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Last update
15th September 2024

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*Current Operators* Arriva Central Connect (being retired) EFCT/ECT First Oxford Bus Co (NatEx) Vectare t/a Central Connect	Latest news (this page) 2021 and 2022 2019 and 2020 2017 and 2018 2015 and 2016 2013 and 2014 2011 and 2012 2009 and 2010 2007 and 2008 2004 to 2006 2001 to 2003	Bus route maps (Out of date) Bus route changes Bygone images (Flickr) Links

LATEST NEWS

September 2024

Arriva

Of the E200s loaned to Ware, 4096 (YX17NYL) has now returned although 4084 (YX17NHB) remains away.

Vectare t/a Central Connect

Central Connect are widely reported to have purchased 4 former Arriva Alexander- Dennis Enviro400s, principally for use on schools services.

First

The start of the new term has brought about new rosters which see 2 journeys on town service 14 operated using a vehicle from a schools service. Accordingly, double decks now feature.

Other news (ECC, EFCT)

Other news will appear here.

August 2024

Arriva

Reversing the change in June, Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 3882 (KX11PVD) has returned from Ware. The fleet size reverts to 4. Going the other way, Enviro200MMCs 4084 (YX17NHB) and 4096 (YX17NYL) have spent the second half of the month at Ware.

Vectare t/a Central Connect

Central Connect continue to restock the fleet. Major highlight, in service on 30th August, are the first 2 Alexander-Dennis E40D/E400MMC double decks for route 20. Four further examples are expected in 2025. They are operating alongside the other double decker, the Optare Metrodecker.

Almost standard now, but still representing a huge step forward in age profile, new single entrants noted this month include:

357 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBA
358 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBB
359 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBC
360 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBD
361 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBE
362 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBF
368 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBN
369 - Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YY24HBO

Previously assumed gone, but there was a reappearance of Alexander-Dennis E20D/E200MMC YX72ONF. A vehicle once in Central Connect red, it's now all-over white. We assume this is a short-term hire.

E200MMC 349 (SK73COU) has received full livery and fleet-names (previously operating in white).

E200MMC 347 (SK73CNO) which operated at the start of the year and then left the area, has returned. It retains white livery but has gained new Central Connect fleet names and numbers.

More route changes from 2nd September, following the trend to renumber services to 2-digits with suffixes for short journeys and variations:

Route 505 (Harlow to Waltham Cross via Upshire) becomes the 15/15A/15B. It sensibly becomes far more standardised and is improved to hourly on Mondays to Saturdays, although loses it's Templefields projection, which is no longer needed given the recent creation of CCs own route 24 and the ECC/First 407/417.

Outside of Harlow, long standing routes 384 (Hertford to Stevenage) is renumbered 38 and route 386 (Bishops Stortford to Stevenage) is split at Buntingford and renumbered 36 and 37.

Finally, also outside Harlow, another shuffling around of Waltham Cross based routes 13/14/16 (and suffixes) between Waltham Cross and Ninefields/Upshire/Epping/North Weald. There is, again, the introduction of a more consistant and regular pattern.

First

First have used vehicles of all liveries on their newly gained services (4,14,59,407/417) - see fleet page for examples.

From 2nd September positioning route 19 (Harlow to Chelmsford) expands to 3 journeys on Mondays to Saturdays, not all full length, numbered 19 or 19A, including the addition of a Sunday journey.

Other news (ECC, EFCT)

Other news will appear here.

July 2024

Arriva

New arrivals, fitting neatly into the local fleet, Alexander-Dennis E200MMCs 4106 (SN17MXE) and 4108 (SN17MXG) from within the Kent Thameside fleet, have been noted operating, arriving late in the month.

Optare Versa 4215 (KX61KGN) was on loan at Harlow from 29th July for just over a week.

Vectare t/a Central Connect

/
Central Connect have announced the Harlow/Epping/Ongar route changes due from 28th July. Essentially the replacements for the existing 420/420A are:

20 - Harlow to Epping and Ongar via existing 420/A - every 30 mins Mon-Fri, hourly Sats and Suns.

