11 will be relocated to route 200. The nine Olympians were
initially used on a weekday rail replacement service between Purley and Redhill from
28th July till 8th August.
Aquired-
117/118 M417/8 MPN Dennis Lance Optare Sigma B47F Ex Brighton & Hove 117/8
Disposals-
346/7 to Brighton & Hove
Loans-
762/3/6/8 loaned to City of Oxford
Transfers-
309-311/774/5/814-6 SC-CY
750 GD-CY
802/3/8/9 SC-GD
805/6 SC-MB-CY
895 CY-CYw

Aug-03 The first two of the new batch of Scania OmniDekkas arrived on 1st August. 432 & 434
arrived at Godstone in the revised livery of all red with a thin yellow/blue band, the
same as applied to 455/464. The 431-447 batch will go to Godstone for route 466.
The original batch (451-468) of Scania OmniDekkas had hard seats, however these are
being replaced with more comfortable seating. Dart 726 was noted at a coach painters
in Hounslow. It has been repainted into an all over ASDA livery for the new town
shuttle service in Crawley. During August for about two months, London General will
outstaion two MCW Metrobuses to handle the driver training due to a large increase in
driver establishment. M1107 & M1372 are the usual vehicles.
New-
201-19 SN03 WKU/Y WLA/E/F/H/L/P/U/X/Z /P/T/V/Y TransBus Dart Pointer B36D
TransBus Dart TransBus Pointer 10.7m B36D
271-89 SN03 YBA/B/C/G/H/K/R/S/T/X/Y/Z/YCD/E/F/K/L/M/T TransBus Dart Pointer B27F
TransBus Dart TransBus Pointer 8.8m B27F
431-47/69/70 YV03 PZW/X/Y/Z PZE/F/G/H/J/K/L/M RCY/Z RAU/X RBF RBU/X
Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka 10.6m H45/29D
531-40 YN03 UWU/Y WPM/P/R WRF/G/J/L/P Scania CN94UB OmniCity B37D
Scania CN94UB OmniCity B37D
Transfers-
117/118 CYu-CY
201-205/431-447 to GD
206-213/530-540 to CY
214-219/271-286/460/470 to MB
291 MB-CY
303-306/805/806 MB-CY
314/315/730-732 GD-CY
330/331/860/861 GD-MB
708/709/712/716 MB-GDw
773 GD-GDt
774/775 CY-CYt-GDw
779/780/781/802/803/808-813 GD-GDw
822-824 CY-GD
898 CY-CYw
Disposals-
809/810/812/813 to Happy Als-Birkenhead
Route Developments-
30th August-route 1 (Bewbush-Broadfield) re routed in Bewbush & timing adjustments
30th August-route 2 (Tilgate-Gatwick) re routed in Furnace Grn & Tilgate
30th August-route 4 (Ifield-Pound Hill) minor timing adjustments
30th August-route 5 (Ifield-Pound Hill) minor timing adjustments
30th August-route 10 (Gatwick-Broadfield) new Fastway service
30th August-route 81 (Haywards-Hth-Est Grinstead) minor timing adjustments
30th August-route 84 (Crawley-Est Grinstead) minor timing adjustments
30th August-route 100 (Redhill-Maidenbower) route & timing alterations
30th August-route 200 (Bewbush-Gatwick) rerouted & extended to Horley
30th August-route 236 (Westerham-Est Grinstead) timetable and routing revision
30th August-route 237 (Westerham-Est Grinstead) variation via Newchapel withdrawn
30th August-route 261 (Uckfield-Est Grinstead) one return journey to Newchapel
30th August-route 270 (Haywards-Hth-Est Grinstead) minor timing adjustments
30th August-route 291 (Crawley-Tunbridge Wells) minor timing adjustments
30th August-route 300 (Bewbush-Gatwick) withdrawn & replaced by route 200
30th August-route 320 (Bromley-Biggin Hill) increase in frequency in daytime
30th August-route 324 (Redhill-Est Grinstead) withdrawn from Horley to Est Grinstead
30th August-route 353 (Ramsden-Addington Village) additional double deck journeys
30th August-route 356 (Upper Sydenham-Elmers End) extended to Shirley Monks Orchard
30th August-route 358 (Orpington-Crystal Palace) Sundays increased from 30 to 20 mins
30th August-route 405 (Redhill-West Croydon) transferred from Connex Bus
30th August-route 434 (Whyteleafe-Coulsdon) new route via Purley Mon-Sat only
30th August-route 466 (Caterham-Addington) transferred from London South
30th August-route 490 (Est Grinstead-Gatwick) diverted via City Place
30th August-route 526 (Crawley/Horley Circular) re routed in Ifield and Crawley
30th August-route 636 (Edenbridge-East Grinstead) new route to duplicate route 646
30th August-route 684 (Crawley-Est Grinstead) minor timing adjustments
30th August-route N119 (Bromley-Croydon Airport) new route over daytime route daily

Sep-03 471 was exhibited at the Coach & Bus Show at NEC 23-25th September. The rest of this
batch will not be due till the end of October. Metrobus driver Dave Henderson won his
won bus driver of the year for the fourth time. Due to the continuing staffing issues, route
273 was operated by Brighton & Hove from 24th September.
Transfers-
308/308 MB-CY
314/315 CY-MB
319/339 GD-MB
714 MB-GDw
717 CY-CYt
730/821 CY-GD
733 GDw-CYt-CYw
735 MB-GDt-CYw
737 MB-MBt-CYw
773 GDt-GD
804 loan-CY
Outward Loan-
738/739 to Brighton & Hove
804 to Happy Als-Birkenhead (loaned for couple of weeks until 808 was ready)
Disposals-
708/709/712/716/736 to Stephensons-Rochford
774/775/779/780/781 to Hansons-Stourbridge
802 to Fargo Coaches-Rayne
808/811 to Happy Als-Birkenhead
Route Developments-
1st September-route ASDA (Crawley-Asda) new route to link bus station with new ASDA
24th September-route 273 (Crawley-Brighton) temp transferred to Brighton & Hove
29th September-route 100 (Maidenbower-Redhill)frequency reduced due to staff shortage
29th September-route 320 (Bromley-Biggin Hill) minor afternoon timing changes
29th September-route 434 (Coulsdon-Whyteleafe) allocation change from CY to MB

Oct-03 Transfers-
80 CY-MBt
101 GD-GDt
314/315 MB-CY
714 GDw-MBt
718 CY-CYt
773 GD-GDw
471 to MB
Disposals-
733/735/737 to Wilkins Coaches-Port Talbot
803 to Happy Als-Birkenhead
896/898 to Skylark PSV-Crayford
Route Developments-
18th October-route 434 (Coulsdon-Whyteleafe) allocation change from MB to CY

Nov-03 Scania OmniDekkas 472-493 are for routes 119 & 320 and started to arrive during this
month. Darts 361-365 all have an offside advert covering two full depth window bays
for Crawley Leisure Park. Each has a different picture of the facilties there, 361 (Gym)
362 (Family entertainment), 363 (night clubbing), 364 (eating), 365 (bowling)
Darts 320/321 have been given route branding for route 526. Alexander Darts 309-311
have been repainted and branded for route 200 Gatwick Direct.
New-
482-488 YN53 RYT/V/W/X/Y/Z/RZA Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka H45/29D
526/527 YN53 RXV/W Scania CN94UB OmniCity B37D
Transfers-
482-488/526/526 to MB
783 CY-CYw
819 CY-GD
859 GD-CYw
861-865 MB-CYw
Route Developments-
8th November-route 100 (Maidenbower-Redhill) frequency restored to every 20 mins

Dec-03 On Boxing day Crawley depot operated route 435 (as usual) between Reigate & Merstham
via East Surrey hospital and also this year route 200 Gatwick Direct service. On New
Years Eve Metrobus again provided central london service 'A' and fielded the following
403/404/407-409/412/414/415/417-421/423-427/463/477/482/843/845/848/849/857/858
Scania OmniCity 522 was the only OmniCity to arrive in December.
Darts 762/763/766/768 were returned from City of Oxford and are now stored in Crawley
pending disposal.
New-
474/477-479/489 YN53 RYC/H/K/M/RZB Scania N94UD East Lancs OmniDekka H45/29D
522 YN53 RXP Scania CN94UB OmniCity B37D
Returned Off Hire-
739 returned from Brighton & Hove-Brighton
762/763/766/768 from City of Oxford MS-Oxford
Transfers-
80 GDt-CYw
474/477/478/479/489/522 to MB
841 MB-CY
846/852/853/854 MB-MBw
860/866 MB-CYw
Route Developments-
6th December-route 358 (Crystal Palace-Orpington) re routed in Orpington town centre
6th December-route 464 (New Addington-Tatsfield) allocation change from GD to MB
6th December-route 466 (Addington-Caterham) minor timing adjustments to school jrnys
6th December-route R5 (Orpington-Halstead) transferred from Arriva KT-route altered
6th December-route R7 (Orpington-Petts Wood) new route to part replace R5
31st December-route 161 (Chislehurst-Nth Greenwich) all night service operated 1 night
31st December-route A (central London shuttle) all night service operated for 1 night

The Metrobus history starts here!! Below, you will find the chronicle of when, where and what happened each month. It has had to be split into three parts. Posted here are some photographic highlights to go with the diary. The first part plots the history from the start up to the end of December 1998.

Sep-83 On 24th September, Peter Larking & Gary Wood bought out the shareholders of
Tillingbourne Metropolitan operation and formed a new operating company called Metrobus.
They have acquired the premises at Oak Farm, Green Street Green as an operating base
along with six staff and six buses. These comprise of two dual purpose AEC Reliances,
one AEC Reliance bus, two Bedfords and one Bristol VRT. Five routes have been acquired.
Route 350 operates on Sundays & Bank Holidays from May to September as well as
Tuesdays & Thursdays in August. Route 353 operates Orpington-Croydon on Monday to
Friday in peak hours only via Addington. Route 354 operates between Bromley and
Sanderstead via Forestdale Monday to Friday only. Route 355 operates Croydon to
Forestdale via Coombe Lane during Monday to Friday peak time only. Route 357 operates
between Croydon and Orpington via Forestdale Monday to Saturday.
Acquired-
BYG 851H Bristol VRT ECW LD39/31F Ex Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
SPA 192R Bedford YMT Plaxton DP53F Ex Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
XPL 889T Bedford YMT Duple B61F Ex Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
JTM 109V AEC Reliance 6U2R Duple B53F Ex Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
ODV 404W AEC Reliance 6U2R Duple DP53F Ex Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
ODV 405W AEC Reliance 6U2R Duple DP53F Ex Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
Route Developments-
24th September-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton) seasonal Sunday service from Tillingbourne
24th September-route 353 (Orpington-Croydon) route acquired from Tillingbourne
24th September-route 354 (Sanderstead-Bromley) route acquired from Tillingbourne
24th September-route 355 (Croydon-Forestdale) route acquired from Tillingbourne
24th September-route 357 (Croydon-Orpington) route acquired from Tillingbourne

Oct-83 A new timetable was introduced on 24th October and altered to run from Croydon via
Forestdale to Coney Hall (omitting New Addington) and then onto Bromley via Hayes and
Bourne Vale.
Route Developments-
24th October-route 354 (Bromley-Sanderstead) revised to operate from Croydon

Nov-83 No news to report

Dec-83 No news to report

Jan-84 Metrobus is gradually modifying their livery from that of Tillingbourne, although it is
similar the base colour being blue.

Feb-84 No news to report

Mar-84 No news to report

Apr-84 No news to report

May-84 This years route 350 is to be extended to Worthing from Brighton but withdrawn from
New Addington. It will operate on Saturdays and Sundays and also Tuesdays & Thursdays
in August.
Inward Hire-
JPA 140K AEC Reliance Park Royal DP47F from Ravensbourne Coaches
Route Developments-
5th May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton) seasonal service extended to Worthing
12th May-route 357 (Croydon-Orpington) certain journeys extended to Hewitts Farm

Jun-84 No news to report

Jul-84 No news to report

Aug-84 Two low height double decks have been acquired from West Riding. BHL 609K was painted
into blue & yellow whilst BJL 624K carries an overall advert for Bristol Street Motors.
Acquired-
BHL 609/624K Daimler Fleetline CRG6LX NCME LD43/33F Ex West Riding-Wakefield

Sep-84 AEC Reliance JPA 140K was acquired after being on loan from Ravensbourne Coaches
and was joined by sister JPA 145K from he same source.
Acquired-
JPA 140K/JPA 145K AEC Reliance Park Royal DP47F from Ravensbourne Coaches
Route Developments-
1st September-route 357 (Croydon-Orpington) last day of Hewitts Farm extension

Oct-84 Disposal-
SPA 192R to ??

Nov-84 No news to report

Dec-84 Disposal-
BYG 851H to ????

Jan-85 No news to report

Feb-85 A further Bedford has been acquired from Maidstone and is mainly operated on route 354.
Acquired-
WKE 67S Bedford YMT Duple B61F Ex Maidstone Borough Council 67

Mar-85 Acquired-
BNO 701T Bedford YMT Duple DP53F Ex Eastern National

Apr-85 No news to report

May-85 Withdrawn-
JPA 154K
Route Developments-
5th May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton) seasonal Sunday service commences

Jun-85 A new Olympian was the first 'C' registered bus to enter service in London. It is a regular
performer at weekends on route 350 to Brighton & Worthing.
New-
C396 DML Leyland Olympian ONLXB ECW H45/32F

Jul-85 Withdrawn-
JPA 140K
Route Developments-
29th July-route 354 (Sanderstead-Bromley) timetable revised
29th July-route 357 (Orpington-Croydon) timetable revised with more peak buses

Aug-85 No news to report

Sep-85 From 23rd September, route 355 had the 1525 Croydon to Forestdale journey extended
to Coney Hall on schooldays.
Withdrawn-
JTM 109V
Route Developments-
23rd September-route 355 (Croydon-Forestdale) one journey extended during schooldays

Oct-85 No news to report

Nov-85 No news to report

Dec-85 A Leyland Tiger was evaluated during December and was used on private hire duties
for the month of December.
Inward Loan-
B263 AMG Leyland Tiger TRCTL Plaxtom Paramount C53F from ???

