Blue Triangle
Encyclopedia
Blue Triangle is one of many operators of London Buses
, it is based in Rainham
and is part of Go-Ahead London
. It is the operator of the East London Transit
service.
Blue Triangle have long been known for their rail replacement services and also assisting London Buses when other companies gave up routes early, or in the case of London Easylink
in 2002, folded completely. The yard is at Denver Industrial Estate, Ferry Lane, Rainham.
On June 29, 2007, the company was acquired by the Go-Ahead Group
, for a total sum of £12 million. Go-Ahead has not bought the special vehicles, all heritage vehicles have remained the property of the former managing director, Roger Wright.
In August 2008 a new trading name for Go-Ahead's London operations was created: Go-Ahead London
.
and RT's
for use on Private Hire duties. One of the these RTs ran a special marking the end of Blue Triangle's assistance on route 185. All these vehicles remain in the hands of the former owner Roger Wright's London Bus Company along with the private hire operation.
London Buses
London Buses is the subsidiary of Transport for London that manages bus services within Greater London, UK. Buses are required to carry similar red colour schemes and conform to the same fare scheme...
, it is based in Rainham
Rainham, London
Rainham is a suburban town in northeast London, England, and part of the London Borough of Havering. Located east of Charing Cross, it is one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan and is surrounded by a residential area, which has grown from the historic village,...
and is part of Go-Ahead London
Go-Ahead London
Go-Ahead London is the trading name used collectively for the London bus operations of the Go-Ahead Group. The name first appeared in August 2008, before which the company had traded under separate names and brands...
. It is the operator of the East London Transit
East London Transit
East London Transit is a part-segregated bus rapid transit whose first phase opened in 2010, with an additional phase planned to open in 2013. The scheme has been developed by Transport for London due to the existing and anticipated demand for public transport in northeast London caused by the...
service.
History
Blue Triangle have existed since at least the late 80s/early 90s operating Essex route 500 on evenings on Sundays in the early days of deregulation.Blue Triangle have long been known for their rail replacement services and also assisting London Buses when other companies gave up routes early, or in the case of London Easylink
London Easylink
London Easylink was a short-lived bus operator located in London. Its base was at the Transco Gas station, on Old Kent Road. In late 2002, Easylink went into liquidation. They operated London Buses route 185 with Plaxton President-bodied Volvo B7TLs, and had just won London Buses route 42 with...
in 2002, folded completely. The yard is at Denver Industrial Estate, Ferry Lane, Rainham.
On June 29, 2007, the company was acquired by the Go-Ahead Group
Go-Ahead Group
The Go-Ahead Group plc is a rail and bus operating company that was created following the privatisation of the UK's train and bus industries. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.-Early history:...
, for a total sum of £12 million. Go-Ahead has not bought the special vehicles, all heritage vehicles have remained the property of the former managing director, Roger Wright.
In August 2008 a new trading name for Go-Ahead's London operations was created: Go-Ahead London
Go-Ahead London
Go-Ahead London is the trading name used collectively for the London bus operations of the Go-Ahead Group. The name first appeared in August 2008, before which the company had traded under separate names and brands...
.
Vehicles in use
- Dennis Dart SLF 9.4m / MCV EvolutionMCV EvolutionThe MCV Evolution is a single-decker bus bodywork built by Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles. It was unveiled in late 2004.This body is based on the frame of the Stirling but has been drastically restyled, incorporating a new roof-dome , and other new mouldings...
(ED) for route W19. - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Dart 10.2m / MCV EvolutionMCV EvolutionThe MCV Evolution is a single-decker bus bodywork built by Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles. It was unveiled in late 2004.This body is based on the frame of the Stirling but has been drastically restyled, incorporating a new roof-dome , and other new mouldings...
(ED) for route 167. - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Dart 10.2m (SE) for route 300.
- Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Dart 10.8m (SE) for routes 347, 362, 364 and 376.
- Volvo B7TLVolvo B7TLVolvo B7TL is a low-floor double-decker bus which was launched in 1999 and replaced the 2-axle version of Volvo Olympian...
10m / Plaxton PresidentPlaxton PresidentThe Plaxton President was a double-decker bus body built at Northern Counties plant in Wigan, England and branded as a Plaxton product for its main production run. It was unveiled in 1997 and built between 1999 and 2005. When Plaxton became part of TransBus International, the body was sold under...
