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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 401 |  |
By Ray Monk Not another TfL Ford Transit Connect! Bear with me, because this one is a bit different. LJ24YJV was first licensed at the end of March 2024, but appears to have got to Acton Works until that August. Ray photographed it in the Lorry Yard on 17th August, at which time it carried fleetnumber 9372F. More on that in a minute, but note also that this is short (L1) van, a type that is greatly outnumbered by longer versions. The difference in length is most apparent if you look at the position of the cargo door handle in relation to the step-down in the rubbing strip. On L1 vans, these are almost in line, vertically. |
24/10/2024 |
| 402 |  |
By Ray Monk Transport UK seems to have embarked on a program to apply lettering to many of its recently acquired crew ferry cars. Some also have fleetnumbers, while those without are no doubt allocated one. The number series used started (under Abellio control) at 6700 in about 2009 and is now in the high 6800s, although there are lots of gaps in our records. A recent addition is Vauxhall Astra hatchback LK18YGP, acquired in about April 2024 and numbered 6884. It was captured at the small Cheviot Road bus stand in Norwood on 13th August 2024. Other numbers up to 6897 had also been reported by this time, which suggests that they will now have a slight problem. Numbers from 6900 have been used for engineering support vans, so the series used for cars will presumably have to jump (either forwards or backwards) to avoid clashes. I await reports of any sightings that show which approach is taken. |
24/10/2024 |
| 403 |  |
By Ray Monk Also found at RATP's Twickenham base on 13th August 2024 was this anonymous white Renault Trafic van. We would probably have ignored this, except that I recalled seeing the registration (MD22MHN) on a list of vehicles received from the company. This showed that it was allocated fleetnumber MTR70046, which I believe indicates that it is a mid-term rental (as opposed to STR for short-term rental). |
24/10/2024 |
| 404 |  |
By Ray Monk RATP Renault Master van R70036 (MF20RZE) is one of a couple that are not used as a breakdown van (as the majority of the batch of 12 vans are). It is often to be found at the small Twickenham based inherited from NCP/NSL, as here on 13th August 2024, and it has minimal side lettering advertising engineering recruitment but seemingly with no mention of the name of the company. |
24/10/2024 |
| 405 |  |
By Ray Monk Another Metroline mystery. The company added several Ford vehicles with AY71J-- registrations in autumn 2021. We knew about 4 such vehicles, but a fifth turned up nearly 3 years later in July 2024. AY71JKK is a Ford Transit Mk8 van in red with Metroline lettering and it was photographed at Brentford Garage on 13th August 2024. How did this van manage to go unreported for so long? |
24/10/2024 |
| 406 |  |
By Paul Nicholls This van is the same one that Peter recently photographed at Canning Town. A few days later (on 13th August 2024), Paul found it parked in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. Tellingly, he had previously noted LBSL Passenger Data vehicles parked here (including 8304V), so it would be logical to presume that it is they who operate 9261F. |
24/10/2024 |
| 407 |  |
By Peter Terry It may not look anything special, but this photograph was interesting (to me at least) for a couple of reasons. 9261F is yet another Ford Transit Connect in TfL livery, but it is an L1 (short) crew van, the first of its type to be reported. The L2 crew van has been the most numerous so far, followed by the L2 van then the L1 van. The other oddity was that it was photographed at Canning Town Bus Station (on 10th August 2024). The majority of the new vans have been allocated to LUL roles, but LUL vehicles are not usually to be found parked here. The new TfL livery gives no indication of which part of TfL actually operates the vehicle but, as it happens, we didn't have to wait long to find out... |
24/10/2024 |
| 408 |  |
By Ray Monk Also in the Acton Works Lorry Yard on 10th August 2024 was Renault Kangoo Maxi Van 8594R. This vehicle could be classed as ultra-rare. It was new in September 2017 but was not seen until July 2021, when it was spotted in Aveley (near Thurrock, Essex). Then nothing more until it came back to Acton Works in August 2024. It was delicensed at the end of that month but was relicensed with a new owner in October. |
24/10/2024 |
| 409 |  |
By Ray Monk 8652VW is one of a pair of Volkswagen Transporter minibuses delivered in mid-2018 for use by the Elizabeth Line. While sister 8651VW appears to be quite active, 8652VW was perennially parked up at Plumstead Depot. On 10th August 2024 it was found in the lorry yard at Acton Works, while the following month it was delicensed, suggesting it has been returned off lease. I wonder if anything has replaced it? |
24/10/2024 |
| 410 |  |
By Ray Monk The new Ford Transit Connects being delivered at present appear to be replacing both existing vans and cars in the fleet, and it looks as though this will spell the end for some of the current oddities. For example, the Volkswagen Golf car has been used in small numbers since 2011, with about 14 in the fleet as of earlier this year. Most were estates, like 8209VW seen at Acton Works on 10th August 2024. This example had been fairly elusive and we don't really know where it was allocated during its 8-year career. It is presumed to have been at Acton for decommissioning, although as of mid-October there was no change of licensing data to evidence its departure. |
24/10/2024 |
| 411 |  |
By Ray Monk Seen in the Top Car Park at Acton Works on 10th August 2024, 9319F is one of the ever-growing fleet of TfL-branded Ford Transit Connect crew vans. This example has a roof-rack with what might be a ladder on it. To the right is VW Transporter crew van 8643VW, notable for being one of a couple of vehicles (along with Toyota Prius 8653T) that were switched (and reliveried) from Elizabeth Line to LUL usage in early 2020. |
24/10/2024 |
| 412 |  |