Jan-86 No news to report

Feb-86 No news to report

Mar-86 No news to report

Apr-86 It was announced that Metrobus have been awarded route 61 (Bromley-Chislehurst)
from 16th August.

May-86 No news to report

Jun-86 No news to report

Jul-86 To operate route 61, Metrobus have acquired ex LRT DMSs to work it. The first one
arrived at the garage on 3rd July in full livery-this being DMS 1977; the auto fare equipment
and single seat have been replaced by a luggage rack and double seat.
Acquired-
KUC 977P Leyland Fleetline FE30ALR MCW H45/25D Ex London Buses

Aug-86 From 16th August Metrobus began their new network, with all their services now worked
under contract to London Buses (routes 61/361) or under agreement with
London Buses (routes 353/354/357). Route 61 operates through to Eltham on Sundays.
Three new Bedfords were also acquired for the new routes.
London Buses staff passes from 16th August were valid on routes 353/354/357 following
these routes worked under contract apparently by mutual consent, despite the routes
not put out to competitive tendering with other routes in the area. This means that all
five routes operate with standardised ticketing sysytems.
It had hoped that route 354 would be diverted through Forestdale estate to open up the
new housing area of Selsdon Vale to buses. However residents objections have caused
the diversion after Pixton Way direct via Selsdon Park Road for the time being.
New-
D21/22/23 CTR Bedford YMT Wadham Stringer B53F
Acquired-
KUC 898/922/960P Daimler Fleetline CRL6 MCW H45/25D Ex London Buses
OUC 52/54/56R Leyalnd Fleetline FE30AGR MCW H45/25D Ex London Buses
OJD 167/173/200/211R Leyalnd Fleetline FE30AGR MCW H45/25D Ex London Buses
AKK 171T Bedford YMT Duple B61F Ex Maidstone Borough Council-Maidstone
Route Developments-
16th August-route 61 (Bromley-Chislehurst) transferred from London Buses
16th August-route 354 (Bromley-Sanderstead) rev to terminate at Selsdon via Forestdale
16th August-route 355 (Croydon-Forestdale) route withdrawn replaced by route 357
16th August-route 357 (Croydon-Orpington) route 355 short workings added
16th August-route 361 (Bromley-Green Street Green) new route commences

Sep-86 Fleetline DMS 1469 was loaned from Ensign Buses from 16th September to 8th October
and appeared in its Hitachi livery on routes 61 & 361. The loan was to cover the absence
of accident damaged KUC 960P. DM 1709 was also loaned for a couple of days (9/10th
October) DMS 1256 has been acquired from Hewitts Farm as a source of spares only.
Newly acquired Bedford AKK 171T has received an overall advert for Doves an Austin
Rover dealer.
Acquired-
JGU 256K Daimler Fleetline CRG6LXB MCW H44/24D Ex Hewitts Farm-Chelsfield
On Hire-
MLH 469L Leyland Fleetline FE30ALR MCW H45/24D from Ensign Bus-Purfleet
THM 709M Dailmer Fleetline CRL6 MCW H44/27D from Ensign Bus-Purfleet
Withdrawn-
XPL 889T

Oct-86 Fleetline BHL 609K has received an overall advert for Dees of Croydon

Nov-86 On 30th November Metrobus provided DMSs for a rail replacement service between
Barking & East Ham.
Withdrawn-
BNO 701T

Dec-86 On 6th & 7th December Metrobus provided buses for a special rail replacement between
Startford & Liverpool Street Station. The Bedfords are usually on route 361.
Acquired-
MKP 181W Bedford YMT Wadham Stringer B61F Ex Maidstone Borough Council 181
Disposal-
XPL 889T to Maidstone Borough Council
Route Developments-
8th December-route 361 (Bromley-Green St Grn) frquency increased until 24th December

Jan-87 No news to report

Feb-87 No news to report

Mar-87 No news to report

Apr-87 No news to report

May-87 Metrobus have had DAF coach on hire from Southend and using Metrobus fleetnames
On Hire-
B252 CVX DAF MB200DKFL Duple C57F from Southend Transport-Southend (252)

Jun-87 London Buses announced that Metrobus has been awarded route 261 (Lewisham-Bromley)
to be taken up on a date to be confirmed in Autumn.
Bedford AKK 171T has had its overall advert changed from Doves Garage to Tristar
Motors (Croydon) A Leyland leopard has been hired for three months to cover extra
private hire duties.
On Hire-
Q856 MEV Leyland Leopard PSU3A/4R Berkhof DP53F from Southend Transport

Jul-87 A Leyland Lynx demonstrator was trailed from 1st-4th July on routes 353/357. For route
261, eleven West Yorkshire PTE Roe bodied Leyland Olympians will be purchased from
Ensign Bus-Purfleet. Two further purchases this month also came from Yorkshire in
form of ECW bodied Olympians to replace the two elderly ex West Riding Fleetlines.
Acquired-
UWW 13X/UWW 14X/CUB71Y Leyland Olympian ONLXB Roe H47/29F Ex WYPTE-Leeds
XWY 475/476X Leyland Olympian ONLXB ECW H45/32F Ex West Riding-Wakefield
Withdrawn-
BHL609/624K
On Hire-
D634 BBV Leyland Lynx Integral B51F from Leyland Bus-Workington

Aug-87 Metrobus will commence route 261 from 21st November which are currently under
preparation.
Acquired-
UWW 16X/CUB 60/61/63/64/66/68/69Y Leyland Olympian ONLXB Roe H47/29F Ex WYPTE

Sep-87 Route Developments-
1st September-route 361 (Bromley-Green St Grn) am journey extended to Pratts Bottom

Oct-87 Route 354 was at last rerouted through Selsdon Vale from 31st October after sustained
objections from some residents. The routing will be from Selsdon Park Road via
Courtwood Lane, Bardolph Avenue, Pixton Way, Linton Glade, Sorrel Bank, Peacock Gdns,
Goldfinch Road, Kingfisher Gardens, Nightingale Road, Sandpiper Road, Old Farleigh Road.
This section will be hail and ride. During shopping hours, the route is extended from
Selsdon to Croydon Fairfield Halls. It has been reported that Leyland National Mk2s are
to replace the Bedford single decks.
Off Hire-
Q856 MEV returned to Southend Transport
Route Developments-
31st October-route 354 (Bromley-Selsdon) rerouted and some journeys extended

Nov-87 AKK 171T was repainted into fleet livery by 14th November. Route 261 commenced on
21st November with all journeys withdrawn between Bromley garage and Bromley Common.
Route Developments-
21st November-route 261 (Lewisham-Bromley Common) transferred from London Buses

Dec-87 An interesting sighting was Neoplan demonstrator single deck operating route 357 for two
days on 9th/10th December.
On Hire-
E101 VWA Neoplan Integral B52F from Hughes (Dealer)

Jan-88 No news to report

Feb-88 No news to report

Mar-88 Daimler Fleetline OJD 243R has been repainted in all over advert for Saunders Abbott of
Beckenham. UWW 13X has received a rear end advert for Ken-Fit.

Apr-88 No news to report

May-88 From the 1st May a new 'Leisureline 355' has been registered from Lewisham via Lee,
Grove Park, Bromley, Petts Wood, Orpington, Badgers Mount, then to Hastings (1st & 5th
Sundays of the month) or Sheffield Park, Lewes, Eastbourne (2nd & 4th Sundays of the
month) or Chessington Zoo, Hampton Court (3rd Sunday) Route 350 will operate again
this year.
New-
E957 GGX DAF MB230 Duple 320 C57F
Route Developments-
1st May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton) seasonal Sunday service commences
1st May-route 355 (Leisureline) seasonal Sunday services commences

Jun-88 On 1st June, Metrobus took over Interland Coaches Biggin Hill to London commuter
service and numbered it route 705. Olympian CUB 60Y has received an all over advert
for Sundridge Park BMW dealer. The Oak Farm site has been aquired by Metrobus for
further expansion plans.
Route Developments-
1st June-route 705 (Biggin Hill-London Victoria) new commuter service one return journey

Jul-88 No news to report

Aug-88 From 20th August, Metrobus has registered new minibus services in Gravesend. These will
operate Monday to Saturday 0700~1900 with each route every 20 minutes using eight
Mercedes-Benz 25 seat minibuses. Routes A/B will operate from Valley Drive via Town
Centre then route A via London Road to Northfleet Plough and route B via Perry Street
Coldharbour Road to Painters Ash estate. An indroductory offer of 20p was a typical fare.
New-
F121-128 TRU Merceds-Benz Reeve Burgess B25F
Route Developments-
20th August-route A (Valley Drive-Northfleet) new service Monday-Friday
20th August-route B (Valley Drive-Painters Ash) new service Monday-Friday

Sep-88 It is reported in the local press that Metrobus have complained to the traffic
commisioner and have accused Kentish Bus of putting extra buses and taking short cuts
in order to pick up passengers. Kentish Bus of course deny this. A Leyland Lynx has been
purchased for route 361.
New-
F80 SMC Leyland Lynx Integral B49F
Dispsosals-
UWW 16X to Arlington (Dealer)
Route Developments-
25th September-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton) last day of seasonal Sunday service
25th September-route 355 (Leisureline) last day of seasonal Sunday service

Oct-88 No news to report

Nov-88 On 26th November a rail replacement service was operated between Sevenoaks and
Tonbridge and several vehicles were hired in for the day (see below).
On Hire-
BUF 426C/PRX 190B Leyland PD3 H39/30F from Harris Bus-Thurrock
MLH 361L Daimler Fleetline Park Royal H44/27F from Harris Bus-Thurrock
Route Developments-
?? November-route 705 (Biggin Hill-London Victoria) extra return journey added
14th November-route A (Valley Drive-Northfleet) extended to Swanscombe
14th November-route B (Valley Drive-Painters Ash) rerouted towards Painters Ash

Dec-88 A Dennis Javelin was on hire for 7th December only and during the day operated
routes 353/357/361
On Hire-
F756 NPJ Dennis Javelin Duple 300 B55F from Dennis-Guildford
Route Developments-
4th December-route A (St Georges-Swanscombe) Sunday service introduced
4th December-route B (St Georges-Painters Ash) Sunday service introduced

Jan-89 Bedford AKK 171T is now bck in fleet livery ex overall advert. OJD 173R & KUC 960P
both now have plain upper deck front windows following accident damage.

Feb-89 DAF/Optare demonstrator was on hire on 23rd February for one day and operated on
routes 353/357 & 361.
On Hire-
F370 BUA DAF SB220 Opatre Delta B49F from Optare-Leeds

Mar-89 Following the removal of the now dissused railway bridge in Coombe Road, highbridge
double deckers can now be used with the first being CUB 68Y on 17th March.
Renault demonstrator was loaned from 28th-31st March and was used on routes 353/361
On Hire-
F100 AKB Renault PR100 NCME B51F from Northern Counties-Wigan

Apr-89 The Gravesend mini Metro network was altered from 8th April with re routings on all three
routes. Routes A & B will operate every 20 minutes and route C hourly on Sundays.
Aquired-
TGX 702M Daimler Fleetline Park Royal H43/33F Ex Davies-Rye via Wealden Omnibuses
Route Developments-
8th April-route A (Valley Drive-Swanscombe) route & timing revision
8th April-route B (Kings Farm-Painter Ash) route & timing revision
8th April-route C (Kings Farm-Swanscombe) route & timing revision
16th April-route 739 (Victoria-Brands Hatch) service to operate on event days only

May-89 The third allover advert double deck was launched on 5th May was CUB 71Y in all blue
advertising Barclays Bank. Two new Olympians arrived in May F803 NGU arrived on 24th
May while F802 NGU arrived two days later. They have low height Workington bodies.
The service changes from 13th May produced a new timetable leaflet showing all the
companies services (61/261/350/353/354/355/357/358/361/705/739)
Routes 353/354/357/358/361 are interworked with 7 buses.
The current running numbers used are:-
1-9~261
20-29~61
30-36~353/354/357/358/361
New-
F802/3 NGU Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1R Integral H47/31F
Route Developments-
1st May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton) new seasonal service on Suns & bank hols
1st May-route 355 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) new seasonal service as above
13th May-route 261 (Lewisham-Bromley Common) certain journeys extended to Grn St Grn
13th May-route 354 (Croydon-Orpington) increased to hourly through the day & Sat serv
13th May-route 358 (Orpington-Crystal Palace) new route with two journeys per day
13th May-route 361 (Bromley-Green St Green) Reduced to operateshopping hours M-F

Jun-89 Oympian F802 NGU operated route 705 on 1st & 14th June.
Disposals-
WKE 67S/AKK 171T to MetroWest (Danks)-Cosley
Route Developments-
25th June-route 739 (Victoria-Brands Hatch) new service to operate on event days only

Jul-89 A CVE Omni was loaned during July and was used on the Gravesend routes for a week.
Inward Hire-
F976 WEF CVE Omni Integral B23F from CVE Omni Mazda
Route Developments-
23rd July-route 739 (Victoria-Brands Hatch) service to operate on event days only

Aug-89 Route Developments-
20th August-route 739 (Victoria-Brands Hatch) service to operate on event days only

Sep-89 Route Developments-
1st May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton) last day of seasonal service
1st May-route 355 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) last day of seasonal service
24th September-route 739 (Victoria-Brands Hatch) service to operate on event days only

Oct-89 No news to report

Nov-89 Olympian CUB 68Y has received a rear end advert for Lonsdale Volkswagen dealer.

