X26 to go double deck — New Routemasters for the 254
Abellio London has won contracts to run four additional routes from next spring, gaining three from Metroline West and one from Go- Ahead London’s Metrobus operation.
One of these, route U5 (Hayes-Uxbridge), will swap identity and part of its route in the Hayes area with the 350 (Hayes-Heathrow Terminal 5). The contract for the present 350, operated by Abellio London, will be varied to run as U5 between Hayes and Uxbridge using existing double-deckers. As a result of these successes, Abellio plans to establish an operating base in the Southall area.
Sullivan Buses has continued its recent winning streak, gaining contracts for two schoolday services from Arriva London North and its first all-day double-deck Transport for London route, the 217 (Waltham Cross- Turnpike Lane), from Metroline. It plans to open an iBus office at its South Mimms operating base.
Go-Ahead’s London Metrobus operation has regained the contract to operate route X26 (Heathrow-Croydon) from 15 April after five years with Epsom Coaches’ Quality Line. Double-deckers with additional luggage provision and route branding will replace the current Mercedes-Benz Citaros.
Arriva London Nort…