By Andrew Lidinson Andrew visited Bluewater Bus Station on 9th August and (as per Ray the day before), found Hyundai I20 cars in use as crew ferries for Arriva Kent Thameside. His photo shows DV23FYF and DT23NJN. Beyond is Dart SLF/Pointer bus 1634, a type that can no longer be seen in London (TfL) service. I believe Arriva KT also use these for crew ferry work, and I have seen examples parked at Home Gardens in Dartford. |
24/10/2024 |
| 413 |  |
By Derek Everson Metroline has been taking Ford Transit Courier Mk2 vans to replace some of its Ford Transit Connect vans, perhaps because the new variant is larger than the original Transit Courier. Derek found new AX24HRL at Perivale CELF on 8th August 2024, by which time it had received company lettering and rear chevrons. The darker shade of red carried is apparent. |
24/10/2024 |
| 414 |  |
By Derek Everson With Metroline taking delivery of new service vehicles from July 2024 onwards, it would seem logical that the vehicles in this photo (taken at Perivale CELF on 8th August) are those that have been replaced. While 19 and 20-reg vans may seem a bit young for disposal, they are in fact among the oldest in the Metroline fleet. However, the most interesting aspect of this photo is the inclusion of AX19ZFG on the left. The registration suggests that this was acquired at the same time as the three other AX19ZF- vans (in August 2019). But ZFG was never reported or photographed (until this photo). It had company lettering so how it managed to avoid being seen for 5 years is a mystery! Of the others, AX19ZFR was previously at Edgware (EW) and AY20YYV at Willesden Junction (WJ), so these two garages would probably be good places to look out for new vans at. On the right is Renault Grand Scenic car MF70NFE, one of a pair which have seen some use as crew ferries but which mainly seem to be kept at the CELF. |
24/10/2024 |
| 415 |  |
By Andrew Lidinson Another view of the Top Car Park at Acton Works, taken from a passing train on 8th August 2024. This view is looking more southwards than the last, and is also slightly more affected by window grot. However, I felt it was worth including to show the sheer quantity of service vehicles to be seen here. The majority are Ford Transit crew vans in LUL livery, but there is also an LBSL VW Crafter van visible on the right. |
24/10/2024 |
| 416 |  |
By Andrew Lidinson With the front car park and the former DSM van yard at Acton Works both now out of use pending redevelopment, many of the service vehicles at this location are now kept in the car park nearer to Acton Town Station. We refer to this as the 'top car park' (or TCP) as it is nearer the top on the map (!) and it is also at a slightly higher level than the other parts. The change is perhaps good news for us, since the car park (which was previously used mainly for staff cars) can be seen slightly more clearly from passing trains than the van yard could. However, the distance (plus vegetation and 'window dirt') means that it will be a challenge to identify individual vehicles. Andrew did well to capture this overview on 8th August 2024. Ford Transit crew van 8625F is to the fore, with more of the same type (plus Renault Kangoos, VW Caddy vans and a VW Golf estate) visible beyond. |
24/10/2024 |
| 417 |  |
By Ray Monk At Bluewater on 8th August 2024, Ray found three more Hyundai I20 cars in the bus station, headed by DV23FFC. All were in use as crew ferry vehicles from the Northfleet garage of Arriva Kent Thameside. |
24/10/2024 |
| 418 |  |
By Ray Monk Ray found this Hyundai I20 car parked at the bus stops on Home Gardens in Dartford on 8th August 2024. Initially presumed to be working from the nearby Arriva London garage, he soon discovered that it was in fact from the 'Country Cousins' at Northfleet. Several routes operated by Arriva Kent Thameside reach Dartford, although this will decrease from November 2024 when the contract for the Fastrack operation passes to Go-Ahead London. |
24/10/2024 |
| 419 |  |
By Les Savine Plain black Puma cars have been used as service vehicles by both Arriva London (at Barking and Dartford) and now by Metroline. FG73SSX was based at Brentford Garage from summer 2024 onwards and was photographed at Richmond Bus Station on 5th August 2024. |
24/10/2024 |
| 420 |  |
By Les Savine Five new lorries were added to the fleet based at Acton Works during 2023, but photos of them actually in use have been slow to come. Les caught KY73JXF passing Stonebridge Park Station on 31st July 2024. It was evidently coming from Stonebridge Park Depot, the access road for which leads off the roundabout immediately behind the lorry. KY73JXF is notable for having a low-profile cab. |
24/10/2024 |
| 421 |  |
By Les Savine A fine portrait of TfL Ford Transit Connect crew van 9364F taken on 29th July 2024. This is one of several of the type now based at Museum Way (Acton Town), and it was seen parked outside the facility. |
24/10/2024 |
| 422 |  |
By Les Savine Renewal of the Transport UK service vehicle fleet has been taking place this year, though unlike Metroline, most of the additions have been second-hand cars for use as crew ferries. Dacia Duster car FN67KXY was seen at Hounslow Bus Station on 29th July 2024. No fleetnumber was visible, but it had the Transport UK name and logo on the side doors, and was evidently working from Southall (GW) Garage. LT-class New Routemasters from GW work route H32 between Southall and Hounslow, as evidenced by LT150 in the background. LT150 was notable for being one of a handful of the type to operate in a silver livery for a few years when new. It is also one of a growing number of the type to have had several operators. New to London United (RATP) in 2014, it passed to Abellio in 2019, back to RATP in 2021 (ironically based in Hounslow), then back to Abellio again in 2022. Abellio was then rebranded as Transport UK from late-2023 onwards. |
24/10/2024 |
| 423 |  |
By Peter Terry Another new Ford Transit Connect in TfL livery, this is L2 crew van 9226F. It was photographed at Finchley Central Station on 27th July 2024, although it was interestingly parked in the station car park rather than in the permanent way depot (where the resident SVs are kept). Further sightings suggest that it is allocated here, though it has also been seen at Edgware Track Depot. |
