Kent bus scene http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/ 21 rows en-gb 60 New Chatham road for buses http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c1694144.html New Chatham road for buses Thursday 7 May 2009: New Chatham road for buses

The temporary road at the junction with Chatham High Street The temporary road is oveshadowed on the right by the remains of the Theatre Royal The temporary road showing a closed bank and Listed Building at the junction with Chatham High Street The temporary road at the junction with Chatham High Street The temporary road at the junction with Chatham High Street The temporary road at the junction with Chatham High Street The temporary road at the junction with Chatham High Street Road resurfacing in Manor Road, Chatham The Theatre Royal The Theatre Royal

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]]> Thu May 7 2009 Kent Top Travel - Park & Ride http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c1612966.html When Kent Top Travel - a limited company set up by Kent County Council to force down the price of contracts - won the Canterbury Park & Ride contract in 2008 it introduced a fleet of new Volvo/East Lancs vehicles, including the first of the new Esteem saloon bodies (on B7RLE chassis), and B9TL/Olympus doubledeckers. Monday 17 November 2008: When Kent Top Travel - a limited company set up by Kent County Council to force down the price of contracts - won the Canterbury Park & Ride contract in 2008 it introduced a fleet of new Volvo/East Lancs vehicles, including the first of the new Esteem saloon bodies (on B7RLE chassis), and B9TL/Olympus doubledeckers.

305 (PO58 KPU) 305 (PO58 KPU) 305 (PO58 KPU) 307 (PO58 KPX) 305 (PO58 KPU) 304 (PO58 KPT) 305 (PO58 KPU) 302 (PO58 KPP), another Volvo B9TL/Optare Olympus 302 (PO58 KPP) 303 (PO58 KPR) 302 (PO58 KPP) , with 303 (PO58 KPR) behind 303 (PO58 KPR) 301 (PO58 KPN) is a Volvo B9TL with Optare olympus bodywork for use on the |Canterbury Park and Ride services PO58 KPY, another Volvom B7RLE/Optare Esteem B43F 305 (PO58 KPU) is a Volvo B7RLE with Optare Esteem B43F bodywork, also for the Canterbury Park and Ride services PO58 KPY 307 (PO58 KPX) 301 (PO58 KPN) 302 (PO58 KPP) 303 (PO58 KPR) 306 (PO58 KPV) 305 (PO58 KPU) 305 (PO58 KPU) 305 (PO58 KPU)

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]]> Mon Nov 17 2008 Dover Port buses http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c1491471.html Dover Port buses Friday 11 April 2008: Dover Port buses

P&O Ferries R818 WJA (Optare L1150/B29D) and W438 CJX (Optare L1180/B40F) P&O Ferries 3 (R105 VLX), a former London-based Marshall Midibus, pictured on ferry shuttle duties at Dover where it is leaving a ferry after dropping a number of foot passengers. Crosskeys, Folkestone GN57 DAU is a Seafrance, Dover shuttle bus. It is an Enviro 200. P&O Ferries 3 (R109 VLX) is a former London Transport Marshall Midibus, ML 109. P&O Ferries 1 (W438 CWX)

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]]> Fri Apr 11 2008 Derelict in Kent http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c1449739.html Derelict in Kent Tuesday 29 January 2008: Derelict in Kent

Hulks and others Optare saloon, identifiable by the fleet number SAS Travel, Medway SJI 3927 was an extremely rare Van Rooijen Oddysee body AW Travel, Gravesend LIB 8537 was a 1982 Leyland Tiger TRCTL11/3R with Duple Caribbean bodywork, new to Cavalier, Hounslow as JNM 753Y SAS Travel, Medway SJI 3927 was an extremely rare Van Rooijen Oddysee body PGC 340V, a Leyland Leopard PSU5C.4R with the remains of its Plaxton Spreme C50F body, was new to Richmond, Epsom YMA 696, new as Tentrek, Sidcup A764 HGX was a Volvo B10M-61 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork AW Travel, Gravesend LIB 8537 was a 1982 Leyland Tiger TRCTL11/3R with Duple Caribbean bodywork, new to Cavalier, Hounslow as JNM 753Y

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]]> Tue Jan 29 2008 Nu-Venture service 123 http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c1287291.html Service 123 is subsidised by Kent County Council to provide a link between West Malling station and the former RAF West Malling airfield, now better known as Kings Hill. Nu-Venture operate the three Dennis Dart/Pointers (721 - 723) acquired for the operation. They meet all the trains. With the opening of a new by pass linking the M20 with Kings Hill it was inevitable there would be aspirations for an improved rail service. A transport interchange has been built with easy access from the by pass, and from the end of May 2007, most buses use this to access the station, rather than wending round the ocuntry lane from West Malling village originally used. Saturday 26 May 2007: Service 123 is subsidised by Kent County Council to provide a link between West Malling station and the former RAF West Malling airfield, now better known as Kings Hill. Nu-Venture operate the three Dennis Dart/Pointers (721 - 723) acquired for the operation. They meet all the trains. With the opening of a new by pass linking the M20 with Kings Hill it was inevitable there would be aspirations for an improved rail service. A transport interchange has been built with easy access from the by pass, and from the end of May 2007, most buses use this to access the station, rather than wending round the ocuntry lane from West Malling village originally used.

Nu-Venture, Aylesford 721 (SN53 LWN) at West Malling station, operating the shuttle from King's Hill a fortnight before the service was re-routed to use the West Malling by pass Nu-Venture, Aylesford 721 (SN53 LWN) at West Malling station, operating the shuttle from King's Hill a week before the service was re-routed to use the West Malling by pass Nu-Venture, Aylesford 721 (SN53 LWN) at West Malling station, operating the shuttle from King's Hill a week before the service was re-routed to use the West Malling by pass Nu-Venture, Aylesford 721 (SN53 LWN) at West Malling station, operating the shuttle from King's Hill a week before the service was re-routed to use the West Malling by pass Nu-Venture, Aylesford 721 (SN53 LWN) at West Malling station, operating the shuttle from King's Hill a week before the service was re-routed to use the West Malling by pass Nu-Venture, Aylesford 721 (SN53 LWN) leaves West Malling station for the village, a route that was ended later that month in favour of direct use of the West Malling by pass to King's Hill.