Dec-89 Acquired-
D103/104/110 NDW Leyland Lynx Integral B51F Ex Merthyr Tydfil 103/104/110
Route Developments-
3rd December-route 739 (Victoria-Brands Hatch) service to operate on event days only

Jan-90 From 1st January the Mini Metro Gravesend operation passed to Kentish Bus. Routes A & B
remained unchanged. The three Lynxs went into service from 5th January and they
were repainted by Marklly Coachwork of Dartford during December. The DMSs OUC 52R
and OJD 167R have been repainted by Kent Engineering of Canterbury.
Withdrawn-
KUC 922P/KUC 898P/KUC 960P/D21/22/23 CTR
Disposal-
F121-128 TRU to Kentish Bus-Northfleet
Route Developments-
1st January-route A (Valley Drive-Swanscombe) route transferred to Kentish Bus
1st January-route B (Kings Farm-Painters Ash) route transferred to Kentish Bus
1st January-route C (Kings Farm-Swanscombe) route transferred to Kentish Bus

Feb-90 The Olympians entered service from 2nd February, habitually used on route 61.
New-
G804/805 SMV Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ Leyland H47/31F
Reinstated-
KUC960P
On Hire-
D21 CTR to Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
D23 CTR to Austin Coaches

Mar-90 From 26th March route 356 started with certain peak journeys extended beyond Biggin Hill
to Dunton Green via Westerham, these being effectively garage positioning journeys. From
this date also LRT tickets were accepted on routes 356 & 358.
Route Developments-
25th March-route 705 (London Victoria-Sevenoaks) new Sunday service
25th March-route 739 (London Victoria-Chartwell via Brands Hatch) new Sunday service
26th March-route 356 (BigginHill-Croydon) new hourly service via Keston & Hayes
26th March-route 358 (Green Street Green-Crystal Palace) increased to hourly Mon-Sat

Apr-90 Daimler Fleetline KUC 898P was back in service from 6th April, then was loaned to
Transcity from 23rd-26th April and used on route 477
Reinstated-
KUC 898P/D23 CTR
On loan-
KUC 898P to Transcity-Sidcup
Route Developments-
1st April-route 404 (Sevenoaks-Ide Hill) transferred from Transcity Saturdays only
23rd April-route 357 (Croydon-Orpington) late evening service introduced

May-90 The summer services commenced with route 350 on Sundays and bank holidays and
Tuesdays and Thursdays in August, the routing was from Ramsden via Orpington,
Hayes, New Addington, Sanderstead. Route 355 started the same day and also Wednesday
in August from Lewisham via Bromley, Orpington, Tunbridge Wells to Hastings on 1st/3rd/5th
Sunday and Wednesdays in August or Eastbourne on 2nd & 4th Sunday and bank holidays.
Another new Olympian G806 TMX entered service ON 23rd May.
During the weekends in May, Olympians operated a rail replacement between Beckenham
Junction and Herne Hill.
New-
G806 TMX Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ Leyland H47/31F
Route Developments-
6th May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) seasonal Sunday service commenced
6th May-route 355 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) seasonal Sunday service commenced

Jun-90 New blinds have been fitted to the Daimler Fleetlines.

Jul-90 The Lynxes normally work routes 354/358/361/404/705/739. Back up for the Lynxes are
the three Bedfords D21/22/23 CTR.

Aug-90 Olympian H807 XMY was the first bus operator in London to put a new registration bus
into service on the first day.
New-
H807 XMY Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ Leyland H47/31F

Sep-90 Metrobus has bought the first production model of the Leyland Tiger with Plaxton
Duple 321 bodywork. Routes 356 and 358 are still operated by DMSs. The Lynxs can
usually be found on route 354 instead of the Bedfords.
New-
H220 JLJ Leyland Tiger Duple 321 C57F
Route Developments-
1st September-route 356 (Croydon-Biggin Hill) route withdrawn between Biggin Hill-S/oaks
1st September-route 404 (Sevenoaks-Ide Hill) transferred to Kentish Bus
30th September-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) end of seasonal service
30th September-route 355 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) end of seasonal service

Oct-90 No news to report

Nov-90 Until March 1991 each Saturday & Sunday Metrobus will replace trains between
Beckenham Junction & Herne Hill using a mixture of Olympians.

Dec-90 As of this month, the summary of routes operated is as follows-
LRT Routes-61 261 353 354 357 361
Commercial Routes-356 358 705
Summer Sunday Routes-350 355 739
Route 208 was operated on 26th December with Leyland Olympians displaying running
numbers 1-4. The vehicles operated were F803 NGU, G805 SMV, G806 SMV, H807 XMY.
Route Developments-
26th December-route 208 (Catford-Orpington) operated for 1 day for London Buses

Jan-91 Metrobus have proposed a set of commuter coach services on a commercial basis
for an introduction in the Spring. Route 701 (Swanley, Sidcup, Eltham, Kidbrooke, Isle of
Dogs) Route 702 (Green Street Green, Orpington, St Mary Cray, St Pauls Cray, Chislehurst,
Mottingham, Kidbrooke, Isle of Dogs) Route 703 (Orpington, Bromley, Downham, Catford,
Lewisham, Surrey Quays, Isle of Dogs) Route 705 (Biggin Hill, Keston, Bromley, Lewisham,
to the city & Victoria). A Carlyle bodied Dennis Dart was on hire from 27th January for one
week-it was all red with a blue Carlyle name.
On Hire-
H840 NOC Dennis Dart Carlyle B??F from Carlyle-Birmingham
Route Developments-
19th January-route 61 (Bromley-Chislehurst) Sunday extension to Eltham withdrawn

Feb-91 H809 AGX entered service on 26th February.
New-
H808/810 AGX Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ Leyland H47/31F
Acquired-
F123/5/6/8 TRU Mercedes-Benz Reebur B25F Ex Kentish Bus-Maidstone
F165/166 SMT Leyland Lynx Integral B49F Ex Millers-Cambridge
Disposal-
OJD 173R/D21 CTR/D22 CTR to Millers-Cambridge

Mar-91 Metrobus have sought LT agreement to run a new commercial service using midibuses.
The route is from Penge Crooked Billett to Bromley North via Oakfield Road, Annerley,
Elmers End Road, Beck Lane, Foxgrove Road, Downs Hill, Ravensbourne Avenue and will
run every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and LRT passes and Travelcards will be accepted
For this service 4 Mercedes-Benz have been bought back from Ketish Bus. These were
originally part of the Mini Metro Gravesend network that was sold to Kentish Bus
Fleetline OJD 243R has been repainted back into fleet livery ex Saunders Abbott.
An Opatre Metrorider demonstrator was hired during March and was used on route 351.
It was in blue & silver livery.
New-
H811 AGX Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ Leyland H47/31F
On Hire-
H398 SYG Optare Metrorider Optare B25F from Optare-Leeds
Withdrawn-
KUC 898P/KUC 922P/D23 CTR
Route Developments-
2nd March-route 351 (Penge-Bromley North) new service commences

Apr-91 Wadham Stringer Portsdown Dart H908 DTP was on demonstration and was used on route
356 from 8th-12th April. Olympian CUB 60Y has lost its Sundridge Park Motors advert
livery by 9th April. From 27th April routes 353/354/357 all now depart from Fairfield Halls.
From 29th April, LRT Travelcards and passes were accepted on route 705 between
Bromley South Station & Rotherhithe only.
On Hire-
H908 DTP Dennis Dart Wadham Striger B42F from Wadham Striger-Waterlooville
Disposal-
D23 CTR to Millers-Cambridge
Route Developments-
27th April-route 354 (Croydon-Forestdale) evening journeys introduced
27th April-route 358 (Crystal Palace-Grn St Grn) frquency doubled to Locksbottom
28th April-route 357 (Orpington-Croydon) Sunday service introduced every two hours

May-91 The summer services this year to the coast are as follows, route 350 will operate to
Brighton & Worthing on Sundays and bank holidays also Tuesdays & Fridays in August.
Route 355 will operate to Hastings on 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays and also Wednesdays in
August. Route 365 will operate to Hastings on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays and to
Eastbourne on the 2nd & 4th Sundays and also Fridays in August.
On 18th May, two Olympians were hired from Ensign Citybus (125/128) for one day only
An ex Thamesway Olympian dual purpose coach has been aquired for rouyes 350 & 355.
Acquired-
B688 BPU Leyland Olympian ONTL11/2Rsp ECW CH45/28F Ex Thamesway
Route Developments-
5th May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) seasonal service commences
5th May-route 355 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) seasonal service commences
5th May-route 365 (Crystal Palace-Hastings/Ebourne) seasonal service commences

Jun-91 Olympian CUB 71Y is now in fleet livery ex Barclays Bank. Fleetline KUC 977P was hired
out to Transcity for route 477 from 18th-22nd June. On Saturdays & Sundays from
8th June till 7th September (except 15/16 June, 17/18 July, 24/25 August) the rail line
between Bickley & Petts Wood is closed for engineering work, a bus service is running
between Bickley, Petts Wood & Orpington or Bickley & Chislehurst.
On Hire-
KUC 977P to Transcity-Sidcup
Route Developments-
?? June-route 682 (Dartford-Ventnor IOW) weekend summer route on behalf of Nat Express

Jul-91 Dennis Dart was inspected on 8th July from London Buses.
On Hire-
H103 THE Dennis Dart Plaxton B32F from London Buses

Aug-91 All seven new Darts were in service by 10th August for routes 146 & 351.
New-
J701-707 EMX Dennis Dart Plaxton DP32F (701) or B32F (702-707)
Route Developments-
10th August-route 146 (Bromley-Downe) transferred from Crystals
10th August-route 351 (Bromley-Penge) rerouted in Annerley and frequency increase
10th August-route 356 (Orpington-Biggin Hill) extended to Tatsfield
18th August-route 493 (Orpington-Ramsden) Sunday commercial service commenced

Sep-91 A Dennis Dart Demonstrator (J648 XHL) was on hire during September and was used
mainly on routes 354 and 356. Metrobus has taken over Southlands Coaches of
Bromley along with ten coaches. The Mercedes-Benz minibuses were returned off lease.
On Hire-
J648 XHL Dennis Dart 9.8m Reebur Pointer B40F from Plaxton Sales-Sheffield
Disposals-
F121-5/8 TRU to Luton & District via Carlton PSV (Dealer)
Route Developments-
29th September-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) seasonal service withdrawn
29th September-route 355 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) seasonal service withdrawn
29th September-route 365 (Crystal Palace-Hastings/Ebourne) seasonal service withdrawn

Oct-91 The Southlands Coaches business based at Edison Road and Palace Road Bromley with
ten coaches. They are:-
HMY 972V Ford R1114 Duple C53F
MMJ 224V Ford R1114 Duple C53F
FCW 75W Ford R1114 Duple C53F
PRO 446W Bedford YMQ Duple C35F
FLJ 745V Ford R1114 Plaxton C53F
LTG 227X Ford R1114 Plaxton C53F
B43 DNY Bedford YNT Duple C53F
B47 DNY Bedford YNT Duple C53F
GDY 500X Bedford YNT Plaxton C53F
ANA 433Y DAF MB200 Plaxton C53F
ANA 434Y DAF MB200 Plaxton C53F
Two new coaches have been aquired in full Metrobus livery but with Southlands
fleet names. Coaches E957 CGX and H220 JLJ are the regular performers on route 705.
Olympian B688 BPU is now very rarely used.
New-
J201/202 FMX Leyland Tiger TRCTL Plaxton 321 C57F

Nov-91 On Sunday 10th November Leyland Lynxes appeared on route 61 due to a diversion
due to the rememberance parade in Orpington. The Southlands Coaches fleet has
moved to Green Street Green depot.
Withdrawn-
PRO 446W HMY 972V FLJ 74V DHE 674V FCW 75W LTG 277X

Dec-91 No news to report

Jan-92 No news to report

Feb-92 Southlands Coaches E597 LVH is now in Metrobus livery. Olympian 813 entered service
on 10th February on route 357
New-
J812/813 GGW Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ Leyland H47/31F

Mar-92 No news to report

Apr-92 Leyland Olympians UWW 13X & CUB 71Y have had their front blind boxes modified to
standard.
Route Developments-
21st April-route 705 (Biggin Hill-Victoria)-route extended to Dunton Green

May-92 Iveco double deck demonstrator was on loan for one day on 8th May. It operated on
route 261.
Acquired-
G407 DPD Iveco 49.10 Carlyle DP25F Ex Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
On Hire-
J227 DKX Iveco Turbo City 100 Alexander H??/??F from Iveco

Jun-92 A Leyland Lynx demonstrator in white was on hire from27th to 30th June and was used
on route 354.
On Hire-
J564 URW Leyland Lynx Integral B49F from Volvo Bus-Anston

Jul-92 Two new Leyland Olympians have arrived in all white and will be K registered ready for
August. DMS KUC 922P is still present but in a very withdrawn state. Iveco G407 DPD
has often been used on route 146.
On Hire-
J654 URW Leyland Lynx II Integral B49F from Leyland vehicles-Preston

Aug-92 Nine Dennis Darts are on order for route 358. Leyland Olympians continue to operate
rail replacement duties on Sundays.
New-
K814-6 HMV Leyland Olympian Leyland H47/31F
K101 JMV Leyland Lynx Leyland B51F

Sep-92 A special joint limited stop service was operated from 6th September till 13th September
to the Farnborough Air Show using Olympian K816 HMV.
Withdrawn-
KUC922P/KUC 977P
Route Developments-
6th September-no route (Victoria-Farnborough Air Show) operated with London General

Oct-92 No news to report

Nov-92 From 21st November,flagship route 358 was revised to operate from Orpington Station via
Sevenoaks Road, Green Street Green and Farnborough Village to the line of the present
route at Locksbottom. The route has also been revised around Bromley. Timetable
increased to every 20 minutes with all journeys operating end to end. Introduced hourly
evenings and Sundays.
The new Darts entered service on route 358 from 21st November.
New-
K708-716 KGU Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 9.0m B35F
Withdrawn-
OUC52R OUC 56R
Route Developments-
21st November-route 261 (Lewisham-Bromley Comm) withdrawn on Sats to Green St Grn
21st November-route 354 (Croydon-Forestdale) all journeys extended to Bromley North
21st November-route 358 (Orpington-Crystal Palace) route & timing changes
21st November-route 361 (Bromley-Crystal Palace) route withdrawn