21 - Harlow to Epping via existing 420/A except that within Harlow buses will operate via Second Avenue and Tumbler Road instead of Tripton Road, Tendring Road and Tillwicks Road - every 30 mins Mon-Fri, hourly Sats.

22 - Harlow to Epping via North Weald (plus some extra Epping to North Weald). Monday to Friday Peaks plus 2 return journeys on Sundays which also have the extra section linked on (making them Harlow to North Weald via North Weald and Epping).

22B - Harlow to Potter Street - limited additional evening journeys.

24 - Harlow Bus Station to Riverway via Town Station and Edinburgh Way - Monday to Saturday, half-hourly.

Full details, timetables and route maps here.

First signs of the rebranding are that E200MMC 319 (SN16OVO) is reported as having had its Vectare logos blanked out.

New vehicle addtion is Alexander-Dennis E200 MMCs 364 (YY24HBH) in new livery. Second-hand is similar type 345 (WH66BUS) in white once of Whitelaws of Stonehouse, later Redline.

Stephensons

Other news (ECC, EFCT, First)

Other news will appear here.

June 2024

Arriva

Three years after it was initially put up for sale by its owner Deutsche Bahn (DB), Arriva has been sold to private equity (PE) firm I Squared Capital, with the sale completed on 3rd June. The new owners report that the Arriva name will be retained.

Returning to more local news, Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 3882 (KX11PVD) has moved over to Ware, leaving just 3.

The recent round of tenders by ECC sees Arriva lose all they had in the town. See details below.

Central Connect

Vectare have announced the anticipated operational merger with Central Connect effective 28th July, the same date that the main local routes are due to be recast. Less expected is that the new company will be branded as Central Connect. Seemingly this is not even just Essex, but everywhere. Given that plans can change quickly with this operator, we will merge the 2 fleets from 1st August but will no longer report moves between the 2 parts of the business from now.

Central Connect have picked up a number of new local contracts - see details below. The surprise in this is that recent public spats with ECC seem not to have soured relations to a point where new business opportunities are being denied.

On the vehicle front, the first brand new '24 registered buses have entered service in the form of Alexander-Dennis E200 MMCs 363 (YY24HBG) and 371 (YY24HBU). They carries full CC livery and logo.

Vectare

See the Central Connect news above.

Stephensons

Local routes will pass to other operators after 1 year of operation. See details below:

More new vehicles noted, again former Nottingham Alexander-Dennis Enviro200s. This time YX63GXV is in company green and white livery with fleet number is 491 whilst YX63LHU are YX63KFJ (494) are still in Nottingham's blue.

Other news

Essex County Council have announced the annual bus tender awards due to take effect from 29th July 2024. There are a few real surprises this time around:

1 - Evening and Sunday service from Arriva to Central Connect
2/3 - Evening and Sunday service from Arriva to Central Connect
4 - Evening service from Arriva to First, Sunday service from Arriva to Central Connect
5 -From Stephensons to Central Connect. Expanded hours of operation on Mondays to Saturdays and a limited Sunday service introduced.
6 - evening service absorbed into new service 407/417. Sunday service to Central Connect.
8 - see 28 below
10 -see 23 below
14 -From Stephensons to First Essex
19 - New service of 1 return positioning journey from Harlow to Chelmsford via Ongar by First Essex
23 - New number for evening and Sunday service on existing route 10. Transferred from Arriva to Central Connect.
28 -New number for evening and Sunday service on existing route 8. Transferred from Arriva to Central Connect.
59 -Sunday service transferred from Arriva to First Essex
407/417 - New hourly town services connecting Harlow town centre (bus station, town station, hospital with Edinburgh Way and Old Harlow. Also serves Little Parndon in the evenings.
418/B - will no longer serve Harlow, but will be absorbed into the new Central Connect commercial service network.

Neraby related changes
418 - Loughton to Epping - renumbered 18.
542/542A - Loughton/Debden locals renumbered 17/17A

May 2024

Arriva

Arriva news will appear here.

