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Post by rif153 on Sept 2, 2019 22:12:41 GMT
Thought I'd create a ranking of all the routes in Kingston I've done after that Kingston heavy day: 65 57 X26 406 85 285 418 111 131 What was wrong with the 131?! 😱😱💔💔 The 131 isn't inherently bad, but I do feel it pales in comparison to the other routes in Kingston. Whilst I loved the 57, doing the 131 after that seems a little anticlimactic. The route is decent, but I found the sluggish WVN made it less enjoyable. I'm also not a fan of the 131's routing between Raynes Park and Kingston, much prefer that of the 57.
Out of interest, what makes the 131 your favourite route?
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Post by george on Sept 2, 2019 22:15:43 GMT
E8 to Hounslow Bus Station (VW1263) - Surprisingly well loaded due to a festival in Blondin Park. Although I always lament VWs, the driver floored this one, making the journey enjoyable. 81 to Harlington Corner (VW1833) - My first time on the 81 since Metroline took over. Still hard to believe this route is no longer run from its eastern terminus. I got an ex First VW which made the journey a bit more interesting. Overall a decent journey. 111 to Heathrow Central - The driver floored this bus through the Heathrow Tunnels, and it was a proper boneshaker at speed, exactly what one thinks of when stereotyping SPs. 285 to Kingston (VH45133) This route was enjoyable. I really enjoyed the scenery in affluent Teddington, the views of the river over Kingston Bridge, and being up close to aeroplanes around the Eastern Perimeter. The two double runs are a little annoying though. Another negative was how long this route took, at 89 minutes. On the bright side, glad it wasn't 90 or I would've missed my next connection. Not the best route of the day, and not my last RATP VH of the day. 8/10 418 to Epsom - A lovely beastly 07reg ADE. The driver floored the bus, giving fantastic engine sounds as we pelted down the roads. I really like the Quality Line interior too, a shame it'll be lost soon. I love Trident Enviros, and in my opinion they're better than the SPs that'll replace them. I like that this route passes EB so you can have a peek at the buses there. The scenery is pleasant with lots of greenery too, overall a very enjoyable route, but its not the best Kingston-Epsom route. 8/10 406 to Kingston (ADE40305) - Although I got a 61reg ADE, inferior to the 07reg, the better routing more than compensated. I loved t scenery, and at the expense of the residential streets the 418 serves, the pleasant greenery, augmented by a charming little stream, makes the 406 the greater of the two. I didn't feel as if I anywhere near London on that section, for which words cannot do justice. This route was and felt slightly shorter than the 418. Route of the day. 9/10 465 to Chessington World of Adventures (OV30072) - Didn't have it in me to go all the way down to Dorking, but I jumped at the chance to have a nice rattle ride on the OVs before they're all gone. I have such nostalgia for OVs, with my fondest memory getting on down to the then brand new Imperial Wharf station om the 391. The OVs have a lot more character than DEs/DLEs, so ehen they're gone it'll be sad to see another unique type in the RATP fleet meet its end. 71 to Kingston (SP40096) - A bit dry, but not the worst. I guess a redeeming quality is the balance of residental streets, and more major routes. This SP sounded nothing like the FW ones, so whatever TV are doing to their SPs, I commend them for keeping their SPs in such good condition. 6/10 65 to Warwick Road/University of West London (VH45313) - My favourite route in London never lets me down. A nice lively ride with a good driver who floored the bus where possible. Amusingly, we did circle the gyratory in Kingston for an unknown reason, certainly bemused me to see the bus veering right towards Cromwell Road Bus Station, but it may have killed a bit of time. On my mission to ride all the 19reg VHs, I've now ticked three off. I could rant about how much I love the 65 all day... Thought I'd create a ranking of all the routes in Kingston I've done after that Kingston heavy day: 65 57 X26 406 85 285 418 111 131 I think as an area Kingston has some of the best routes in the whole of London.
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Post by YY13VKP on Sept 2, 2019 22:22:51 GMT
Thought I'd create a ranking of all the routes in Kingston I've done after that Kingston heavy day: 65 57 X26 406 85 285 418 111 131 I think as an area Kingston has some of the best routes in the whole of London. Orpington too
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Post by george on Sept 2, 2019 22:33:29 GMT
I think as an area Kingston has some of the best routes in the whole of London. Orpington too Will have to plan a weekend trip to orpington. I like to explore different areas of London to try new bus routes when ever get a chance. Recently been to High Barnet and did the 307 following rif153 recommendation, now that is a great route 10 out 10.
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Post by rj131 on Sept 2, 2019 23:01:54 GMT
What was wrong with the 131?! 😱😱💔💔 The 131 isn't inherently bad, but I do feel it pales in comparison to the other routes in Kingston. Whilst I loved the 57, doing the 131 after that seems a little anticlimactic. The route is decent, but I found the sluggish WVN made it less enjoyable. I'm also not a fan of the 131's routing between Raynes Park and Kingston, much prefer that of the 57.
Out of interest, what makes the 131 your favourite route?