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]]> Sat May 26 2007 Farleigh (and Dansway), Wouldham http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c1185753.html Farleigh (and Dansway), Wouldham Monday 15 January 2007: Farleigh (and Dansway), Wouldham

TCT 51 in the yard but owned by Turner, Nettlestead. It is a Caetano-bodied DAF MB230 new as E179 KNH. LFR 873X in West Malling town centre with one of the ex-Maidstone and District Leyland Olympians still being operated by Arriva. The Leyland National came to Kent via Circle Line, Gloucester OJE 533, a DAF SBR2300 DHS585/Jonckheere P99 CH71CT is owned by Manchester *(trading as Days) of Ditton. It was new as A48 JLW. D957 NDA was ex-West Midland Travel London Transport VC 2 (G102 NGN) dominates the view of the Farleigh, Wouldham yard, with ex-Rhymney Valley 16 (YBO 16T), Ribble 873 (LFR 873X), ex-Rhymney Valley A71 VTX (Leyland Tiger/East Lancs) and Crosville CTL50 (B150 ALG) OJE 533 (new as A48 JLW) with YBO 16T TCT 51, D957 NDA and OJE 533 TJI 8788 (Setra S215HD), TCT 51 (DAF/Caetano) and D957 NDA (MCW Metrobus) DS 8736 and M4 PJT YBO 16T, HUD 479S and LFR 873S Marshhopper A71 VTX is now awaiting restoration in the yard of Farleigh, Wouldham. DS 8736 is a Setra S215HR/C55F that was new as H435 GVL Flexibus, Ireland 42 (MXI 6786) now parked at Farleigh, Wouldham. West Kent Hire NUW 595Y has done the rounds of Kent operators since its sale by London Transport (T 595). It is here seen at Farleigh, Wouldham. XRR 298S was new as Derby 298 ANA 600Y was new to Greater Manchester as its 8600. It is a Leyland Atlantean AN68D.1R with Northern Counties bodywork but sporting an Olympian grille. J705 CGK, lying derelict in the Wouldham yard after being sold a year before by Nu-Venture. It was new as London Transport MRL 206. Unidentified London Transport T-type Titan, parked up at Farleigh, Wouldham. XRR 298S, a Daimler Fleetline with Northern Counties bodywork XRR 298S, a Daimler Fleetline with Northern Counties bodywork CXI 5971 G382 MWU is a Leyland Lynx that was new to Harrogate and District as its 382 Thorpe BYW 395V was new as London Transport LS 395 WFM 815L was last with Hoverspeed Fast Ferries. It is seen in the yard. It started life as Crosville SNL 815. DCA 31S is parked in the yard at Farleigh, Wouldham. It is a Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R that has retained its original registration through thick and thin. DMS 410 (JGF 410K) Dansway, Wouldham E246 RBE is a Mercedes Benz 307D with Coachcraft 12-seat bodywork. JGF 410K has spent almost three times as long with the independent Kent operator than it did as London Transport DMS 410, having been in Kent since 1984. G102 NGN bounces its way along the track to Farleigh, Wouldham's yard. Anything above 3mph is likely to shatter the springs. G102 NGN bounces its way along the track to Farleigh, Wouldham's yard. Anything above 3mph is likely to shatter the springs. G102 NGN came from Grampian, Five Ash Down. It is a Volvo B10M-50with Northern Counties DPH80D bodywork G102 NGN Farleigh, Wouldham LFR 873X came from Circle Line, Cheltenham

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]]> Mon Jan 15 2007 Restoration of A2 footbridge, Rainham http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c991246.html The A2 footbridge at Rainham, a wellknown stop in the medway Towns, was struck by a lorry. The Chatham-bound carriageway flyover was removed for structural checks. These pictures show the bridge being returned to its rightful place. Wednesday 14 June 2006: The A2 footbridge at Rainham, a wellknown stop in the medway Towns, was struck by a lorry. The Chatham-bound carriageway flyover was removed for structural checks. These pictures show the bridge being returned to its rightful place.

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]]> Wed Jun 14 2006 Kentish Bus http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c963366.html Kentish Bus Saturday 20 May 2006: Kentish Bus

CEF 231Y, ex United 231 A244 GHN was formerly United 244 KPJ 265W KPJ 277W KPC 279W Kentish Bus E701 XKR was new to Maidstone Boroline BPL 493T in the colours of Kentish Bus BPL 493T EPD 515V BPL 493T BPL 493T BPL 493T with, beyond it, G41 HKY, a Scania K93/Plaxton saloon of Trans City, Sidcup BPL 493T H813 EKJ was formerly with Maidstone Boroline as its 813. It was a Leyland Lynx LX2R11G15Z4S type 867 (E673 DCU) 867 (E673 DCU)

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]]> Sat May 20 2006 Maidstone and District vehicles http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c954074.html Maidstone and District vehicles Wednesday 10 May 2006: Maidstone and District vehicles

MCW Metrobus MCW Metrobus Mercedes Benz - Plaxton 3464 (J464 MKL) was a high-floor Dennis Dart 5032 (KJD 106P) was London Transport DMS 2106. It is seen picking up in Canterbury Street, Gillingham on the former 115 service to Hempstead Village SO 224 (YKR 224) 5385 (LKP 385P) SO 224 (YKR 224) SO 224 (YKR 224) 5385 (LKP 385P) 2908 (R908 BKO) after it was transferred to New Enterprise is seen in Victoria, London. It is a DAF SB3000 bodied by Plaxton as a C53F coach

