The Wright Changes Part 2 - Route 212 07/03/15

Tower Transit VH38106 on Route 212, Chingford Station (© Aubrey)

The 212 was the other route that moved to Tower Transit on the 7th March. The route was formerly operated by CT Plus. Ironically, this has meant that the 212 has returned to HO (LI) as between 2007 and 2009, the route was run by First London at Lea Interchange (the replacement for Hackney Garage). This also means that the 212 is with the successor of First Capital at that garage, with Tower Transit.


Tower Transit VH38111 on Route 212, Walthamstow Central Bus Station (© Aubrey)


Tower Transit VH38109 on Route 212, Walthamstow Central (© Aubrey)

A fleet of Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini 3s have been ordered and is used on the 212, with the typical very green and grey interior.


Tower Transit VH38110 on Route 212, Walthamstow Central (© Aubrey)

The first day for the 212 was quite hectic, especially with the usual Walthamstow traffic, the standing problems at Chingford and general bunching.


Tower Transit VH38105 on Route 212 behind VN37859 on Route 58, Walthamstow Central (CC Aubrey)

The application of white blinds on the Gemini 2s allow them to be used on the 212, and that has already happened numerous times already.


Tower Transit VH38111 on Route 212, Chingford Station (CC Aubrey)

The Chingford stand was horrendously overcrowded thanks to the hectic first day. This led to routes like 313, 505 and 379 to suffer minor difficulties getting into their stands, and the 212/444 a great kerfuffle. Driver changes are at Chingford Station for this route, which seems to be a temporary measure until Picketts Lock actually starts being built as a bus garage.


Tower Transit VH38108 on Route 212, Chingford Hatch (© Lewis)

Some of the service curtailed to Chingford Hatch due to bunching and lateness. Bunching was still evident a week later when Lewis and Aubrey used the 212, hence a curtailment as seen.

Overall, the buses ride well, the interior again gets some used to yet looks good on these buses (in opinion), with the possible exception of the sidewalls, and operation should smooth out well.