Dec-92 On 26th December, Metrobus operated between Bromley North and Sidcup via routes
208 & R11. The four Darts used were K708/710/712/713 KGU. Route 358 operated on
Boxing day using a Sunday service with a deviation in Orpington into the hospital grounds.
Route Developments-
26th December-route 211 (Bromley-Sidcup) operated for LRT for one day only

Jan-93 No news to report

Feb-93 On 1st February, Jason's Coaches was acquired with Southlands operating most of the
contracts. Only four Hoverspeed liveried coaches were acquired. The following were not
taken into stock and advertised for sale by their former owner-
Bedfords-LRU 822 NUR 93P CRW 519T 590 CYM
Volvos-HPH 715V LAF 397L C683 KDS C685 KDS E316 OPR E319 OPR
Mercedes-Benz-C911 VBF BDS 566X
Dennis Javelins-E31-33 SBO E37/38 SBO
Daimler Fleetline-THX 285S
The Jasons Coaches name will not be used by Metrobus.
Rail replacement work tends to show running numbers 91-99.
The DMSs are now starting to dwindle, only KUC 977P/OJD 198/200/11/43R remain in
service, usually found on route 261.
Acquired-
G426/7/8 VAY Dennis Javelin Duple C53Ft Ex Jason Coaches-Green Street Green-Kent
Withdrawn-
OJD 167R OJD 200R OJD 211R
Disposals-
KUC 922P sold for scrap
OJD 200R OUC 56R to Smith-Sittingbourne
Route Developments-
1st February-route un numbered (Dover-London) transferred from Jason Coaches

Mar-93 No news to report

Apr-93 Four Volvos were hired from 1st April until the new Dennis Javelins were delivered. They
are in a dark grey and red livery from their previous operator Parks of Hamilton. On 16th
April at least three coaches were used on route 705, one operating a short working
from Bromley. Metrobus are presently working a contract for British Rail in Monday to
Friday peaks between Chelsfield & Orpington.
Inward Hire-
H901/4/5/6 AHS Volvo B10M Plaxton Paramount C49Ft leased from Kirkby leasing

May-93 Several Leyland Lynxes substituted Dennis Darts on route 358 during mid May as some
had fuel problems.
Outward Hire-
OJD 198R hired to Harris Bus-Grays from 10th May to 7th June
H901/4/5/6 AHS returned to Kikby leasing
Route Developments-
2nd May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton & Worthing) Sunday seasonal service commences
2nd May-route 355 (Orpington-Hastings) Sunday seasonal service commences
2nd May-route 365 (Orpington-Eastbourne) Sunday seasonal service commences

Jun-93 On 4th June, Metrobus ran coaches between Gatwick & Stanstead airports due to the
British Airways strike. Olympians 804-811 are being returned to Volvo for rectification
of paintwork problems. On 30th June the usual coaches on rail replacement were
supplemented by Olympian 816. DMS OJD 243R is still a regular performer on route 261.
New-
K203-206 GMX Dennis Javelin Plaxton Premiere C49Ft
Off Hire-
H901/4/5/6 AHS returned to Kirkby leasing by 18th June

Jul-93 The Orpington to Chelsfield rail replacement finally finished on 23rd July after over
running by three weeks.

Aug-93 No news to report

Sep-93 Withdrawn-
GDY 500X B43 DNY B47 DNY

Oct-93 On 18-20th October Sainsburys at Locksbottom was closed and an hourly free shuttle
service ran to Orpington. F80 SMC was used. The last two DMSs are now confined to
route 61-these are OJD 198R & OJD 243R. A Mercedes coach with a Crystals
conversion was loaned from 30th October till 2nd November.
Acquired-
J51/52 SNY Leyland Tiger TRCL10 Plaxton 321 C53F Ex Bebb-South Wales
Disposals-
GDY 500X B43 DNY B47 DNY to ???????
Short Term Loan-
L733 CKP Mercedes-Benz 609 Crystals C24F loaned from Crystals

Nov-93 No news to report

Dec-93 On Boxing day, Metrobus ran route 201 over the same route as December 1992,
combining routes 208 & route R11. Note last years route number was 211.
Route 358 also ran a Sunday timetable, but double running Orpington Hospital.
Javelin coaches G426/7/9 VAY have been repainted from Hoverspeed to standard
livery, leaving K203-206 GMX as the Hoverspeed vehicles.
Outward Loan-
OJD 243R to Harris Bus-Thurrock from 8th-18th December
Route Developments-
26th December-route 201 (Bromley-Sidcup) operated for London Buses for one day

Jan-94 No news to report

Feb-94 Olympians 804-811 have suffered from paintwork problems caused during the
manufacturing process, and have been returned to Volvo for rectification-the last one
should be complete by the end of this month.

Mar-94 Routes 353/354/356/357 were rerouted in central Croydon from 12th March. They no
longer operate along Barclay Road and Alltyre Road, instead leaving Fairfield Halls
terminus via Park Lane & George Street so as to stop outside East Croydon Station.
Olympian H809 AGX was involved in an accident with Selkents FM8 on 26th March.

Apr-94 Four new Dennis Darts arrived and entered service on 23rd April. These are mainly
allocated to route 358, in turn cascading some 9 metre K registered versions to routes
146 & 351 and the J registered ones to new route 352.
New-
L207 PGU Mercedes-Benz Plaxton C25F
L717-720 OMV Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 9.8m B35F
Route Developments-
23rd April-route 351 (Bromley-Penge) extended to Bell Green
23rd April-route 352 (Bromley-Crystal Palace) new route introduced

May-94 A new venture called Wealdsman route 746 will run on Sundays and Bank Holidays using
an RF in Metrous livery plus a Dennis Dart. The route will be Bromley North, Keston,
Downe, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Chartwell, Four Elms, Edenbridge, Hever Castle
Chiddingstone Causeway, Penshurst Place, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells Station. A special
Wealdsman rover ticket for £4.20 gives unlimited travel.
Withdrawn-
G407 DPD
Long Term Hire-
RF 255 MLL 792 AEC Regal IV MCW B39F from TMR preservation
Route Developments-
1st May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton & Worthing) Sunday seasonal service commences
1st May-route 355 (Orpington-Hastings) Sunday seasonal service commences
1st May-route 365 (Orpington-Eastbourne) Sunday seasonal service commences
29th May-route 746 (Bromley-Tun Wells) new summer Sunday & public holiday route

Jun-94 Leyland Olympian 809 was back in service after accident repair. A Ford Transit was
purchased as a crew bus.
Acquired-
J577 PNK Ford Transit 11 seater

Jul-94 Crofton Road was being resurfaced from 24th July to 26th August affecting routes 61,353
and 357, which diverted via Crofton Avenue, Lovidonds Avenue, Starts Hill Road.

Aug-94 Leyland Olympian XWY 476X has received a repaint.
All the Roe and ECW bodied Olympians have now received rear blind boxes in the window

Sep-94 A special shuttle service ran on 10th & 11th September between Selsdon Triangle and
Selsdon Woods for the Selsdon Wood Forestry Country Show. Dart 701 ran on 10th and
Dart 707 ran on 11th.
Route Developments-
25th September-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) seasonal service withdrawn
25th September-route 355 (Lewisham-Hastings/Eastbourne) seasonal service withdrawn
25th September-route 365 (Crystal Palace-Hastings/Ebourne) seasonal service withdrawn
25th September-route 746 (Bromley-Tun Wells) last day of seasonal route

Oct-94 Dennis Javelin G428 VAY and Olympians XWY 475/6X were all repainted during October.
An unexpected arrival is RF43 LYF 394 which came on 21st October with the body
badly burnt. It had been a travellers home when it caught fire and will be stripped for
useful parts for RF255. Javelin coach M208 BGK duly arrived on 7th October, but
M209 BGK was delayed till the end of the month due to an accident upon delivery.
New-
M208 BGK Dennis Javelin Plaxton Premiere 320 C53F
Disposal-
ANA 433/434Y to ??????
Route Developments-
3rd October-route 351 (Bromley-Sydenham) rerouting in Haynesford Park
3rd October-route 352 (Bromley-Crystal Palace) rerouting in Sth Norwood

Nov-94 Lynx F166 SMT was hit by a lorry on 29th November while on route 354.

Dec-94 Dennis Javelin G428 YAY has been repainted in standard Metrobus livery.
New-
M209 BGK Dennis Javelin Plaxton Premiere 320 C53F
M721 CGO Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 9.8m B35F

Jan-95 Olympian H808 AGX ran into two shops and a flat in Chislehurst Road on 29th January.
Passengers were not injured and all left by the emergency exit. Fleetline OJD 198R
operated on route 61 to deputise. Dennis Dart 723 was used by Plaxton for a short time
as a demonstrator. All new Darts have been treated to route branding for route 358.
New-
M722-4 CGO Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer B35F

Feb-95 Leyland Lynx 166 was back in service by 6th February after sustaining RTA damage.

Mar-95 Dart 723 was involved in an accident in Penge on 6th March. Then on 9th March coach
202 was involved with a speeding car. To cover for the coach being repaired a Volvo
Coach was hired in all white with blue fleetnames and was mainly used on the Hoverspeed
contract. The remains of RF43 was still on site mainly just chassis parts. DMS OJD198R
was still in service mainly on route 261.
Inward Loan-
H657 UWR Volvo B10M-51 Plaxton C51F from Roadlease
Disposals-
OJD 243R to West Kingsdown Coaches-West Kingsdown

Apr-95 By early April, the Darts had received Day-Glo blinds. Mercedes L207 PGU & Dennis
Javelin M209 BGK were entered into the Brighton Coach Rally on 22/23rd April. Bright
yellow running boards are now displayed in the front windscreens.
Route Developments-
1st April-route 351 (Bromley-Bell Green) reduced from every 20 to 30 minutes
1st April-route 352 (Bromley-Crystal Palace) rerouted and to terminate at Forest Hill
1st April-route 361 (Bromley-Crystal Palace) new route via Beckenham & Sth Norwood

May-95 The Wealdsman service route 746 will operate again this year with RF255 on Sundays &
Bank Holidays. From 20th May a DAF double deck was hired and was assigned to route
261. It is mainly white with blue & yellow stripes below the lower windows and large
Metrobus fleetnames between the decks. On the rear it has the legend DAF Euro II.
It can be found on route 261 Monday-Saturday and the seaside specials on Sundays.
Volvo coach H657 UWR was returned off lease on 1st May, but a few days later
Volvo J753 CWT appeared in a white livery with blue fleetnames and was to stay until
the end of August.
Inward Loan-
M646 RCP DAF SB250 NCME Palatine II H47/30F from DAF Hughes till October 95
J753 CWT Volvo B10M Plaxton Premiere C50F from Kirkby's-Anston
Off Hire-
H657 UWR
Route Developments-
7th May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) seasonal service commences
7th May-route 355 (Lewisham-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal service commences
7th May-route 365 (Crystal Palace-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal service commences
28th May-route 746 (Bromley-Tunbridge Wells) seasonal service commences

Jun-95 No news to report

Jul-95 Withdrawn-
OJD 198R

Aug-95 On 4th August, the company was presented with the ISO 9001 accreditation, which
recognises the high state of excellence achieved in the bus and coach operation, in the
engineering and management support, and in product design areas. From 14th August
routes 351/352 started to serve the Sydenham Savacentre.
New-
M210 BGK Mercedes-Benz Plaxton Beaver C25F
N211 HGO Dennis Javelin Plaxton C49F
Disposals-
B688 BPU to Brentwood Coaches-Little Waltham
L207 PGU to ???????
Route Developments-
15th August-route 351 (Bromley-Bell Green) re routed in Lower Sydenham

Sep-95 RF255 again completed another successful season on route 746 on 24th September, but
it is uncertain whether it will be used again next year. New Dennis Javelin coach
N211 HGO was displayed at Showbus in Duxford on 24th September.
On 22nd September, Metrobus announced the application to operate local service 610
between Bromley & Chislehurst over the same route as London Buses route 61, this is due
to the directors being very upset about loosing route 61 later this year to CentreWest.
Lynxes D103/104/110 NDW have had rear blind boxes fitted.
Disposals-
ODV 405W to Welsh Dragon Travel-Newport
Route Developments-
1st September-(Locksbottom-Beaverwood School) new schoolday private service
1st September-(West Wickham-St Olaves School) new schoolday private service
1st September-(Crystal Palace-St Olaves School) new schoolday private service
1st September-(Orpington-Bullers Wood School) new schoolday private service
24th September-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) seasonal service ends
24th September-route 355 (Lewisham-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal service ends
24th September-route 365 (Crystal Palace-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal service ends
24th September-route 746 (Bromley-Tunbridge Wells) seasonal service ends

Oct-95 RF255 was collected by its owner 24th October. It is reported that 10 Optare Excels are
on order.
New-
N725/726 KGF Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer B35F
Outward Loan-
D104 NDW to Tillingbourne-Cranleigh from 28th October for 4 weeks
Disposals-
MLL 792 returned to TMR preservation

