View Latest Data |
|
Log-in Register |
||||||||||
| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 401 |  |
By Derek Everson The first Mazda to be reported as a service vehicle was MT17UOC, a Mazda 3 hatchback car with Transport UK. As this photo taken at Hatton Cross Station on 7th June 2024 shows, it is currently in unmarked white livery, although MV17LVH (the Vauxhall Astra alongside) has recently had its Abellio fleetnames replaced with Transport UK ones. It is curious to note that Abellio/Transport UK also have a Citroen Dispatch van registered in the same series as this Mazda (MT17UMJ). |
11/08/2024 |
| 402 |  |
By Bob Milner Transport UK has been acquiring a variety of second-hand cars lately, as replacements for the numerous Ford Fiestas latterly used as crew ferry vehicles by Abellio. Some (but not all) of the additions have been given Transport UK fleetnames, while a few also have fleetnumbers in the 68xx series. YY16WSX is a Citroen C4 car in a slightly unusual pale blue colour, and it was photographed at the Southall (Great Western) garage on 1st June 2024. Electric single-deck buses (by Wright and Switch) are now being allocated here, but there are still almost 60 diesel Enviro 200s like the ones seen in the background. |
04/08/2024 |
| 403 |  |
By Ray Monk Another of the Ford Transit crew vans found at Museum Way (Acton) on 1st June 2024 was 8711F, which has a similar history to 8710F parked behind. |
04/08/2024 |
| 404 |  |
By Ray Monk A few service vehicles can often be found parked outside the front of the depot on Museum Way at Acton Town. Until recently, these were normally Renault Kangoo Maxi vans, but these were swapped in summer 2024 for newly-delivered Ford Transit Connect vans in TfL livery. However, when Ray visited on 1st June 2024 he found four Ford Transit crew vans present (along with one Kangoo). Larger vehicles based here are normally kept in the yard behind the building. Five-and-a-half years old but not previously shown on LTSV, crew van 8710F has been based here since new in early 2019. |
04/08/2024 |
| 405 |  |
By Ray Monk The oldest dustcarts in the LUL fleet are (narrowly) the three with Geesink Norba bodywork that were delivered at the end of 2016. Two of the three were triple-axle versions, and it appears that these may now be out of use. LO66ZRC has not been reported since the end of 2023, while LO66ZRD has been delicensed since at least early 2023. The latter vehicle was seen in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 1st June 2024, still in LUL livery but with the large bodyside TfL lettering removed. |
04/08/2024 |
| 406 |  |
By Ray Monk New Ford Transit Connects in TfL livery have been arriving steadily since Easter 2024, but they are not coming in numerical order. The highest fleetnumber reported so far is 9379F, which is on a long-wheelbase van, a type far outnumbered by long-wheelbase crew vans. 9379F was photographed in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 1st June 2024. It has subsequently been noted at both Lillie Bridge and Stratford Market depots, so further sightings are required before we assign it an allocation. |
04/08/2024 |
| 407 |  |
By Ray Monk This photo taken at Acton Works on 1st June 2024 neatly captures the three main types of light van used by LUL. To the fore is Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8909VW, with Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8393R behind. Both these types were first taken in 2011/2012, with a combined total of more than 500 added since, along with a number of the shorter variants of each. Prior to this, the Ford Transit Connect had been the standard small van, and this has now had a resurgence in its Mk2 form, as exemplified by TfL liveried 9256F at the rear. 9256F was new in April and has so far only been seen at Acton Works. |
04/08/2024 |
| 408 |  |
By Bob Milner With lots of new TfL Ford Transit Connect crew vans being photographed at Acton Works, and at Griffith House at night, the first daytime photo 'in the wild' appears to be this one, taken by Bob on 27th May 2024. Perhaps ironically, the photo was taken in Wiltshire! Bob had found LUL Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8363R parked in exactly the same place earlier in the year (see here), which suggests that new 9215F is allocated to LUL's Lifts and Escalators department. |
04/08/2024 |
| 409 |  |
By Paul Nicholls One more photo from Paul's recent Scottish jaunt, this time showing Stagecoach Ford Transit Connect van ST20FGF at St. Andrews garage on 25th April 2024. A quick look on Google Maps showed that this location also includes a small bus station with 4 nose-in bays. |
04/08/2024 |
| 410 |  |
By Ray Monk Not previously shown on LTSV, RX18LLO is one 19 Mercedes Vito minibuses taken into Go-Ahead London stock during 2018. All were delivered in unmarked red, and it appears that none of this intake have been given the driver recruitment adverts. RX18LLO has always been based in east London, but has moved around between the three garages at River Road (Barking), Silvertown and Henley Road (North Woolwich). On 23rd March 2024 it was caught leaving Beckton Bus Station. |
04/08/2024 |
| 411 |  |
By Dave Elison Seen on 9th March 2024 in Manchester, GL69GXV is a Peugeot 5008 car in the livery of tram operator Metrolink. The Manchester Metrolink was the first 'new-generation' tram system in the UK, opening in 1992. I was rather surprised to read that expansion over the past 30 years has resulted in the network now serving a total of 99 stops, more than twice the number on the Docklands Light Railway. |
04/08/2024 |
| 412 |  |
By Derek Everson Following its closure by Arriva Southern Counties in 2021, Stagecoach South started using the former London Transport bus garage in Guildford in 2022. However, this turned out to be a short-term move, and the buses were moved back to their previous Peasmarsh depot in May 2024. Derek visited on 1st March 2024 and photographed their Nissan e-NV200 van SL71ORX, adorned with images of happy engineers. |
04/08/2024 |
| 413 |  |