24/10/2024 |
| 424 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft Further renewal of the Metroline service vehicle fleet commenced with the arrival of more small vans from mid-July 2024. The type shown here was not immediately recognisable and it is in fact a new version of the Ford Transit Courier. The initial (2014) design was built in Turkey and had styling based on the contemporary Ford Fiesta car, including a sloping bonnet. The new design (launched in 2023 and which I have called the Mk.2) is built in Romania and features a flatter bonnet with an upright front grille that wraps into the headlights. AV24TGF was unmarked when photographed at Perivale CELF on 25th July 2024, and it features a shade of red rather less London-like than earlier vans. It was later allocated to Brentford Garage. |
24/10/2024 |
| 425 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft Most of the new Ford Transit Connects delivered in 2024 have been L2 (ie longer) crew vans and vans, but there have also been a handful of L1 (shorter) variants. Museum Way at Acton Town is now home to examples of both length, and this photo taken on 25th July 2024 shows L1 van 9250F parked alongside the building, with one of the outgoing Renault Kangoo vans behind. |
24/10/2024 |
| 426 |  |
By Charles Baldwin Given that the new standard livery for central fleet service vehicles appears to be white with blue roundels and TfL lettering (as seen on recent lorries and Ford vans), I was quite surprised to receive this photo. Taken at Newbury Park Station on 25th July 2024, it shows a white Renault Kangoo van with LUL roundels and TfL lettering. The lettering does not seem to be on labels, suggesting it is not a just a short term hire. The Renault Kangoo van has formed a significant part of the central fleet since around 2011, but it has evidently had a major redesign since the last deliveries in spring 2020. I did wonder if this van had perhaps replaced one of the Kangoos used as Central Line Incident Response Vehicles (8678R-8681R), but there have been no further sightings reported as yet. |
24/10/2024 |
| 427 |  |
By Ray Monk There are only six BMW vehicles in the LTSV database at present, and they were all unmarked (hired) cars operated as crew ferry vehicles from Arriva London's Dartford Garage. The most recent is grey M135 YF73VNT, seen at Bexleyheath Bus Stand on 24th July 2024. It remained in use until early October 2024 at least. |
24/10/2024 |
| 428 |  |
By Ian Rivett Metroline maintains a modern fleet of service vehicles and in July 2024 the first of several new 24-reg examples was reported. This was Ford Transit Mk8 van AV24HBF, as seen here parked outside the offices at the Perivale CELF works on 20th July. The van had been delivered about a week previously but had yet to gain company lettering. It is presumed that this took place before it was delivered to its intended home garage (which we don't know yet). |
24/10/2024 |
| 429 |  |
By Derek Everson On 20th July 2024, Derek had a peer into Hearne House, behind the LT Museum Depot at Acton Town. Parked there was 9244F, yet another new Ford Transit Connect crew van in TfL livery. This is fast becoming the most numerous single type in the central fleet, usurping the Renault Kangoo. |
24/10/2024 |
| 430 |  |
By Phil Hambling On 20th July 2024, the 70th birthday of the Routemaster bus was celebrated with a large gathering of the type at Chiswick Business Park. This venue was chosen as it was built on the site of the former Chiswick Bus Works, which could be considered to be where the Routemaster was born (although they were of course not built there). The event brought a lot of photographers to the Acton area, and several sent in photos of service vehicles that they encountered. Phil found former 6238F parked on Bollo Lane. As regular visitors to LTSV will be aware, this van is now in private use but perhaps by someone who works at Acton Works, as it can often be found parked nearby. A few minor alterations since its time in the central fleet are apparent, with more on the nearside. |
24/10/2024 |
| 431 |  |
By Thomas Young Arriva London's Grays garage is the most remote 'red' bus garage, being over 18 miles from central London (Uno's Hatfield base is a bit further and does run some TfL routes but is mainly used for more local services). Perhaps unsurprisingly, Grays has quite a large allocation of service vehicles, since both crew ferry cars and engineering support vans might have quite a long way to go. When we visited on 18th July, just one of the crew ferries was present (BJ72SVV, recently tranferred from Norwood), but there were three vans. The pair shown here were of particular interest. AK22LXS on the left is a high-roof Ford Transit Custom van, one of four added in 2021/2022 and which have all proved elusive. The few sightings reported suggest that they may not be engineering support vehicles, as they are seen at places not served by their home garage's bus routes. For instance, the first two sightings of AK22LXS were in Dulwich and Catford. FL73VMO on the right is a Vauxhall Combo E van, part of a large batch delivered in 2023. This one had not been reported before, and this might be down to its 'semi-stealth' markings, which comprise white Arriva names and logos on white bodywork! |
24/10/2024 |
| 432 |  |
By Thomas Young The similarity in size of the Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy is shown by this view of new TfL Ford 9237F parked beside LUL VW 8979VW at Dagenham East Station on 18th July 2024. |
24/10/2024 |
| 433 |  |
By Thomas Young I haven't had any photos from Westdown Road (Leyton) for a while, as shown by the fact that this is the first showing for four of the vehicles visible in this photo. Taken on 18th July 2024, it shows Ford Transit crew van 8804F (at the back), unique Renault Trafic minibus 8807R and three consecutively-numbered and registered Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Crew Vans (8799VW, 8800VW and 8801VW). Almost hidden is a sole new vehicle in the shape of TfL-liveried Ford Transit Connect Crew Van 9272F. |
24/10/2024 |
| 434 |  |