(PVL) for routes 649, 650, 651, 674, and Essex routes 575 and 804. - Volvo B9TLVolvo B9TLThe Volvo B9TL is a low-floor double-decker bus built by Volvo Buses since 2002. It superseded the older Volvo B10TL and the Volvo B7TL.-Chassis:...
10.4m / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 10.4m (WVL) for routes EL1 and EL2. To be introduced on route 20 from March 2012. - Wright StreetLiteWright StreetLiteThe Wright StreetLite is a low-floor midibus introduced by Wrightbus of Ballymena, Northern Ireland during the summer of 2010.-Versions:The StreetLite is available in two differing body styles. The door forward version has the door placed before the front axle of the vehicle...
8.8m to be introduced on route 462 from March 2012.
Special vehicles
The company also owned a number of special vehicles including an ex-Green Line RMC, RMsRoutemaster
The AEC Routemaster is a model of double-decker bus that was built by Associated Equipment Company in 1954 and produced until 1968. Primarily front-engined, rear open-platform buses, a small number of variants were produced with doors and/or front entrances...
and RT's
AEC Regent III RT
The AEC Regent III RT was a variant of the AEC Regent III. It was a double-decker bus produced jointly between AEC and London Transport. It was the standard red London bus during the 1950s.-Prototype:...
for use on Private Hire duties. One of the these RTs ran a special marking the end of Blue Triangle's assistance on route 185. All these vehicles remain in the hands of the former owner Roger Wright's London Bus Company along with the private hire operation.
Routes
| Route Number | Route | General Details | Notes |
| 20 London Buses route 20 London Buses route 20 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England, United Kingdom. The service is currently contracted to Arriva London.-History:... |
Walthamstow Central Station Walthamstow Central station Walthamstow Central is a London Underground and commuter rail station. It is the terminus of the Victoria line, and is on the branch of the London commuter rail network operated by National Express East Anglia... to Debden Debden, Epping Forest Debden is a suburb of the town of Loughton, in the Epping Forest district of Essex, England. It takes its name from the ancient manor of Debden, which lay at its northern end. The area is predominantly residential, but is also the location of Epping Forest College, East 15 Acting School and the De... via Leyton Leyton Leyton is an area of north-east London and part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, located north east of Charing Cross. It borders Walthamstow and Leytonstone; Stratford in Newham; and Homerton and Lower Clapton in the London Borough of Hackney.... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
From 24 March 2012 |
| 167 London Buses route 167 London Buses route 167 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. The service is currently contracted to Go-Ahead London.-History:... |
Debden Debden, Epping Forest Debden is a suburb of the town of Loughton, in the Epping Forest district of Essex, England. It takes its name from the ancient manor of Debden, which lay at its northern end. The area is predominantly residential, but is also the location of Epping Forest College, East 15 Acting School and the De... to Ilford Ilford Ilford is a large cosmopolitan town in East London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Redbridge. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It forms a significant commercial and retail... via Loughton Loughton Loughton is a town and civil parish in the Epping Forest district of Essex. It is located between 11 and 13 miles north east of Charing Cross in London, south of the M25 and west of the M11 motorway and has boundaries with Chingford, Waltham Abbey, Theydon Bois, Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill... , Barkingside Barkingside Barkingside is a district of Ilford in the London Borough of Redbridge, northeast London. It is a suburban development.It is also the place in which Barkingside FC play their home games at Oakside stadium in Station Road.... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
|
| 300 | Canning Town Station Canning Town station Canning Town station is an inter-modal transport interchange in Canning Town, northeast London, England. It is served by the London Underground Jubilee line, the Docklands Light Railway and local buses operated for London Buses. It is in Travelcard Zone 3... to East Ham East Ham East Ham is a suburban district of London, England, and part of the London Borough of Newham. It is a built-up district located 8 miles east-northeast of Charing Cross... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
|
| 347 | Ockendon Station Ockendon railway station Ockendon station is a railway station located in South Ockendon in the borough of Thurrock, England. The station is located between Upminster and Chafford Hundred and is down the line from its London terminus at Fenchurch Street. The station is located on a passing loop of a single track branch... to Romford Station Romford railway station Romford station is located in Romford, London Borough of Havering. It is situated between Chadwell Heath and Gidea Park. It is the western terminus of the Upminster branch line from Upminster.... via Upminster Upminster Upminster is a suburban town in northeast London, England, and part of the London Borough of Havering. Located east-northeast of Charing Cross, it is one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan, and comprises a number of shopping streets and a large residential... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Monday to Saturday |
|
| 362 | Grange Hill Station Grange Hill tube station Grange Hill station is a London Underground station on the Central Line which lies in Chigwell in the Epping Forest district of Essex immediately to the west of the boundary with Hainault in the London Borough of Redbridge. The station is between Hainault tube station and Chigwell tube station... to King George Hospital |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
|
| 364 | Dagenham East to Ilford Ilford Ilford is a large cosmopolitan town in East London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Redbridge. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It forms a significant commercial and retail... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
|
| 376 | Beckton to East Ham | TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
|