By Peter Terry At least 25 of Go-Ahead London's Mercedes Vito crew ferry minibuses now carry blue vinyls with driver recruitment advertising. RX71SYV is allocated to Orpington and was photographed at Bromley North Station on 24th February 2024. Not previously noticed is the camera fitted on the front dash, although it is not clear if this looks outward or inward! Several other Vitos also have this equipment. |
04/08/2024 |
| 414 |  |
By Ray Monk Seen leaving the bus stand in Bexleyheath on 2nd February 2024 was Nissan Qashqai car YF23UGA, which is one of the endless stream of unmarked cars that have been used as crew ferry vehicles by Arriva London's Dartford garage. In the background is Go-Ahead London EP2, one of 18 BYD/ADL E400EVs used on route 132. The class code denotes that they are equipped to be charged from overhead pantographs, although it is reported that the equipment installed on the forecourt of Bexleyheath garage has proved troublesome and is no longer used. |
04/08/2024 |
| 415 |  |
By Jon Pye Five new lorries were supplied to TfL during 2023, but photos of them outside the lorry yard at Acton Works have been scarce. The first of two received recently is this one showing Volvo FMX 3-axle flatbed KY23LNO at Ruislip Depot on 1st December 2023. It would appear that this lorry has a steering rear axle. |
04/08/2024 |
| 416 |  |
By Peter Terry LUL Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8562R was new in late 2017 and was initially elusive. By early 2023 it moved to Museum Way in Acton, making it much easier to see. Surprisingly, no-one photographed it until Peter visited on a damp 28th May 2024. This was just as well as the van was moved to Acton Works by mid-July, most likely for disposal having been replaced by new Ford Transit Connect vans. |
28/07/2024 |
| 417 |  |
By Peter Terry LUL's Volkswagen Transporter minibuses are often to be seen during engineering works, presumably to move staff around as required. On 27th May 2024 Peter found 8430VW parked outside Hammersmith Station, with the mobile office lorry beyond. |
28/07/2024 |
| 418 |  |
By Peter Terry As well as LUL vehicles, there were some Balfour Beatty ones found during the engineering work at Hammersmith on 27th May 2024. This photo shows Isuzu Forward box truck LN20YLP. Note that LUL roundels are carried on the front and sides. There is also a blue stripe on the bodywork, though this is a slightly lighter shade than that used by LUL. |
28/07/2024 |
| 419 |  |
By Bryn Dyer A photograph of this vehicle at this location has been featured on LTSV before. However, I have included this view taken on 27th May 2024 as it shows a change. The side lettering that used to read 'Transplant' has been altered to 'EV Welfare Vehicle'. EV usually stands for Electric Vehicle, but I don't know what it refers to here. Engineering Volunteers?? I have also just noticed that the box body has a Lyntons label on the nearest corner. Lyntons also built DB25, the LUL Emergency Control Unit 'pod'. Oh, and in case you hadn't worked it out, the location is the Hammersmith & City Line station in Hammersmith. |
28/07/2024 |
| 420 |  |
By Chris Jennings Completing the trio of colourful Ford Pumas at Metroline's Brentford Garage, here is yellow AY23KUE on 23rd May 2024. |
28/07/2024 |
| 421 |  |
By Chris Jennings At least three of Metroline's Ford Puma cars have been treated to vinyl wraps to advertise bus driver recruitment. All three are in different colours, and all are based at Brentford. AY23KWO was seen at the garage on 23rd May 2024. The site has been a bit congested recently while work on a replacement garage was underway. This opened in mid-July 2024 and the old site has now been cleared. |
28/07/2024 |
| 422 |  |
By Ray Monk A second batch of Ford Transit Connect vans arrived at Acton Works in mid-May. Compared to the crew vans (which have the additional side windows), plain vans have been rarer, comprising about a tenth of the known intake so far. This line-up in the lorry yard on 25th May 2024 was headed by 9336F, with 9376F, 9333F, 9332F and 9335F beyond. |
28/07/2024 |
| 423 |  |
By Ray Monk More new Ford Transit Connects in TfL livery were found at Acton Works on 25th May 2024, including crew van 9272F seen here in the lorry yard. About a week later the van was transferred to Westdown Road in Leyton. |
28/07/2024 |
| 424 |  |
By Bryn Dyer Several people sent photos of service vehicles attending engineering work in Hammersmith in May 2024. First up is this view of LUL VW Caddy Maxi van 8686VW outside the H&C station on 23rd May. I feel like I am getting a bit repetitive when I say that this van has been rather elusive, with only 7 sightings since it was new almost 6 years ago. Having said that, the photos were taken by correspondents who do not log their sightings. |
28/07/2024 |
| 425 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft Having been used in an anonymous condition for a few months, Go-Ahead London Ford Transit Custom high-roof van EA69MWJ gained company logos on sides and front by May 2024. On the 19th of that month it was found parked outside its home garage of Croydon. |
28/07/2024 |
| 426 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft This unmarked white Ford Transit Custom van was photographed at the Southern Vectis bus garage in Newport on the Isle of Wight on 18th May 2024. It is most notable for carrying the registration WLT881, originally fitted to LT bus RML881. There was a bus running day on the island on this date, and I believe the van is used by one of the traders who has stalls at such events. |
28/07/2024 |
| 427 |  |
By Ray Monk Three electric versions of the Ford Transit Custom van were taken into LUL stock in mid-2021. 9135F was based at Edgware Road and 9136F at Acton Works, but the allocation of 9134F remained unknown (I seem to recall that the original report of it mentioned it being seen parked in Essex somewhere). Anyway, in spring 2024 it appears that some of the allocations were switched, and 9134F became the regular resident at Edgware Road Station, making it easy to see. Note the flap for the charging point just below the nearside headlamp. Photographed on 18th May 2024. |
