18489 tackles the new stretch of route in North Woolwich
(© Aubrey)
On 5th May 2018, Route 474 had its first change of operator through an awarded contract (instead of novation within a group). Prior to 2018, Blue Triangle/Docklands Buses were the only operators to have run the 474. Ordered for the route was Alexander-Dennis Enviro 400H buses. These buses are smart hybrids, which have a battery to help with acceleration, but are just otherwise a diesel bus. However, as they are late, Alexander-Dennis Tridents transferred from Bromley (TB) and existing buses from West Ham were used on the 474.
19866 at the Woolwich Ferry
(© Aubrey)
As the route is run from West Ham, the changeovers are at Canning Town. As there is work ongoing to the 474 stand at Barking Road/Hermit Road, the route is terminating at Canning Town Bus Station.
18487 on Store Road, North Woolwich
(© Aubrey)
In order to reduce the delays caused by queues for the Woolwich Ferry, the route has been diverted towards Manor Park via Store Road and Pier Road, between the stops of St John's Church and North Woolwich Ferry. This was a very minor change to the route which was consulted as part of the Crossrail/Elizabeth Line East London bus route changes, which include rerouting the 474 via Kier Hardie Estate and Custom House in order to serve the Custom House Crossrail/Elizabeth Line station.
18493 on stand at Manor Park Station
(© Aubrey)
A ride on the 474 itself proved to be slower than before, due to reliability measures on the route. The route still has some bunching, but is otherwise okay. All buses on the route have full blinds, and at least look presentable. The new blinds for the 474 are yellow on black inserts for the Tridents, and full new blinds for the Enviro 400s. Both 11reg and 12reg buses are used on the route.
19745 approaches North Woolwich
(© Aubrey)
Post by Aubrey and Jacek Herominski
Photos by Aubrey
All rights reserved © WLTMTB 2018