By Thomas Young Abellio was renamed as Transport UK at the start of 2024, although the old name could be seen on a few buses several months later, and was also still carried on most of the engineering support vans. This pair seen at Twickenham (Fulwell) Garage on 17th July 2024 appear almost identical but are in fact badged differently. DV69EOO on the left is a Vauxhall Vivaro (fleetnumber 6911) that has been here since it was acquired in 2021. MC19XNE on the right was acquired the year before, is numbered 6907 and is a Peugeot Expert. On the far right is bus 1726, one of 36 Wright GB-Kite electric single-deckers acquired in 2024 and which had only entered service the day before this photo was taken. |
24/10/2024 |
| 435 |  |
By Thomas Young Metroline opened a completely rebuilt Brentford Garage in mid-2024, buses having been kept on an adjoining plot of land during the building work. When we visited on 17th July 2024, three of Metroline's Ford Transit Connect vans were present, although it is possible some were there in connection with the move rather than being allocated here. This view shows AY71JDF and AX19FLA. Brentford currently has an allocation of 112 double-deck buses, all Volvo/Wright Geminis (of classes VW and VWH) apart from 32 New Routemasters used on routes 9 and H91. The garage also maintains the 38 VW/VWH class buses allocated to the outstation at Lampton. |
24/10/2024 |
| 436 |  |
By Ray Monk It seems that some of the nine Seat Ibiza cars allocated to Arriva London's Norwood Garage in early 2023 are now surplus and have been moved elsewhere. BP72VAO, still with its local fleetnumber of S2 in the windscreen, went to Dartford and was photographed at the bus stand in Bexleyheath on 17th July 2024. |
24/10/2024 |
| 437 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft The LUL Toyota Prius latterly allocated to Golders Green Station (8550T) was replaced in mid-2024 by TfL liveried Ford Transit Connect crew van 9285F. The new van was seen in the usual parking place (in the corner of the bus station) on 16th July 2024. |
24/10/2024 |
| 438 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft There are about 20 Toyota Yaris cars in TfL livery in the current fleet, having been delivered between 2014 and 2020. Most are rather hard to track down, with few sightings and no solid allocation or function information. Apart from when it was new at Acton Works in 2019, 8837T had only been reported twice, both when it was on the move in South London. Dave found it parked at the Dial-a-Ride depot in North Wembley on 16th July 2024. |
24/10/2024 |
| 439 |  |
By Bob Milner Most of the Ford Transit Connect vans and crew vans delivered from spring 2024 have had London registration numbers (for example LD24xxx and LJ24xxx). However, there have also been a quantity with Yorkshire marks, as shown here by 9243F (YR24KZF). These vans are largely identical apart from having different wheeltrims. 9243F was new in June or July 2024 and it was allocated to High Barnet Station, where it was photographed on 14th July. Although many of the new Fords were used to replace Renault Kangoo or VW Caddy vans, this one appears to be a replacement for Toyota Prius car 8571T. |
30/09/2024 |
| 440 |  |
By Ray Monk Showing the size difference between the Ford Transit Connect and the tallest variant of the Ford Transit, this pair was found at the end of Bollo House in Acton on 13th July 2024. 8378F on the left was one of relatively few Transit Connect vans remaining in the central fleet prior to the large influx of new deliveries in mid-2024. It was primarily based at nearby Hearne House and it spent some time in the lorry yard later in the month before going off lease in August. 8483F on the right is a regular sight at Acton Works. Note that vehicles parked here are sometimes awaiting entry into the adjoining Small Bills auto repair shop, rather than being in use by Bollo House. |
30/09/2024 |
| 441 |  |
By Ray Monk Lots of vehicles were parked at the south end of the lorry yard at Acton Works on 13th July 2024. To the fore is new Ford Transit Connect crew van 9189F in TfL livery. Although licensed at the end of April 2024, this appears to have been delivered in June, and it had been allocated to Stratford Market Depot by August. Parked in the middle is KS73MTY, one of a pair of plain white Citroen Berlingo vans that had perhaps been hired pending new deliveries, while beyond that are Peugeot Partner Tepee 8565P (far right) and TfL Toyota Yaris 8893T, neither of which seems to be old enough to be due for replacement. Other vehicles were mainly Renault Kangoo vans that were on the way out. |
30/09/2024 |
| 442 |  |
By Ray Monk LUL likes (or liked) Renault Kangoos, and they like crew vans, but not together. Over 360 Kangoo vans have been leased since 2008, but all except four were plain vans. The exceptions were four electric crew vans that arrived in 2018. One (8681R) was in LUL Incident Response Vehicle livery, and this left the fleet in late 2023. The other three were in normal LUL white/blue/red and based at Lillie Bridge, and Ray found two of them in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 13th July 2024. Nearest was 8603R with 8604R beyond. Their presence here would suggest they were due for disposal, but in the event it looks as though they did not leave until September. I should perhaps mention that it is possible that some of the other Renault Kangoos were 'secret' crew vans, i.e. with a second row of seats but without the windows in the cargo doors. Also visible in this photo is Ford Transit crew van 8284F, and this did leave the fleet later in July, even though we are not aware of any new comparable-sized vans being delivered. |
30/09/2024 |
| 443 |  |
By Ray Monk Many of the Ford Transit Connect vans delivered from Easter 2024 onwards have replaced similarly-sized Renault Kangoo and VW Caddy vans dating from 2016/2017. The replaced vans can often be seen at Acton Works ahead of their being returned to the lessors. On 13th July 2024, the south end of the lorry yard contained several Renault Kangoos, including 8391R seen here. This example was new in April 2017 and had spent most of its career working out of Edgware Track Depot. |
30/09/2024 |
| 444 |  |
