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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 5,101 |  |
By Michael Mair Supporting the theory that the new Toyota Prius cars for LBSL will be to replace the existing Honda Civic cars was the sighting of new GY10VFU at the Isleworth base on 17th July 2010. Parked between Civics 6308H and 6303H, the lack of a light-bar is noticeable, as is the new 'Bus Operations' lettering. The low sun also highlights the fact that the lettering on the sides is applied as vinyls. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,102 |  |
By Ray Monk More silver (blue) Toyota Priuses appeared through July 2010, this time lettered for Bus Operations, and wearing the 'orange squares' striping. They have smaller lettering that reads 'Part of the new Transport for London electric vehicle fleet', as also seen on the recent Mitsubishi i-MiEV cars. It is too early to be certain but it is possible that these are intended to replace the 16 Honda Civic cars used by LBSL Operations, which are just coming up to being three years old. The new cars do not carry fleetnumbers but neither did many of the Hondas at first. GY10UHZ was photographed at Eltham Bus Station on 23rd July, in company with a pair of IRU vans and a Renault Kangoo van of cleaning contractor Dougland. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,103 |  |
By London Spotter As well as a pair in white/orange TfL Streets livery, several more Toyota Prius cars were delivered in summer 2010 in a bluish silver colour scheme. Although these are shown by the DVLA as being blue, I have described them as silver in the database, as this is more like their actual appearance. Among the first to be found were two seen inside Chancel Street on 20th July. One was for TfL Streets and carried their normal orange stripe. The other was for LBSL Infrastructure, with appropriate lettering and red roundels. This operation has a few parking spaces reserved at Chancel Street (one of their Vauxhall Astra estates is visible alongside). Note that the restyled Toyota Prius has a prominent battery charging point on the nearside front wing. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,104 |  |
By Ray Monk Also caught on Blackfriars Road on 23rd July 2010 was newly delivered TfL Streets Toyota Prius car FY10ZXU. This was one of two delivered in standard white/orange earlier in July, ending the hiatus of deliveries for this fleet since 2008. The design of the Prius model has changed in the interim, most noticeably around the front end. A further change is the fitting of low-profile LED light-bars. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,105 |  |
By Ray Monk Of the 30-odd Toyota Priuses operated by Transport for London between 2004 and 2009, the vast majority wore the standard white/orange livery of the Streets fleet, while at least two were in anonymous white. Falling between the two extremes were three delivered in 2007 in plain white but with 'London Streets' lettering. These were omitted from a company fleetlist of 2009 so were presumed to have been withdrawn. However, observations showed that at least two of them remained in use. MA07GPO is the last of the trio to be illustrated on this site, and was photographed on Blackfriars Road on 23rd July 2010. This is near to the Chancel Street depot where many of the type are based. Coincidentally, the hoardings in the background are round a building site that was until earlier in the year a public car park (Meymott Street). During the rebuilding of Chancel Street, several of the TfL Streets cars could be seen parked there. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,106 |  |
By London Spotter The contributor known only as London Spotter was able to take some photographs inside the Chancel Street base in Southwark on 20th July 2010. Among the residents were the usual collection of RE56xxx Toyota Prius cars, parked (as normal) next to the entrance. New in November 2006, this batch is likely to be replaced soon. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,107 |  |
By Ray Monk Vauxhall Astra van LT10OGW was first licensed on 26th July 2010, and on that day it was caught leaving Acton Works on a post-delivery acceptance test drive. At this time it was un-numbered and carried no markings. Also visible is work ongoing on the embankment of the tube lines in the background. This has involved removal of the vegetation here, which now allows better views of the staff car park from passing trains. It would be good if they would similarly clear the south side of the track! |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,108 |  |
By Ian Jordan Photographed in heavy traffic at Hyde Park Corner on 17th July 2010 was recently delivered Vauxhall Astra van 6953V carrying full London Underground livery. The number of Vauxhalls being leased for the central fleet had dropped sharply over the previous year or so. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,109 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Having been photographed in plain white/blue at Acton when brand new, we can now show the (currently) unique Skoda Octavia estate car 6861S in full London Underground livery. It was caught passing Marble Arch on 17th October 2010 and shows that it carries the S suffix to its fleetnumber. This was last used on Seddon tanker 2000S bought second-hand in 1976 and sold in 1983. The C and N suffixes also reappeared in 2010, for Citroen and Nissan vehicles respectively. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,110 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Ford Transit dropside trucks started entering the central fleet in quantity in the early 1990s and have been common ever since. Judging by the variety of vehicle licensing marks that appeared, the leased fleet in the early 1990s may have featured several suppliers and dealers. 4244F, seen here at Golders Green Bus Station, was one of a few to be licensed in Oxford. Later in the decade London area marks became more normal. Although barely visible, the cabside lettering reads 'London Underground Limited, Infrastructure manager, Northern line'. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,111 |  |
By Michael Mair This photo came as a bit of surprise. It shows Ford Fiesta van K255WNK parked in the yard at Fulwell Garage on 17th July 2010 in plain red and still carrying the fleetnumber 4203F. Leased in 1992 and allocated to Hounslow garage, this van passed to London United upon the privatisation of London Buses in 1995. There were no sightings reported for many years after this but an official list for Transdev (successor to London United) stated that it was still in stock in April 2007, albeit out of use. It was then seen at Fulwell Garage in 2008, but appeared to have been delicensed later in the year. As such it was marked as withdrawn in the database. This photo proves that it again remained in stock, despite not being seen on the road or at the various Fulwell open days of recent years. London United/Transdev does have a reputation for ekeing out the life of former CDS vehicles, with 4070F, 4110F, 4193F and 4252F still being used many years after their contemporaries were withdrawn. They also seem to avoid repainting SVs for as long as possible, with many of these still displaying their former fleetnumbers. The 'No Children' sign inside the bus garage is rather odd! |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,112 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The London Buses Passenger Data section has had a small dedicated fleet of service vehicles for many years, mostly comprising minibuses for use by staff involved in passenger surveys. Cars have also featured, one of the earliest identified being Vauxhall Astra estate 4022B, photographed at Bromley North Station on 12th March 1991. New the previous month, it went on to serve for over four years. Note the three-door layout and the lack of fleetnumbers. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,113 |  |
