Route 34 - Partly Wright, Partly Wrong 08/11/14

Metroline TE927 on Route 34, Walthamstow Central

On the 8th November 2014, two major operator changes in North East London occurred. Firstly, Arriva lost the 34 to Metroline, who are running the route currently with partly new Volvo B5LH/Gemini 3s that are "intended for the route" (rather going to the 82) and ex-Holloway Enviro 400s (a temporary measure until enough Enviro 400s from the 82 are available for most of the 34).


Metroline VW2024 on Route 34, Walthamstow Central

Route 34 runs between Walthamstow Central Bus Station (formerly Hoe Street Station) to Barnet Church, being an orbital link between the two places. It was formerly run by Arriva London:


Arriva London T42 on Route 34, Barnet Church (©) (01/07/13)
It used Enviro 400s and DAF DB250s from Palmers Green (for the last few months)

But it has ended up the arms of the ever expanding Metroline, from an expanded Potters Bar Garage


Metroline TE932 on Route 34, Walthamstow Central


Metroline TE922 on Route 34, Walthamstow Central
This bus does have blinds for the 34, but the driver has decided to not turn them, so is it laziness or what?


Metroline VWH2029 on Route 34, Walthamstow Central


Metroline VWH2025 on Route 34, Walthamstow Central

And a first day wouldn't be complete without a curtailment!:

34 to Edmonton/Cambridge Roundabout
Metroline VWH2024 on Route 34, Walthamstow Central

Eventually, the route will get the TE14xx ex-Route 82 and any remaining VWHs left. The TEs ex-Holloway are on loan and to cover them, TEs ex-Greenford (SN09 Cxx batch) are on the 91:


Metroline TE1742 on Route 91, Euston Station

So overall - not too impressed with the Metroline conversion first day, after having the buses arrive at Walthamstow Hoe Street in bunches and groups. At least most of the buses have blinds, and hopefully, the service will improve and Metroline can cope with yet another North Circular route!
Next Metroline gain - the 125, also from Arriva.