Initial One Direction: Route 135

Route 135 is a relatively new route starting under Arriva London (Barking Garage - DX) operation using Enviro 400s in May 2008. Being this new means it hasn't had much of a history but after 7 years it is now in the hands of another operator, Docklands Buses from Silvertown (SI). Enthusiasts got excited when before the contract change the buses were announced to be new Volvo B5LH/E400MMC but as ever, they got delivered a bit too late. The allocation for the route was not clear to some enthusiasts until a few days before the start of the new contract.

Docklands Buses E218 on Route 135, Liverpool Street (CC Aubrey)

Some Enviro 400s from New Cross (Route 436) moved over to Silvertown. They were replaced by WHVs from the 12 which got Borismasters.

On the first day the route was fully run with these Enviro 400s. The ride was bearable but not particularly impressive or noteworthy (just your standard E400) while the service was subjected to the classic "first day syndrome". There were many curtailments:

Docklands Buses E218 & E217 on Route 135, Stepney Arbour Square (CC Aubrey)

As well as that, there were buses spending up to an hour on stand according to the good old LVF and at one point the whole service was pointing in one direction (hence the title). Not entirely surprising given some roadworks around Aldgate and a diversion skipping Canary Wharf, but still, the whole service?

Docklands Buses E214 on Route 135, Westferry (CC Aubrey)

It later cleared up, so overall a typical first day.

Now have a few more pictures:

Docklands Buses E219 on Route 135, Mudchute (© Jacek)

Docklands Buses E214 on Route 135, Westferry (© Aubrey)

The former allocation was slightly older Enviro 400s from new:

Arriva London T16 on Route 135, Canary Wharf (© Jacek)

But sometimes a Volvo B7TL slipped onto the route instead:

Arriva London VLA125 on Route 135, Liverpool Street (CC Aubrey)