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]]> Wed May 10 2006 Medway Festival of Steam & Transport, 17-4-2006 http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c926788.html Medway Festival of Steam & Transport, 17-4-2006 Monday 17 April 2006: Medway Festival of Steam & Transport, 17-4-2006

DM 6228 and GLS 443 (GUW 443W) Go Ahead GLS 443 (GUW 443W) East Lancs logo NHA 589F, a Bedford VAM70/Plaxton Panorama I, which finished its operating days as a farm transport JMT SV 6107 RM 6 (VLT 6) in the Queen's Golden Jubilee livery, with RM 2217 Eastern Coachworks bodyplate in an Eastern Counties Bristol RELH6L Eastern Counties Bristol RELH6L, ex National Travel South East RMC 1464 (464 CLT), an open-topped Routemaster coach GS 15 (MXX 315) Western Welsh 145 (ABO 145B), an AEC reliance with Harrington bodywork Western Welsh fleetname Barton fleetname Barton PS1 with Willowbrook L61RD rebody RT 935 (JXN 325) RM 6 (VLT 6) - detail Leyland TD1 Titan radiator Leyland logo from 1929 SV 6107 - All-Leyland TD1 platform JMT logo Leyland flare on a TD1 Titan Panorama I Bedford makers' badge British Road Services logo Pickford VXD 530, a heavy-haulage Scammell named Resolute P940 OKO - miniature Foden steam lorry Foden steam wagon D 9079 ME 2103, an Aveling and Porter road roller Marshall NO 1449 - Fowler Static dockyard steam engine Steaming lorries and rollers Steam engine lineup Aveling and Porter logo Henschel steam road roller of 1953 Aveling and Porter, Rochester, plate PT 832 PT 832 AA 5014 - 1912 Wallis and Steevens TD 264 BYL 485 Newquay Steam Ales' TW 4207, a Foden steam lorry PB 9888 - 1912 Marshall named Edna Laura Newquay Steam Ales' TW 4207, a Foden steam lorry Barclay naval dockyard tank Kent water tender, now in preservation Beckenham chemical fire engine dating from 1902 Land Rover fire appliance, DMB 903X Wiltshire Fire Service (Trowbridge) Dodge 50 fire appliance, FHR 622W

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]]> Mon Apr 17 2006 Fastrack - Gravesend historic run http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c895811.html The Kent Thameside Delivery Board which funds and supervises Fastrack organised a historic mini-bus rally between Northfleet and Gravesend to draw attention to the new services a week before the first 14 Volvo B7/Wright-bodied Fastrack vehicles went into service from Arriva's Northfleet depot. With 3801, numerically the first Fastrack vehicle, two 50-year-old London Transport Green Line vehicles accompanied her on the run, sporting Northfleet running plates, and featuring Northfleet depot route blinds. RF 269 appeared with 725 running boards, whilst Green Line RT 3254 (LLU 613) - one of the small number of Weymann-bodied RT8/1-types - ran on the 498 service. Saturday 3 January 2004: The Kent Thameside Delivery Board which funds and supervises Fastrack organised a historic mini-bus rally between Northfleet and Gravesend to draw attention to the new services a week before the first 14 Volvo B7/Wright-bodied Fastrack vehicles went into service from Arriva's Northfleet depot. With 3801, numerically the first Fastrack vehicle, two 50-year-old London Transport Green Line vehicles accompanied her on the run, sporting Northfleet running plates, and featuring Northfleet depot route blinds. RF 269 appeared with 725 running boards, whilst Green Line RT 3254 (LLU 613) - one of the small number of Weymann-bodied RT8/1-types - ran on the 498 service.

RT 3254 (LLU 613) runs through Northfleet with 498 Gravesend on the blind RT 3254 (LLU 613) runs into Gravesend RT 3254 (LLU 613) heads out of Gravesend. The Fastrack lane is marked in red on the left hand side. 3801 (GN06 EVG) runs through Northfleet on the Fastrack run to Gravesend RT 3254 (LLU 613) RF 269 (MLL 806) 3801 (GN06 EVG) 3801 (GN06 EVG) 3801 (GN06 EVG) 3801 (GN06 EVG) 3801 (GN06 EVG) RT 3254 (LLU 613) RF 269 (MLL 806) RF 269 (MLL 806) RF 269 (MLL 806) RT 3254 (LLU 613) RT 3254 (LLU 613) makes an interesting cab comparison with Arriva/Fastrack 3801 RF 269 (MLL 806) 3801 (GN06 EVG) in Northfleet 3801 (GN06 EVG) RF 269 (MLL 806) in Northfleet 3801 (GN06 EVG) heads out of Gravesend 3801 (GN06 EVG) with the reserved carriageway on the left 3801 (GN06 EVG) RF 269 (MLL 806) runs out of Gravesend

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]]> Sat Jan 3 2004 Opentop tour of Chatham regeneration places http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c884062.html Opentop tour of Chatham regeneration places Wednesday 8 March 2006: Opentop tour of Chatham regeneration places

The Chatham two-way system will replace the current one-way operation dating from the 1970s. Ensign, Rainham 382 (EU04 CUW), the Volvo B7TL/Ayats opentopper used for the launch of the Chatham regeneration project Ensign, Rainham 382 (EU04 CUW), the Volvo B7TL/Ayats opentopper used for the launch of the Chatham regeneration project Ensign, Rainham 382 (EU04 CUW), the Volvo B7TL/Ayats opentopper used for the launch of the Chatham regeneration project, leaves Queens Road, and enters the one-way system soon to be restored to two-way working.