Nov-95 Metrobus has taken over the Eddison Road depot in Bromley which Kentish Bus vacated
on 3rd November. The depot had previously been used by Southlands Travel.
For a few months now the Darts have display adverts inside to promote Network 300. this
is the name given to metrobus commercial routes 351/352/358/361. Return fares are
available on these routes. After an error whereby Metroriders F861/2/3 LCU were sent
to Metrobus by mistake on 19th November, the correct vehicles stated below were
were sent from Kentish Bus the next day. They were being repainted and were all done
by 2nd December. An Optare Excel was loaned on 30th November but not used in service.
Dart 725 entered service on route 356 on 2nd November. 726 entered service on 10th
November on route 352. By 17th November Kentish Bus were to surrender four routes
and the opportunity was taken to turn the route loss of the 61 into a gain, by aquiring
routes 138 & 161 from the 2nd December. The plans to operate route 610 were therefore
dropped. On Sundays 5th November till 24th December, Metrobus operated Lynxes on
routes 357 & 493 to cater for extra passenger loadings for Christmas shopping.
Acquired-
J964-8/971/2 JNL Optare Metrorider Optare B25F Ex Kentish Bus-Maidstone
Outward Loan-
J702/5 EMX to Kentish Bus from 19th November for 3 weeks
D103 NDW/D110 NDW/K816 HMV to Harris Bus-Grays from 4th November for 1 week
Inward Loan-
N330 EUG Optare Excel Optare B34F from Optare-Leeds

Dec-95 On 2nd December, routes 138 & 161 were transferred to Metrobus from Kentish Bus.
The Olympians from the 61 moved to the 161 and the 138 is operated mainly by
Metroriders from Kentish Bus.
The fleet is gaining the legend 'Setting Out to Set Standards' alongside the fleetnames.
Lynxes 103/104/110 have had DiPTAC fitments and rear number blinds fitted.
Disposals-
OJD 198R to Ensign-Purfleet (Dealer)
XWY 475X/XWY476X to Isle of Man Transport-Douglas I-O-M
Route Developments-
2nd December-route 61 (Bromley-Chislehurst) transferred to Centrewest
2nd December-route 138 (Bromley-Coney Hall) transferred from Kentish Bus
2nd December-route 161 (Woolwich-Chislehurst) transferred from Kentish Bus
26th December-route 181 (Lewisham-Downham) operated for Kentish Bus for one day
26th December-route 358 (Orpington-Crystal Palace) Sunday service operated on this day

Jan-96 Between 20th-26th January, Metrobus provided two buses to operate route 181
before full commencement of the route-Darts 708-710/2/4/6 were involved.
The licence to operate route 610 was granted though has not yet started operation. The
licence is valid until 30th November 2000 and therefore could be operated at anytime up
to this point.
New-
N212/213 HGO Dennis Javelin Plaxton C53F
N901-906 HWY MCW Metrorider Integral B25F
Acquired-
J223-229 HGY Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer B35F Ex Kentish Bus

Feb-96 The ex Kentish Bus Darts have all been repainted into Metrobus livery

Mar-96 A Plaxton bodied Dart in red was hired on 29th March but did not operate in service.
Inward Loan-
??????? Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer B??F from ????????
Route Developments-
30th March-route 351 timetable revisions
30th March-route 352 (Bromley Nth-Forest Hill)re-routed in Beckenham & Forest Hill
30th March-route 353 (Croydon-Orpington) extended to Ramsden and re routed
30th March-route 354 (Croydon-Bromley) increase in frequencies
30th March-route 356 (Tatsfield-Croydon) re routed in Keston & West Wickham
30th March-route 357 (Croydon-Orpington) route withdrawn
30th March-route 358 (Orpington-Crystal Palace) timetable revisions

Apr-96 No news to report

May-96 This years Coastlinks services are expanded to include points served by routes 161 & 181
all routes will be pay as you board at a cost of £5.50. Owing to constant vandalism
route 284 has been withdrawn between Catford and Grove Park Cemetery after 1800
each evening.
Route Developments-
5th May-route 350 (Orpington-Brighton/Worthing) seasonal services commences
5th May-route 355 (Lewisham-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal services commences
5th May-route 365 (Crystal Palace-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal services commences
5th May-route 761 (Woolwich-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal services commences
5th May-route 781 (Forest Hill-Eastbourne/Hastings) seasonal services commences
7th May-route 284 (Lewisham-Grove Park) withdrawn between Catford-Grove Pk Cemetery
26th May-route 746 (Bromley-Tunbridge Wells) seasonal service commences

Jun-96 The legend 'Setting out to set standards' seems to be on all vehicles except the ex
Transcity Darts. Coaches M208/209 BGK carry fleetnames in shadow effect on the normal
block style.

Jul-96 A Bova Futura coach was on loan for a week (16-22 July) for evaluation and use. Metrobus
loaned Metrorider J966 JNL to Tillingbourne during 22nd to 24th July.
Route Developments-
7th July-route 493 (Ramsden-Orpington) transferred to CentreWest-Orpington
Inward Loan-
J966 JNL to Tillingbourne-Cranleigh
N501 MWW Bova Futura Integral C53F from Bova UK

Aug-96 Route 284 was projected back as far as North Downham from 3rd August after the constant
vandalism had reduced. Once the Optare Excels are in service, the J registered
Metroriders are to be withdrawn and sold. A press launch day occurred for the Optares
on 28th August
New-
P501-510 OUG Optare Excel Integral B35F
Disposals-
J964 JNL to Coastal Coaches-Hastings
J965/966 JNL to Reading Buses-Reading
J963/967/971/972 JNL to Guernseybus-Guernsey
Route Developments-
29th August-route 358 (Orpington-Crystal Palace) conversion from Dart to Excel operation

Sep-96 Route 284 was restored in evenings to Grove park Station from 9th September and to
Grove park Cemetery from 23rd September. Optare Excel won Best New Vehicle at the
recent Showbus rally at Duxford.
Route Developments-
2nd September-route 693 (Orpington-Ramsden) new schoolday route
29th September-route 746 (Bromley-Tunbridge Wells) seasonal service ends

Oct-96 No news to report

Nov-96 All Volvo Olympians had been delivered by the end of the month and had entered service.
They were delivered on 15th November (817/8/9/23/4) 22nd (821/2/5/8/9) and on 29th
(826) First entry into service were 817/8/9/24 on the 21st November.
The Marks & Spencer Shuttle ran for the last time on 30th November after carrying few
passengers. Metrobus Travel fleetnames have been applied to coaches 208/9/11/2/3.
Route 354 hail & ride sections in Selsdon Vale has now got fixed stops.
New-
P817-819/21-26/28/29 SGP Volvo Olympian NCME PalatineI H47/29F
Disposals-
UWW13/14X CUB 60/61/63/64/66/68/69/70Y to North East Bus-Darlington
G426/428 YAY to Bob Vale (Dealer Stock)
Route Developments-
4th November-(Bromley Marks & Spencer Shuttle)-new evening Bromley Town service
23rd November-route 261 (Lewisham-Bromley Comm) weekend frequency changes
30th November-(Bromley Marks & Spencer Shuttle)-last day of operation
30th November-route 357 (Forestdale-East Croydon) new peak flow service

Dec-96 Minor incidents affected Optare Excel 508 in Orpington on 13th December. Two Dennis
Javelins were inspected between 6th-16th December but were rejected
Inward Loan-
M707/708 HBC Dennis Javelin Marco Polo C51Ft from Dennis-Guildford ??????

Jan-97 Metrorider 968 was returned to service on 2nd January.

Feb-97 A UVG bodied Dart was demonstrated between 6th-12th February on route 356 & 358
The Leyland Olympians are now receiving a revised livery with the blue and yellow being
of a lighter shade. 802 & 803 were the first to be done.
New-
P214/5 TGP Dennis Javelin Plaxton Premiere 3500 C49Ft
Inward Loan-
P2 UVG Dennis Dart SLF UVG Urban Star 10.2m from UVG-Waterlooville

Mar-97 An MAN-Optare Vecta was loaned from Optare for about 10 weeks in order that a
modification could be carried out on the existing Optare Excels.
Inward Loan-
P912 XUG MAN Optare Vecta B42F from Optare-Leeds
Route Developments-
20th March-route 353 (Orpington-Croydon) diverted for 10 weeks via Sunken Rd

Apr-97 Route 746 will not run this summer due to the withdrawal of support from Kent CC.
Javelin coach P214 TGP was exhibited at the UK Coach Rally at Brighton

May-97 Metrobus is taking a one third share in Newhaven independent Leisurelink. The deal
includes around 20 vehicles used on 14 school contracts plus two local bus services in
Brighton-routes 12/39/39B. They currently use a fleet of mainly elderly Fleetlines and
a couple of open tops. During May Metrobus also acquired the business of T & J Coaches
along with two coaches, both have moved to the Leisurelink base in Newhaven.
Acquired-
XHU 326 Leyland Leopard Berkhof C53F Ex Floyd-Orpington (Orig reg CHA 443K)
A9 BFN Leyland Royal Tiger Plaxton C50F Ex Floyd-Orpington (Orig reg A138 RMJ)
Route Developments-
4th May-route 350 (Ramsden-Brighton/Worthing) reintroduction of summer Sun/PH service
4th May-route 355 (Lewisham-Eastbourne/Hastings) as above
4th May-route 365 (Crystal Palace/Eastbourne/Hastings) as above
4th May-route 761 (Woolwich-Eastbourne/Hastings) as above
4th May-route 781 (Forest Hill-Eastbourne/Hastings) as above

Jun-97 A bus pull was done using P825 SGP and raised £4600 for charity.
The company purchased the business of East Surrey Buses of South Godstone on 2nd
June. The deal includes the depot and 23 buses. The operation will be separately worked
and will be called Metrobus East Surrey. The blue & yellow livery will be progressively
applied. The deal does not include the Cruisers operation. The routes to be taken over
are the following.
17 Badgers Mount-Halstead School (Schooldays Only)
207 Pembury-East Peckham (1 am peak journey)
208 Pembury-Peckham Bush (Mon-Sat)
209 Pembury-Peckham Bush (Mon-Sat)
231 Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells (Mon-Sat)
232 Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells (Sat Only)
233 Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells (Mon-Sat)
236 Edenbridge Town Service (Sat Only)
239 East Grinstead-Tunbridge Wells (Mon-Sat)
283 Ravenswood Ave-Tunbridge Wells (1 am peak journey)
285 Hawkenbury-Speldhurst (Mon-Sat)
291 East Grinstead-Tunbridge Wells (Mon-Sat)
302 Oxted-Whyteleafe (Mon-Fri)
303 Redhill-Oxted County School (Schooldays Only)
321 Sevenoaks-Swanley (Suns & PH Hols)
323 East Hill Farm-Sevenoaks (Mon & Weds)
324 East Grinstead-Redhill (Mon-Fri)
404 Plaxtol-Ide Hill (Mon-Sat)
410 Westerham-Sevenoaks (Mon-Sat 1 early am journey)
540 East Surrey Hospital-Woldingham (Mon-Fri)
544 Dormansland-Crawley (Tues only)
809 Crowhurst-Lingfield (Schooldays Only)
S1 Sevenoaks Town Service (Mon-Sat)
S1A Sevenoaks Town Service (Mon-Sat)
S2 Sevenoaks Town Service (Mon-Fri)
S3 Sevenoaks Town Service (Mon-Fri)
Acquired-
20 VDL 264K Bedford YRQ Plaxton Derwent B49F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
24 F70 RPL Mercedes-Benz Optare StarRider B33F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
25 G301 CPL Mercedes-Benz Optare StarRider B33F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
26 G972 WPA Optare Metrorider Optare B33F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
32 OHV 208Y Ford R1114 Wadham Stringer Vanguard B33F Ex Est Surrey-Sth Godstone
33 YLN 636S Ford R1014 Duple Dominant B47F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
34 J326 PPD Optare Metrorider Optare B33F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
35 VNU 533Y Ford R1014 Duple Dominant B47F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
36 J752 PPM Dennis Dart Wadham Stringer Portsdown B37F Ex E Surrey-Sth Godstone
37 D602 RGJ Bedford YMT Plaxton Derwent B55F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
38 D167 TAU Bedford YMT Duple Dominant B53F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
40 B88 BVW Ford R1114 Wadham Stringer Vanguard B33F Ex Est Surrey-Sth Godstone
41 C915 BYP Bedford YMP Wadham Stringer Vanguard B45F Ex Est Surrey-Sth Godstone
45 K488 XPG Dennis Dart Plaxton B40F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
47 L726 DPG Dennis Dart Plaxton B40F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
48 L735 MWW Opatre Metrorider Optare B29F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
49 L354 FPF Dennis Dart Plaxton B40F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
50 M150 HPL Dennis Dart Plaxton B40F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
51 M151 HPL Dennis Dart Plaxton B40F Ex east Surrey-South Godstone
52 M152 HPL Mercedes-Benz Plaxton B25F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
53 M153 HPL Iveco 59.12 WS Coachbuilders B24FL Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
54 E407 EPE Dodge S56 NCME B22F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
55 G105 DPB Dodge S56 NCME B25F Ex East Surrey-South Godstone
56 H840 GDY Dennis Dart Wadham Stringer Porstdown B35F Ex Eastbourne Buses
57 H908 DTP Dennis Dart Wadham Stringer Porstdown B35F Ex Eastbourne Buses
Route Developments-
23rd June-route 270 (East Grinstead-Haywards Hth) transferred from Lewes Coaches
23rd June-route 270 Saturdays extended to Brighton via Hassocks & Wivlesfield