28/07/2024 |
| 428 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft I occasionally get sent a fleetlist for RATP-Dev (latterly London United) which includes service vehicles. As a result we can identify some of the vehicles that have no markings. Seen at the former NCP/NSL base in Twickenham on 14th May 2024 was Seat Leon YF20CVC in a colour that I can't quite put my finger on! According to the list, this is fleet number MTR75145, allocated to Hounslow Heath as an extra crew ferry vehicle. Alongside is equally anonymous Citroen Berlingo van LC18GJO, which we already knew was numbered MTR75068 and which has been used since new in 2018. |
28/07/2024 |
| 429 |  |
By Ray Monk Stanmore Station has not had an allocation of vehicles in recent years, so any seen there are likely based elsewhere. For example, on 13th May 2024, Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8246VW was noted in the yard above the car park. This van had not been seen for over 3 years so we don't know where it is actually based. Curiously the last sighting (in September 2020) was also at this location. |
28/07/2024 |
| 430 |  |
By Paul Nicholls LUL Ford Transit Custom van 8876F was new in autumn 2019 but very little has been of it since, meaning that we don't know where it is allocated. On 11th May 2024 it was found parked in Braintree. |
28/07/2024 |
| 431 |  |
By Ray Monk The Volkswagen Golf is one of the less common types in the central fleet, with only 27 used over the past 13 years. 8252VW (and similar 8253VW) were new to LUL in autumn 2016 and based at Stratford Market Depot. Now almost 8 years old, both have been noted parked at Acton Works recently, perhaps ahead of being returned off-lease. 8252VW was photographed on 11th May 2024. |
28/07/2024 |
| 432 |  |
By Ray Monk Stagecoach London has several new crew ferry cars and minibuses at Rainham Garage, all of which carry Stagecoach lettering. However, they also seem to still have a need for additional vehicles, which means the use of unmarked cars continues. Seen at Rainham Tescos on 10th May 2024 was Citroen C3 car LA23KLV with Nissan Juke YF23VBC just visible behind. |
21/07/2024 |
| 433 |  |
By Ray Monk The recently-delivered Vauxhall Vivaro minibuses at Stagecoach London's Rainham Garage tend to be used for the longer runs (such as to Romford Station), but they also turn up on the much shorter turns to Rainham Tescos. Ray caught DV73FRP leaving on 10th May 2024. The vehicles are fully lettered (including a QR code weblink near the back corners), but there is no sign of any Stagecoach national fleetnumbers being applied. |
21/07/2024 |
| 434 |  |
By Ray Monk If you want to see the numerous crew ferry vehicles based at Stagecoach London's Rainham garage, you can make the long (and rather grim) walk down Ferry Lane, or alternatively you can head to the Tesco nearer the town centre (such as it is). Seen at the latter on 10th May 2024 was anonymous blue Nissan Juke car LL23AYO. |
21/07/2024 |
| 435 |  |
By Ray Monk Ray called at Rainham Station on 10th May 2024. As on his August 2023 visit, a number of anonymous white Arriva London Seat Ibiza cars were present. Perhaps curiously, two of the three had not been reported before, although the registrations suggested they were new at the same time as others. This makes me wonder whether Arriva have a vehicle provision contract whereby vehicles can be replaced by others from a 'pool' when required. The cars seen were BV72VGN, BJ23OET and BJ23OEV. |
21/07/2024 |
| 436 |  |
By Ray Monk The Ford Transit Connect van in TfL livery is fast becoming the new standard vehicle in the central fleet, with at least 88 delivered by mid-July 2024. The majority have been crew vans, but there have also been a dozen plain vans (without the additional side windows). Of these, 9252F was seen at Acton Works on 4th May 2024, with similar 9254F parked behind. In the left background is the former DSM van yard, now out of use and fenced off. It is understood that changes are to be made to make this area suitable for use by the lorries which are currently kept in the high-level yard. |
21/07/2024 |
| 437 |  |
By Ray Monk When Ray visited Acton Works on 4th May 2024, work to clear vegetation from the embankment backing onto the front car park was almost complete. However, views like this one of Ford Transit crew van 8916F are not going to feature much, since the car park was closed a few weeks later, with excavations starting ahead of redevelopment as housing. |
21/07/2024 |
| 438 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft Among the first of the new TfL-liveried vans to be seen in service were three found parked near Griffith House on the night of 2nd May 2024. This view of 9217F on Harcourt Street shows the livery on the rear, the most notable aspect being the fire brigade diamond (which shows that the van is diesel-powered). These sightings confirmed that the vans are indeed for LUL use, suggesting that the TfL generic livery will be applied to all vehicles in future. |
21/07/2024 |
| 439 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft Another elusive Toyota Yaris car, this time in LUL livery. Apart from a few sightings at Acton Works when it was new in 2019, there were no reports of this car until it appeared at North Greenwich Station in spring 2024. It stayed there (in the public car park) for a few days, allowing several people to go and see or photograph it. Dave took this photo on 2nd May 2024. |
21/07/2024 |
| 440 |  |
By Peter Terry TfL-liveried Toyota Yaris car 8841T has been an elusive one, with very few sightings since it was delivered in 2019. It has recently been spotted a couple of times at West Croydon Bus Station, as here on 2nd May 2024. |
21/07/2024 |
| 441 |  |
By Paul Nicholls Back across the border once more, for another neatly-lettered Stagecoach van. ST70DNJ is a Ford Transit Connect van based at Stagecoach East Scotland's Arbroath Garage. It was photographed in the town's bus station on 28th April 2024. |
21/07/2024 |
| 442 |  |