By Malcolm Conway In the late 1980s and early 1990s quite a few central fleet service vehicles operated with minimal lettering. A good example is this Mk3 Ford Transit van seen at Archway on 30th March 1991, carrying just a fleetnumber and tyre pressure markings. 3843F was allocated to the nearby Holloway garage and was used from 1990 until 1993. |
01/08/2010 |
| 5,114 |  |
By Thomas Young I plan to add a listing of all 'ready-to-run' models of London Transport service vehicles in the not too distant future. This will include photographs and reviews. In the meantime, this photograph shows most of the 1:76 models that have been produced in recent years (apart from the two modern vehicles already illustrated). The front row features the four vans from the Corgi Trackside set (green Austin LD, grey Ford Transit, red Bedford HA and red Ford Anglia) plus the Base Toys Ford Cortina radio control car. At the back are three Ford Thames Traders, an EFE tipper and artic flanking a Base Toys dropside. On the far left is the Base Toys Leyland Hippo tipper, while on the right is their AEC Mercury dropside. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,115 |  |
By Thomas Young Another view of the new Oxford Diecast Sovereign Recovery Volvo, again with the CMNL Mercedes van. The printing on both models is incredibly detailed, the Sovereign lorry featuring particularly effective checkerplates running up the tops. Never mind that the real lorry does not have these! The style of the body is not quite right either but it very much captures the impressive presence of these lorries. The (non-movable) lifting gear is quite detailed, with printing on several parts. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,116 |  |
By Thomas Young Model maker Oxford Diecast recently released a 1:76 replica of a Volvo tow truck in the familiar livery of Sovereign Recovery. Mainly metal with some plastic detail parts, this is an excellent model with some very fine printing. Apart from not exactly matching the real N8SOV the only other issue is a poor fit on some of the plastic parts (such as the front lights seen here). It was posed alongside Creative Master Northcord's Mercedes IRU van. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,117 |  |
By London Spotter Having used Volvo trucks (usually with huge cabs) for several years, Sovereign Recovery has recently been turning to other suppliers and lower-profile vehicles. Following on from several DAFs, their latest truck is the first Mercedes-Benz Actros bought new (red GM03TOW was second-hand). GK10VTL was photographed on 1st July 2010 parked in the yard of Arriva's Edmonton Garage, alongside DAF GN09ENF. The livery is slightly changed with yellow stripes on the front corners (instead of grey), while the 'Keeping London Moving' slogan on the sun-shield has been replaced with a web address. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,118 |  |
By Colin Lloyd I mentioned recently that I was considering removing some contractors vehicles from the database, namely those of Almex and the recovery firms (other than Sovereign). More recently I have been having second thoughts. The database is fairly flexible and could handle expansion rather than contraction. It should be possible to include vehicles from other firms connected with London Buses / London Underground, and perhaps even non-London service vehicles. I am open to persuasion on this so, if you have any views, let me know. One of the firms that could be included is Dougland, responsible for cleaning bus stations. They run quite a few silver vans, including Renault Kangoos and larger Trafics, such as HX56AHK seen leaving Liverpool Street on 28th June 2010. Perhaps the criteria could be whether or not LT roundels are carried... |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,119 |  |
By Ray Monk Hidden among the staff cars in the car park outside Potters Bar Garage on 10th July 2010, this Vauxhall Zafira is believed to be a Metroline service vehicle, most likely used as a crew ferry. Apart from the livery, it was identical to KM58MRY. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,120 |  |
By Thomas Young After visiting Potters Bar garage open day on 10th July 2010, Ray and I travelled south west towards Uxbridge. En route we stopped at Metroline's Cricklewood garage and found their new engineers van. Another Ford Transit Connect, it carries the informative livery common to the whole batch. The previous van (red Ford Escort Y562WGC) was also present, parked in the back yard. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,121 |  |
By Thomas Young Metroline Ford Transit Connect van WK59YGL is based at Potters Bar Garage, where it replaced Mitsubishi L200 pick-up KC55OUM as the engineers vehicle. The new vehicle has a lot more lettering, including the curious application of legal lettering to the rear bumper. The allocation code (also on the bumper) could be mistaken for an international country code. Except that they aren't any countries that use PB... During the open day on 10th July 2010 it was parked in the corner of the garage. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,122 |  |
By Colin Lloyd First London now have at least three of these anonymous long-wheelbase Volkswagen Crafter vans. All three wear a red livery with a yellow stripe and rear chevrons, and have rear-mounted light bars. VO59XRM has already been shown inside Uxbridge Garage but on 10th July 2010 Colin found it parked in the adjoining bus station. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,123 |  |
By Ray Monk This unmarked Vauxhall Zafira car was seen in the Potters Bar garage car park during both the 2009 and 2010 open days. We believe that it is a company-owned crew ferry vehicle, and it has been included in the database. Due to its anonymous operation, it will most likely not be listed in any LOTS publications. Photographed on 10th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,124 |  |
By John Hillman A brief visitor to the open day at Potters Bar Garage on 10th July 2010 was Ford Transit Connect van LS06DZH of Uno (formerly UniversityBus). With a base in Hatfield, this company operates routes north of London. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,125 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Both MTL/Metroline and Centrewest used fleets (totalling 13 and 9 respectively) of Peugeot 106 cars as crew ferries in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but it seems there was little interest in such vehicles at the time and photographs and reports are rare. Slightly redressing the balance is this photo taken at Brent Cross Bus Station on an unrecorded date (but after the Metroline takeover of MTL in 1998). It shows two cars, with fleetnumbers P1 (N257LGK) and P2 (N971KGK). New in 1996, they had all gone by 2005. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,126 |  |