Central Connect

Central Connect disposed of quite a number of the older vehicles. More have been removed from operational service. Accordingly, we have removed the following from the fleet list.

- Alexander-Dennis Enviro 200s LX07BXV, LX07BYA, SN57DWZ, LJ57USU, LK08DWE, LK08HMF, L9XEL. This leaves 7 of the type, for now.

- Scanias Omnicitis YP59OEM, YP59OES, YP59OET. This leaves just 2.

- Wright Streetlight CC10BUS. This leave just the other 1

Looking to the Sprinters, which based on all of the above, even with the recently reduced network, will evidently be needed on an on-going basis:

- 201 (RX20RJV), 202 (WV20VDG), 204 (RX70SKZ) and 215 (RX23TFJ) continue to operate principally on CC services.

- 208 (RX23TFK) and 218 (RX23TUW) appear to have returned to the mother fleet (although 208 did see operation on CC services in April).

- 219 (RX23TUY) is mainly operating CC services and so we're placing it in that fleet.

- 221 (RX23TVE) is now considered part of the CC fleet.

- 222 (RX23TVF) has seen some service on CC routes but is mainly used on Vectare original routes and so we're leaving it there.

In summary, there are 6 Vectares on loan to the Central Connect fleet, which also has its own.

A group of route changes have been announced to the Harlow/Epping/Ongar area services from 28th July (rather than the June date previously published by ECC). This will see Existing routes 420/A renumbered to low number series and restructured with suffix numbers. ECC reports them as Vectare rather than Central Connect services. Potentially a change of brand?

Vectare

Vectare allocation changes to the Mercedes Sprinter fleet are detailed within the Central Connect section above.

Stephensons

Stephensons continue their liking for the Enviro 200 with the acquisition of YX63KFG, YX63KFK and KX63GXW, all formerly of Nottingham City Transport and pressed in to service in the previous operator's colours (blue or red based). All have been noted on the 301 (Bishops Stortford to Saffron Walden).

Other news

To follow the report of the new arrival to the Epping Forest Community Transport fleet below, it seems evident that Ford Transit EU59ECO has long since left.

April 2024

Arriva

Arriva news will appear here.

Central Connect

Some services in Bishops Stortford and Saffron Walden are no longer being operated by Central Connect. This was announced by Essex County Council as "the dissapointing actions of bus operator" and ECC further encourage passengers to complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency directly. Vectare, on the other hand, have made a statement declaring that they have have been looking to resolve operational issues with the services for many months and utimately gave 2 months notice of withdrawal.

Routes 301 (most) and 316/318 were taken up by A2B Travel and routes 301 (one journey), 319/320/321 and 59/590 were taken up by Stephensons. All are on an emergency basis and initially were being operated free of charge until registrations are completed.

Both batches of 5 of the Central Connect intake of E200MMCs (YX22OKA-E, YX722ONA-D/F) have been returned off lease, taking 10 more red buses out of the fleet.

Vectare vehicles noted on Central Connect services this month include Sprinter 219 (RX23TUY) and E200MMC 321 (SN16OVR). Both carry Vectare logos.

Vectare

Mercesdes Sprinter 219 (RX23TUY) has gained Vectare minibus (silver/blue) livery.

Stephensons

Stephensons Enviro200 429 (YX17NYZ) joins sister vehicle 428 in being painted into fleet livery from all-over white.

NIBS rostered Scania Omniciti 626 (YN04YJR) to the 14 on Saturday 27th April. The condition of the 20-year old vehicle is a credit to the operator, who has a long history of partnership with Scania.

Other news

It's been some while since there was any change to the Epping and Harlow Community Transport, to follow the name assigned to the most recent acquisition, fleet. EA16OLT is a Mercedes Benz 513CDi Sprinter with Treka Bluetec bodywork. As is the custom with this operator, no destination display equipment is carried.

March 2024

Arriva

Arriva news will appear here.

