Saturday 28th April 2018 saw West London route 31, and associated night route N31 transfer operation from Tower Transit at Westbourne Park (X) to Metroline at West Perivale (PA).
This change of operator was the first for the 31 since privatisation of London Buses, and the change also saw all bar 5 of the VNW class at Tower Transit (formerly of First London) withdrawn. Metroline VW1560-1570 at Uxbridge will be the last surviving examples of First London's once vast fleet of VNWs left in London.
The operation of the route by Metroline was originally supposed to be out of Willesden Junction under Metroline West conditions, however continued uncertainty over the future of the Network Rail owned land at Willesden Junction meant that an alternative site for the 31/N31 was needed. Metroline Travel garage West Perivale was the best available site that suited the route perfectly. Garage runs along the A40 Western Avenue, and driver travel to/from White City via Central Line.
Due to the delayed arrival of the new eVoSetis, a number of spare VW class vehicles from Holloway and Willesden were drafted in to run on the route as a temporary measure. When the 105 transfers to RATP London United at the end of June 18, the 105s VWs are expected to become the 31s permanent allocation. The VMHs destined for the 31 will instead be diverted to Holloway to convert the 43 to hybrid prior to the Central London ULEZ roll out from early next year. As the 31 does not enter this zone, the route can operate the VWs, although in time they will also be upgraded to emissions friendly Euro VI standards.
The Metroline takeover of the 31/N31 began in the very early hours of Saturday 28th April with the N31 service.
 |
VW1407 on the first Metroline N31 in Camden Town, April 2018
The first N31 journey was quite notable, as the driver got lost twice, including at Earl's Court. After a three-point turn, the bus made it to Clapham Junction. A makeshift route pilot ended up being required.
© Alisha Juszczyk
https://www.flickr.com/photos/randombusesgirl/41708472162 |
 |
Metroline VW1400 in Clapham Junction, May 2018
An ex-Willesden machine now at Perivale West for the 31/N31, at the second to last stop. Since the first night, all subsequent nights have been as to schedule, with drivers knowing where to go.
© Aubrey
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wltmauc/42276308052 |
 |
VW1277 on Route 207 alongside VW1404 on Route 31 at Shepherd's Bush Station, May 2018
Both routes used to be run by First London until the sale of their operations. Now, both routes are run with native Metroline B9TLs.
© Aubrey
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wltmauc/42312873682 |
Post by Tommy
Photos by Tommy, Aubrey & Alisha
All rights reserved © WLTMTB 2018
Please do not reproduce any images without permission