| 462 | Hainault Hainault Hainault is an area in the London Borough of Redbridge in north east London. It is a suburban development located north east of Charing Cross... to Ilford Ilford Ilford is a large cosmopolitan town in East London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Redbridge. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It forms a significant commercial and retail... via Barkingside Barkingside Barkingside is a district of Ilford in the London Borough of Redbridge, northeast London. It is a suburban development.It is also the place in which Barkingside FC play their home games at Oakside stadium in Station Road.... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
From 24 March 2012 |
| 575 | Epping Epping Epping is a small market town and civil parish in the Epping Forest district of the County of Essex, England. It is located north-east of Loughton, south of Harlow and north-west of Brentwood.... to Lakeside Lakeside Shopping Centre The Lakeside Shopping Centre is a large out-of-town shopping centre located in West Thurrock, in the borough of Thurrock, Essex just beyond the eastern boundary of Greater London... via Debden Debden, Epping Forest Debden is a suburb of the town of Loughton, in the Epping Forest district of Essex, England. It takes its name from the ancient manor of Debden, which lay at its northern end. The area is predominantly residential, but is also the location of Epping Forest College, East 15 Acting School and the De... |
Mondays to Fridays | Essex commercial service |
| 649 | Romford Romford Romford is a large suburban town in north east London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Havering. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan... North Street Bus Garage to Campion School |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Schooldays only |
|
| 650 | Romford Romford Romford is a large suburban town in north east London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Havering. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan... North Street Bus Garage to Emerson Park School Emerson Park School Emerson Park Academy is a community comprehensive school located in Hornchurch, Essex.-Admisions:It is a mixed school with around one thousand children on roll for ages 11-16, it became a specialist sports college in 2004. It is situated just east of Emerson Park, between Hornchurch and Upminster... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Schooldays only |
|
| 651 | Romford Station Romford railway station Romford station is located in Romford, London Borough of Havering. It is situated between Chadwell Heath and Gidea Park. It is the western terminus of the Upminster branch line from Upminster.... to North Romford Chase Cross |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Schooldays only |
|
| 674 | Romford Station Romford railway station Romford station is located in Romford, London Borough of Havering. It is situated between Chadwell Heath and Gidea Park. It is the western terminus of the Upminster branch line from Upminster.... to Harold Hill Harold Hill Harold Hill is a place in the London Borough of Havering, east London, England. It is a suburban development situated 16.6 miles east-northeeast of Charing Cross.... Dagnam Park Square |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Schooldays only |
|
| 804 | Debden Debden, Epping Forest Debden is a suburb of the town of Loughton, in the Epping Forest district of Essex, England. It takes its name from the ancient manor of Debden, which lay at its northern end. The area is predominantly residential, but is also the location of Epping Forest College, East 15 Acting School and the De... to Chigwell Chigwell Chigwell is a civil parish and town in the Epping Forest district of Essex. It is located 11.6 miles north east of Charing Cross. It is served by two London Underground stations and has a London area code.-Etymology:According to P. H... West Hatch High School |
Schooldays only | Essex CC contract |
| EL1 | Ilford Ilford Ilford is a large cosmopolitan town in East London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Redbridge. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It forms a significant commercial and retail... Ilford Hill to Thames View Estate via Barking Barking Barking is a suburban town in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, in East London, England. A retail and commercial centre situated in the west of the borough, it lies east of Charing Cross. Barking was in the historic county of Essex until it was absorbed by Greater London. The area is... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , 24 hour service |
|
| EL2 | Ilford Ilford Ilford is a large cosmopolitan town in East London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Redbridge. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It forms a significant commercial and retail... Ilford Hill to Dagenham Dock Station Dagenham Dock railway station Dagenham Dock is a railway station located in Dagenham in northeast London, England. The station is managed by c2c and all train services calling at the station are operated by the company. The station is in Zone 5. It is next to the A13 road and the closest station to the local Ford Dagenham plant... via Barking Barking Barking is a suburban town in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, in East London, England. A retail and commercial centre situated in the west of the borough, it lies east of Charing Cross. Barking was in the historic county of Essex until it was absorbed by Greater London. The area is... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily |
|
| W19 | Ilford Ilford Ilford is a large cosmopolitan town in East London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Redbridge. It is located northeast of Charing Cross and is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It forms a significant commercial and retail... to Walthamstow Walthamstow Walthamstow is a district of northeast London, England, located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It is situated north-east of Charing Cross... via Leytonstone Leytonstone Leytonstone is an area of east London and part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It is a high density suburban area, located seven miles north east of Charing Cross in the ceremonial county of Greater London and the historic county of Essex... |
TfL Transport for London Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London... , Daily. |
Previous routes operated
- Blue Triangle operated Essex route 500 (Romford to Harlow via Epping) in the late 80s/early 90s in the early days of deregulation. They operated the route on evenings and Sundays under contract to Essex County Council.