Jul-97 Leisurelink ceased trading on Friday 11th July. From the next day Metrobus took over
the East Sussex contracts using the name Metrobus South Coast. Leisurelink main
routes (12/39/39B) were abandoned. The vehicles were taken on short term hire.
By 14th July the vehicles had moved, and were operating from both Eastbourne Buses
and Stagecoachs depot in Eastbourne. The Newhaven site is no longer used. The old
Fleetlines continued to be hired for schools until 23rd July. Two Metrobus owned
Fleetlines came into stock mainly to substitute for the open toppers in bad weather.
During late July, Metrobus South Coast moved to Cliffe Industrial Estate in Lewes.
For the record the Leisurelink fleet finished as-
DLJ 117L+
OEL120/3/5M+
AJT 146T*
SDA 515/37/710/4/8/800S*
TVP 872/891S*
WDA 951T*
AOR 157B
JPL 153K+
Of these the ones marked * were in store and Godstone and may have been used
occasionally to cover schools work. Those marked + were withdrawn prior to
Leisurelink folding.
Dart J752 PPM has been repainted into standard blue & yellow with East Surrey
fleet names. Routes 123/125/136/12A are usually operated using the two Leyland
Swifts.
Acquired-
ADV 299A Leyland Atlantean MCW CO44/31F Ex Leisurelink
SDA 628S Leyland Fleetline Park Royal H43/33F Ex West Midlands Travel
WDA 688T Leyland Fleetline Park Royal H43/33F Ex West Midlands Travel
H841 GDY Dennis Dart Wadham Stringer Portsdown B35F Ex Eastbourne Buses
F41 CWY Mercedes-Benz Optare Starrider B26F Ex London Central
Short Term Loan-
N945 EWG Dennis Javelin Plaxton C49F -loaned from Kirkby
P718 WFR Dennis Dart East Lancs Spryte B44F-loaned from East Lancs-Blackburn
P912 XUG MAN Optare Vecta B??F -loaned from Optare-Leeds
Long Term Loan-
G91 VMM Leyland Swift Wadham Stringer B34FL from East Sussex Council
G92 VMM Leyland Swift Wadham Stringer B34FL from East Sussex Council
Disposals-
J968 JNL to Gurnseybus
35 (VNU 533Y) to dealer
Transfers-
N945 EWG/P718 WFR to MB
P912 XUG MB-SC
WDA 688T to GD
SDA 628S to SC
Route Developments-
12th July-route 12 withdrawn
12th July-route 12A (Brighton-Eastbourne)Sunday service transferred from Leisurelink
12th July-route 39 withdrawn
12th July-route 39B withdrawn
12th July-route 76B transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 77 transferred from Leisurelink till 21st September (joint with B & H)
12th July-route 92A transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92B transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92C transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92D transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92D transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92E transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92F transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92G transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 92H transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 113 transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 114 transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 115 transferred from Leisurelink till 23rd July
12th July-route 123 (Lewes-Newhaven) transferred from Leisurelink
12th July-route 136 (Seaford-Newhaven) transferred from Leisurelink
26th July-route 270 Saturday extension to Brighton withdrawn

Aug-97 From 1st August, all East Surrey routes were reregistered with Metrobus and a new
fleetname of Metrobus East Surrey will be used. The Eastbourne sightseeing tour
finished sometime in August, however the Brighton tour continues. Only six of the new
Olympians arrived for new route 64.. To make up the shortfall, some P reg Olympians
(817-829) are being used. The ex London General MCWs are in turn being used on
route 261. This has meant eight Titan were hired from Stagecoach for a couple of
weeks.
New-
R58 GNW Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer B40F
R830-33/36/7 MFR Volvo Olympian East Lancs Pyoneer H47/25D
Acquired-
BYX 216/28/35/52/9V MCW Metrobus MCW H43/28D-Ex London General*
EYE 320V/GYE 447/527W MCW Metrobus MCW H43/28D-Ex London General*
* Bought via Ensign Bus
Short Term Hire-
WYV 3T/NUW 593/647/8/51/66/71Y/A840 SUL Leyland Titan Park Royal H43/28D
from Stagecoach London
Transfers-
R830-33/36/7 MFR to MB
BYX 216/28/35/52/9V/EYE 320V/GYE 447/527W to MB
E957 GGX MB-GD
R58 GNW to SC
Route Developments-
1st August-route 272 new service from Crawley-Brighton on Fridays only
4th August-route 59 (Brighton-Hollingdean) transferred from Brighton & Hove
4th August-route 145 (Newhaven Town) transferred from Brighton & Hove
4th August-route 261 (East Grinstead-Uckfield) transferred from Brighton & Hove
4th August-route 266 (East Grinstead-Uckfield) transferred from Brighton & Hove
18th August-route 208 joint operation changed from Wealden to Maidstone & District
18th August-route 209 joint operation changed from Wealden to Maidstone & District
18th August-route 239 joint operation changed from Wealden to Maidstone & District
18th August-route 285 joint operation changed from Wealden to Maidstone & District
18th August-route 291 joint operation changed from Wealden to Maidstone & District
18th August-route 323 (East Hill-S/oaks) rerouted via West Kingsdown on Weds only
18th August-route 328 (East Hill-Gravesend) changed from Fridays to Thursdays
18th August-route S1 (Sevenoaks Town) rerouted via Bat n Ball & St Johns Hill
18th August-route S1A (Sevenoaks Town) rerouted via Bat n Ball & St Johns Hill
30th August-route 64 (Addington-Thornton Hth) transferred from Cowie South London
30th August-route 146 (Downe-Bromley) minor timing revisions
30th August-route 261 (Lewisham-Bromley Common) minor timing revision

Upon the colapse of Orpington & District, Tillingbourne from Surrey saw an opportunity to operate services in the London area. Bus enthusiast Peter Larking along with Gary Wood and Mark MacWilliams pursuaded Tllingbourne director Barry King to start a trial in Forestdale. The Forestdale to Croydon peak hour service (route 355) commenced operation on 2nd March 1981 by Tillingbourne (Metropolitan) Limited from a base at Biggin Hill. Orpington to Croydon services (353 and 357) were introduced on 21st April 1981 and Forestdale services supplemented to reinstate a comprehensive Monday to Saturday service, operated from a depot at St Pauls Cray. Tillingbourne (Metropolitan) fleet moved to former Orpington & District premises at Green Street Green. Routes 353/355/357 expanded to cope with increased demand. Route 354 and summer service 350 (Orpington to Brighton) introduced. First double-decker bus joined the fleet. In August 1981 Peter Larking and his two colleagues were appointed directors of Tillingbourne Metropolitan. This new operation proved succesful but over the next two years differences in emphasis emerged between the Cranleigh based operation and the Orpington base. Peter Larking was very keen to develop private hire and tour work but Tillingbourne wern't. Negotiations therefore started for a management buyout and thus on 24 th September, Gary Wood and Peter Larking complete negotiations to buy the other Director's shares in Tillingbourne (Metropolitan) Ltd and form Metrobus Limited. the rest is history!!!!!!! All photographs in this section remain copyright to John Law

The decision by North Downs to withdraw from the Forestdale area in 1971 opened a window that lead to form Orpington & District on 6th December 1971. Operation started using full size saloons that were more able to cope with the peak hour demands in the area. An ambitious leap into Sunday operation started in June 1972. The operating difficulties of both North Downs & the Orpington Rural Transport Association towards the end of 1975 resulted in an increase in routes. On 15th December 1975 O & D took over the Orpington to Biggin Hill route. On 24th January 1976 took up the East Croydon to Orpington following the collapse of North Downs. The introduction of route 860 East Croydon to Biggin Hill on 5th January 1976. This replaced the Biggin Hill to New Addington section that was abandoned by Orpington & Rural Transport. Route 860 was withdrawn in June 1977. Despite securing a sound operating base at Oak Farm (the current Metrobus site) the company started a downward spiral. By 1981 Orpington & District was collapsing. Routes faltered and failed with the final service being withdrawn on 27th February 1981. In March 1981 Tillingbourne Metropolitan was born!

A full fleet list can be found below-Thanks to John Winter for this information and all photographs remain copyright to John Law, Graham Walker & John Winter.

MKG 473 Leyland Tiger Cub Willowbrook DP41F
MKG 479 Leyland Tiger Cub Willowbrook DP41F
DHD 196 AEC Reliance Prk Royal B43F
417 DHO AEC Reliance Prk Royal DP41F
44 DKT Leyland Fleetline Weymann L39/34F*
132 CMR AEC Reliance Willowbrook B41D
133 CMR AEC Reliance Willowbrook B41D
ORX 633 Bristol MW ECW B41F
851 BWY Bristol MW ECW B45F
PKN 580R Ford A Tricentrol B25F*
PKN 581R Ford A Tricentrol B25F*
NRN 563 Leyland Atlantean MCW L38/33F*
142 ENN Leyland Atlantean Weymann L39/34F
152 HRR Leyland Atlantean Weymann L39/33F*
157 HRR Leyland Atlantean Weymann L39/33F*
159 HRR Leyland Atlantean Weymann L39/33F*
FHL 699D Leyland Atlantean Roe H43/33F*
FHL 772D Leyland Atlantean Roe H43/33F*
FHL 774D Leyland Atlantean Roe H43/33F*
VDB 954 Leyland Leopard Alexander DP49F*

* denotes vehicles still in the fleet upon cessation of operations.

Here is a list of routes that Metrobus have operated since the start of operation in 1982, with a picture representing each route. In brackets denotes the depots the route has operated from. MB=Orpington, GD=Godstone, CY=Crawley, PH=Polhill, SC=Lewes.
THIS SECTION IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION-PLEASE BE PATIENT.

This vehicle type came about due to the sudden increase in frequency on route X26. Five vehicles were leased from Wealden PSV who had bought them from Quality Line of Epsom after they became surpluss to requirements due to the loss of route 293 to Metrobus. These vehicles were numbered 501-505 and acted as a stop gap until further Scania OmniCitys could be released from the Fastway fleet. By June 2009 Scanias 536-540 had been refurbished and repainted red and thus ending the life of the Citaro with Metrobus. They are currently waiting for a new home!!

Here is a selection of blooklets, maps and timetables issued by Metrobus, local authorities and London Buses (TfL) over the years-although not complete, it covers most of the styles of publicity used to promote services. As you can see, the publicity improved as the years went on, starting with very basic photocopied paper timetable to the more recent glossy and colurful booklet. Now, only timetables and route maps are produced for the Crawley operation as TfL do not produce timetables for service changes. Please be patient as this section will take some time to scan and load up for your enjoyment.

RMC 1490 490 CLT was withdrawn by Stagecoach in 1999 and in November of that year, it passed into preservation and was stored at Metrobus Godstone depot where restoration work began. In March 2000 it was painted into blue with a yellow band with the intention of running it on route 473 Bluebell Railway on Sundays. However due to the amount of mechanical work that had to be done, this never happened.

In June 2001, it left Godstone and made the short journey to Swanley and to Southlands Travel, although this was merely a storage area and was never operated. Since then it has made its final resting place in Shropshire, via Wolverhampton since its depature in October 2002.

Thanks to Kevin Cooper for supplying these great shots of its life at Godstone.

In 2007, Metrobus broke tradition with Darts and went for a new mid size bus in the form of MAN. A batch of five were ordered (701-705) for route R2 (Petts Wood-Biggin Hill) and were 12.240 type with an East Lancs Esteem body. A the start of 2008 another three were ordered for route T32 originally to have Plaxton Centro bodies, however this was altered to an Enviro 200 body due to ADLs takeover of Plaxton. These were along time coming and finally arrived at Croydon depot in December 2008. Route 202 was taken over, from 13th September 2008. 15 new 10.7m MANs with MCV Evolution bodywork have been ordered and were delivered from January 2009.

Here we find photographs of buses on hire to Metrobus. Some of these vehicles were only on hire for evaluation and may not have seen service, others were on hire for weeks/months and put into service.

This section includes any vehicle that has overall or partial advert-these buses add a little colour to the streets over the years.

Here we show the different types of interriors and layouts bus vehicles within the fleet. The standard moquette is bue with orange and red flecks aka 'Sails'. New non Fastway vehicles at Crawley have the two tone blue moquette.

The first batch of Tridents (401-411) arrived at Metrobus in July 1999 with the final for arriving a month later (412-415) for the upgrade of route 161 from 7th August from Woolwich to North Greenwich Bus Station. These carried the East Lancs Lolyne body and therefore became the first low floor double decks in the fleet. They were in traditional blue and yellow livery. In July 2001 an extra one was ordered to cope with the vehicle increase on the route. The second batch (417-426) were bought for the continuing award of route 261 in January 2002. These were the last batch of new vehicles for Metrobus in London that would be in full blue and yellow livery. No more were purchased after this time and the companies loyalties crossed to Scania. When Metrobus re won the tender for route 161, new buses were required and so ended the life of 401-416 in 2006, there were returned to the leasing company and subsequently sold on to various operators around the country-some even got converted to open toppers which still can be seen today (see the 'Where are they now' section). Upon regaining route 261 new Scanias were also ordered and meant the final batch were sold on-all of these have stayed in London with either Metroline or Big Bus Company. Two (427/428) remained at Crawley for routes 409 and 411 until the new Scania OmniCitiys arrived in July 2008.

Metrobus began its association with Scania in 2002 when an OmniCity 513 (YP52 CTO) was bought for school route 664 and was allocated to Godstone.
The following year due to tender gains and renewals, orders were placed for the Omnidekka double deck version based on a N94UD chassis. The body for the OmniDekka was finished by East Lancs and became the standard double deck option. The first batch of 18 were allocated to route 64. In August 2003, 10 further OmniCitys were delivered for Fastway, a guided busway between Broadfield and Gatwick Airport via Crawley Town Centre. Seventeen were bought at the same time to upgrade route 358 between Crystal Palace and Orpington Station. More OmniDekkas were also purchased for routes 119/320 and 466. An extra 4 were added in 2004 for an upgrade in school services. A further 18 OmniCitys were added in 2005 for Fastway, X26, and route 1. In 2006 a further 46 OmniDekkas were added for routes 161/127 and 405. In 2007 an increase in frequency on Fastway saw 2 more added with the new Euro IV engine. Six OmniDekkas also came with a slightly modified body to accomadate the Euro IV engine.
In 2006, 23 of the rare OmniTowns bodied by East Lancs were purchased for routes 181 & 284, they remain the only batch in service. In May 2008, fastway will be extended to Redhill which has meant an order for ten 10.7 metre versions with single doors. Due later this year are 5 OmniCity Dekkas for routes 293/409/411/612.
This means there are currently 197 Scania buses on the books here in service.