By Peter Terry Queens Park Station on the Bakerloo Line has not had a regular allocation of service vehicles in recent years. On 27th April 2024 Peter found 3 SVs in the car park, presumably in connection with some local work. Among them was Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8736R from Stratford Market Depot. |
21/07/2024 |
| 443 |  |
By Ray Monk Deliveries of new Ford Transit Connect vans in Transport for London (TfL) livery continued through April and May. With the former van yard at Acton Works currently out of use, newly delivered vehicles are being parked in the lorry yard. This makes them easier to see from passing trains but it is not expected to be a long-term arrangement since the lorry yard is also due to be redeveloped soon. Crew van 9216F spent about a month in the lorry yard (seen on 27th April) before being delivered to its new allocation, which is currently unknown. |
21/07/2024 |
| 444 |  |
By Chris Jennings Stagecoach London received a batch of Vauxhall Vivaro electric minibuses in late 2023, mainly to replace the Hyundai I800 minibuses used as crew ferry vehicles from Rainham garage. The minibuses are often used on longer runs such as to Romford, where Chris caught DV73FSA on 24th April 2024. Rainham is a rather remote garage and hence uses multiple crew ferries. In addition to the five Vivaros, there are three electric vauxhall Corsa cars in white plus about a half-dozen hired cars in various unmarked liveries. |
31/05/2024 |
| 445 |  |
By Ray Monk Various 7-year old Renault Kangoo Maxi vans have been noted at Acton Works recently, and it would appear that these are ones that have been replaced by the new Ford Transit Connect vans. In the lorry yard on 20th April 2024 was 8365R, new in February 2017 and often to be found in the night-time congregations at Griffith House. Alongside is new 9210F. |
31/05/2024 |
| 446 |  |
By Ray Monk Up in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 20th April 2024, there were still several of the new Ford Transit Connect crew vans delivered at the end of March. However, there were also several other LUL vehicles present, which could well be ones that have been replaced by the new arrivals. Of interest was 8567T, one of only two Prius+ cars in the central fleet. To be fair, the type can easily be mistaken for the more numerous Prius, the main difference being a raised roof-line towards the rear. 8567T is also unusual for not carrying permanent lettering. Labels with TfL/LUL lettering were usually applied to the front doors whilst in use, but the absence of the roundel on the bonnet was noticeable. 8567T was delicensed at the end of April, but has now been re-done, so it is not yet clear if it still in the fleet or not. Parked in the background are new Fords 9200F and 9198F. |
31/05/2024 |
| 447 |  |
By Ray Monk Also seen at Acton Works on 20th April 2024, but presumably not for replacement, was Ford Transit dropside truck 9027F. Just over 3 years old, it is normally based at Edgware Track Depot. |
31/05/2024 |
| 448 |  |
By Ray Monk A number of older LUL service vehicles have been noted at Acton Works in recent weeks. Given that deliveries of new vans has now re-started, these could well be the vehicles that have been replaced. Seen on 20th April 2024 was VW Caddy Maxi crew van 8272VW, over 7 years old and latterly a Hainault Depot resident. |
31/05/2024 |
| 449 |  |
By Clive Greedus Clive reports that this Ford Transit crew van is often parked at the side of Newbury Park Station (the opposite side to the bus stops), as seen in this photo taken on 10th April 2024. 8783F is nominally allocated to Hainault Depot, but perhaps we should add a new code for this location... |
31/05/2024 |
| 450 |  |
By Ray Monk Among the vehicles whose delivery was disrupted by the first COVID lockdowns in 2020 was a batch of five Ford Transit Courier crew vans for Lillie Bridge (9120F-9124F). They have proved to be rather camera shy, but Ray caught 9122F at its home base on 6th April 2024. |
31/05/2024 |
| 451 |  |
By Peter Terry In 2019 I published a photograph showing a Boleyn Recovery 4-axle Volvo FH towing an East London Transit liveried LT-class bus at Aldgate (link). Here is the sequel, with their AV23OKK (fleet number 5) pulling LT933 out of Canning Town Bus Station on 30th March 2024. |
31/05/2024 |
| 452 |  |
By Ray Monk Ford Transit dropside truck 8773F was new in 2019 and based initially at Lillie Bridge Depot. It may have recently moved to Acton Works (based on sightings) and it was photographed there on 30th March 2024. |
31/05/2024 |
| 453 |  |
By Ray Monk The vegetation on the embankment backing on to the staff car park at Acton Works has been cut back in recent months, as seen in the background of this photo take on 30th March 2024. The subject is 8797VW, a Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van new in March 2019 and based at times at Hainault and Upminster Depots. It has been rather elusive, as the only other photo I have was also taken by Ray Monk in the Acton car park, when it was brand new. |
31/05/2024 |
| 454 |  |
By Derek Everson I was surprised to see this photo of Abellio Ford Fiesta van NG56HNF at Beddington Cross garage on 26th March 2024. First licensed in December 2006, it has been with Abellio since at least autumn 2010 (over 13 years) and it is one of the oldest service vehicles still in use in London. Having said that, the van does have a VOR (Vehicle Off the Road) sign in the windscreen, and Transport UK (as Abellio is now known) has been getting rid of many older cars and vans, so its days may be numbered. The van lurking in the shadows inside the garage belongs to Grayson Thermal Systems. This firm is involved in thermal management systems for electric buses (among other things), and various new buses for Transport UK have been noted at their premises in the West Midlands prior to delivery to London. |
31/05/2024 |
| 455 |  |