By Ray Monk MAN LE demountable lorry 2587 was the dedicated carrier for the Emergency Control Unit body from 2015 until 2023, when it was replaced by newer WU67AJY. However, it seems that 2587 is not going to be disposed of as we predicted. Although unlicensed (SORN), it has remained at Acton Works and is moved around. On 13th July 2024 it was found parked outside the REW building. It was fitted with an unidentified demountable body, lacking a floor and finished in red primer. This combination was noted again in late September, this time in the lorry yard. |
30/09/2024 |
| 445 |  |
By Ray Monk Museum Way in Acton Town latterly had several LUL Renault Kangoo Maxi vans allocated, but most have recently been replaced by new Ford Transit Connect crew vans in TfL white livery. Seen parked outside the facility on 13th July 2024 were 9370F (nearest) and 9369F. |
30/09/2024 |
| 446 |  |
By Peter Terry Another vehicle being used by Go-Ahead London to support its Wimbledon Tennis bus services was Citroen C3 car MT24XMB, seen outside the station on 10th July 2024. It was unmarked and was perhaps just a short-term hire. Inside the windscreen was a notice stating that it was a 'Go-Ahead London. Staff Vehicle. Wimbeldon Tennis' (sic). |
30/09/2024 |
| 447 |  |
By Dave Elison BT20ZPZ is a Mercedes Vito minibus used by Diamond North West and photographed at Ashton-under-Lyne Interchange on 12th July 2024. This operator was renamed from South Lancs Travel when it was bought by the Rotala Group in 2015 and it now has a sizeable presence in the Manchester area. Note the curious application of a GB sticker to the front bumper. |
30/09/2024 |
| 448 |  |
By Derek Everson By early July 2024 we had found over 50 of these TfL Ford Transit Connect crew vans, and they were evidently being allocated around the system, particularly to locations that had elderly Renault Kangoo or VW Caddy vans. 9277F went to Finchley Central Station, where it was photographed on 8th July. |
30/09/2024 |
| 449 |  |
By Derek Everson LUL's Emergency Response Unit tenders can turn up anywhere on the network, and sometimes help out at incidents on Network Rail tracks. 2606 was seen passing Enfield Garage (actually in Ponders End) on 8th July 2024. |
30/09/2024 |
| 450 |  |
By Ray Monk LUL VW Caddy Maxi crew van 8268VW kept a low profile during its 7-year working life, only being photographed at the beginning and (perhaps) the end. Even sightings were few and far between, with a couple suggesting that it was based at Hainault Depot. Ray found it in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 6th July 2024, which made me think it had been withdrawn for disposal. However, nearly 3 months later, it has not yet had a licence or V5C change, so it could have been retained for further use. Alongside was VW Transporter minibus 8422VW, and this one has gone, being auctioned at BCA later in July. This is interesting because, as far as we know, no new minibuses have been added to the fleet recently. |
30/09/2024 |
| 451 |  |
By Ray Monk Yet another anonymous car working for Arriva London from Dartford Garage, though at least this one is of a more familiar type. CX23VTF is a Seat Arona, seen at Bexleyheath Bus Stand on 3rd July 2024. |
30/09/2024 |
| 452 |  |
By Derek Everson EY67WUB is a Ford Transit Connect Mk2 crew van in the fleet of Go-Ahead London. Now based at Merton Garage, each summer it is used to support the bus services run to the tennis championship in Wimbledon. It was photographed by Derek on 2nd July 2024, parked outside the same shops as in his photo from 2 years ago. One change to note is the addition of gold Go-Ahead London lettering. |
30/09/2024 |
| 453 |  |
By Derek Everson Whilst in Clapham on 2nd July 2024, Derek found another of the ABM / Works for London Citroen E-Dispatch vans, similar to the one recently photographed in Rotherhithe. This view shows the chevrons and lettering applied to the rear, and also a removable 'Maintaining bus stops and shelters on behalf of London Buses' label on the driver's door. |
30/09/2024 |
| 454 |  |
By Derek Everson Seen just near the Clapham Old Town bus terminus on 2nd July 2024 was Dynes Volvo recovery truck AY69RHO, named Belle. It was attending to Go-Ahead London Enviro 400 EH307, which presumably expired just after leaving the terminus on route 88. The bus was able to get to a layby but the position of a lamp-post meant that the only way the truck could get to it was by blocking the whole of the (one-way) road. I used to live near here and I can imagine that this would have resulted in some serious problems, with no convenient alternative routes for traffic. |
30/09/2024 |
| 455 |  |
By Derek Everson We haven't seen any service vehicles from the sightseeing operation at Wandsworth Garage for a while now. Once branded 'The Original Tour', the services are now run under the Tootbus name, this apparently being derived from the initials of 'The Original Open Top'. Carrying just this name on a plain white livery was Ford Transit Connect van AV17JKF, photographed (with permission) inside Wandsworth Garage on 2nd July 2024. |
30/09/2024 |
| 456 |  |
By Ray Monk Oh look, another VW Caddy Maxi crew van in the lorry yard at Acton Works. Who is selecting these photos?! Well, there is a minor comment to make. When seen on 15th June 2024, 8332VW had similar 8215VW alongside. But by 29th June it had Ford Focus estate 8446F instead. As mentioned, 8332VW had latterly been at London Road Depot, and it was to be left here for about a month until it was delicensed in July. 8446F was a 'lesser-spotted' Hainault vehicle. |
11/08/2024 |
| 457 |  |
By Les Savine Go-Ahead London currently has about 58 Mercedes Vito minibuses in use as crew ferry vehicles, of which 13 had yet to be shown on LTSV. Les enables that figure to be reduced to 12 with this photo of RX71SYS arriving at Tottenham Hale Station (from Northumberland Park Garage) on 27th June 2024. This is one of many to have been given vinyl wraps to promote bus driver recruitment. The wraps cover the side windows, making the minibuses look more like vans at first glance. |
11/08/2024 |
| 458 |  |
By Jon Pye TfL Volvo FE lorry KY73JXF has a 'low-entry' cab, mounted further forward than the standard model. It was delivered in September 2023 and was seen leaving Loughton Station on 23rd June 2024. |
11/08/2024 |
| 459 |  |