By Malcolm Conway This is the first Grey Green SV I have seen that actually carried the Grey Green livery. OK, so it is actually white, green and orange, but at least it matches with the livery on their buses and coaches. The bus livery was later changed to grey, green and orange, as seen on the Volvo bus (rebodied coach) parked behind. Ford Transit E45CVK may have been bought new. Grey Green was owned by Cowie, whose headquarters were in Sunderland. This could account for the Newcastle 'VK' registration. It was photographed at Finsbury Square on 3rd February 1992, and remained in stock until 2004 (albeit under Arriva ownership by then). |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,127 |  |
By Malcolm Conway MTL was the company formed from the former Merseyside PTE bus operation, and they had a foray into London operation by buying the London Northern unit in October 1994. Over the next few years, several smaller operators were bought out, bringing unusual new vehicles into the fleet. Among these was Mercedes 207D minibus D203DLX, used as a crew ferry bus numbered 185. It was photographed at Ealing Broadway wearing the 'not-quite-LT' red livery. MTL sold London Northern to Metroline in 1998 and D203DLX was withdrawn a couple of years later. The vehicle parked behind is Ford Transit minibus D829UTF, new to the Berks Bucks Bus Co in 1987 and later used as a crew ferry by Armchair. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,128 |  |
By J G S Smith (via Malcolm Conway) Here's one we missed. C612KWC was a Ford Transit Mk3 van used by Westlink in the mid-to-late 1990s (Westlink was taken over by London United in 1995 so it presumably predated this). On 19th June 1998 the van was found at Hounslow garage parked alongside a DWL class Dennis Dart. Note that the Westlink lozenge logo does not quite fit on the bodyside panel of the van. C612KWC was delicensed in the first month of 2000. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,129 |  |
By Jack London (via Malcolm Conway) Almost glowing on a gloomy day in Hounslow in January 1990, you couldn't miss this vehicle! BHP479T was an Austin FX4 taxi used by London Buslines for crew ferry purposes. Already 12 years old, we don't know how long it remained in use, but it was delicensed in early 1994. London Buslines itself was later bought by First and absorbed into the Centrewest operation. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,130 |  |
By Kim Rennie Between 1991 and 2006, Locomotors demountable body DB7 served as the Emergency Control Unit for London Underground. Replaced by newer DB25, it was relettered as an Emergency Support Unit. The first report of it in use came in July 2010. Following a cable fire that lead to the District line being suspended, the body was found parked outside Plaistow Station on the 6th. The fact that it was 'deposited' (ie the lorry that brought it had gone) is slightly unusual, especially as this is a public road. Apart from the change of lettering and chevrons, the only visible modification was the removal of the rear-mounted aerial/sign (compare to this 2003 photo). |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,131 |  |
By Ray Monk I have included this photo more for the location than for the subject matter. Taken on Union Street, Southwark, on 3rd July 2010, it shows TfL Streets Vauxhall Astra LM06FDY with Toyota Prius SM57JWY just visible through the windows. The building on the left is the Palestra, which includes offices for various TfL functions. The road in the background is Gambia Street, and service vehicles (including LBSL 'covert' 6312H) can sometimes be seen parked here. Gambia Street leads onto Chancel Street, where TfL have a largish garage. It appears that this is used for staff based at the Palestra. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,132 |  |
By Ray Monk The Ford Transit Connect was restyled in 2009 but this seems to have coincided with a reduction in the quantity being taken into the central fleet. Seen on Bollo Lane on a test drive just after delivery on 12th July 2010, LS10YRT was yet to gain lettering. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,133 |  |
By Ray Monk Deliveries in mid-2010 included a large number of Ford Transit crew vans for London Underground, with numbers between 6907F and 6939F. It is not yet clear if these form a single batch but, if they do, it will be one of the largest to have been seen for years. The first to be photographed in service was 6910F, found parked on Wakering Road, Barking, on 6th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,134 |  |
By Ray Monk Another line-up of Buses Infrastructure vans, this time a straight flush of Transporters. Taken at Orpington Station on 16th July 2010, all four vans were less than a year old. Nearest the camera was brand new 'T5 facelift' Transporter 6904VW. This is a mid-height van, as is 6830VW two to the right. I believe the latest deliveries feature a very slightly darker shade of red but it is often hard to judge from photographs. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,135 |  |
By Paul Snelling One of the London Buses Infrastructure vans is kept at the Tramlink depot at Therapia Lane (along with a car). After nearly four years service, resident Volkswagen Transporter van 6072VW was replaced in 2010 by new delivery 6903VW. The new van has a higher roof-line, low-profile light-bar, and the 'facelift' front end styling. It was photographed at the depot (during an official visit) on 3rd July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,136 |  |
By Kim Rennie This picture came as a surprise for two reasons. Firstly it included two previously unreported vans and secondly it was taken at a previously unknown location. This is Uxbridge Station car park on the 8th of July 2010. The London Buses Infrastructure unit has started keeping a few vans here, perhaps following the move out of the Olympic Way (Wembley) offices. The car park is on the opposite (south) side of the station from the bus station, and cannot be accessed from the station itself (there is a path beside the Chimes shopping center). This photo provides a useful comparison between the Volkswagen Transporter T5 (rear) and the 'T5 facelift' (nearest and third), and also the styling similarities with the smaller Caddy van. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,137 |  |
By Ray Monk We have been expecting it for some time but a further batch of new vans for London Buses Infrastructure finally started entering service in July 2010. Among these was 6898VW based at Finsbury Park Bus Station. When we went to see it on 10th July, it tried to drive off but got caught at the traffic lights round the corner! |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,138 |  |
