So the 196..

It's now a month since the 196 changed hands, so let's get on with it.

2618 (SN18KLL), Knights Hill, Upper Norwood

Shockingly awarded to Abellio London, later confirmed to be operated out of Walworth (WL). This win was on a scale much lower than 159 but as bizarre. The then current operator has a base directly on route, but unlike 159, the succeeding operator's base is closer to it's route.


No guesswork required for bus type, fleetnumbers being 2603-18 as opposed to original 2603-20. So two buses taken away from the order. What happened? Two from a top-up batch for U5 (former 350), 2577/8 filled this position. The latter previously branded, branding removed on day of transfer.

2577 (YX17NPP), Effra Road, Brixton

Thus far 2532 has been fitted with blinds to display 196 unless my headcannon¹ is reaching too far. However the variety of only one type now is yet to change, compared to Stockwell (SW) treating it like a royal dog with butlers of it's own.

Volvo B7TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini
WVL225 (LX06DZH), Binfield Road / Stockwell Station

Es, WHVs, EHs, EHs (MMC), WVLs (B7/B9).
Even some Darts were blinded for 196.

So...tender result shock covered. Allocation covered. But not the service. We'll get to that shortly. Firstly..

Even though the interesting turn of events that Abellio have won 196, they weren't the lowest bidder. Which does prove interesting in that Go-Ahead have no reason to back out given they have the space required for 196. Leaves one other. From a base that last operated the route 33 years ago?

ADL Trident / ADL Enviro 400
E8 (SN06BNL), Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood
Refurbished to commercial livery among others

Regardless, these turn of events meant one undeniable thing. The end of Go-Ahead's first Enviro400s, E1-15 and E38. Regardless of what happened to the route those buses would've no longer served the route again. 196 isn't like 318 which is safely outside Central London and clinging to it's [in a state] buses for a third contract.

Previously Go-Ahead had it's ups and downs with 196, though they had over a decade's experience of the route so would know what type of route it is like the back of one's hand. Having said that, it's service was good for the most part. If a flagless flagship's a term, 196 would've suited it, as it obviously can't compare to the likes of 11 or 88.

As a route, 196's the type that loves to go from a bustling shopping centre on the edge of the city of London, then around alleys, finds itself on main roads, ducks down again having forgotten something, back on another main road, climbs a mountain (hill) then down it and to it's destination of a rather gloomy and old atmosphere that is South Norwood.

ADL Trident / ADL Enviro 400
E15 (SN06BOF), Norwood Bus Garage, West Norwood

All in all, Go-Ahead and 196 holds a place in my heart, having been the very consistent face of 196 since childhood. I won't forget classic Enviro400s with the grey skirt and 196, not anytime soon.

Another E type, to Euro 5 standards
ADL E40D / ADL Enviro 400
E280 (SN13CJU), Grosvenor Road, Norwood Junction

Sentiments aside, Abellio started off on 196 pretty terribly I admit, but unlike the 45 and 68, 196's slightly different. 45/68 are more predictable in my opinion north of Camberwell than 196 north of Brixton. Especially with Kennington Lane-Vauxhall. Turns like Tulse Hill would be seen and Upper Norwood (GAL's most used turn) on a daily for the first week. 45/68 may have had their bunching and gaps, but turns were barely forked out from my observations.
Second week; They got the hang of the service, though mostly there.
Third week and after; Good.

It was interesting to see them struggle on 196 (no sadism) as the 45 was executed reasonably, 68 I forget it exists half the time so no comment. But to the next 5 years with Abellio and, stay safe.

ADL E40H / ADL Enviro 400H MMC
EH81 (YY66OYK), Vauxhall Bus Station
Turned due to an event north of Vauxhall

Volvo B5LH / Wright Eclipse Gemini 3
WHV96 (BD65EWZ), Newington Causeway, Elephant & Castle
Unfortunate the sunlight happened

¹ Thoughts per say

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