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]]> Wed Mar 8 2006 Coaches in Kent http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c760317.html Coaches in Kent Saturday 12 November 2005: Coaches in Kent

Gillingham Marching Band had a sizeable (if battered) fleet. The coach was YUD 122J. I never did ascertain theidentity of the Willowbrook vehicle on the right that was replaced because of the accident damage. Express Safety Coaches' MT 5760, a normal-control Gilford painted up for the Dover - London service Reliance, Gravesend TKJ 769X Driver, Medway ran APH 527T, a short Volvo B58 with Plaxton C53F bodywork West Kingsdown F904 YNV, a Jonckheere-bodied Volvo B10M Kent County Council Passenger Services' 214 (GN55 FDM), one of a batch of Volvo B7R/Plaxton C70DL used on school work [Alan O. Watkins Colln] David Grasby's ex-Smith Wigan C328 DND, a Volvo B10M/Van Hool Logan, Southfleet P163 ANR was a Dennis Javelin with Caetano bodywork Logan, Southfleet Q157 KKL was a unique Ikarus lhd (converted to rhd) Lehane, Sturry LIW 8684 was a Vovlo B10M-62 with Plaxton body new as N358 WHH to Messenger, Aspatria Lewis P903 FMO was a Dennis Javelin with Berkhof bodywork Lewis L528 XUT, a Volvo B10M-61/Jonchkeere Streamline, Maidstone T33 SET is an Autobus Classique-bodied Mercedes Benz O814D Alan Dawney, Gillingham FG52 WRL is an MAN 18.310 with Caetano Enigma bodywork, seen at Farthing Corner coastbound services on the M2 motorway Ham, Flimwell, Kent N60 HAM was a Volvo B10M-62 with Plaxton Premiere bodywork, new to Bebb, Llantwit Major, but acquired from Fowler, Holbeach PIL 3520, a Bova Futura, passing through the Dartford tolls Lux, Tenterden YJ55 EYS at Aylesford Priory. It is a Mercedes Benz O815DT with Sitcar Beluga bodywork L&M, Herne Bay RIB 6197, a Setra S210H new as F 81 GGC with R&I, London SW7 G&S, Ramsgate G380 REG is a former National Express Expressliner that belonged to Premier, Cambridge (380) G&S, Ramsgate G380 REG was a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Expressliner new to Premier, Cambridge G&S, Ramsgate G377 REG, a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Expressliner new to Premier, Cambridge G&S, Ramsgate G377 REG and G380 REG, two of their three ex-Premier Travel Volvo/Plaxton Expressliners G&S, Ramsgate G377 REG, a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Expressliner new to Premier, Cambridge G&S, Ramsgate G378 REG, a former National Expressliner Scotland and Bates, WA06 CDO is a Volvo B12M with Van Hool bodywork Ham, Flitwell S4 HAM is a late Volvo B10M-62 with Berkhof Axial 50 bodywork pictured attending a religious ocnvention in Gillingham Carr, Pluckley K578 RGT was a Volvo B10M-60 with Van Hool C48FT bodywork. It was much re-registered, but began life in 1998 as Armchair, Brentford K290 GDT. Owens, Sidcup. Note that the registration plate has fallen off. MIB 5354 Berks Bucks 759 (F634 UBL) as MAnn, Gravesend MIB 5354 Crosskeys, Folkestone G788 URY, one of four Bova Futuras bought in 1989 and still going strong G&S, Ramsgate M38 TRR was new to Skill, Nottingham as their number 38 Silvergrey, Rye V800 DSB, an Ayats A3E/BRI M.A.N.-engined Ayats Bravo 1 doubledeck. It has had several identities. It ioriginated with Chambers, Moneymore as HJI 5827. Carr, Pluckley K578 RGT. It is a much re-registered Volvo B10M-60/Van Hool that began life as K290 GDT with Armchair, Brentford Carr, Pluckley K578 RGT Plan-It, Orpington BX56 VUS is a Setra S416 GT-HD New Enterprise, Maidstone R908 BKO and R903 BKO, both DAF SB 3000 with Plaxton bodies seen in the Green Line terminal at Bulleid Way, Victoria Travel Partners, Hoo WA06 GRK, a Sitcar-bodied Mercedes-Benz O815DT Travel Partners, Hoo YN54 WFD with Esker bodywork on its Mercedes-Benz 1223L chassis New Enterprise, Maidstone W198 CDN is a DAF DE33WS SB3000 with Ikarus coachwork, here pictured at the RHS gardens at Wisley Owen, Sidcup R500 SPK was new to the National Express subsidiary, Speedlink, where it ran as their D 25, a number befitting a DAF SB3000 DJ Coaches, Dartford R194 LBC is a MAN with Caetano bodywork which was new to Brooks, Yateley Plan-It, Maidstone VX51 RDU was new to Aston, Birmingham. It is a Scania L94IB with Van Hool bodywork. Owen, Sidcup KBZ 6282 was new to Flights Hallmark, being a Volvo B10M with Plaxton bodywork. New Enterprise, Maidstone 0322 (YX08 HWG) New Enterprise, Maidstone 0321 (YX08 HWF) New Enterprise, Maidstone 0322 (YX08 HWG) with sister 0321 (YX08 HWF) behind Llewellyn, Tonbridge N12 PCC is a Scania K113CRB with Irizar bodywork that was new to Smith, Lincoln Llewellyn, Tonbridge N12 PCC, a Scania K113CRB, and Pacific, Benfleet M34 LHP, a Scania K113 TRBAA. Both have Irizar bodies. Llewellyn, Tonbridge N12 PCC, a Scania K113CRB, and Pacific, Benfleet M34 LHP, a Scania K113 TRBAA. Both have Irizar bodies.