By Derek Everson Round the corner from West Croydon Bus Station on 26th March 2024, Derek found this recovery vehicle preparing to tow an Enviro 200MMC bus. V1FLR is a 2-axle Volvo FH belonging to First Line Recovery, whose larger DAF V100FLR was shown on LTSV in 2022 (link). The bus is Transport UK 8217 from Beddington Cross garage. Note that this bus and the one behind (and a third that has been cropped out) are still carrying Abellio fleetnames. The rebranding to Transport UK had started in January 2024 but was only about 50% complete by this time. |
31/05/2024 |
| 456 |  |
By Derek Everson At least four of these white Ford Transit Custom vans were added to Go-Ahead London stock during 2023. Go-Ahead has not generally used second-hand service vehicles in the past, and it is possible that these were transferred from another group company. EA69MWJ was found parked near West Croydon Bus Station on 26th March 2024, at which point it was still in unmarked white. Yellow Go-Ahead logos were added by mid-May. |
31/05/2024 |
| 457 |  |
By Ray Monk Ray found another plain black Ford Puma in use as an Arriva London crew ferry vehicle on 23rd March 2024. AO23OYN was parked in the front yard of Barking (DX) garage, along with numerous white Seat Ibiza and Arona cars. It is possible that this car was added following the start of Superloop route SL2 (Walthamstow to North Woolwich) on 2nd March 2024, the route being worked by DX using HA-class buses displaced from Brixton (BN). |
31/05/2024 |
| 458 |  |
By Paul Nicholls From Manchester we go even further north to Greenock, a town on the Clyde estuary west of Glasgow. However, there is a common theme as both photos show Citroen vans with Welsh registration numbers! CN68CNC is a Citroen Berlingo van used by McGills, a name that has a long history as an 'independent' operator. The current operation is not directly descended from the original, which was bought out by Clydeside 2000 in 1997. The name returned to the streets in 2001 when the Greenock depot of Arriva Scotland West (which Clydeside 2000 had become) was sold. Growth and takeovers of other companies followed, and by 2012 McGills was able to purchase the remainder of the once large Arriva Scotland West operation. Although it is technically still an 'independent', it now has a fleet of over 400 buses. |
31/05/2024 |
| 459 |  |
By Dave Elison Manchester is in the process of introducing an integrated transport network, including franchised bus services, trams and (in due course) national rail services. A unified brand name of The Bee Network is being applied, apparently based on the worker bee that is a symbol of the city. The name and logo were seen on Citroen Dispatch van CK23JSY on 19th March 2024. |
31/05/2024 |
| 460 |  |
By Derek Everson Is it just me or do hired crew ferry cars seem to be getting a bit 'posher' these days? One of the latest examples seen working from Arriva London's Dartford Garage has been Ford Puma AO73JZA, a type also favoured by Metroline. The unmarked car was seen at Bexleyheath bus stand on 19th March 2024 parked in front of Go-Ahead single-deck Enviro bus SE85. The grey skirt and gold lettering on the bus mark it out as being a member of the commercial fleet, rather than a TfL vehicle. One of these has often been parked here lately, to act as a rest vehicle for bus drivers following damage to the permanent crew facilities building at this site. |
31/05/2024 |
| 461 |  |
By Derek Everson Go-Ahead London has applied these driver recruitment adverts to at least 25 of their Mercedes Vito minibuses, although that is less than half of the current fleet of 58 such vehicles. They are to be found at various garages, most notably Orpington and Northumberland Park, while other Go-Ahead garages still only operate anonymous red minibuses. The distribution presumably relates to which garages have bus driver shortages. Derek photographed RX71SZN at Bromley North station on 19th March 2024 and has perhaps unwittingly solved a slight puzzle. Bexleyheath garage has had a few crew ferry vehicles in recent years, and sometimes applies local fleet numbers (BX1 and BX2). For some reason, the numbers have often been applied multiple times. For example, I saw RJ19HSZ in 2021 with no fewer than four BX2s on the rear. RJ19HSZ later moved to Orpington and when I saw it there in 2023 it still had all of its BX2 numbers except those on the rear. As they are now carried by RX71ZSN, the logical assumption would be that the two vehicles have simply swapped rear doors, perhaps during repairs. By the way, Bexleyheath's current minibuses (RJ19HSN and RJ19HSN) are unfortunately unlettered. |
31/05/2024 |
| 462 |  |
By Andrew Lidinson Two other service vehicles were in attendance at the Safeguard Coaches 100th anniversary event held at Guildford Cathedral on 16th March 2024. These were Ford Fiesta van LN10XUV (which Derek had earlier photographed at Woking) and Ford Transit Connect van KR58ZGF (which Derek had also caught before). The latter vehicle is lettered for Farnham Coaches, although this is owned by the same group as Safeguard (and uses the same font for its fleetnames). The cathedral, visible in the background, is notable for being constructed of bricks. Work started in 1936 but, due to the war, was not completed until 1965. |
31/05/2024 |
| 463 |  |
By Andrew Lidinson The second-generation of Volkswagen Caddy van, with its distinctive stepped roof-line, was last produced in 2004 and hence is now quite rarely seen. Safeguard Coaches still uses KU52SNK and Andrew photographed it at Guildford Cathedral on 16th March 2024. An event was being held here to mark the 100th anniversary of the company, an occasion also marked by the graphic on the van doors. |
31/05/2024 |
| 464 |  |
By Bob Milner Ford Transit Mk8 crew van 8920F is one of many allocated to Stratford Market Depot and generally only seen at night. In spring 2024 it made a couple of appearances at Stanmore Station (as here on 15th March 2024), although this is not believed to constitute a reallocation. |
31/05/2024 |
| 465 |  |