By Peter Terry During Central Line engineering work on 22nd June 2024, Peter found and photographed a number of service vehicles at Loughton Station. Most of the LUL vehicles had already been shown on LTSV, so I have instead selected this view of Balfour Beatty van FA19OAY. This carries the same 'TfL - Balfour Beatty, Integrated Track Team' lettering as seen recently on an Isuzu Forward truck at Hammersmith. FA19OAY is a Vauxhall Movano crew van, a type that has not found favour with LUL but which has been a staple of the Network Rail fleet over the past decade, with almost 3,000 operated (although this includes dropsides as well as vans). The large poppy on the front grille is a curious sight in June. |
11/08/2024 |
| 460 |  |
By Ray Monk The VW Transporter van is something of a rarity in the current central fleet. 8523VW is the sole low-roof example, latterly based at Stratford Market Depot but seen at Acton Works on 22nd June 2024, suggesting it has now been replaced. 8675VW is a mid-height van at Edgware Track Depot, and there is also similar 8199VW with Croydon Trams. Apart from these and 22 minibuses, the only other Transporters are 11 crew vans. The larger van in the background is believed to be a hired vehicle. |
11/08/2024 |
| 461 |  |
By Kim Rennie Several people have noticed these vans around London. Operated by contractor ABM but also carrying 'Works for London' and TfL lettering, they have a livery that is similar to the previous standard LUL scheme. The shade of blue on the skirt is a bit more purple though. Citroen E-Dispatch van BK24XNA was found in Rotherhithe in mid-June 2024. |
11/08/2024 |
| 462 |  |
By Ray Monk It would appear that the new batch of Ford Transit Connect crew vans is being used to replace some cars as well as vans. Toyota Prius 8524T seen in the lorry yard on 15th June 2024 had previously been based at Stratford Market Depot. Alongside is 9379F, still the highest-numbered SV reported and which entered service in July. |
11/08/2024 |
| 463 |  |
By Ray Monk Another week, another VW Caddy Maxi crew van awaiting disposal in the lorry yard at Acton Works! Seen on 15th June 2024 was 8215VW with similar 8332VW alongside. Neither van had been spotted very much and it is believed that both had been based at London Road Depot near Elephant & Castle. Also just visible is LBSL Vauxhall Movano minibus 8303V, although whether this has been replaced (by a Ford Transit Connect?!) is not known. |
11/08/2024 |
| 464 |  |
By Ray Monk As regular visitors will know, Arriva London's Dartford Garage uses various hired cars for use as crew ferries, with many only been kept for a short period. A recent addition has been VW Golf hatchback PK24VZO, seen at Bexleyheath on 9th June 2024. |
11/08/2024 |
| 465 |  |
By Ray Monk With delivery of new vehicles now in full swing but both the van yard and staff car park at Acton Works out of use, displaced vehicles are now usually parked at the south end of the lorry yard. As such, they can be seen from passing trains, offering a 'last chance to see' for some rather rare vehicles. Most so far have been Renault Kangoo or VW Caddy vans. LUL VW Caddy Maxi crew van 8534VW was present on 8th June 2024 but had departed for pastures new by July. |
11/08/2024 |
| 466 |  |
By Ray Monk 8205VW and 8205VW are both VW Caddy Maxi crew vans with LUL livery and 'Incident Response' markings. They are nominally based at Palestra in Southwark, though they are not seen very often. 8206VW was parked in the lorry yard at Acton Works for a while recently, as seen on 8th June 2024. It could be that it has been replaced by one of the new Ford Transit Connect vans, but if so, it would be interesting to know if this entailed a change from the new standard white/blue TfL livery. |
11/08/2024 |
| 467 |  |
By Derek Everson Also found at the MAN/VW dealership in Bedfont on 7th June 2024 was this plain white VW Crafter van. GL23UZH had a removable sign on the nearside door stating that it is used for bus stop maintenance, although the firm involved is not known. |
11/08/2024 |
| 468 |  |
By Derek Everson MAN lorry RK14ETT - which celebrates its 10th birthday in a few days - is no stranger to LTSV. It can usually be seen at Acton, either at Frank Pick House or in the nearby lorry yard, and is used primarily by the Lifts and Escalators section. On 7th June 2024 Derek found it visiting the MAN/VW dealership in Bedfont. |
11/08/2024 |
| 469 |  |
By Derek Everson The first Mazda to be reported as a service vehicle was MT17UOC, a Mazda 3 hatchback car with Transport UK. As this photo taken at Hatton Cross Station on 7th June 2024 shows, it is currently in unmarked white livery, although MV17LVH (the Vauxhall Astra alongside) has recently had its Abellio fleetnames replaced with Transport UK ones. It is curious to note that Abellio/Transport UK also have a Citroen Dispatch van registered in the same series as this Mazda (MT17UMJ). |
11/08/2024 |
| 470 |  |
By Bob Milner Transport UK has been acquiring a variety of second-hand cars lately, as replacements for the numerous Ford Fiestas latterly used as crew ferry vehicles by Abellio. Some (but not all) of the additions have been given Transport UK fleetnames, while a few also have fleetnumbers in the 68xx series. YY16WSX is a Citroen C4 car in a slightly unusual pale blue colour, and it was photographed at the Southall (Great Western) garage on 1st June 2024. Electric single-deck buses (by Wright and Switch) are now being allocated here, but there are still almost 60 diesel Enviro 200s like the ones seen in the background. |
04/08/2024 |
| 471 |  |
By Ray Monk Another of the Ford Transit crew vans found at Museum Way (Acton) on 1st June 2024 was 8711F, which has a similar history to 8710F parked behind. |
04/08/2024 |
| 472 |  |
By Ray Monk A few service vehicles can often be found parked outside the front of the depot on Museum Way at Acton Town. Until recently, these were normally Renault Kangoo Maxi vans, but these were swapped in summer 2024 for newly-delivered Ford Transit Connect vans in TfL livery. However, when Ray visited on 1st June 2024 he found four Ford Transit crew vans present (along with one Kangoo). Larger vehicles based here are normally kept in the yard behind the building. Five-and-a-half years old but not previously shown on LTSV, crew van 8710F has been based here since new in early 2019. |