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]]> Sat Nov 12 2005 School buses http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c752901.html School buses Sunday 6 November 2005: School buses

Arriva 7632 (G632 BPH) Kent County Council Passenger Services' 214 (GN55 FDM), a Volvo B7R/Plaxton C70F. They currently have seven in service. [Alan o. Watkins Colln] Invictabus (Nu-Venture, Aylesford) 813 (LK55 ABX) is a BMC 1100FE/DP55FL school bus used in Medway. Rochester Cathedral and Bridge as a backcloth Invictabus (Nu-Venture, Aylesford) 813 (LK55 ABX) is a BMC 1100FE/DP55FL school bus used in Medway. Invictabus (Nu-Venture, Aylesford) 813 (LK55 ABX) is a BMC 1100FE/DP55FL school bus used in Medway. Arriva 7624 (G624 BPH) [1] Arriva 7624 (G624 BPH) [2] Arriva 7626 (G626 BPH) [1] Arriva 7626 (G626 BPH) [2] Arriva 7627 (G627 BPH) Redroute, Northfleet MCY 188M, a 1973 Leyland Leopard/Plaxton Elite that began life as YWE 506M, and still giving loyal service 33 years later as a Medway school bus. But is it right for such old vehicles to be used to transport children? Invictabus, Aylesford 813 (LK55 ABX) Redroute, Northfleet MCY 188M, a 1973 Leyland Leopard/Plaxton Elite that began life as YWE 506M, and still giving loyal service 33 years later as a Medway school bus. But is it right for such old vehicles to be used to transport children? Redroute, Northfleet MCY 188M with a full school load Redroute, Northfleet MCY 188M Dave Skinner, Lordswood R804 GGO is an ex-Post Office LDV used on a Medway Council school transport Medway Minibus Travel, Rainham V368 DFT is a Cres-bodied LDV Convoy SAS, Strood R716 CBD Collinson, Gillingham W997 TAW is their only vehicle. The Ford Ytansit trades as Collo's Minibus Travel Redroute, Northfleet 24 (494 WYA), a Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount 3500 formerly A420 HND Redroute, Northfleet, MCY 188M, a 1974 Leyland PSU3B/4R Leopard with Plaxton bodywork, was new to Hebble as YWE 506M Redroute, Northfleet 494 WYA M1263 (B263 WUL) operating as school transport at the Hadlow College in Kent Gemini Travel BJ03 FLV YR07 ZWF YR07 ZWF Express Travel P983 JKP SAS, Gillingham (nosv) GF51 YMX is an LDV Convoy

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]]> Sun Nov 6 2005 ASD, Strood http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c752637.html This operator was started by the engineering-skilled Dosanjh family to provide specialised local authority transport for the elderly and for schools. It has now branched out into stage carriage provision, and increasingly uses larger size vehicles - though specialist buses are still in service. The fleet livery is white and blue. Green and yellow Volvo B6s were a corporate colour scheme used for Strood tunnel replacement shuttle which ASD operated alongside King's Ferry and Ensignbus. The first generation MCW 'deckers have gone, with Olympians and Scanias now appearing on the streets of Medway. The operating premises now features a fully-equipped inspection facility. It provides Britain's first all-type inspection facility for the Transport Inspectors between 0800 and 1500 hrs, is available at other times, but additionally provides full maintenance facilities for the company. It reflects the love of the founder, "Ash" Dosanjh, for vehicle engineering. Sunday 6 November 2005: This operator was started by the engineering-skilled Dosanjh family to provide specialised local authority transport for the elderly and for schools. It has now branched out into stage carriage provision, and increasingly uses larger size vehicles - though specialist buses are still in service. The fleet livery is white and blue. Green and yellow Volvo B6s were a corporate colour scheme used for Strood tunnel replacement shuttle which ASD operated alongside King's Ferry and Ensignbus. The first generation MCW 'deckers have gone, with Olympians and Scanias now appearing on the streets of Medway. The operating premises now features a fully-equipped inspection facility. It provides Britain's first all-type inspection facility for the Transport Inspectors between 0800 and 1500 hrs, is available at other times, but additionally provides full maintenance facilities for the company. It reflects the love of the founder, "Ash" Dosanjh, for vehicle engineering.

T789 KNW, specially liveried for the 197 service Mercedes Benz/Alexander KYV 753X (nearest camera) and GOG 262W. GOG 138W and B205 WUL XAM 730A was a Bova Futura, new to Amos, Eydon ANA 109Y was new to Greater Manchester L881 MWB is a Mercedes Benz 609D with Cunliffe DP15FL body that was new to Derbyshire County Council J 8 ASD is a Mercedes 814D with Cunliffe DP32FL bodywork that was new to West Midlands Special Needs Transport in Birmingham with registration J461 SOH L881 NWB again, seen on a local school run from Hundred of Hoo School K864 ODY, ex Stagecoach devon K864 ODY, a Merc/Alexander minibus M429 RDC, operating in Wigmore M432 RDC at the Medway sailing village of Lower Upnor LWS 33Y, a former Bristol OC Leyland Olympian with Roe bodywork N662 FLR [1] is a Ford Transit with Pentagon B10FL body N662 FLR [2] J 8 ASD J 8 ASD M432 RDC in Rainham (Kent) station yard M432 RDC is a former OK Motors/Go Ahead Northern Volvo B6/Alexander, pictured meeting commuters at Rainham (Kent) station, for the evening run to Parkwood R629 SJM is an Optare MR17 new to Reading as its 629. It is seen at Rainham (Kent) station R629 SJM R629 SJM in front of the Pentagon Shopping Centre R629 SJM in Chatham High Street is an Optare Metrorider MR17 with B25F bodywork. It was new to Reading as their 629. J380 BWU, a former West Riding Leyland Lynx II J380 BWU, a 62-seat Leyland Lynx T789 KNW in its new livery makes the twice weekly run around Lower Stoke T789 KNW in its new livery makes the twice weekly run around Lower Stoke T789 KNW in its new livery makes the twice weekly run around Lower Stoke T789 KNW in its new livery makes the twice weekly run around Lower Stoke

