More to Go-Ahead - Route 432

The losses of Arriva continue with route 432, formerly at N (Norwood) with a mixture of DAF DB250/ALX400 and Volvo B7TL/ALX400. The route is now run by Go-Ahead London General.

London General WVL438 on Route 432, Crystal Palace (© Jacek)

This had potential to be an interesting change, as nobody knew what buses would be used on the route, or what garage it would run from. Es at Q were re-blinded leading to speculation the route would run from there. However, there was also the small matter of the LT conversion of the 12 freeing lots of Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2s, as well as a rumoured order of new buses. Eventually the 432 went to SW with some WVLs off the 12 and one duty run by an E from Q.


London General WVL439 on Route 432, Crystal Palace (© Jacek)

The first day turned out to be just boring. Nothing went horrifically wrong, but the buses drove slow and were a type pretty much all of London is familiar with. In other words, meh. Although this was a relatively smooth takeover, it wasn't entirely without problems. One driver went past my stop on the first day and WVL381 had its destination blind stuck on Brixton Hill.

This got worse over the next few days as Aubrey caught it in this state:

WVL381 had the blind box door and destination smart blind door opened and placed beside on the seats.


This was the spare bus that somehow ended up on the 432.

(Both photos) Interior of London General WVL381 on Route 432, Rockmount Road (© Aubrey)

It was seen in this state:

London General WVL475 on Route 249 and WVL381 on Route 432, Anerley (CC Aubrey)

Jacek passed this bus in Tulse Hill a few days later and the blinds appear to be fixed as it was showing the correct destination.

Aubrey caught the 432 on what seemed to be a normal day, with a normal time. WVL381 had ran early hence it waited at Rockmount Road, thus allowing me to take those interior photos as seen above.


London General WVL380 on Route 432, Anerley Station (© Aubrey)


London General WVL436 on Route 432, Anerley (CC Aubrey)


London General WVL382 and WVL439 on Route 432, Anerley (CC Aubrey)

A mixture of 60 and 61 registered B9TLs are being used, as well as one of the aforementioned Es on a weekday afternoon (and evening). The 432 continues to be an anonomyous route in the middle of South London, known as the outer part of the larger route 2 (formerly 2B), but otherwise not too impressive.