Central Connect

The new Central Connect logo (left) has arrived! Appearance of this on the road has been witnessed on new vehicle acquisions, both being Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMCs. SF66ARW is formerly of Red Rose whilst SW16BUS previously operated with Whitelaw of Stonehouse. Both carry the Vectare 2-tone blue with the distinctive new logo. No fleet numbers are outwardly carried yet. It seems the Central Connect name is being retained after all.

Another Sprinter moved from the Vectare fleet is 218 (RX23TUW). It has also been repainted to Vectare minibus livery of silver and blue and carries the Vectare name.

Vectare

For Vectare moves to Central connect, see above.

Stephensons

A number of the Three Rivers liveried vehicles have appeared on local services (Bishops Stortford 7/7A) recently, including 472 on 20th and 21st March and 475 on 23rd March.

Other news

Other news will appear here.

February 2024

Arriva

Volvo/Wright 3882 (KX11PVD) has received light blue livery.

Central Connect

Hertfordshire County Council have rebranded the local Hertford network using the numbers H1 to H6. Only the H5 and H6 are new, replacing the long-standing 333 route. Recent arrival to the Central Connect fleet YY73RGZ has received this black-based dedicated livery. Presumably others will follow.

One of the Sprinters (208, RX23TFK) that has moved into the Central Connect fleet is now in Vectare's standard minibus colours of silver with rear 2-tone blue. It operated in white for a while. Sprinter 215 is now considered part of this fleet, making 5 transfers in all.

Continuing the new arrivals:

Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m YY73TGV, white. This has been allocated fleet number 351, which a month ago was allocated to YY73TGN. It is assumed that this is the same vehicle and that the previous registration number was incorrect.

Vectare

Vectare news will appear here.

Stephensons

Stephensons generally present a smart image for vehicles in their livery. Late '23 arrival 428 (YX17NYW) entered service in white but has now gained fleet colours and logos. Sister 429 remains in white for now.

Other news

Harlow's bus station is now closed and awaiting demolition, ahead of what we can only hope will be a far better replacement. When the existing structure first appeared, relatively recently, it was never especially wonderful, but still an improvement on the previous 2 efforts, which were essentially rows of bus shelters.

January 2024

Arriva

A new entrant, from with the Kent Thameside fleet, Enviro400MMC 4120 (SN67WUJ), first noted on 11th January.

Central Connect

A very evident shift in the fleet profile seems to be under way. New arrivals continue to be in white or in Vectare livery. Those in blue which are in the Central Connect fleet seem to be distinguishable from Vectare fleet vehicles by having no fleet name or fleet number at this stage. Noted so far:

Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m YX73OVM, blue (322)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m YX73OVP, blue (325)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m SK73COJ, white (348)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m SK73COU, white (349)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m YY73TGU, white (350)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m YY73TGN, white (351)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 9m YY73RGX, white (352)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 9m YY73RHA, white (354)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 9m YY73RHE, white (355)
Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 9m YY73RHF, white (356)

Alexander-Dennis Enviro200MMC 10.8m SK73CNO in white (347) did arrive and see service in Harlow but was moved to operations outside the area after a few days.

Vectare's Sprinters continue to operate regularly on rural services 9/9A (Braintree to Great Bardfield) as well as the rural networks radiating from Bishops Stortford and Hertford. 201, 202, and 208 are now considered to have transferred, joining 204. Also noted operating has been 215 (RX23TFJ), see below.

Leaving the fleet, Galleon had 4 E200MMCs from new which carried personalised registrations. Fleet numbers 1601-4 (CC/CE21/71GAL) have departed for service with Vectare in Nottingham.

Stephensons

Although any vehicle can operate on the Harlow/Bishops Stortford network, the appearance of Enviro200 478 (EU66AVC) could have been considered less a less likely choice, given that it's in Blackwater Link livery.

Vectare

Vectare Sprinter 215 (RX23TFJ) has been repainted from white to what seems to be the regular minibus livery of silver base with blue rear sections and stripes.