Published in Kent bus scene

]]> Sun Nov 6 2005 Medway Service 197 http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c751113.html Medway is the largest conurbation in the South East anywhere between the outskirts of London and Portsmouth. It has a population of 250,000, set to rise to 300,000 within 20 years. But it still has enormous areas of countryside and deeply rural communities. The 197 service is a Medway Council-supported service operated by ASD Coaches of Strood with a former Optare demonstrator, T789 KNW. It runs from Chatham - the future city centre of Medway and the Thames Gateway - to the Isle of Grain. Most days it operates only to Lower Upnor, but twice a week it runs on to the Stokes. The Potteries may have a Stoke (on Trent), but Medway has Stoke, Lower Stoke and Upper Stoke. And a handful of loyal customers for the Tuesday and Friday runs across the Hoo peninsula. Friday 4 November 2005: Medway is the largest conurbation in the South East anywhere between the outskirts of London and Portsmouth. It has a population of 250,000, set to rise to 300,000 within 20 years. But it still has enormous areas of countryside and deeply rural communities. The 197 service is a Medway Council-supported service operated by ASD Coaches of Strood with a former Optare demonstrator, T789 KNW. It runs from Chatham - the future city centre of Medway and the Thames Gateway - to the Isle of Grain. Most days it operates only to Lower Upnor, but twice a week it runs on to the Stokes. The Potteries may have a Stoke (on Trent), but Medway has Stoke, Lower Stoke and Upper Stoke. And a handful of loyal customers for the Tuesday and Friday runs across the Hoo peninsula.

17. T789 KNW reaches the civilian areas of Chattenden 18. Arriving in Lower Upnor: On the return journey, the Optare Solo runs into Lower Upnor. 15. T789 KNW in Chattenden. 16. T789 KNW picks its way through the former army barracks village of Chattenden. This area is expected to become a 7,000 home redevelopment township in the next few years. 6. The hill is on the Isle of Sheppey, which has a new bridge link with the mainland. Here it is nearing completion in the distant right. Plans are well advanced to develop the shore on the opposite side of the Medway estuary. 5. The cranes mark the location of Thamesport, one of the busiest container ports in Britain. The bus has just left Lower Stoke on Stoke Road towards Chatham 3. T789 KNW with the 800-foot high chimney of Grain power station in the distance. This area could soon change with plans by BP for 14 500-foot high wind generators to the left of the chimney. 19. In Lower Upnor. It goes to the end of the road, turns and heads out of Lower Upnor past the Medway marinas 20. T789 KNW with a typical ex-Royal Naval dockyard crane behind it in Lower Upnor. 2. T789 KNW in Upper Stoke. 1. T789 KNW at the stop in Upper Stoke 9. T789 KNW 10. T789 KNW approaches the bridge over the single track branch from Hoo Junction to Thamesport, heading back to Chatham 12. T789 KNW 12. T789 KNW 13. T789 KNW 14. T789 KNW in Malmaynes Road, Kingsnorth 4. T789 KNW in its new livery makes the twice weekly run around Lower Stoke. It is an Optare Solo M920 acquired from London Borough of Waltham Forest (3201) 8. T789 KNW heads for Chatham through the farm fields flanking Malmaynes Road 7. T789 KNW running out of Lower Stoke

Published in Kent bus scene

]]> Fri Nov 4 2005 Fastrack - Thames Gateway plan http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c353398.html Fastrack is intended to be the main method of transporting people around Dartford and Gravesend when the Kent Thameside area (as it is increasingly becoming known) is developed. The network is intended to be green, and the vehicles to break away from the traditional image of grubby buses, full of graffiti, scratched windows and old sweet packets. Quality standards will be expected from the operators and their crews, with much of the money coming from business and from government. Two routes will be running in 2006, and that will expand as the developments take place. Match the network to the present road system and you will find it will run through derelict quarries, but when the system is developed Bluewater - one of the key stops on the network - will have to look to its laurels as a European shopping centre of note: the whole area is set to rival its image, quality and drawing power. For more Fastrack pictures, please look at http://arrivasoutherncounties.fotopic.net/c892799.html Saturday 3 January 2004: Fastrack is intended to be the main method of transporting people around Dartford and Gravesend when the Kent Thameside area (as it is increasingly becoming known) is developed. The network is intended to be green, and the vehicles to break away from the traditional image of grubby buses, full of graffiti, scratched windows and old sweet packets. Quality standards will be expected from the operators and their crews, with much of the money coming from business and from government. Two routes will be running in 2006, and that will expand as the developments take place. Match the network to the present road system and you will find it will run through derelict quarries, but when the system is developed Bluewater - one of the key stops on the network - will have to look to its laurels as a European shopping centre of note: the whole area is set to rival its image, quality and drawing power. For more Fastrack pictures, please look at http://arrivasoutherncounties.fotopic.net/c892799.html

The chosen livery - and the more mundane look for the first generation buses as ordered by Kent County Council. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Dartford: Civic Centre stops before the construction of the Fastrack terminus and the trans,mogrification of Kentish Bus into Arriva Nothing special about the tickets on Fastrack. A common-or-garden Arriva offering. The first impression of the Fastrack vehicles for Dartford and Gravesend's new transport network. This official view bears little similarity with the Volvo B7/Wright saloons that aredue for delivery in January/February 2006 for operation on the network by Arriva. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] The initial Fastrack route system. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Interior of the Wright-bodied Fastrack prototype. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] The first Fastrack vehicle was unveiled at The Thames Gateway Forum on November 22, 2005. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Fastrack's first vehicle - another view at ExCel. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] David George, the brains behind the Fastrack concept. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] 3801 (GN06 EVG) [Courtesy Kent Thameside Partnership; Alan O. Watkins Colln] 3801 (GN06 EVG) [Courtesy Kent Thameside Partnership; Alan O. Watkins Colln] 3801 (GN06 EVG) [Courtesy Kent Thameside Partnership; Alan O. Watkins Colln] The Fastrack road along the cliff edge at Bluewater