In August 1996, Metrobus was one of the first customers for the Optare Excel. Ten were purchased (501-510 P501-510 OUG) These were bought to upgrade and increase the frequency on route 358 between Orpington and Crystal Palace. These vehicles were some of the first low floor types in the area and proved very popular for passengers. In December 1999 an eleventh was added in full livery (511 V511 KMY). This was an Optare Excel Mk II example, however was only here on loan from Optare so that trials could be done and comparing it with the first batch. It was returned after 6 months.
In April 2001 all ten moved to Crawley in order to upgrade the town network partly to low floor buses-however due to mechanical difficulties, it was decided to sell them on to the Birmingham Coach Company (Diamond Bus) in July 2002. They have subsequently put for disposal by Rotala plc.

In 1996 Metrobus purchased six Optare Metroriders (N901-6 HWY) for route 138 which had been won from Kentish Bus. In 1997 two Optare Starriders were purchased from London Central in order to replace some of the older bus types inherrited from the East Surrey fleet, these were F31/41 CWY. Initially allocated for Lewes, they ended up operating from Godstone until withdrawn in 1999. December 1997 and January 1998 saw 10 Optare Metroriders aquired from Selkent, only five saw service (912-916 H152 UUA/H161/3/5/72 WWT) the others sold on to Gurnseybus. Ironically, 912-15 were sold on to Gurnseybus after being withdrawn in March 2000. Before being allocated to Godstone for tendered work in West Sussex and Surrey, they spent some time on route 138 as the original batch (901-6) were transferred to route C1 on 28th February 1998 for a temporary contract. When East Surrey was taken over 1997 four Optares and one Iveco were taken into stock. The Iveco (953 M153 LPL) was used on the Kent Karrier network along with a hired Mercedes (N468 SPA) from London & Country until 3 Plaxton bodied Mercedes Varios (950-2 S950-2 VMY) were bought for these duties in Kent. These were withdrawn in 2002.
Two Leyland Swifts were loaned from East Sussex Council for the Lewes operations (G91/2 VMM) until July 1999, these were replaced by thre Alexander bodied Darts (309-311).
Former Roundabout Iveco RH1 C501 DYM was aquired for the Southlands fleet in 1999 and painted into blue & yellow.
In 2002, the Kent Karrier network was revamped and only required one bus painted in Kent County Council livery (yellow) which became 394 (YE52 FGV)- a spare was also bought (396 LW52 AFA) however this was in blue and yellow. Both vehicles survived till 2006 when the contract ended.
No more minibuses were bought until the takeover of Tellings Golden Miller Dartford depot when nine Optare Solos, (191-199) were aquired. They were returned to Tellings by June 2006. Two Koch bodied Mercedes Sprinters (398/9) for route R8 were also aquired, which were replaced by two new narrow bodied Solos (101/2) in 2006 and 397 for the mobility contract-this lasted only six months in the fleet before being sold on and replaced by a standard Dart.

From the introduction of the first Dart 701 (J701 EMX), this has become the standard single deck vehicle for Metrobus right up to 2007. The majority have appeared with Plaxton bodies although in most recent years Caetano and then East Lancs have been the more popular choice. Three Wadham Stringer Darts had been aquired along with the East Surrey Buses business, however they didn't remain in service long. This section shows all the different types and styles and colur variants over the years.

The AEC Regal was used by Metrobus in 1994 to run route 746 between Bromley North and Tunbridge Wells via Westerham on Saturdays and Sundays. It was not owned by Metrobus, merely loaned for the summer season only. For information here is the history of the vehicle upto 2001-not sure if it still exists?Can anyone confirm?
RF255 6/52 SJ new
1955 SJ used on 703
7/56 WR after overhaul (Windsor)
9/56 ST transfer (Staines)
10/57 ST used on 725
58-9 ST
2/60 ST to Aldenham overhaul
2/60 CM from o/h (Chelsham)
1961 CM
7/62 CM
1963 CM
4/64 CM to Aldenham overhaul
4/64 HE from o/h (High Wycombe)
1965 HE
2/66 WR converted to OMO bus, B37F
1/67 ST transfer (Staines)
8/68 ST into store
9/68 WR change store
9/68 RG ..change store again (Reigate)
12/68 CM change store (Chelsham)
1/69 RG transfer, recertificated
9/69 DS (Dorking)
1/70 DS transfer to London Country
71-2 DS
9/73 LH transfer (Leatherhead)
4/74 LH into store, and out again, relicensed
6/74 WY transfer (Addlestone)
9/74 LH transfer
10/74 LH into store
4/75 DS transfer
4/75 DS used on 412: outstationed at Holmbury St Mary (Sutton)
7/75 LH transfer
7/75 LH used on 425
8/75 LH stored, withdrawn
1/76 LH in store
3/76 sold to LBPG, Cobham
1977 L.Daniels
1/78 Harlington School (Beds)
12/80 TMR Preservation
3/94 licensed as PSV, TMR
5/94 loaned to Metrobus, used on route 746
9/95 preservation, TMR
1997 active preservation, Showbus97, TMR
1998 active preservation, E.Grinstead
5/00 Eastbourne Regal Day
4/01 transfer to Wealdsman Preservation
4/01 active on East Grinstead Running Day, on tours
6/01 at RF50, Cobham
Owned by Wealdsman P G Biddenden, Kent
Information supplied by Ian's Bus Stop.

From Metrobus starting operations, they chose the Bedford as their standard single deck vehicle. The first vehicles were two that formed part of the original fleet. Two more followed in 1985 to cope with expansion of the Croydon routes, followed by three new Wadham Stringer examples and two new to Maidstone Borough Council. A few Bedford coaches were aquired with the Southlands business, however these were short lived. A list of the Bedfords is below.
SPA 19R BEDFORD YMT~PLAXTON
XPL 889T BEDFORD YMT~DUPLE
WKE 67S BEDFORD YMT~DUPLE
BNO 701T BEDFORD YMT~DUPLE
D21 CTR BEDFORD YMT~WADHAM STRINGER
D22 CTR BEDFORD YMT~WADHAM STRINGER
D23 CTR BEDFORD YMT~WADHAM STRINGER
AKK 171T BEDFORD YMT~DUPLE
MKP181W BEDFORD YMT~WADHAM STRINGER
Upon takeover of East Surrey, several Bedfords operated from Godstone depot for a short time-see East Surrey section to view this information.

Although a few dual purpose coaches appeared from the early days, it was in 1988 when Metrobus took over operation of route 705 (Biggin Hill-Victoria) from Interland Coaches using the existing AEC Reliance and and new DAF (E957 GGX) that coaching started.
In October 1991, Metrobus took over Southlands Coaches along with the land in Southlands Road and Eddison Road-this was later leased to kentish Bus in order to operate route 138. RB Coaches of Bromley was also aquired. Ten coaches were taken in addition to two new Leyland Tigers. All coaches were painted into blue and yellow with the Southlands name added. Of the Southlands fleet, only ANA 433/4Y and B43/7 DNY gained fleet livery.
February 1993 saw the takeover of Jasons Coaches along with four Dennis Javelins in Hoverspeed livery for a contact between Dover & Victoria. Four more Dennis Javelins were purchased later that year for Hoverspeed contract which lasted until February 1998. Whilst awiting these four Volvo were hired to cover the contract (H901/4-6 AHS). National Express work was also undertaken although none of the vehicles were painted into National Express colours. From 1995-1997 further dennis Javelins were purchased for the expanding excursion programme. 1997 saw T & J Coaches purchased along with one coach (A9 BFN) together with further adjoining land at Green Street Green. The vehicle was moved to Lewes for a short time before being withdrawn. On 23rd August 1998 the coaching bussiness was moved into Swanley garage (SJ) A seperate O licence was obtained and worked under a franchise agreement from the parent company. As a franchise and still using the Metrobus Travel name, it became a seperate operating company and thus ending coaching operation at Metrobus. A full list of coaches is as follows,
GDY 500X~ANA 433Y~ANA 434Y~B43 DNY
B47 DNY~E597 LVH~E957 GGX~G426 YAY
G427 YAY~G428 YAY~G429 YAY~J51 SNY
J52 SNY~H220 JLJ~J201 FMX~J202 FMX
K203 GMX~K204 GMX~K205 GMX~K206 GMX
M208 BGK~M209 BGK~M210 BGK~N211 HGO
N212 HGO~N212 HGO~N213 HGO~P214 TGP
P215 TGP

In 1997 Metrobus purchased 11 MCW Metrobuses. They were
316 BYX 216V 320 EYE 320V 321 EYE 321V
327 GYE 527W 328 BYX 228V 335 BYX 235V
347 GYE 447W 352 BYX 252V 359 BYX 259V
362 BYX 262V 378 WYW 76T
These were for the south coast operations in order to operate newly won contracts, however due to the late arrival of the Volvo Olympians, most were used on a variety of London Bus routes before being dispatched south. All were withdrawn in September 1999 except two which lasted till 2001 covering for various school duties between the three depots
When Metrobus took over the Crawley operations from Arriva Southern Counties, 13 were loaned between April & the end of May 2001. They were M454/503/521/522/534/536/547/559/614/660/717/776/1210.

The first of seven Leyland Lynxes arrived in September 1988 in the form of F80 SMC. Originally it arrived with standard bus seats but was latterly changed to coach seats so that it could also be used on private hire work. Photographs below shows the two examples. It worked most routes and operated from Orpington, Godstone & Crawley.
In December 1989, three Lynxes were purchased from Merthyr Tydfil Transport. They replaced the remaining Bedfords that were becoming unsuitable. they became regular performers on route 354. Two further examples arrived in February 1991. These were aquired from Millerbus of Foxton in exchange for some Bedfords and DMSs. They found their way initially on route 261 to cover the Green Street Green workings. The final example came in August 1992, bought new, it was one of the last to be built. It was the last one to survive and was withdrawn in December 2004. In part replacement for the Lynxes, two Volvo B10Bs were acquired from Whitelaws and were mainly used on the Edenbridge to Tunbridge Wells school routes, but when these contracts were lost in 2006, they became surpluss to requirements although they did appear on route 23 to Worthing before being sold and shipped to New Zealand.

On 1st August 1987 Metrobus purchased their first brand new Leyland Olympian (C395 DML) for the company and entered service on the busy routes 354 and 357. In June 1987 two ECW bodied examples came from West Riding to replace the two ex Yorkshire Woollen buses on routes 354 and 357. The next Olympians were 11 second hand examples from West Yorkshire PTE via Ensign with Roe bodywork in August 1987. These were to operate the newly won contract for route 261. Two of these gained overall adverts (CUB 60Y & CUB 71Y) In May 1989 two new Olympians with Leyland bodies replaced some early Bedfords due to high patronage on the Forestdale corridor. Plans to upgrade the fleet in January 1990 saw more new Olympians for route 61, a process that took 2 years to complete. In May 1991, Metrobus purchased a second hand double deck coach for coastlink duties as well as service work. In July 1992, the final three Leyland Olympians were delivered in dealer white. These were amongst the last all Leylands to be built before conversion to the Volvo brand. 1996 saw route route 261 retained but with 11 new buses (P817-829 SGP)These would be in the form Volvo Olympians with Northern Counties Palatine bodies. These can still be seen working today in Crawley.
In 1997 route 64 between Addington & Thornton Heath was won and 15 East Lancs Pyoneers were ordered (R830-845 MFR) These are also still operating from Crawley depot.
1998 saw more East Lancs Pyoneers (S846-858 DGX) ordered when Metrobus was sucessful gaining route 119 between the Old Croydon Airport and Bromley North. These were operated till 2003 when they were sold on to various operators around the country. In the same year Metrobus commenced operations of route 320 from Kentish Bus-this time 8 more Northern Counties Palatines entered service (S859-866 DGX) They were the last Olympians to be ordered. They were sold in 2003 to Rossendale Transport and are still in service. Whilst awaiting deliveries of new Scania Omnidekka, Metrobus loaned 17 Volvo Olympians which were painted in blue & yellow. Three were also purchased for the Crawley network and were also 1995 examples.