By Kim Rennie Although the Volkswagen Transporter is a common feature of the central fleet, very few are crew vans. Just four of the 112 Transporters that have been leased since 1991 are known to have had the extra side windows. This photograph taken at Hainault Depot on 16th June 2010 actually shows two of those four. Nearest is long-wheelbase 6879VW, new that March. Just visible beyond the Transit dropside is similar but short-wheelbase 6481VW. Both vans wear the London Underground livery. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,139 |  |
By London Spotter The Volkswagen Caddy became more common as a service vehicle during the first half of 2010, with at least nine being leased (following from nine others leased over the previous four years). It seems to have taken over from the Ford Transit Connect as the light van of choice. Most of the new arrivals are crew vans, with a second row of seats and extra windows in both sides. As well as several at Stratford Market, one of the Tube Lines examples is based at Lillie Bridge. 6864VW was photographed at home on 4th July 2010, parked alongside Transit Connect 6662F (the similarity in size is apparent). Tube Lines are somewhat in a minority at this location, most vehicles being in the London Underground (former Metronet) fleet. Could it be that the blue markings painted on the ground read 'TUBE LINES ONLY'? |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,140 |  |
By Thomas Young The vehicles to be found in the yard alongside West Kensington Station (which we treat as part of the Lillie Bridge complex) have changed several times over recent years. Having been host to groups of Ford Rangers then Vauxhall Combos, the use of the location seems to have declined somewhat. The portable buildings on site have also been reduced and rearranged. When we had a peek on 10th July 2010, just two Ford Transits were present, including 9-seat minibus 6863F. Unlike similar 6472F, based nearby in the main depot, 6863F does not have rear chevrons. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,141 |  |
By Kim Rennie A nice shot of fairly new Ford Transit Mk7 dropside truck 6855F parked at Rickmansworth Depot on 7th July 2010. Can anyone explain the purpose of the flaps seen on the bottom of many tail-lifts? |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,142 |  |
By Ray Monk A very elusive vehicle is Ford Transit Mk7 low-roof van 6834F. It is one of very few central fleet vehicles not to have been seen (yet!) by our Steve Howard, although Ray found it parked at Bollo House on 12th July 2010. It is also unusual in not carrying logos, despite being allocated to Tube Lines. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,143 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Another rarity in the central fleet is 6817T, a Toyota Hiace van used by BCV. It was delivered in anonymous white/blue in July 2009 and was treated to London Underground livery in mid-2010. The design of this Japanese-built van has changed slightly in recent years (compare this picture to 2003 model 5399T), with the chrome grille surround giving it an American flavour. An earlier, and very different style of Hiace was Speedlink's L848SFG dating from 1993. Colin caught 6817T passing through Kings Cross on 12th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,144 |  |
By Thomas Young What you might call 'bog standard' this Ford Transit Mk7 crew van is used by Tube Lines from Lillie Bridge, where it was photographed (through the fence) on 10th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,145 |  |
By Kim Rennie Ford Mondeo estate cars are much rarer than the slightly smaller Focus model, with typically only three or four in the fleet at any one time (compared to around 50 Focuses). 6737F is the first Mondeo to be assigned to the SSL operation, and it is unusual in having gained the red stripe of the new livery but not the London Underground lettering. It was photographed at Rickmansworth depot on 7th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,146 |  |
By Ray Monk The small Vauxhall Corsa has been used by several bus companies (notably vans with Go-Ahead and First and cars with Arriva), but until 2009 had never featured in the central fleet. It was in March 2009 that two Corsa 1.3 vans were leased for use by Tube Lines, being given numbers 6709V and 6710V. For their first year, reports were rare, the vans only been seen around Acton during the night. However, in mid-2010, one of the pair turned up at Finchley Central, perhaps as a result of reallocation or changing role. The sporty looking vehicle was photographed on 10th July 2010 with a variety of Transits in the background. Although not particularly apparent, the livery does include the blue skirt, albeit slightly thinner than usual. (By the way, thanks to JM and MM for the tip-off!) |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,147 |  |
By Kim Rennie Mk7 Ford Transit dropside truck 6677F is assigned to the SSL operation and can usually be found at the outer reaches of the Metropolitan line. On 7th July 2010 it was photographed at Rickmansworth depot, parked next to a Vauxhall Combo van (6141V) that retained Metronet markings. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,148 |  |
By Thomas Young Another rare vehicle seen at Lillie Bridge on 10th July 2010 was Renault Master dropside truck 6644. Three such vehicles were leased in December 2008 and, like the Renault Trafics, are anonymous and have been transferred between various operations. About a dozen other service vehicles are visible in this view but obviously none can be identified. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,149 |  |
By Thomas Young I trust you will forgive the 'thru-the-fence' for this view of a rare-ish vehicle. 6639 is one of seven Renault Trafic crew vans new in November 2008 and notable for being a new type for the central fleet and for carrying neither livery or any lettering. They are used by various departments, 6639 being assigned to the Distribution Services Manager then moving to BCV Operations. It was found at Lillie Bridge on 10th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,150 |  |
By Ray Monk 6595F is a Ford Transit high-roof crew van in the Tube Lines fleet, based initially at Stratford Market but apparently reallocated in 2009 to Finchley Central, where it was photographed on 10th July 2010. Two mid-height Transits were in the yard on the left, while on the right is the rear of rarely seen Vauxhall Corsa van 6710V. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,151 |  |
By Kim Rennie These two mid-height Volkswagen Transporter vans work for SSL and now carry London Underground livery with smaller than usual side logos. Although nominally based at Acton, Kim found the pair at Neasden Depot on 7th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,152 |  |
By Kim Rennie This is the third of a batch of four Ford Transit vans to be illustrated on this site. 6544-6547F were new in December 2008 and work for the Depot Engineering Support Unit. This department has often specified silver vehicles, and they originally wore Metronet logos, later replaced with London Underground ones. Kim found 6545F at Neasden Depot on 7th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,153 |  |