By Derek Everson The 'white with blue skirt' livery that was virtually standard for LUL service vehicles from 1990 onwards does make it easier to spot former service vehicles, since the blue skirt is often retained. Derek noticed this VW Caddy Maxi crew van parked on railway premises at Eastleigh on 28th February 2024 and closer inspection showed it to be former Tube Lines 7549VW. It was one of several new in 2012 that were allocated to Edgware Track Depot and which managed to avoid being photographed whilst in London service. The strange pattern on the van sides is actually an enlarged and rotated VW logo. |
31/05/2024 |
| 466 |  |
By Peter Blake Following on from my rather poor photo shown last year (link), here is a better view of RATP Dev Mitsubishi Fuso Canter lorry HX15OTK. Taken inside Fulwell Garage on 20th February 2024, it shows that the truck is fully lettered, including the fleet number FB10000 below the windscreen and 'CCTV Support' on the doors. The role of this vehicle is to carry a portable hydraulic hoist that is used to provide access to CCTV cameras and other high-level infrastructure. |
31/05/2024 |
| 467 |  |
By Bob Milner The only really notable aspect of this photo, although it is not readily apparent, is the location. Royal Wootton Bassett is a town in Wiltshire just west of Swindon and about 80 miles from London. Found parked there on 16th February 2024 was LUL Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8363R, a vehicle that has previously been seen at Frank Pick House (Acton) and Griffith House. More recently, new TfL-branded Ford Transit Connect crew van 9215F has been seen parked in the same place. |
31/05/2024 |
| 468 |  |
By Ray Monk Having renewed its engineering support fleet with electric Vauxhall Vivaro vans in 2022, Stagecoach London has now started modernising its crew ferry vehicles. For Lea Interchange garage (taken over from Tower Transit in 2023), a pair of Vauxhall Combo Life electric cars have been acquired, including DV73FRR seen outside the garage on 15th February 2024. |
31/05/2024 |
| 469 |  |
By Derek Everson Three for the price of one at Woking on 9th February 2024. Leading this line-up is White Bus Service 92 (CK62XNJ, a Citroen C1 car in 'hospital' blue), while their number 94 is behind. RK58UPD is a dark blue Ford Fiesta van, even though it claims to be a 'white bus'. Bringing up the rear is another Ford Fiesta van in the shape of Safeguard Coaches' slightly newer and more sporty-looking LN10XUV. |
31/05/2024 |
| 470 |  |
By Derek Everson The first Chevrolet to be used as a London service vehicle in about 90 years is White Bus Service number 93, a Matiz car seen at their Horsell base on 9th February 2024. It has white fleetnames on the sides and a green one on the front, while the fleet number appears as a wonky black circled one on the nearside, a straight white circled one at the back of the offside, and with 'wheelie-bin' type stickers in the windscreen. Just in case any doubt remained, a White Bus label has also been added in the windscreen. |
31/05/2024 |
| 471 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft Parked on Chapel Street (near Griffith House) on the night of 1st February 2024 were several LUL vans, with Ford Transit Courier 8770F nearest the camera. Beyond that is Renault Kangoo 8829R, Kangoo Maxis 8370R and 8366R and Ford Transit Custom crew van 8749F. Lifts and Escalators Transit Courier vans are sometimes seen at Griffith House, although they mostly seem to be associated with the Frank Pick House (Acton) operation. |
31/05/2024 |
| 472 |  |
By Chris Jennings Following the management buyout last year, Abellio London was rebranded as Transport UK in an exercise that started in early 2024. The first service vehicle to be noted with the new name was Ford Focus car YF17ZKL, seen at Hatton Cross Bus Station on 31st January 2024. Note that a fleet number is also applied, which shows that the series previously used by Abellio has been continued. Fleet numbers had been applied to most (but not all) cars up until about 2017, with number 6811 being the highest known. A variety of additional second-hand cars were acquired after that date, but these did not show their numbers. So, unless Transport UK starts applying numbers to existing vehicles, we may never know which vehicles were allocated numbers in the range 6812 to 6858. |
31/05/2024 |
| 473 |  |
By Colin Smith Emergency Response Unit Volvo tender 2612 was found at Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station on 25th January 2024. Although these vehicles are fitted with removable panels to enable the livery to be switched between LUL and BTP (British Transport Police), this example seems to have a problem with them. The side panels show the BTP livery, but with black tape applied over the police crest. Another slightly interesting point is that I received two photos of this vehicle parked here. But the photos were taken 4 hours apart, unless somebody has their camera EXIF data set incorrectly.... |
31/05/2024 |
| 474 |  |
By Ray Monk Just visible on brand new 9195F at Acton Works on 30th March 2024 is another change to the livery. On the rear corner is a grey diamond with a graphic of a petrol pump. Similar stickers were applied to most London buses a few months ago, and their purpose is to inform fire-fighters what power source the vehicle has if they need to attend a fire. Other colours are used for hybrid, electric and gas-powered vehicles. Despite the 'budget' livery, the white bumpers and smart wheeltrims suggest that these are not basic specification vehicles. |
30/03/2024 |
| 475 |  |
By Ray Monk A close-up view of brand new Ford Transit Connect crew van 9194F at Acton Works on 30th March 2024 shows the plain blue roundel on the bonnet, and the TfL lettering squeezed in behind the side windows. Other lettering (fleetnumbers and tyre pressures) and notices (eg Do not slam doors) are fairly standard, so this suggests that the blue skirt livery is now defunct. Note that the vans include a mix of some with roof bars and some without (as on 9195F on the right). |
30/03/2024 |
| 476 |  |