Other news

ECC have announced the results of the consultations on supported services. As far as Harlow is concerned there is not too much change. Evening/Sunday route 418B will, sensibly, be renumbered 418. Route 505 will, again sensibly, have a standardised timetable across Monday to Saturday. Routes 31, town route 14 and the evening service on town route 8 will all continue as is.

December 2023

Arriva

Arriva news will appear here.

Central Connect

Following the new vehicle announcement, a new entrant, which may or may not be part of the new intake has been noted operating in all-white. E200MMC YY73RGZ is a 9m example, seen here on the 420 on 31st December.

More permanent looking, perhaps ahead of when the announcement below suggested, E200MMCs YX73OVN (323) and YX73OVO (324) are 10.8m and in Vectare colours but without fleet-name, numbers or logo at this time.

Vectare

Vectare news will appear here.

Other news

Finally, without speculating as to what, and after a few years of progressive decline, I'm envisaging a major shake-up in 2024 in the local scene. Whether that turns out to be a good thing or not, will have to be seen.

November 2023

Arriva

Green Line 724 will have a new timetable from 7th January 2024. The evening and night time service is expanded so that there is an hourly service at all times except for 2 x 2-hour gaps (ex Harlow at apx. midnight and 2am being the missing ones).

Central Connect

A new entrant into service is former Red Rose Enviro200MMC GW16BUS. Presently it retains base silver with couple of random red panels at the front.

It seems the new owners have big plans. The following has appeared on their website:

"We are investing in the Central Connect fleet and replacing older buses with newer ones, including ten buses due for delivery in late 2023, which have now started to enter the fleet, and a further 15 brand new buses due for delivery in mid 2024."

There is also a hint at what may be the new branding, as the illustration shows.

Route 410 (Harlow to Brookfield Centre) is to be unnecessarily renumbered 25 and 25B from 2nd January 2024.

E200MMC YX16OBS, previously 317 in the Vectare fleet, together with Sprinter RX70SKZ, previously 204 in the Vectare fleet, are now considered part of this fleet.

Vectare

Vectare continue to grow their fleet of Sprinters. Fleet number 222 (RX23TVF) is a recent arrival.

Other news

A recent arrival in the Stephensons fleet, in all white, appeared on local service on 11th November. YX17NYW carries fleet number 428. It was once in the Claribels West Midlands fleet, where it also operated in the same colour. Sister YX17NYZ (429) has also joined.

The regular 2 NIBS vehicles which support the local Stephensons operation continues. Fleet numbers 438 and 439 have been the principal representatives, however, 439 has recently suffered accident damage. Since then 444 (YX10FEV) has taken its place.

October 2023

Arriva

The sale of Arriva from Deutsche Bahn AG to I Squared Capital has been widely reported. It does seem that the main characteristic of Arriva's operations in recent times has been one of managed decline and little new initiative or drive to grow the business. Harlow is a shining example of the worst of that. Change could be good news, but then again, the viability of such a small number of vehicles from a large and doubtless costly facility might equally be questioned. Time will tell.

Central Connect

Central Connect routes from Stansted are now seeing relatively frequent visits from Vectare vehicles. The sighting in the September report is one such example, noted on 4th October on the 305 (previously Village Link 5). A first was the appearance of essentilly new Enviro200MMC YX22OJJ on the 420/A on 12th followed by continued regular appearances. It's in Vectare colours but is logo-less at this stage. A sign of things to come? In any event, for now at least, this can be considered a Central Connect bus. Some Sprinters may well now be in the same camp.

Oxford Bus Co

The normally quite stable route 737 fleet was joined by number 39 (BV19YGK) on 31st October in this striking all-over advertising livery. Like number 40, the other non-standard liveried bus which sees occasional use covering, it's also a Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. The Volvo/Caetano fleet generally used on the route is all in standard National Express livery of course.

Vectare

Vectare continue with the expansion of their Mercedes Benz Sprinter/EVM Cityline fleet. Not brand new but only recently seen operating in the county is 207 (RX72TWP). Its another in white with Vectare logos. Sisiter vehicle 208 is shown here in weather of the season!