By London Spotter 6410F is a Ford Ranger with crew-cab and extended hard-top, new to Metronet in February 2008. It later gained London Underground livery and branding, as seen here. The photo was taken in the lower yard at Lillie Bridge depot on 4th July 2010. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,154 |  |
By Ray Monk It was Ray that first found this unique vehicle, and he has worked hard to try and get a picture of it. This was finally achieved on 5th July 2010 when he caught it waiting to make the turn onto the Ruislip Depot access road. 6295VW is a Volkswagen Transporter van new in July 2007 but not reported until almost two years later. This was no doubt due to it carrying no lettering, and a very non-standard livery of pale blue. It works on the Central Line and is based at Ruislip, where it is one of very few SVs that can be seen from passing trains. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,155 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Readily identifiable as a former service vehicle, this Ford Tourneo Connect was originally 6099F in the Metronet fleet. It was returned off-lease around the end of 2009 and had its logos and fleetnumbers removed. It has since gained roof-bars but has also lost its smart wheeltrims (seen here), resulting in a slightly rough appearance. The tinted side windows were somewhat redundant on a gloomy 8th June 2010 as it passes Trafalgar Square. All Tourneo Connects have the additional doors on both sides. |
17/07/2010 |
| 5,156 |  |
By Damon Cross This vehicle is readily identifiable as a former London Dial-a-Ride minibus, while some of you may recognise the location as being Lewes Bus Station. The minibus is one of two now used by Countryliner for crew ferry duties. Photographed on 1st July 2010. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,157 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Pushing the definitions of a service vehicle, this Iveco Daily van seen passing Harrods on 30th June 2010 is well lettered as an engineering support vehicle for Jumbocruisers. The company specialises in band transport and has a fleet of high-specification coaches available for hire. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,158 |  |
By Ray Monk Metroline acquired a number of new Ford Transit Connect vans in 2009, a type not previously used by the company. The vans were white with copious lettering for their role as Engineering Support vehicles. Seven have been reported so far, including YC09PVD at Brentford. Showing its depot allocation code on the front wing, it was photographed near to its home base on 21st June 2010. Metroline has ten operational garages so it remains to be seen whether additional vehicles are based at Edgware, Kings Cross and Willesden. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,159 |  |
By Colin Lloyd In 2008 East London took delivery of 11 Renault minibuses for use as crew ferry vehicles, mainly from West Ham garage. 8 were Renault Trafic minibuses while the other 3 were the larger Master model. Two of the latter trio seem to have been transferred to Rainham garage during 2009 but both returned to West Ham in 2010. EX08KZP, carrying the fleetnumber 96016 in the windscreen, was one of these and it was photographed on 29th May 2010 at Canning Town Bus Station. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,160 |  |
By Ray Monk The NCP Challenger bus operation was renamed NSL in 2009 but then was bought out by Transdev later that year. Both of their bases made use of anonymous cars for crew ferry duties, one of the ones at Park Royal aleady having been illustrated. A visit by Ray to Twickenham on 3rd July 2010 allowed us to confirm the identity of some of the cars there, as they conveniently carried notices in the rear windows. BN57VWS is a Ford Fiesta 5-door car, very similar to the examples at Park Royal. Similar WV57OZA was parked nearby, as was black Vauxhall Zafira FN58VZU. Without the notices, it would be impossible to be certain if these vehicles belonged to the company or to members of staff. Having said that, the lack of wheeltrims as seen here does seem to be a common feature of company-owned crew ferry cars! |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,161 |  |
By Ray Monk One more picture from Battersea on 7th June 2010. A few Seat Alhambra estate cars are the only recent additions to the Abellio fleet not to carry white livery. As this photo shows, the standard fleetname includes grey and red letters, and also features the logo of the parent company, NS (Dutch railways). |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,162 |  |
By Ray Monk Another recent addition to the Abellio fleet is Ford Transit Connect van NH07EBF, seen at the extended Battersea garage on 7th June 2010. The base here was first used by Limebourne, and utilised part of the Stewarts Lane railway depot complex. Operations later came under the Connex and Travel London names before changing to Abellio in 2009. The site was formally relaunched in 2010 having been extended and modernised. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,163 |  |
By Ray Monk A new service vehicle operating from a new base for a new company. Or, to be more accurate, a second-hand service vehicle operating from a revamped base for a renamed company! Ford Transit Mk6 high-roof van NA56VMT was acquired by Abellio in December 2009 to replace some of the vehicles inherited from Travel London. As with all such additions, it carries a white livery with minimal but neat lettering. Evidence of the new construction on this site is visible in the background of this photo taken on 7th June 2010. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,164 |  |
By Ray Monk Epsom Buses held an open day on 12th June 2010. With much of the yard given over to the display of vehicles, day to day operations had to continue elsewhere. The crew ferry vehicles used the office car park for the day, and Ray caught LB04SDX and LA04CGG resting there. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,165 |  |
By Thomas Young Parked amongst some vintage cars and coaches during the Epsom Garage open day on 12th June 2010, Toyota Yaris Verso LB04SCV is a crew ferry vehicle for the Quality Line operation. As can be seen, some (but not all) of these vehicles now carry fleetnumbers on the rear. By the way, the Verso is a taller variant of the standard Yaris car. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,166 |  |
By Thomas Young Bollards! Anyone who visited the Epsom Buses open day on 12th June 2010 would have walked past this service vehicle, probably without even noticing it. Parked at the top end of the staff car park, GX52LAE is a Vauxhall Corsa van that was originally part of the Go-Ahead London fleet. It never carried any lettering, was only rarely reported, and was missed off a recent fleetlist. It may therefore have been disposed of. For the photos, I had a choice of showing one with the whole registration, or one where the side was visible.... |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,167 |  |