- Route 565 (Brentwood to Bulphan) was once operated by Blue Triangle. They also operated the route when it went from Brentwood on to Romford.
- Essex CC route 11 (Purfleet to Basildon) was lost to Clintona MinicoachesClintona MinicoachesClintona Minicoaches is a small bus and coach company located in Brentwood, Essex who operate bus and coach services services in Essex, and also specialise in private hire.-Current routes:...
in January 2009
- Essex CC routes 8B/8C, 101 and 256 were lost to FirstFirst EssexFirst Essex Buses Limited is owned by First Group. First Essex carries around 29 million passengers each year on a network of routes serving Essex and the surrounding areas. It arose from an amalgamation of Eastern National and Thamesway Buses, whose yellow/maroon livery has only recently disappeared...
in August 2010
- Blue Triangle was the last operator to operate route 502 (Loughton to Romford) a few years ago. It was a Saturday service with only 1 return journey.
- Route 372London Buses route 372London Buses route 372 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. The service is currently contracted to Stagecoach London...
(Lakeside - Hornchurch) was won on a temporary contract as part replacement for route 324 which ran between Romford market & Bluewater Shopping Complex, Blue Triangle was awarded the temporary contract using four Dennis Darts with Plaxton Pointer bodywork with single door, these were obtained from dealer stock. In March 2004, Blue triangle retained the contract for another five years but the buses had to be converted to dual doors like most TfL bus routes, but this never happen. Blue Triangle lost this route to East London Bus Group new company 'Thameside' which are based next door at Rainham.
- Route 248London Buses route 248London Buses route 248 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. The service is currently contracted to Stagecoach London.-History:...
(Cranham - Romford Market) route was won in 2001 from First Capital and had to start using Titans & Metrobuses due to late delivery of new buses for the route. in September 2008, the route was lost on tendering to East London Bus Group company 'Thameside'.
- Route 375 (Passingford Bridge - Romford Station) was won on a temporary contract as a part replacement to Essex County Council route 500, which was withdrawn between Ongar & Romford, TfL stepped in with this replacement service using just one bus. The route was put out for tender and was lost to Arriva Southern CountiesArriva Southern CountiesArriva Southern Counties is a bus operator in London, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Essex in England. It is a regional division of Arriva.- History :...
at their Grays base from Saturday 4 July 2009.
- Route 66London Buses route 66London Buses route 66 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England, United Kingdom. As of 2010, the service is contracted to Arriva Southern Counties.-History:...
(Leytonstone - Romford Station) was won in September 2003 from Arriva LondonArriva LondonArriva London is a division of Arriva which operates bus services in London, UK. It is made up of many previous bus operators including previously independent Grey Green...
, the contract started using hired buses due to the late deliver of new buses from Transbus. In September 2010, the route was up for tender and lost to Arriva Southern CountiesArriva Southern CountiesArriva Southern Counties is a bus operator in London, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Essex in England. It is a regional division of Arriva.- History :...
at Grays.
- Route 368 (Chadwell Heath - Harts Lane Estate) was transferred to Blue Triangle from Dockland Buses on 3 November 2007, using existing MCV EvolutionMCV EvolutionThe MCV Evolution is a single-decker bus bodywork built by Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles. It was unveiled in late 2004.This body is based on the frame of the Stirling but has been drastically restyled, incorporating a new roof-dome , and other new mouldings...
s. On 26 March 2011, This route was up for tender and lost to First Capital.
- 648 (Cranham - Romford) was won in September 2001 from First Capital, using existing Dennis Dart SLF 10.8m / Alexander Dennis Pointer. On 3 September 2011, this route was up for tender and lost to First Capital.