Other news

It's taken a while, but recalling the running day held in May 2023, some pictures from Richard Hudson can be found here.

My own personal favorite is BL88, even though none of the class ever reached Harlow.

September 2023

Arriva

Arriva introduced a round of timetable changes effective 3rd September to routes 1, 8, 10, 59, 308/9, 311 and 508/9/10. Nothing especially dramatic although route 8 has been diverted away from Minchin Road to run via Howard Way due to parked cars (note that ECC sponsored evening journeys still run via not only Minchin Road but also still serve Maddox Road). As a reminder and round-up of the level of service offered.

1 - Sumners/Katherines
Main service every 20 mins, evenings hourly, Sundays 2-hourly.

8 - Old Harlow/Harlowbury via Mark Hall South
Main service hourly incl. evenings, Sundays 2-hourly.

10 - Church Langley
Main service every 20 mins, evenings every 30 to 60 mins, Sundays 2-hourly.

59 - Harlow to Chelmsford (Anglia Ruskin University)
Main service hourly, no late evening service. Sundays every 2 hours

308/9 - Standted Airport to Thorley Park
Main service every 40 mins plus some very early and late journeys. Sundays every 70-80 mins.

311 - Bishops Stortford to Stortford Fields
Main service every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday until early evenings only.

508/509/510 - Harlow to Stansted Airport
Main service every 10 minutes, slightly wider in peaks, evenings every 30 minutes, all night hourly service. Saturday daytimes every 15 minutes, Sundays every 30 minutes.

Central Connect

It didn't take too long before a Central Connect service was run using a Vectare vehicle. Sprinter 215 (RX23TFJ) was used on rural service duties including the 323 to Great Dunmow on 12th and 13th September.

Vectare

Further local sightings of brand new Mercedes Benz Sprinter/EVM Citylines include 208 (RX23TFK) 214 (RX23TKV) and 215 (RX23TFJ) each with a vinyl logo on a white base colour so far, plus 221 (RX23TVE) in full livery. We believe that repaints from white will follow.

Enviro200MMC 320 (SN16OVP) that was involved in an RTA in May is now fully repaired and back in service.

Other news

The pool of vehicles being used by Stephensons continues to widen. Further information and pictures of local sightings are now on the fleet page on this site. NIBS regular contribution is 2 vehicles, often fleet numbers 438 (YY15FZC) and 439 (YY15FZD).

August 2023

Arriva

No Arriva news this month.

Central Connect

MAJOR NEWS. It was announced on 24th August that Galleon, being the formal operator and company name for Central Connect, has been purchased by Vectare. As far as Essex independent operations are concerned, this is certainly David taking over Goliath. It is stated that the operation and brand will remain separate so we will continue to report it that way. It is also said that that in the fullness of time the existing local Vectare operations will move to one of the Central Connect locations so it may be that name returns to the 505 and makes a first appearance on the 31.

Vectare

Vectare put fleet number 311 (YX22OGW), being a Chelmsford Park and Ride route 702 branded E200MMC out on the 505 on the 9th.

Other news

Stevensons operations duly started on 31 July with the first 2 vehicles in service being Enviro 200's 414 (SK07HLV) and 435 (YY67USC). The rest of the firs week continued with similar types of vehicles in service in Harlow although Solos and even a Scania double deck could be seen on ferry duties.

The services are operationally interworked with one another and also with routes 7 and 7A at Bishops Stortford. Initilly the whole cycle required 4 vehicles, 2 of which could be seen in Harlow and 3 in Bishops Stortford. It has since changed with 3 now able to be seen in Harlow each day.

Week 2 added unexpected variety but spoilt the presentation of a consistent new image with the appearance of vehicles in NIBS colours in service. There was also a Galloway liveried vehicle on ferry duties.

July 2023

Arriva

An unexpeted entrant to local service and representing a class of 1 in the local fleet was Wrightbus Streetlite DF 2310 (GN14DXW). First reported as seeing service on 3rd July, it has since left.