By John Hillman As seen before, Arriva has a standard livery for its support vans (outside of London), comprising a white base with a vertical blue band. There is also a blue band on the rear, although on this example it is barely visible behind a mass of chevrons and some oversize lettering. X309AJU is a Vauxhall Movano operated by Arriva the Shires as their 1176. It was photographed in Stevenage Bus Station on 15th June 2010. Unfortunately the van drove off before John could get a clearer shot but the unusual application of chevrons along the bodysides can just be seen. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,168 |  |
By Ray Monk Arriva Kent Thameside now has five Carbodies FX4 taxis in use as crew ferries from Dartford Garage. The latest addition is L26PMU, numbered (on paper only) as CF15. Like most of the others, the only identifying mark is the large Arriva logo on the bonnet. On 23rd June 2010, Ray found CF15 outside Dartford Station, in company with a red Enviro 200 and one of the recent restyled Optare Solos. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,169 |  |
By Glyn Matthews The other service vehicle found parked outside Stockwell Garage on 1st July 2010 was Vauxhall Corsa van L206HYK. Although it has probably been in the fleet since delivery in July 1994, this van has never before been reported. It did appear on company fleetlists, shown as being used by the Engineering Training School. However, unlike their lorry chassis J263FYA, it is relicensed every year, so could potentially be seen out on the road. L206HYK goes one better than J263FYA by having the logos of three different 'companies', with Blue Triangle lettering as well as London Central and London General. Finally, unlike long-departed sister vehicle L205HYK, L206HYK has a Vauxhall badge on the front. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,170 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Glyn was at Stockwell Garage on 1st July 2010 and found two rather interesting service vehicles present. J263FYA is a Leyland DAF 45.130 lorry that is not what it appears. Although smartly repainted in Go-Ahead London livery it has no bodywork, and there are no tax discs apparent in the windscreen. According to the DVLA, this vehicle has not been licensed since 1997! There is an engineer's training department based at Stockwell so presumably this chassis was obtained for use by them. Note the different logos on the front (London Central) and side (London General), and the wheelnut clamps on the front wheel. The truck was parked between the fuel store (on the left, where tankers such as 2000S could be found in the past) and the old publicity offices (on the right, also home to SVs in its day). |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,171 |  |
By Thomas Young Epsom Buses (aka Quality Line) held a very well organised open day at their Epsom Garage on 12th June 2010, to celebrate 90 years of the parent Epsom Coaches company. As well as vintage vehicles, and current members of their bus and coach fleet, the display included some of the support vehicles. Largest of these was Volkswagen Crafter van A6HRR (at least the third service vehicle to carry this registration). Although carrying red livery, and with LBSL roundels on front and rear, the van has fleetnames for Epsom Fleetcare rather than Quality Line. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,172 |  |
By Ray Monk This bug-like vehicle may become a common sight over the coming months. Caught passing Acton Town Station on 21st June 2010 (on its way back to Acton Works), WX10JSV is a Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car in the livery of TfL Streets. This is the first all-electric (as opposed to hybrid drive) vehicle for the TfL fleet, and it was one of four that were launched at the London Eye later that month. The small lettering on the bodyside is not too clear but appears to read 'Part of the new Transport for London electric vehicle fleet'. The livery is the same as latterly used on Toyota Prius cars, though the orange stripe is rather cut-off at the front. Perhaps it could have 'swooped' around the front! At the launch the Mayor announced ambitious plans to introduce many more electric vehicles. TfL is expecting some electric vans from Smith and Modec, as well as further Toyota Priuses, soon. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,173 |  |
By Ray Monk The TfL Streets depot at Chancel Street is close to where I work, but I have never taken any photographs there, partly because it is gated and security patrolled. The base comprises two adjoining sections. On the left (and shown here) is a covered yard in which up to six Toyota Prius cars are parked, typically those from the RE56Lxx batch. On the right is a newly-opened section, utilising the arches of the railway viaduct to provide space for about another dozen cars. As well as further Priuses, other vehicles seen inside include Streets Vauxhall Astras, and Honda Civics in the liveries of TfL Highways and London Buses. It is believed that the vehicles here are used by staff based in the nearby Palestra building. Photo taken on 3rd July 2010. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,174 |  |
By Ray Monk Ford Transit Mk7 crew van 6926F was caught crossing the new roundabout outside Acton Town station on 7th June 2010, on its way back to the works after a test drive. In plain white/blue without lettering, this vehicle will probably be numbered before entering service. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,175 |  |
By Ray Monk Another photo taken outside Hainault Station on 15th June 2010, this time showing recently delivered Ford Transit dropside 6896F. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,176 |  |
By Kim Rennie Volkswagen Caddy vans seem to be the light van of choice for the central fleet at present, with a corresponding reduction in the number of Transit Connects and Combos being taken. A couple are based at Hainault depot and therefore carry the new London Underground livery. These are crew vans, with an extra row of seats and additional windows on both sides. 6880VW was parked in the depot on 16th June 2010. I hope to publish more photos from Kim's latest visit soon. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,177 |  |
By Kim Rennie Fleetnumbers 6821 to 6830 are carried by Volkswagen Transporter vans delivered at the end of 2009 and assigned to the Infrastructure Development section of London Buses. They replaced a batch of very similar vans dating from 2005. As with the earlier batch, a couple of the new ones have proved to be elusive. 6822VW is one that we don't have an allocation for, though Kim caught it passing the Old Vic at Waterloo on 22nd June 2010. A recent change with these vehicles is that the cabside lettering now reads 'Bus Infrastructure' rather than 'Infrastructure Development'. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,178 |  |
By Ray Monk Hainault and Ruislip depots have several things in common. They are both on the Central lines (although at opposite ends), and they both have large allocations of service vehicles that are well hidden within their depths. They also both have long access roads meaning that, so long as you are patient, you can at least see vehicles coming! Ray stakes out both locations from time to time and fortunately for us, he has lots of patience (and/or luck). This photo was taken on 15th June 2010 and shows 6797F leaving the depot. A short-wheelbase (low-roof) Ford Transit Mk7 crew van, 6797F operated anonymously during 2009 before the addition of London Underground logos (and the red stripe) as seen here. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,179 |  |