In 1997, Metrobus took a 30% stake in Leisurelink based in Newhaven and operated services around the Brighton & Hove area. The stake in the company was in the form of two ex West Midlands Fleetlines and a coach. In 1998 when Leisurelink folded Metrobus formed a network of south coast operations. At this point only two Fleetlines entered service with Metrobus at Godstone for a short time. Upon starting Metrobus South Coast, it was intended to operate the MCW Metrobuses due to be released from route 261 in London, however the Volvo Olympians were late arriving and it was neccesary to hire some ex Stagecoach Titans from Romford and some Capital Citybus Dennis Dominators from Dagenham. A base was set up at Cliffe Industrial Estate in Lewes. A fleet list of Leisurelink before they folded and Metrobus South Coast was born is as follows. (Thanks to Garry Nicholass)

53 JPL 153K~LEYALND ATLANTEAN/PARK ROYAL
117 DRJ 117L~DAIMLER FLEETLINE/ALEXANDER
125 OEL 125M~DAIMLER FLEETLINE/ALEXANDER
146 AJT 146T~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/ALEXANDER
422 AOR 157B~LEYLAND TITAN/NCME
515 SDA 515S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
537 SDA 537S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
710 SDA710S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
714 SDA 714S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
718 SDA 718S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
800 SDA 800S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
872 TVP 872S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
891 TVP 891S~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW
925 ADV 299A~LEYLAND ATLANTEAN/METRO CAMMELL
928 928 GTA~LEYLAND ATLANTEAN/METRO CAMMELL
951 WDA 951T~LEYLAND FLEETLINE/MCW

East Surrey Bus Services dates back to November 1975 when Michael Walter purchased a Ford from Thomas of Croydon. Expansion was slow and by 1980 only had 3 coaches. Eventually the name East Surrey Coaches was created and operated from Croydon Airport Ind Est, however in April 1985 a move to South Godstone became a more stratigic location for what was to be operated after 1986 when a significant amount of local bus work was gained in parts of West Kent, East Surrey and West Sussex. The company was aquired by Metrobus in June 1997 and very quickly lost its famous orange and cream livery in favour of the traditional Metrobus blue and yellow. A full fleet list of what was operated by East Surrey Buses up to the takeover can be found below (Thanks to Chris Suggitt)

1 FNM 141E~FORD R226/PLAXTON
2 LPO 846J~BEDFORD SB5/DUPLE
3 TPU 111M~BEDFORD YRT/DUPLE
4 MKX 889H~BEDFORD SB5/PLAXTON
5 KPC 215P~BEDFORD YRT/DUPLE
6 OMJ 254M~BEDFORD SB5 PLAXTON
7 OTR 411S~BEDFORD YMT/DUPLE
8 TAA 744T~BEDFORD YMT/PLAXTON
9 OPC 35R~BEDFORD YMT/PLAXTON
10 GPA 620V~BEDFORD YMT/DUPLE
11 GPA 846N~BEDFORD YRQ/PLAXTON
12 TBD 618N~BEDFORD YRT/WILLOWBROOK
13 TBD 621N~BEDFORD YRT/WILLOWBROOK
14 GGR 344N~BEDFORD YRQ/WILLOWBROOK
15 XKU 228T~BEDFORD YMT/WILLOWBROOK
16 XKU 230T~BEDFORD YMT/WILLOWBROOK
17 PNV 431M~BEDFORD YMQ/WILLOWBROOK
18 E318 SYG~MERCEDES 811/OPTARE
19 MPE 248P~BEDFORD YRQ/PLAXTON
20 VDL 264K~BEDFORD YRQ/PLAXTON
21 F670 NPG~MERCEDES 811/OPTARE
22 THL 976S~BEDFORD YMT/WILLOWBROOK
23 YAL 391S~BEDFORD YMT/WILLOWBROOK
24 F70 RPL~MERCEDES 811/OPTARE
25 G301 CPL~MERCEDES 811/OPTARE
26 G972 WPA~OPTARE METRORIDER
27 UGB 14R~AEC RELIANCE/DUPLE
28 G645 EVN~CVE OMNI
29 H743 LHN~CVE OMNI
30 H744 LHN~CVE OMNI
31 H745 LHN~CVE OMNI
32 OHV 208Y~FORD R1114/WADHAM STRINGER
33 YLN 636S~FORD R1014/DUPLE
34 J326 PPM~DENNIS DART/WADHAM STRINGER
35 YNU 533Y~FORD R1001/DUPLE
36 J752 PPM~DENNIS DART/WADHAM STRINGER
37 D602 RGJ~BEDFORD YMT/PLAXTON
38 D167 TAU~BEDFORD YMT/DUPLE
39 KFH 933P~BEDFORD YRQ/PLAXTON
40 B88 BVW~FORD R1114/WADHAM STRINGER
41 C915 BYP~BEDFORD YMP/WADHAM STRINGER
42 D380 BNR~BEDFORD YNT/PLAXTON
43 RET 150M~BEDFORD YRT/PLAXTON
44 K46 TKJ~CVE OMNI
45 K488 XPG~DENNIS DART/PLAXTON
46 E312 PLJ~DENNIS JAVELIN/PLAXTON
47 L726 DPG~DENNIS DART/PLAXTON
48 L735 MWW~OPTARE METRORIDER
49 L754 FPF~DENNIS DART/PLAXTON
50 M150 HPL~DENNIS DART/PLAXTON
51 M151 HPL~DENNIS DART/PLAXTON
52 M152 LPL~MERCEDES 709/PLAXTON
53 M153 LPL~IVECO/WADHAM STRINGER
54 E407 EPE~DODGE S56/NCME
55 G105 DPB~DODGE S56/NCME

Here we include any vehicle that was purchased or aquired by Metrobus in its previous owners livery-This section will include photos from ex Leisurelink, East Surrey Buses and Jasons Coaches. There are not many pictures, they seem very difficult to locate.

This section shows the models that have been produced to replicate buses currently in service as well as some that have long gone. Due in December will be a model of a Scania OmniDekka in Crawley colours.

Each year, Metrobus assists its sister company London General in several commercial events namely Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon Tennis, Hampton Court Flower Show and Biggin Hill Air Show each year. Here is a sample of shots taken at such events. Vehicles are provided usually from all three depots. Metrobus also operates many duties for London Tramlink as repairs are done to the network on a regular basis.

Where did they go after operation with Metrobus? Most have them have ended up the length & breadth of the country. The list below shows their initial first operator disposal. Some vehicles have been sold more than once since their disposal from Metrobus. A list of all disposals in detail can be found by clicking on 'Former Metrobus Vehicles' by Chris Suggitt, situated to the left on the links section. In brief, these are the disposals from 1st January 2002. Disposals before this date can be found under the Metrobus Diaries section.

80 12/04 Trustline, Hunsdon
101 12/04 Trustline, Hunsdon
103 2/02 Town & Country Buses, Purfleet
104 3/03 Nu-Venture, Aylesford, Kent
110 3/03 Nu-Venture, Aylesford, Kent
118 8/08 A Lyle & Son, Batley
120 7/08 Judges Minicoaches, Corby
121 8/08 Countryliner, Guildford
122 7/08 Judges Minicoaches, Corby
123 3/09 HTL Travel, Huyton
125 8/09 DeCourcey Travel, Coventry
126 8/09 DeCourcey Travel, Coventry
165 5/02 Southdown PSV, Copthorne
166 3/03 Nu-Venture, Aylesford, Kent
191 4/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
192 4/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
193 4/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
194 6/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
195 6/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
196 6/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
197 4/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
198 4/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
199 4/06 Returned off hire to Tellings Golden Miller
220 5/07 Returned off hire to Dawson Rentals
4/08 OFJ Connections, Heathrow
221 5/07 Returned off hire to Dawson Rentals
11/07 Arriva The Shires, Luton
222 6/07 Returned off hire to Dawson Rentals
11/07 Arriva The Shires, Luton
223 6/07 Returned off hire to Dawson Rentals
11/07 Arriva The Shires, Luton
224 6/08 Countryliner, Guildford
225 6/08 Countryliner, Guildford
248 6/06 GHA, Corwen for scrap
291 2/08 Brighton & Hove
292 5/08 Brighton & Hove
293 2/09 K&H Doyle, Alfreton, Derbyshire
294 2/09 K&H Doyle, Alfreton, Derbyshire
295 12/08 Clintona Minicoaches, Brentwood
296 2/08 Brighton & Hove 242
297 2/08 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
298 2/08 Brighton & Hove
299 2/08 Brighton & Hove
304 2/09 London General (loan)
305 7/08 Huyton Travel, Merseyside
306 7/08 Huyton Travel, Merseyside
307 6/08 Countryliner, Guildford
308 2/09 London General (loan)
312 2/08 Brighton & Hove
313 2/08 Brighton & Hove
314 1/07 Countryliner, Guildford
315 7/07 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
316 6/07 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
317 11/07 Sunray Travel, Epsom
319 1/09 Alansway Coaches, Newton Abbot
335 1//07 Diamond Bus, Birmingham
336 1/07 Diamond Bus, Birmingham
337 12/06 Diamond Bus, Birmingham
338 12/06 Diamond Bus, Birmingham
339 3/08 Brighton & Hove
341 8/08 Huyton Travel , Merseyside
342 8/08 Huyton Travel , Merseyside
343 8/08 Huyton Travel , Merseyside
346 7/03 Brighton & Hove
347 7/03 Brighton & Hove
380 7/06 Kent County Council, Aylesford
381 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
382 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
383 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
384 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
385 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
386 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
387 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
388 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
389 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
391 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
392 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
393 10/06 Choice Travel, Wednesfield
394 7/06 Kent County Council, Aylesford
396 5/06 Brighton & Hove
401 5/07 NIBS, Wickford, Essex
402 4/06 Carousel Buses, High Wycombe
403 4/06 Carousel Buses, High Wycombe
404 5/07 NIBS, Wickford, Essex
405 6/07 Burtons, Colchester
406 6/07 Burtons, Colchester
407 5/07 Top Line Travel, York
408 4/06 Top Line Travel, York
409 4/06 Top Line Travel, York
410 5/07 NIBS, Wickford, Essex
411 4/06 Carousel Buses, High Wycombe
412 5/06 Maghull Coaches, Merseyside
413 5/06 Maghull Coaches, Merseyside
414 5/06 Maghull Coaches, Merseyside
415 4/06 Low Fell Coaches, Gateshead
416 9/06 Thames Travel, Oxfordshire
417 12/06 Metroline, Harrow
418 10/07 Weavaway, Newbury (loan)
419 12/06 Metroline, Harrow
420 12/06 Metroline, Harrow
421 12/06 Metroline, Harrow
422 10/07 Weavaway, Newbury (loan)
423 12/06 Metroline, Harrow
424 12/06 Metroline, Harrow
425 12/07 Big Bus Company, London
426 10/07 Weavaway, Newbury (loan)
427 10/08 East London Bus Group
428 10/08 East London Bus Group
501 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
502 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
503 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
504 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
505 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
506 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
507 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
508 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
509 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
510 7/02 Birmingham Coach Company
511 6/03 P&O Ferries, Dover
701 1/02 Birmingham Coach Company
702 1/02 Birmingham Coach Company
703 1/02 Birmingham Coach Company
704 1/02 Birmingham Coach Company
705 1/02 Birmingham Coach Company
706 1/02 Birmingham Coach Company
707 1/02 Birmingham Coach Company
708 10/03 Stephensons, Rochford, Essex
709 9/03 Excel, Stansted
710 12/04 Transit Group, Stansted
711 2/05 Sullivan Buses, South Mimms
712 12/03 Central Buses, Birmingham
713 2/05 Sullivan Buses, South Mimms
714 3/05 Olympian Coaches , Harlow
715 12/04 Transit Group, Stansted
716 9/03 Stephensons, Rochford, Essex
717 7/04 Compass Travel, Worthing
718 7/04 Compass Travel, Worthing
719 7/04 Compass Travel, Worthing
720 12/05 Brighton & Hove
721 10/07 Stotts Coaches, Huddersfield
722 9/05 Burtons, Colchester
723 9/05 Burtons, Colchester
724 8/06 Searle t/a Axe Valley Travel, Seaton
725 6/06 GHA Coaches, Corwen, North Wales
726 5/07 Countryliner, Guildford
727 Scrapped at Godstone
728 Ashworth Hospital, Merseyside
729 12/04 Guide Friday, Straford-upon-Avon
730 6/06 Turners, Chumleigh, Devon
731 11/04 Trustline, Hunsdon
732 11/04 Trustline, Hunsdon
733 10/03 Wilkins Coaches, Port Talbot
734 2/05 McKindless, Wishaw
735 10/03 Wilkins Coaches, Port Talbot
736 1/04 Excel, Stansted
737 10/03 Wilkins Coaches, Port Talbot
738 1/05 Laurel, Englefield Green
739 1/04 Hams Travel, Flimwell, East Sussex
750 12/04 Trustline, Hunsdon
751 6/06 Turners, Chumleigh, Devon
752 11/04 Guide Friday, Straford-upon-Avon
754 12/05 Huyton Travel Merseyside
756 6/06 Disposal untraced via Ventura, Lingfield
757 5/07 Countryliner, Guildford
758 5/07 Countryliner, Guildford
759 6/06 Bluebird, Cornwall
760 6/06 Pennine Motor Services, Yorkshire
761 1/05 Imperial Buses, Rainham
762 8/07 Mr M Freeth, East Sussex
763 4/08 Wealden PSV, Five Oak Green
771 1/05 McKindless, Wishaw
772 1/05 McKindless, Wishaw
773 2/04 Grayline, Bicester, Oxfordshire
774 9/03 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
775 9/03 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
778 1/05 McKindless, Wishaw
779 9/03 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
780 9/03 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
781 9/03 Hansons Buses, Stourbridge
782 3/05 McKindless, Wishaw
783 2/04 Halifax Joint Committee
786 3/05 Mullanys Coaches, Watford
787 Returned off loan to Brighton & Hove
788 4/04 Written off, remains scrapped
802 8/03 Fargo, Bracknell
803 9/03 Happy Als, Birkenhead
804 2/05 Western Greyhound
805 5/06 Wiltax Buses, New Haw
806 12/05 Roundabout Buses, Copthorne
807 12/05 Western Greyhound
808 9/03 Happy Als, Birkenhead
809 8/03 Happy Als, Birkenhead
810 8/03 Happy Als, Birkenhead
811 8/03 Happy Als, Birkenhead
812 8/03 Happy Als, Birkenhead
813 8/03 Happy Als, Birkenhead
814 12/05 Cedrics, Wivenhoe
815 12/05 Cedrics, Wivenhoe
816 12/05 Cedrics, Wivenhoe
846 4/04 Green Triangle, Atherton, Lancashire
847 10/04 Courtney Coaches, Wokingham
848 10/04 Courtney Coaches, Wokingham (loan)
849 11/04 Burtons, Haverhill
850 4/04 Bus Eireann, Cork
851 5/05 Chambers, Bures
852 11/04 Burtons, Haverhill
853 10/04 Courtney Coaches, Wokingham
854 10/04 Courtney Coaches, Wokingham
855 5/05 Chambers, Bures
856 5/05 Chambers, Bures
857 10/04 Courtney Coaches, Wokingham
858 4/04 Green Triangle, Atherton, Lancashire
859 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
860 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
861 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
862 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
863 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
864 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
865 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
866 12/03 Rossendale Transport, Rawtenstall
888 6/06 Stephensons, Rochford, Essex
889 6/06 Stephensons, Rochford, Essex
890 6/06 Stephensons, Rochford, Essex

Here is a selection of pictures from around and about various rail replacement services operated in the southeast by Metrobus. The Go-Ahead group provide rail replacement services most weekends for New Southern Railway and Southeastern Trains. Metrobus and London General operate the bulk of the services with a little variety from sub contractors from the south east.

This section shows the vehicles that are used to support our services-these range from crew vehicles to driver trainers and breakdown support vehicles.