By Ray Monk Backing onto the railway at Acton Works lorry yard on 30th March 2024 were ten brand new Ford vans (with another nine on the other side). All were Ford Transit Connect crew vans with LD24Oxx registrations and TfL lettering. Unless these are for some new function that we don't yet know about, I suspect that this will be the new default livery for vehicles used by LUL, LBSL and TfL itself (perhaps also Trams). Seen here are (right to left) 9217F, 9198F, 9208F, 9200F, 9191F, 9205F, 9206F, 9203F, 9201F and 9192F. The fact that there are ten gaps within the number range suggest that more of this type are on the way. |
30/03/2024 |
| 477 |  |
By Ray Monk It has been over three years since the last bulk delivery of new vehicles for the central fleet, the hiatus presumably being due to the financial difficulties resulting from the COVID pandemic. There had been some speculation as to whether normal renewal would ever resume, given that some of the work is now perhaps performed by contractors or using hired vehicles. Finally, at the end of March 2024, a large batch of new vehicles was delivered to Acton Works, and it was pleasing to see that these have continued the use of the fleetnumbering series that was started in 1939. This view taken at the south end of the Acton Works lorry yard on 30th March 2024 shows nine of the new vans (another ten were on the other side and are coming up next). All of the vehicles were Ford Transit Connect crew vans, which is curious as this type has not been very common since the Mk2 version was introduced in 2014. The vans all had an 'economy' livery of all white with plain blue roundels and TfL lettering. Nearest the camera is 9213F with 9202F, 9209F, 9204F, 9215F, 9210F, 9194F, 9195F and 9192F beyond. |
30/03/2024 |
| 478 |  |
By London Transport The last of the publicity shots shows leased Ford Transit Mk2 van 3293F at Parsons Green in about 1985. This photo was presumably taken to show the new lettering promoting LRT Builders, as it tried to become a more commercial operation by seeking outside work. |
30/03/2024 |
| 479 |  |
By London Transport Renewal of London Transport's bus recovery fleet started in April 1982 with the delivery of 2372L, the first of an eventual six Leyland Freighter units that were considerably larger than the Ford D-series lorries they replaced. The new trucks also stood out by wearing red livery instead of the standard grey. 2372L was seen at Chiswick Works when new, with a few Ford D-series lorries visible behind. Uniquely, 2372L was later used by London Underground (presumably to recover service vehicles rather than trains!) and it was given the new white/blue livery in about 1991. |
30/03/2024 |
| 480 |  |
By London Transport Another new Bedford TL lorry at Chiswick Works in about 1980, this being 12.5 ton dropside lorry 2267B. LT's Bedford TL lorries were very varied and 2267B was one of six of the TL1260 model of which just two (this and 2268B) had a single-cab and a dropside body with tail-lift. Most of the TLs were withdrawn before the end of the 1980s, suggesting that they were perhaps not as robust as the Ford and Dodge lorries also bought at the same time. The Shillibeer livery bus in the background is probably mobile cinema and exhibition bus RCL2221. |
30/03/2024 |
| 481 |  |
By London Transport Jumping ahead a bit, we received a handful of colour 'publicity' shots dating from the 1980s. First up is this view of Bedford TL lorry 2265B at Chiswick Works, presumably soon after it was delivered in September 1980. The TL model was a successor to the TK type and London Transport bought 17 in 1980/1981 to various configurations. 2265B was the largest, being a 16-ton dropside lorry based on the TL1630 variant. |
30/03/2024 |
| 482 |  |
By London Transport Another semi-posed shot at Parsons Green in about 1950 shows various building department lorries about to start the morning run-out. Unfortunately, due to angles or lowered tail-boards, none of the vehicles can be positively identified, although the lorry loaded with sacks near the gate is probably Austin K4 904AS. Note the cement mixer loaded onto a step-frame rigid trailer. |
30/03/2024 |
| 483 |  |
By London Transport A couple of the official photos recently received were said to show the early morning run out from Parsons Green Depot and were probably taken in about 1950. Five service vehicles are visible in this view, while it is possible that some of the cars on the right were also LT vehicles. The identity of the half-tilt dropside at the gate is not discernible, but it is being followed by Austin K4 dropside bolster lorry 908AS. Note that both lorries have staff in the load space, which must have been a hairy ride. In the loading bay are Bedford KZ van 839B, Albion KN127 lorry 369A and what is possibly Bedford OLBD lorry 820B. |
30/03/2024 |
| 484 |  |
By London Transport This photo was marked as showing '1951 Aluminium coach being transported from Acton Works to Aluminium Centenary Exhibition - Festival Hall - South Bank, May 14 1955'. Undertaking the move is Scammell tractor NCF120, which was fleetnumber M8427 in the famous Pickfords fleet. Note that the carriage appears to be loaded onto two four-wheel flat trailers, with a long draw-bar between them. |
30/03/2024 |
| 485 |  |
By London Transport London Transport bought 79 examples of the attractive Austin LD between 1955 and 1966, most being 1-ton vans like 1051AS seen when new. This van was used by the publicity department from various bus garages until it was withdrawn in 1966. Note that the department name is shown on a removable plate, making it easier to cater for transfers or loans. |
30/03/2024 |
| 486 |  |
By London Transport Yet to gain fleetnumbers, this is 1034F, a Ford Thames E83W Utilecon new in June 1955 and photographed about then at Chiswick Works. A Utilecon was a van with side windows which enabled it to also be used as a minibus, and Clive Greedus wrote an article about their use by LT back in 2011. 1034F was the last of LT's Utilecons, following on from a batch of 16 similar vehicles 6 years earlier. All were withdrawn in 1960/1961, meaning that 1034F was kept for less than 6 years. |
30/03/2024 |
| 487 |  |