By Colin Lloyd 6719F is one of several Ford Transit Mk7 dropside trucks delivered in 2009 for use by the Jubilee Line track team. Based at Stratford Market depot, they are only rarely seen out and about during the day, so Colin was lucky to encounter this one coming down Victoria Embankment on the 3rd of June 2010. Note the mesh tail-lift and the 'one-stop' style of Ford-supplied bodywork. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,180 |  |
By Kim Rennie Vauxhall Combo van 6569V was new in 2008 and has been seen several times at Griffith House. Carrying standard white/blue livery but with the addition of red/yellow chevrons on the rear doors, it initially carried Metronet logos but these were later replaced with London Underground ones, and the livery was amended with the additional red stripe on the sides. On 17th June 2010 it was found parked near the DLR station at Elverson Road (Lewisham). It is worth mentioning that this is the 400th photograph by Kim Rennie to be published on this site. As mentioned before, Kim was instrumental in getting this website started, supplying invaluable fleet information and lots of photographs. Since then, he has been able to visit various LUL depots and locations, and continues to send in lots of high quality images that would otherwise be impossible to obtain. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,181 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Several locations around London have large allocations of IRUs (London Buses Incident Response Unit vans), but at most of these they are parked rather randomly. Turnpike Lane has a nominal allocation of six vans, and on 19th June 2010 four of them were neatly lined up against the back wall. Nearest the camera is 6370M, latterly based at Harrow and Uxbridge. Several IRUs appear to have been reallocated during the first half of 2010. The other three are 6609M, 6359M and 6621M. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,182 |  |
By Ian Jordan Gleaming in the sunshine at it pulls out of the station car park at Arnos Grove on 22nd May 2010, 6144F was a Ford Transit Connect van in the Tube Lines fleet. Although assigned to the Piccadilly line, it appears to have been based at Stratford Market depot on the Jubilee Line. Being slightly over 3 years old, replacement was no doubt due, unless the current economic situation results in lease periods being extended. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,183 |  |
By Ray Monk Ford Transit Mk6 crew van 5522F led an uneventful life working for Metronet from Acton Works. New in 2003 it was rarely seen (and never photographed) before withdrawal in early 2007. However, it has since returned as a service vehicle of sorts, working for the modestly named signalling contractor Global Rail. With the blue skirt removed (or painted over) it was found parked on Bollo Lane at Acton (with Frank Pick House in the background) on 29th June 2010. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,184 |  |
By Rob Morel As well as the trucks, the Emergency Response Unit has also regularly featured at least one car in recent years, presumably for use by the 'boss'. Between 1995 and 1998 this vehicle was 4536F, a Ford Mondeo estate, eventually replaced by very similar 4913F. Note the 'unfinished' looking livery (with white bumpers), the lack of suffix on the fleetnumber, and the side lettering that reads ' London Underground Limited, Network services, Emergency response unit'. It was photographed at the RAF Museum in Hendon during a display of emergency vehicles. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,185 |  |
By Ian Jordan Another new name to add to the list of LTSV contributors is Ian Jordan, who recently submitted a few 1980s shots and one recent one. Taken in 1987, this photo shows Vauxhall Astra estate car 3303B parked by the bus stands at Oxford Circus. As was common with service vehicles at the time, the London Transport lettering has been omitted (or removed) but it retains secondary lettering that reads 'Development Director (Buses)'. New in early 1985, 3303B lasted for four years. Such vehicles were among the last 3-door estates to be made. Bus fans will notice the MCW Metrobus on route 16A on the stand behind. The 3-piece blind on this shows it to be one of the five prototype vehicles that spent most of their life working from Cricklewood garage. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,186 |  |
By Rob Morel The Emergency Response Unit fleet was restocked with five new Volvo FL demountable lorries in 1998, and these have been well illustrated on this site. However, this is the first photo to show the rear-end with the tail-lift in the lowered position. As normal with demountable vehicles, the tail-lift was chassis-mounted and folded out when required. The bodies were the same as used on the previous generation of vehicles, with modifications to allow for the larger wheels on the Volvos, and with a new livery style. This photo was taken at the rear of the Museum Depot building in Acton, and also shows the side lockers opened, and the translucent roof panels The train in the background is stabled at the south end of Ealing Common District Line depot. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,187 |  |
By Rob Morel Also on display at Stanmore Station on an unknown date in the 1990s was 2532M, a Mercedes-Benz 410D box truck allocated to the Emergency Response Unit. Four such vehicles were acquired in 1993, and this photo was taken after 2532M had gained side windows for the crew compartment, but before the application of the red/blue chevrons that later typified the fleet. The large roller shutter doors in the side and rear are evident, as is the tail-lift. All four were withdrawn in 1999 following the delivery of four larger Mercedes-Benz O814 box trucks. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,188 |  |
By Rob Morel We welcome a couple of new contributors today, first up being Rob Morel with some 1990s views of ERU vehicles. 2493M was one of six Mercedes-Benz 1114 demountable trucks bought in 1990 along with seven demountable bodies built by Locomotors. The trucks, together with five of the bodies, formed the main Emergency Response Unit fleet for most of the 1990s. 2493M was seen on display during an event at Stanmore Station, with the emergency control unit (DB7 mounted on 2488M) parked behind. Displaced by new Volvo lorries in 1998, most of the 1990 batch of lorries were sold in 1999. |
06/07/2010 |
| 5,189 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Mercedes-Benz Sprinter long-wheelbase van W933YVE was photographed in Peterborough Bus Station on 21st May 2010. A member of the Stagecoach East fleet, it wears the company livery introduced in 2000 but is not displaying a fleetnumber or local fleetname identifier. The rear 'swoops' on this livery are fairly standard, but the front ones vary somewhat between different designs of buses. On this van, the front colour divides are curved upwards in a non-standard way, somewhat reminiscent of Arriva's 'cow horns'. The livery on the rear was also notable, comprising orange chevrons on a red background! |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,190 |  |
