New Operator, Existing Buses (Again)

Metrobus SOE31 on Route 455, Wallington Station (© Aubrey)

Route 455 has transferred from Abellio London to Metrobus on 4th March 2017, where existing buses are replaced by existing buses. Optare Esteem and Enviro 200 bodied Enviro 200s are the buses transferred from various garages for the 455. These buses were mainly on the 413, and some had already transferred a couple of months before the 455 gain.


Metrobus SE174 on Route 455, West Croydon Bus Station (© Aubrey)

The first day did not bring up any major issues, with drivers drafted from other routes (including the 202) to do the 455's first day. The buses themselves - the Enviro 200 bodied examples tended to yield better rides than the Esteem bodied ones. Which are very uncomfortable, to say the least!


Metrobus SOE31 on Route 455, Purley Old Lodge Lane (© Aubrey)

SOE31 had a blind calibration problem, hence it was showing "Clapham Park 455" instead of any destinations. Also, this bus was losing power throughout my (Aubrey's) trip, to the point that the bus stalled at Croydon Town Centre. Although, to be honest, most rides on the SOEs are, in my personal opinion, terrible due to very rattly bodywork.


Metrobus SOE33 on Route 455, West Croydon Bus Station (© Aubrey)

It seems that as the 455 had no notable issues running the service, with a few larger than normal gaps only appearing occasionally, all seems well for the 455.

Au