Published in Kent bus scene

]]> Sat Jan 3 2004 Dartford Tunnel bus services http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c283640.html London Transport operated five Thames Traders fitted with radically different doubledeck Strachan bodies. They were numbered TT1 to TT5. The lower deck was reserved for the cycles that are banned from the tunnels. The upperdeck involved the riders in a feat of mountaineering unprecedented in any other British doubledeckers. The trial lasted only a short time, and the buses were disposed off through Don Everall in Wolverhampton. But they never saw further use.... Thursday 1 July 2004: London Transport operated five Thames Traders fitted with radically different doubledeck Strachan bodies. They were numbered TT1 to TT5. The lower deck was reserved for the cycles that are banned from the tunnels. The upperdeck involved the riders in a feat of mountaineering unprecedented in any other British doubledeckers. The trial lasted only a short time, and the buses were disposed off through Don Everall in Wolverhampton. But they never saw further use....

Unidentified Cycle Bus showing the strange stairwell Looking down the stairs The passenger saloon looking to the rear. Note the raised deck. Dartford Tunnel Cycle Bus 528 FJJ and Don Everall HDA 560D Harris, Grays PBD 40R is pictured in Dartford after negotiating the Bridge - it has the tunnel to face when homeward bound.was new to Northampton (40) Harris, Grays PBD 40R in Dartford. It was new to Northampton (40) Harris, Grays PBD 40R runs through Dartford. It was new to Northampton (40)

Published in Kent bus scene

]]> Thu Jul 1 2004 Strood Tunnel Rail replacements http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c116282.html The twin tunnels - from Strood and Higham - have been closed since January 2004 flor 12 months to enable multi-million pound repairs to be undertaken to theancient tunnels. Arguably the oldest rail tunnels in the world, they were built between 1800 and 1820 for a canal from linking the Thames at Gravesend with the Medway at Strood. Steam trains made the tunnels obsolete almost from the beginning. In the 1840s they were filled in, enlarged and made available to the Gravesend - Rochester line. Chalk falls in recent years have imposed a speed limit for modern electric trains. The line is now being repaired in time for Channel Tunnel Rail Link domestic expresses to operate between north Kent and St Pancras. Sunday 4 January 2004: The twin tunnels - from Strood and Higham - have been closed since January 2004 flor 12 months to enable multi-million pound repairs to be undertaken to theancient tunnels. Arguably the oldest rail tunnels in the world, they were built between 1800 and 1820 for a canal from linking the Thames at Gravesend with the Medway at Strood. Steam trains made the tunnels obsolete almost from the beginning. In the 1840s they were filled in, enlarged and made available to the Gravesend - Rochester line. Chalk falls in recent years have imposed a speed limit for modern electric trains. The line is now being repaired in time for Channel Tunnel Rail Link domestic expresses to operate between north Kent and St Pancras.

Ensignbus E752 SKR - MCW Metrobus Assorted lineup at Strood M429 RDC - ASD, Strood L833 CDG L103 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME L103 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME L119 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME L119 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME L708 FWO - Volvo B6/Alexander Dash L102 HHV of Ensignbus Volvo B6/Alexander Ensignbus E747 SKR - MCW Metrobus L109 HVU and L103 HVU - Dennis Dart/NCME L119 HHV and L109 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME Ensignbus E747 SKR - MCW Metrobus L708 FWO - Volvo B6/Alexander Dash L103 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME Ensignbus C780 OCN - ex Northern MCW Metrobus L103 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME Modes of transport - train at the Strood terminus station, and bus at the entrance L103 HHV - At Higham Tunnel entrance L103 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME L103 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME M429 RDC - Volvo B6/Alexander Dash M429 RDC - Volvo B6/Alexander Dash L103 HHV - Dennis Dart/NCME L102 HHV of Ensignbus L116 HHV - Redroute L664 MSF - Ensignbus L118 HHV - Ensignbus M429 RDC - ASD, Strood L119 HHV - Ensignbus L119 HHV - Ensignbus L117 HHV - Ensignbus M432 RDC - ASD, Strood L115 HHV - Ensignbus 715 L115 HHV - Ensignbus 715

Published in Kent bus scene

]]> Sun Jan 4 2004 Thames Gateway Kent operators http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c94381.html The Thames Gateway is Europe's biggest regeneration area. In terms of public transport it will soon (2007) have a European station at Ebbsfleet, a new bus-originated transport system (Fastrack) in the Kent Thameside areas of Gravesend and Dartford, and some form of transport system - possibly Fastrack - in Medway. But at the moment it has some of the best and some of the worst.... Tuesday 6 January 2004: The Thames Gateway is Europe's biggest regeneration area. In terms of public transport it will soon (2007) have a European station at Ebbsfleet, a new bus-originated transport system (Fastrack) in the Kent Thameside areas of Gravesend and Dartford, and some form of transport system - possibly Fastrack - in Medway. But at the moment it has some of the best and some of the worst....