A more familar, regular and less-travelled visitor on 27th and 28th July was Solo 2484 (YK07BEO) from Ware, now known to have been exchanged with slimline 2482 (YJ07VRF).

Central Connect

Central Connect will be losing a small part of their presence in town when, from 31st July, Stevensons will take over the 5 (Bus station to Sumners Farm) and 14 (Bus Station and Pinnacles) services along with Bishops Stortford/Stansted area services 7/7A and 306.

Back on usual operations, Scania 2004 (YP59OES) has risen again, so the operational fleet strength of the class is back up to 5.

Vectare

Vectare have announced some minor enhancements to their services effective 24th July. Routes involved include the local 20 in Harlow and the 13/14/18/22 groups on the Waltham Cross, Waltham Abbey, Upshire, Epping, North Weald, Ongar corridor. Details can be found at here. There is a noteworthy criticism of ECC, who fund the 418, under the 18/418 heading! On route 505 the single Monday to Friday journey deviation via Sumners is withdrawn.

On the vehicle front, new entrants noted in service are Mercedes Benz Sprinter/EVM Citylines 217 (RX23TUV) and 218 (RX23TUW). Both are in a white based livery with the former noted without logos or fleet numbers. 218 is pictured here.

Other news

As reported above, a new operator in town will start in the form of Stevensons of Essex. I believe this is the first time they have reached Harlow. Their website at https://stephensonsofessex.com/ includes an enthusiasts page with a full fleet list. It will be possible to see 2 vehicles per day in Harlow (see August for first operational details).

Essex County Council have started a consultation on supported services. Whilst most won't change, a number are shown as "at risk" unless usage picks up after 2 more years, including the 14, Saturday 505, evening/Sunday 418/418B. The evening service on route 6 is flagged for withdrawal. Full details here.



June 2023

Arriva

Arriva have now re-liveried a fourth VDL/Pulsar, this time fleet number 3772, FL63DXC (strictly speaking it returned to service on 30th May). This leaves only 1 of the fleet (3756) in inter-urban livery, although 4 are still in light blue. It is seen here on the 1 service.

Further to last month's report, Mercedes Sprinter 1012 (BF67WGJ) has made some more unexpected appearances in service during the month, including the 1 on 14th (as seen here) and the 2 and 6/8 on 15th.

Central Connect

Central Connect news will appear here.

Vectare

Vectare have added another Mercedes/EVM Citiline to the fleet. RX23TKV is fleet number 214.

Other news

Other news will appear here.

May 2023

Arriva

And then there were 3. VDL SB200/Wrightbus Pulsar 2 3797 (FL63DXF) has appeared in the new Green Line 724 the livery.

A couple of vehicles seemingly removed from service since the recent reductions:

1459 (KE54OSU) Optare Solo
3752 (YJ08DZB) VDL SB200/Wrightbus Pulsar

Mercedes Sprinter 1012 (BF67WGJ) has been noted back at Harlow (it's recently been Ware-based) mainly on crew shuttles but also as a late night/early morning substitute on the 724, no less.

Central Connect

Reports of the demise of the Optare Solo here seem to have proved premature. SGZ2221 (previously WX05RUC) and still in a very tired version of First Barbie livery, is back in operation.

Vectare

A serious RTC involved Enviro200MMC 320 (SN16OVP) which colided with a van whilst in service on route 505. Ten passengers had to be treated. A local news report gives a litttle more information here.

Other news

The Harlow running day took place on 21st May, celebrating 60 years of operations from Harlow Garage, as planned. A lot of nice bright sunny pictures can be found from a few local Flickr contributors here.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/keith-v/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/33955525@N05
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanstedtransportphotos

Our own photographer, Richard Hudson, caputured these.



April 2023

Arriva

Arriva's parent company, Deutsche Bahn in Germany, have made in known that UK bus operations are up for sale. This is not for the first time, but I'm sure that pre and immediately post pandemic, the prospect of buying a bus operation would hardly be an attractive one. This time might be different. It would take some dramatic change of style for any new owner to be able to change the culture of managed decline that has now set in.