By Glyn Matthews This is the first of two photographs showing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter anciliary vehicles in national Stagecoach livery, although there are several differences between the two. Short-wheelbase minibus W645WCA is numbered 96003 and used by Stagecoach Merseyside. It was photographed at Gillmoss depot in Liverpool on 11th May 2010. The livery comprises standard 'swoops' at front and rear (note how the front divide coincidentally matches up with the angle of the windscreen). The circular logo on the bodyside has been applied upside-down. The blue segment is supposed to be on the right (with the red towards the top), as seen on the bonnet. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,191 |  |
By Glyn Matthews At least 39 service vehicles in the central fleet were registered in the KJ06xxx series, but this is not one of them! KJ06KAO was a long-wheelbase Mk6 Ford Transit van supplied to Stagecoach in Inverness, where it was photographed on 6th May 2010 by roving reporter Glyn Matthews. The application of livery to Stagecoach service vehicles is often minimal, although a couple of exceptions have also been published today. Given the remoteness of the location, I have surprisingly received several photographs of this particular van. Damon Cross found it during a tour of the highlands back in 2007. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,192 |  |
By Ray Monk Ford Transit Connect van EA08FHP is number 9024 in the Metrobus fleet and is based at their Crawley garage. Since delivery in 2008 it has gained a light-bar, and also has some neatly cut-out chevron vinyls applied to the rear. It was found parked at the garage on 18th May 2010. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,193 |  |
By Ray Monk The last of the four Carbodies FX4 taxis for Arriva Kent Thameside to be reported was L206OMM. This differs from the other three in carrying white Arriva names in addition to the orange logo on the bonnet. The unique font used for the Arriva name looks odd against a black background instead of the familiar red. This vehicle is allocated fleetnumber CF11. Photographed at Eltham Bus Station on 2nd June 2010. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,194 |  |
By Ray Monk I have included another photograph of Ford Transit cherry picker 6794F in its parking bay at Chingford (this time taken on 31st May 2010) as it shows the unusual frontal livery. As well as a red LBSL roundel, the bonnet appears to be adorned with diagonal (ie not chevrons) grey stripes. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,195 |  |
By Colin Lloyd 6702F is a long-wheelbase, high-roof Mk7 Ford Transit van, delivered in May 2009 in unbranded white/blue livery. It was one of the relatively few vehicles to be kept at Griffith House (most vehicles 'allocated' there are thought to be kept at their drivers homes), although has presumably moved elsewhere since the closure of the yard later in 2009. By March 2010 the van had gained London Underground logos, and a red band above the blue skirt. It was photographed on the 10th of May 2010 passing through Victoria. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,196 |  |
By Thomas Young Since we 'discovered' it at the end of 2008, the small base at Union Street (near Borough) has nearly always been home to a pair of all-white Tube Lines Ford Transits. On 7th April 2010 some variety was provided by the presence of Renault Kangoo 6225R alongside regular resident 6436F. Although not very apparent here, this is one of just three Kangoos to have carried all-white livery. Two of the trio are with Tube Lines at Stratford Market, and sister 6226R was caught by Ray earlier this year. The third is 6223R with BCV, which has proved to be very elusive. Renault Kangoos are listed as being seven seaters, suggesting that a third row of seats is fitted. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,197 |  |
By Ray Monk London Buses currently has almost exactly 100 liveried service vehicles (plus a handful of un-marked cars), but some are harder to find than others. Definitely falling into the 'elusive' category is Ford Transit Connect van 6401F. New in December 2007, it is assigned to the Technical Services Group, but is only occasionally seen at their base at Chingford. In fact most of the sightings have been in south-east London, perhaps because its regular driver lives there, or it does work in that area, or maybe there is another base we don't yet know about. What is clear is that the vehicle was a direct replacement for similar 5691F. Ray was therefore lucky to find the van parked at Chingford on 31st May 2010, alongside resident Ford Transit 6322F. Just visible is the fact that 6401F, like 5691F, has an additional window in the nearside. Can anyone shed any light on what this van is used for? |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,198 |  |
By Graham Brown Several of the London Buses Honda Civic cars have been seen recently without their light-bars. Photographed at Waterloo on a sunny 25th May 2010, 6299H is nominally based at Sycamore House but can sometimes be found at London Bridge or Eltham. Parked in front is new Volkswagen Transporter van 6902VW, this having been illustrated on delivery in plain red a fortnight earlier. A minor change to the livery of such vehicles is that the lettering on the doors has been amended from 'Infrastructure Development' to 'Bus Infrastructure'. Note that all the subsidiary lettering (fleetnumbers, tyre pressure markings, fuelling information) is applied on white patches. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,199 |  |
By Kim Rennie Both of these Ford Transit vans have been illustrated before, but this is a nice view, taken inside the small yard at Edgware Road Station on 29th April 2010. Mid-height crew van 6567F on the left has recently gained London Underground logos (and a red stripe), while high-roof van 6082F on the right retains Metronet logos and the red/blue chevrons. Visible in the background is Griffith House. The yard there (where the orange digger is) is no longer in use, although service vehicles still park on the streets outside at night. There is a large hole in the ground between the two yards, which appears to be the basements of the buildings that once stood there. |
06/06/2010 |
| 5,200 |  |
By John Scotford This minibus was originally 5143F in the London Underground (later Metronet) fleet. A 15-seat, long-wheelbase Mk5 Ford Transit, it was leased in November 2000 and based at Lillie Bridge. The disposal date is not known but was between 2004 and 2007. It was photographed at Wembley Stadium on 16th May 2010, by which time it was being used by Spaceacre Hire of Eynsham in Oxfordshire (an Oxford vs York play-off was taking place that day). It is not clear from the photograph whether the blue skirt has been retained or over-painted dark grey. |
06/06/2010 |
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