Route 15 NRMs to change hands, 222 returns to Uxbridge, 188 switches yet again
LOOK IN ON LONDON
Every once in a while, the tendering process delivers a real surprise and the recent announcement that Stagecoach East London will lose the contract to run double-deck routes 5 (Romford-Canning Town), 15 (Blackwall-Trafalgar Square), 115 (East Ham-Aldgate) and N15 (Romford- Trafalgar Square) to Go-Ahead London’s Blue Triangle operation is one.
The award was delayed for several months amid speculation that three-axle doubledeckers might be specified to maintain capacity with fewer vehicles. Instead, Blue Triangle will operate route 15 with the existing New Routemasters, making it the first service using these Transport for Londonowned vehicles to change operator.
Route 5 will receive 11 new hybrids, with the balance comprising Euro5 diesels dating from 2010/11 and transferred from routes 19, 249, 259, EL1 and EL2, while the 115 gains new hybrids. The current temporary curtailment of the 15 to Trafalgar Square from Oxford Circus will become permanent, although the N15 is extended there.
Another significant gain, on the opposite side of the capital, is for London United, which wins route 18 (Sudbury-Euston) fro…
