Forty-Nine Turnover to Abellio 06/09/14

Route 49 has been with London United since 1999, previously it had been with London General. The new contract started with an oddity - Armchair's 209 Darts were initially too heavy, whilst the 49 Darts were late, so Armchair took the 49, whilst London United kept the 209 until they swapped on 30/10/99. The 209 Darts were initially supplemented by Mini Pointer Darts on the 49! None of this sort of kerfuffle occurred here for the 49 moving to Abellio, as it was straight onto the new Enviro 400 Hybrid.

Abellio London 2478 on Route 49, Kensington Holland Road
The new buses are Euro 6, have white blinds and run from Battersea Garage


Abellio London 2482 on Route 49, Kensington Holland Road


Abellio London 2471 on Route 49, Kensington Holland Road
This bus oddly has a smaller Abellio London logo on the offside.


Abellio London 2474 on Route 49, White City Bus Station


Abellio London 2474 on Route 49, White City Bus Station
A pointless curtailment? Nope, it's just the Mobitec blind system that the drivers need to get used to.


Abellio London 2473 on Route 49, Kensington Holland Road


Abellio London 2459 on Route 49, White City
I had shuttled between White City and Kensington Holland Road in order to meet new enthusiasts who are of other blogs.


Abellio London 2463 on Route 49, White City Bus Station
Overall, the buses seen alright, with only a few problems with the bunching and level of service, which should be ironed out over time. Also, as shown by this and the previous photo, some of the 14 reg buses have strayed already to the 49.


Driver giving a good positive reaction to us taking photos!
Abellio London 2479 on Route 49, White City Bus Station

Overall, Abellio will settle onto this route, and being the oddity at White City Bus Station will be interesting for the Abellio new boy.