By London Transport This photo, most likely taken at Lillie Bridge depot in about 1951, shows Leyland Hippo tipper 951L parked next to a rail-mounted steam crane. The fact that the tipper is backed-up to the cab of the crane makes me think that perhaps the staff visible were shovelling coal out of the tipper into the crane. 951L was the only Hippo in the London Transport fleet, and the only 3-axle tipper until the delivery of 2538M in 1993. It was new at the end of 1950 (around the same time as a fleet of 7 slightly smaller Leyland Beaver tippers), and surprisingly only lasted until 1955. |
30/03/2024 |
| 488 |  |
By London Transport 925B was one of three Bedford KZ vans delivered in 1949 for use as railway breakdown vans. As such they carried the attractive red and cream livery rather than the rather drab overall green worn by similar vehicles. As can be seen, the van was initially allocated to Neasden Depot, though it had moved to Hainault Depot by the time it was withdrawn in 1964. The projection above the windscreen is an illuminated 'LT URGENT' sign. |
30/03/2024 |
| 489 |  |
By London Transport Another official view of an ex-War Department AEC Matador breakdown tender, in this case 751P of Dalston Garage. Note that the crane jib on the rear could be rotated through 180 degrees for travel. Three of the Matadors survived into the 1970s but 751P was sold in 1969. |
30/03/2024 |
| 490 |  |
By London Transport The eight AEC Matador breakdown tenders London Transport bought from the War Department in 1947 were used to deal with various incidents involving buses, including turn-overs. This official photo shows 748P demonstrating the method of righting a bus, in this case an LT-class six-wheeler. 748P was bought in December 1947, but did not enter service until January 1949, following some modifications. It was initially allocated to Cricklewood Garage, and the railway line visible in the background makes me think this is where the photo was taken. |
30/03/2024 |
| 491 |  |
By London Transport With partially enclosed rear wheels and what appears to be an opening roof, this is 419M, a Morris S2 van with a 12hp engine that was new to London Transport in August 1939. It was photographed at Chiswick Works when new, lettered for the Parsons Green Building department. |
30/03/2024 |
| 492 |  |
By London Transport The first of several official 'publicity' shots recently obtained shows AEC Regal stores lorry 396W at Chiswick Works and was most likely taken in June 1939, just after it had been converted from Green Line coach T279. The lorry is unregistered and has a shiny coat of green paint, complete with a cream cab roof. The latter was presumably an effort to avoid heat build-up but it appears to have been dropped quite soon afterwards. Note the rather odd-looking drop-side doors half-way along the open bodywork. T279 served for 8 years, while 396W managed to last for 25 years, during which time it was modified with a rear loader and converted from petrol to oil engine. It was finally withdrawn in 1964. |
30/03/2024 |
| 493 |  |
By Ray Monk Back to Bexleyheath again, for another Arriva London hire! KS23WXZ is a Citroen C4 car in unmarked red and was photographed on 19th January 2024. |
28/03/2024 |
| 494 |  |
By Malcolm Millichip Several bus companies have started using their crew ferry vehicles to advertise for bus driver recruitment. Notably, Go-Ahead London has a number of Mercedes Vito minibuses now adorned with large blue adverts, while Metroline has a few with smaller adverts on the door. Seemingly a one-off is the treatment given to Metroline AY23KVM, one of eight Ford Puma cars acquired in 2023. All were delivered in an unmarked dark red livery, but this example has since been given this pale-blue all-over advert (the rear is in bright red). It is presumed that the advert is applied using self-adhesive vinyls, as are the adverts carried by many London buses. The car is based at Brentford and was photographed at Richmond Bus Station on 17th January 2024. |
28/03/2024 |
| 495 |  |
By Derek Everson A well-timed catch at High Wycombe Bus Station on 16th January 2024 shows Arriva the Shires Ford Transit van BG72JNK passing Carousel Buses Mercedes Sprinter KT68XOZ. Both are used as engineering support vehicles from garages in the town. |
28/03/2024 |
| 496 |  |
By Derek Everson RATP-Dev took a batch of 30 Dacia Sandero cars in 2019/2020 for use as crew ferries. These are the only Dacia vehicles to have been used as service vehicles and they were obviously successful as a further 11 followed in 2022. The cars in the second batch were in the same white, but lacked the company lettering and fleetnumbers carried by the first batch. NU72GBO is one of 9 that are based at Hounslow Heath Garage, where it was photographed on 12th January 2024. Thanks to some 'inside' information, we know that this car is allocated fleetnumber D75137. |
28/03/2024 |
| 497 |  |
By Ray Monk Arriva London added almost 40 Seat Ibiza cars to its fleet in 2022/2023, all in plain white and used as crew ferry vehicles from various garages. Dartford (which also had two slightly older Seat Ibizas in a curious gold livery) received two of the new cars, including BG23LBU seen at Bexleyheath bus stand on 10th January 2024. The car behind is also a Dartford crew ferry, being another in the seemingly endless stream of short-term hires. Blue YC21HJN is a BMW X2 hybrid. |
28/03/2024 |
| 498 |  |
By Ray Monk Unmarked BG23KYA is a Seat Arona car used by Arriva London as a crew ferry vehicle from its Dartford Garage. As such, it often turns up at Bexleyheath, as here on 3rd January 2024. |
28/03/2024 |
| 499 |  |
By Ray Monk Arriva London acquired at least seven white Seat Arona cars in 2023, and has also hired a number of similar cars in other colours over the past few years. BJ23RXG is one of two based at Dartford and was photographed at the bus stand in Bexleyheath on 3rd January 2024. Sister BG23KYA was parked nearby - see the next photo. |
28/03/2024 |
| 500 |  |
By Paul Nicholls Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8999VW is one of many vehicles that congregate at Griffith House at night before going to work. On 22nd December 2023 it was photographed parked in East Tilbury, perhaps its daytime home. |
28/03/2024 |
| < Previous (later) 100 | Next (earlier) 100 > |