04/08/2024 |
| 473 |  |
By Ray Monk The oldest dustcarts in the LUL fleet are (narrowly) the three with Geesink Norba bodywork that were delivered at the end of 2016. Two of the three were triple-axle versions, and it appears that these may now be out of use. LO66ZRC has not been reported since the end of 2023, while LO66ZRD has been delicensed since at least early 2023. The latter vehicle was seen in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 1st June 2024, still in LUL livery but with the large bodyside TfL lettering removed. |
04/08/2024 |
| 474 |  |
By Ray Monk New Ford Transit Connects in TfL livery have been arriving steadily since Easter 2024, but they are not coming in numerical order. The highest fleetnumber reported so far is 9379F, which is on a long-wheelbase van, a type far outnumbered by long-wheelbase crew vans. 9379F was photographed in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 1st June 2024. It has subsequently been noted at both Lillie Bridge and Stratford Market depots, so further sightings are required before we assign it an allocation. |
04/08/2024 |
| 475 |  |
By Ray Monk This photo taken at Acton Works on 1st June 2024 neatly captures the three main types of light van used by LUL. To the fore is Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8909VW, with Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8393R behind. Both these types were first taken in 2011/2012, with a combined total of more than 500 added since, along with a number of the shorter variants of each. Prior to this, the Ford Transit Connect had been the standard small van, and this has now had a resurgence in its Mk2 form, as exemplified by TfL liveried 9256F at the rear. 9256F was new in April and has so far only been seen at Acton Works. |
04/08/2024 |
| 476 |  |
By Bob Milner With lots of new TfL Ford Transit Connect crew vans being photographed at Acton Works, and at Griffith House at night, the first daytime photo 'in the wild' appears to be this one, taken by Bob on 27th May 2024. Perhaps ironically, the photo was taken in Wiltshire! Bob had found LUL Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8363R parked in exactly the same place earlier in the year (see here), which suggests that new 9215F is allocated to LUL's Lifts and Escalators department. |
04/08/2024 |
| 477 |  |
By Paul Nicholls One more photo from Paul's recent Scottish jaunt, this time showing Stagecoach Ford Transit Connect van ST20FGF at St. Andrews garage on 25th April 2024. A quick look on Google Maps showed that this location also includes a small bus station with 4 nose-in bays. |
04/08/2024 |
| 478 |  |
By Ray Monk Not previously shown on LTSV, RX18LLO is one 19 Mercedes Vito minibuses taken into Go-Ahead London stock during 2018. All were delivered in unmarked red, and it appears that none of this intake have been given the driver recruitment adverts. RX18LLO has always been based in east London, but has moved around between the three garages at River Road (Barking), Silvertown and Henley Road (North Woolwich). On 23rd March 2024 it was caught leaving Beckton Bus Station. |
04/08/2024 |
| 479 |  |
By Dave Elison Seen on 9th March 2024 in Manchester, GL69GXV is a Peugeot 5008 car in the livery of tram operator Metrolink. The Manchester Metrolink was the first 'new-generation' tram system in the UK, opening in 1992. I was rather surprised to read that expansion over the past 30 years has resulted in the network now serving a total of 99 stops, more than twice the number on the Docklands Light Railway. |
04/08/2024 |
| 480 |  |
By Derek Everson Following its closure by Arriva Southern Counties in 2021, Stagecoach South started using the former London Transport bus garage in Guildford in 2022. However, this turned out to be a short-term move, and the buses were moved back to their previous Peasmarsh depot in May 2024. Derek visited on 1st March 2024 and photographed their Nissan e-NV200 van SL71ORX, adorned with images of happy engineers. |
04/08/2024 |
| 481 |  |
By Peter Terry At least 25 of Go-Ahead London's Mercedes Vito crew ferry minibuses now carry blue vinyls with driver recruitment advertising. RX71SYV is allocated to Orpington and was photographed at Bromley North Station on 24th February 2024. Not previously noticed is the camera fitted on the front dash, although it is not clear if this looks outward or inward! Several other Vitos also have this equipment. |
04/08/2024 |
| 482 |  |
By Ray Monk Seen leaving the bus stand in Bexleyheath on 2nd February 2024 was Nissan Qashqai car YF23UGA, which is one of the endless stream of unmarked cars that have been used as crew ferry vehicles by Arriva London's Dartford garage. In the background is Go-Ahead London EP2, one of 18 BYD/ADL E400EVs used on route 132. The class code denotes that they are equipped to be charged from overhead pantographs, although it is reported that the equipment installed on the forecourt of Bexleyheath garage has proved troublesome and is no longer used. |
04/08/2024 |
| 483 |  |
By Jon Pye Five new lorries were supplied to TfL during 2023, but photos of them outside the lorry yard at Acton Works have been scarce. The first of two received recently is this one showing Volvo FMX 3-axle flatbed KY23LNO at Ruislip Depot on 1st December 2023. It would appear that this lorry has a steering rear axle. |
04/08/2024 |
| 484 |  |
By Peter Terry LUL Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8562R was new in late 2017 and was initially elusive. By early 2023 it moved to Museum Way in Acton, making it much easier to see. Surprisingly, no-one photographed it until Peter visited on a damp 28th May 2024. This was just as well as the van was moved to Acton Works by mid-July, most likely for disposal having been replaced by new Ford Transit Connect vans. |
28/07/2024 |
| 485 |  |
By Peter Terry LUL's Volkswagen Transporter minibuses are often to be seen during engineering works, presumably to move staff around as required. On 27th May 2024 Peter found 8430VW parked outside Hammersmith Station, with the mobile office lorry beyond. |
28/07/2024 |
| 486 |  |