Central Connect

Central Connect news is that the last remaining Solo, SGZ2221 (see January news below) is now dumped out of service. This means that the baton for most senior vehicle in operational service is handed to 16-year old Dart/East Lancs (remember them!) PO56JFE that was new to Metrobus.

Vectare

Vectare duly started thier operation of the 505 on 17th April. 321 is at Harlow Town Station on the first day the route has served that location under the new arrangements. Note that destination displays for Waltham Cross have not yet been programmed. Vectare are also yet to post the updated timetable on their website (as of 23th April).

Other news

Respected blogger and industry figure Roger French posted about the recent Arriva service reductions. Click here for details.

March 2023

Arriva

It's back! 3771, in its new Green Line livery, seen operating on local services (route 10) on 4th March. Not only that, but it’s also been joined by 3798 (FL63DXG). It looks like the repaint programme is back on and that a brand for Green Line is being developed again, even if it doesn't have too much green and there is no line!

The once mighty Volvo/Wright fleet is now down to 4 operational examples, 3873 (KE57EPA) and 3883 (KX11PVE) having been dumped out of use at the back of the garage.

Arriva have announced some reductions to services from 17th April:

2 and 3 - Saturdays reduced to every 30 mins.
6 - reduced to hourly.
8 - reduced to hourly.
9 - withdrawn (last day of operation 15th April)
86 - withdrawn (last day of operation 14th April - see Vectare below)
59 - to omit Old Harlow on outbound journeys.
508/9/10 - reduced frequency on Saturdays.

Central Connect

No news this month.

Vectare

Vectare have been awarded a contract to replace the Monday to Friday 86. It will be numbered 505, but otherwise operate to the same route (Harlow to Waltham Cross) and timetable as today's 86. The existing Saturday service is unchanged so still operates only Harlow to Waltham Abbey.

Other news

Harlow Running Day is coming on 21 May. Full details are not yet relased but a teaser is here.

February 2023
Arriva
	Arriva arrival this month, from Hemel Hempstead is VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar 3752 (YJ08DZB). First noted in service on 9th on Stansted routes, it is in the increasingly rare Arriva Max livery. 3771, and with it the new Green Line livery, seem to have been banished from operational existance.
Central Connect
	Central Connect are opening a depot in Riverway, a location previously used by Buzz, Olympian, Trustybus, Centrebus and Associated Coachways previously (not the exact one but the same road). The first vehicle to be noted there was Scania YP59OEW on Sunday 5th. A week later, as shown, it was a little busier.
Vectare
	Vectare news is that we are now up to four examples of former CT Plus short Enviro200MMCs. SN16OVR is now fleet number 321.
Other news
	Plans have been released to regenerate the bus station. Full details at https://www.harlow.gov.uk/news/plans-approved-redevelopment-bus-station

January 2023
Arriva
	Really not much to report. Perhaps noteworthy is that, following the repaint of 3771 into a new Green Line livery last month, not only have no more appeared, appearances by 3771 in service have been very rare indeed.
Central Connect
	The Optare Solo is in it's dying days at Central Connect. By the end of 2022 they had all ceased to operate. Then late in January an old stalwart resurfaced. Because it was never painted into company colours, I never expected it to stay, but WX05RUC, re-registered to SGZ221, now enters its third year of operation.
Vectare
	A third example of former CT Plus short Enviro200MMCs has been noted in service. SN16OVP is now fleet number 320 and is seen in service on the 31 on 21 January 2023.
Other news

Former operator pages
(Not up to date)

Go-Ahead London
NIBS
EOS London
LCB Travel
Olympian/Roadrunner
Townlink
Regal
L ondon Bus Co.
Uno (Flickr)

Please note that this is an unofficial site, and whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, no claims can be entertained for losses caused by any errors or omissions here, or through any shortcomings on the part of the operators themselves. We would be grateful if any errors could be notified to us, in order that we can make a prompt correction. Any suggestions, comments or other forms of feedback are most welcome. This site acknowledges the support provided by local operators, but is not directly linked with any operator.

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xx 2024

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