Helen Allison School, Gravesend minibuses, N129 TAV and RL51 OCU Crystal, Dartford E281 TWW was new to Glazbury Volvo B10M/Jonckheere AC Travel, Gravesend TIA 8848 (ex C794 GHD) was new to Globe, Barnsley. It was a 1984 Duple-bodied DAF MB200 AC Travel, Gravesend MXI 426 was originally WLO 914X, a Leyland Tiger with Plaxton C49FT bodywork AC Travel, Gravesend LIB 6444 was new as SOJ 704S, a Leyland PSU3C.4R Leopard/Plaxton AC Travel, Gravesend LIB 8537 was a Leyland Tiger with Duple C55F bodywork new as JNM 753Y Stratford Blue H613 NJB, pictured in Northfleet A2B, Gravesend EWV 665 is a Volvo B10M-61 with Van Hool bodywork still bearing the signs of its recent past, bearing First Group's Barbie livery and fleet number 20040. It is a Volvo B10M-61 that began life as Badgerline 2506 (D506 GHY). A2B, Gravesend EWV 665 is a Volvo B10M-61 with Van Hool bodywork still bearing the signs of its recent past, bearing First Group's Barbie livery and fleet number 20040. It is a Volvo B10M-61 that began life as Badgerline 2506 (D506 GHY). AC Travel, Gravesend TIA 8848 after it joioned AW Travel of Gravesend Express, Gillingham H434 GVL was a Setra S215HR Rationale that was new to Travellers, Hounslow. Spot Hire, Maidstone MIL 9312 was a Vovlo B10M-46 with Plaxton C39F bodywork originally registered F29 NLE ASD, Strood TJI 4833 D J, Dartford E666 YDT is a Scania K92 with Van Hool bodywork Owen, Sidcup KBZ 6282 and R500 SPK

Published in Kent bus scene

]]> Tue Jan 6 2004 Buses in Kent http://kentbuses.fotopic.net/c89173.html There's plenty of interest in and around Kent for the bus enthusiast. Three major operators provide bus services. They are Arriva in the Thames Gateway Kent area, Stagecoach in East Kent and First Group (through Metrobus) in North and West Kent, while National Express operates Shuttle services and a wide range of Eurolines services via the ports. On top of that there are numerous smaller operators running a mixed bag of old and recent stock, and numerous coach operators, many ferrying through Dover and the CTRL shuttle points. Wednesday 7 January 2004: There's plenty of interest in and around Kent for the bus enthusiast. Three major operators provide bus services. They are Arriva in the Thames Gateway Kent area, Stagecoach in East Kent and First Group (through Metrobus) in North and West Kent, while National Express operates Shuttle services and a wide range of Eurolines services via the ports. On top of that there are numerous smaller operators running a mixed bag of old and recent stock, and numerous coach operators, many ferrying through Dover and the CTRL shuttle points.

Age Concern, Gillingham E147 MKK was one of several Talbots used by the charity Poynter, Wye operated former Crosville SNL 674 (MCA 674T). It was pictured in Faversham. KP 1988 [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Smith, Sittingbourne GKM 616V Kent Police A162 TGE was on long-term loan from P&O European Ferries. it was an MCW Metroliner new to Western SMT (M 162) Kent Police A162 TGE was on long-term loan from P&O European Ferries. it was an MCW Metroliner new to Western SMT (M 162) Kent Police A162 TGE was on long-term loan from P&O European Ferries. it was an MCW Metroliner new to Western SMT (M 162) Kent County Council H212 BKM, a CVE Omni Kent County Council H212 BKM, a CVE Omni Rainham Cab H63 BKM RCS Staff Transport F382 KWW J154 NKN was painted in the Crossways -Dartford livery for a shuttle service to the business park at the side of Dartford's QEII Bridge Merlins, Sheppey R491 HDL was a French Renault minibus J100 LCF operating the internal ferry bus service in the grounds of Leeds Castle in Kent J100 LCF operating the internal ferry bus service in the grounds of Leeds Castle in Kent. A Talbot in the grounds of a Tudor lovers tryst.... not so far from the truth, really. Age Concern Gillingham Talbot tri-axle Kentish Bus E673 DCU Kentish Bus E673 DCU was new to Moor-Dale Coaches Mercury, Hoo D361 JUM was new as London Buses OV29 Kentish Bus 965 Bygone, Maidstone with the Archbishop's Palace complex beyond Steam bus [Alan O. Watkins Colln] East Kent forerunner - note the tiller steering. The picture is outside the 'new' Reculver church. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Chatham and District leyland TD1 - an artist's impression of the livery [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Kingsman, Ashford KM02 HGG Mercedes on the Stagecoach in East Kent Scania/Plaxton Metrobus N261 PJR - a Dennis Dart/Plaxton Arriva Southern Counties Volvo B6/Plaxton Volvo B10M/Jonckheere P90 MHS Homes, Strood - UDT 177S MHS Homes, Strood - UDT 177S MCW Metrobus - GOG 223W in blue with BYX 268V (centre) and BYX 218V, three late-night leisure park buses V272 MKK Poynter, Wye G 73 UYV was London Transport LX 3 when new Owen, Sidcup A969 SYF Poynter, Wye G937 MYG, one of the early DAF SB220/Optare saloons, seen in Faversham H 64 PNY in Gillingham LIW 8185 climbs chatham Hill towards Gillingham AmberLee, Northfleet N176 LCK in Chatham Medway Social Services (?) KE03 JVX Age Concern, Gillingham V261 MKJ with the unusual fleetnumber, Thunderbird 3 Alan Dawney, Halfway 8 (R932 SBV) Maidstone Park and Ride VDL/Wright outside the Bishop's Palace, Maidstone Kent County Council Legal ownership panel for NUW 595Y Mann, Gravesend N606 JGP Mann, Gravesend N606 JGP Kent County Council E108 JYVW (Scania K92CRB/East Lancs CH75F) was new to Cowie, London. KCC has a rapidly expanding fleet of front line coaches and buses, and is now straying into private hire and taxi operations. It has also established Kent Top Travel as a stand-alone company to compete with existing operators. SAS, Strood R716 LBD SAS, Strood R716 LBD

Published in Kent bus scene

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