By Peter Terry As well as LUL vehicles, there were some Balfour Beatty ones found during the engineering work at Hammersmith on 27th May 2024. This photo shows Isuzu Forward box truck LN20YLP. Note that LUL roundels are carried on the front and sides. There is also a blue stripe on the bodywork, though this is a slightly lighter shade than that used by LUL. |
28/07/2024 |
| 487 |  |
By Bryn Dyer A photograph of this vehicle at this location has been featured on LTSV before. However, I have included this view taken on 27th May 2024 as it shows a change. The side lettering that used to read 'Transplant' has been altered to 'EV Welfare Vehicle'. EV usually stands for Electric Vehicle, but I don't know what it refers to here. Engineering Volunteers?? I have also just noticed that the box body has a Lyntons label on the nearest corner. Lyntons also built DB25, the LUL Emergency Control Unit 'pod'. Oh, and in case you hadn't worked it out, the location is the Hammersmith & City Line station in Hammersmith. |
28/07/2024 |
| 488 |  |
By Chris Jennings Completing the trio of colourful Ford Pumas at Metroline's Brentford Garage, here is yellow AY23KUE on 23rd May 2024. |
28/07/2024 |
| 489 |  |
By Chris Jennings At least three of Metroline's Ford Puma cars have been treated to vinyl wraps to advertise bus driver recruitment. All three are in different colours, and all are based at Brentford. AY23KWO was seen at the garage on 23rd May 2024. The site has been a bit congested recently while work on a replacement garage was underway. This opened in mid-July 2024 and the old site has now been cleared. |
28/07/2024 |
| 490 |  |
By Ray Monk A second batch of Ford Transit Connect vans arrived at Acton Works in mid-May. Compared to the crew vans (which have the additional side windows), plain vans have been rarer, comprising about a tenth of the known intake so far. This line-up in the lorry yard on 25th May 2024 was headed by 9336F, with 9376F, 9333F, 9332F and 9335F beyond. |
28/07/2024 |
| 491 |  |
By Ray Monk More new Ford Transit Connects in TfL livery were found at Acton Works on 25th May 2024, including crew van 9272F seen here in the lorry yard. About a week later the van was transferred to Westdown Road in Leyton. |
28/07/2024 |
| 492 |  |
By Bryn Dyer Several people sent photos of service vehicles attending engineering work in Hammersmith in May 2024. First up is this view of LUL VW Caddy Maxi van 8686VW outside the H&C station on 23rd May. I feel like I am getting a bit repetitive when I say that this van has been rather elusive, with only 7 sightings since it was new almost 6 years ago. Having said that, the photos were taken by correspondents who do not log their sightings. |
28/07/2024 |
| 493 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft Having been used in an anonymous condition for a few months, Go-Ahead London Ford Transit Custom high-roof van EA69MWJ gained company logos on sides and front by May 2024. On the 19th of that month it was found parked outside its home garage of Croydon. |
28/07/2024 |
| 494 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft This unmarked white Ford Transit Custom van was photographed at the Southern Vectis bus garage in Newport on the Isle of Wight on 18th May 2024. It is most notable for carrying the registration WLT881, originally fitted to LT bus RML881. There was a bus running day on the island on this date, and I believe the van is used by one of the traders who has stalls at such events. |
28/07/2024 |
| 495 |  |
By Ray Monk Three electric versions of the Ford Transit Custom van were taken into LUL stock in mid-2021. 9135F was based at Edgware Road and 9136F at Acton Works, but the allocation of 9134F remained unknown (I seem to recall that the original report of it mentioned it being seen parked in Essex somewhere). Anyway, in spring 2024 it appears that some of the allocations were switched, and 9134F became the regular resident at Edgware Road Station, making it easy to see. Note the flap for the charging point just below the nearside headlamp. Photographed on 18th May 2024. |
28/07/2024 |
| 496 |  |
By Dave Wolstencroft I occasionally get sent a fleetlist for RATP-Dev (latterly London United) which includes service vehicles. As a result we can identify some of the vehicles that have no markings. Seen at the former NCP/NSL base in Twickenham on 14th May 2024 was Seat Leon YF20CVC in a colour that I can't quite put my finger on! According to the list, this is fleet number MTR75145, allocated to Hounslow Heath as an extra crew ferry vehicle. Alongside is equally anonymous Citroen Berlingo van LC18GJO, which we already knew was numbered MTR75068 and which has been used since new in 2018. |
28/07/2024 |
| 497 |  |
By Ray Monk Stanmore Station has not had an allocation of vehicles in recent years, so any seen there are likely based elsewhere. For example, on 13th May 2024, Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8246VW was noted in the yard above the car park. This van had not been seen for over 3 years so we don't know where it is actually based. Curiously the last sighting (in September 2020) was also at this location. |
28/07/2024 |
| 498 |  |
By Paul Nicholls LUL Ford Transit Custom van 8876F was new in autumn 2019 but very little has been of it since, meaning that we don't know where it is allocated. On 11th May 2024 it was found parked in Braintree. |
28/07/2024 |
| 499 |  |
By Ray Monk The Volkswagen Golf is one of the less common types in the central fleet, with only 27 used over the past 13 years. 8252VW (and similar 8253VW) were new to LUL in autumn 2016 and based at Stratford Market Depot. Now almost 8 years old, both have been noted parked at Acton Works recently, perhaps ahead of being returned off-lease. 8252VW was photographed on 11th May 2024. |
28/07/2024 |
| 500 |  |
By Ray Monk Stagecoach London has several new crew ferry cars and minibuses at Rainham Garage, all of which carry Stagecoach lettering. However, they also seem to still have a need for additional vehicles, which means the use of unmarked cars continues. Seen at Rainham Tescos on 10th May 2024 was Citroen C3 car LA23KLV with Nissan Juke YF23VBC just visible behind. |
21/07/2024 |
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