Bit of a story behind it so here goes So I’ve been travelling on the route about two and a half years as I have good friends in Kingston who I visit very often, and stay there a lot too. Instead of just getting the train to Kingston I go to Wimbledon then get the bus from there as I only have to pay a cheaper Zone 3 fare rather than Zone 6. When I first started using the route it was ran by London United with those legendary 51-reg and 02-reg Tridents, absolutely couldn’t get enough of those vehicles so that was always my preferred route to get from Wimbledon to Kingston as it was such a fun trip. Also a few 08-reg Scanias were allocated to it too which were also very beastly so was a nice bit of variety. I mean personal opinion this but I also really really love the routing. I find it interesting because there’s lots of different parts to it, a couple of dull suburban bits mixed in with the posh parts of Wimbledon and Norbiton, and don’t ask why but I just find Shannon Corner really intriguing. God knows why as it’s far from glamorous but I just love travelling round it. (However if I was judging the bus routes on purely routing alone then I do prefer the 210 and 412, but the 210 can get very unreliable and its allocated vehicles are very lacklustre. Although the 412’s allocation is a lot more varied I too find it’s allocation a bit tired UNLESS it’s the Pulsar G1’s which are epic. Now the G1’s are very much on borrowed time and the rest of TC’s vehicles are by and large starting to look very tired. Unrefurbished examples can have very hard seats making the journey uncomfortable) Another thing to note is that at that time LU had the 131 and GAL had the 57. In terms of vehicles there was absolutely no competition over which were better, the Tridents by a million miles. The first time I was in Kingston I was there for nearly a week, and one morning about four days in, I was waiting for the bus to Wimbledon and the 131 had a gap and the 57 was a few seconds away, so I took the 57 instead. The very first time I took the 57 I had E119, which had a major problem. There was a fault with the aircooling system on the bus which was creating a very very loud, very very high pitched whine constantly, it was really deafening and was actually quite painful on my ears. The other passengers too were commenting on it and one asked the driver ‘Can you please get that noise to stop it’s horrible!’. There was absolutely nothing the driver could do to stop it, I tried moving downstairs but the whine could still be heard there too. After just two stops I couldn’t bear it anymore so I got off the 57 and waited about 11 minutes for the next 131 to turn up. The next morning I tried the 57 again but it took nearly 40 minutes to get from Kingston to Wimbledon (the 131 usually does it in 20). This was a combination of the bus getting constantly regulated, it’s considerably busier than the 131 too which meant the bus was packed so dwell times at bus stops were really long too. So there was how my vendetta of the 57 began so have always stuck with the 131 since to this day. Then obviously about a year later GAL started running the 131 too as they won it from LU. Now again this is personal preference but I much prefer Gemini 2’s over classic Enviro400s, much better built imo. Obviously I get the impression you prefer the 57’s Es but hey ho everyone has different preferences. Unsurprisingly I was very sad that this spelt the end of the Tridents, but GAL had a new trick up their sleeve which is that GAL’s operation of the route is EXCEPTIONAL. Bold statement this, but I would say the 131 is the most reliable route in all of London now GAL have it. Under LU gaps were pretty common. The only time I’ve not seen perfect headways was that occasion a few weeks ago, the 131 is currently on diversion at the moment and those temporary traffic lights (don’t know if they’re gone now or not) at Norbiton have really played havoc with the route lately but that’s not GAL’s fault. When there’s none of that the operation of the 131 is flawless. Also while achieving this exceptional standard buses are nearly never regulated either, I’ve been regulated once for around a minute but otherwise buses move very well too. The 57 on the other hand is much more unreliable as it’s a far longer route with loads of traffic hotspots, particularly Streatham and a lot of over-regulation. So the 131 is my favourite because it’s a brilliant all-rounder. Interesting routing (my opinion obviously), lovely vehicles (again other opinions may differ) even though it’s not run with TA’s anymore the WVNs on it currently are extremely well maintained and immaculately clean thanks to AL’s brilliant maintenance. There’s quite a bit of variety as native WVLs, G2 WHVs, WSDs (🤮 alright they let the side down a bit) and more recently the lovely older 57-reg Es have been appearing too, it never gets regulated and it’s as reliable as a wood burning stove. There you have it - my favourite route in London
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Post by rj131 on Sept 2, 2019 23:04:41 GMT
Thought I'd create a ranking of all the routes in Kingston I've done after that Kingston heavy day: 65 57 X26 406 85 285 418 111 131 I think as an area Kingston has some of the best routes in the whole of London. Totally agree, the 465 too is a stunning route. The bit where the 465 travels along the A307 directly alongside the River Thames passing all the boats is stunning.
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Post by Eastlondoner62 on Sept 2, 2019 23:41:11 GMT
Central Line to Liverpool Street London Overground to Clapton 425 to Ilford (VN37849) - I loved the scenery, residental streets, beautiful Victoria Park, gentrified Stratford, suburban Romford Road, fantastic variety. A thoroughly enjoyable route to do end to end, although probably more enjoyable on a DN than a VN. 8/10 179 to Roding Lane South (10172) - Boring slow Enviro 400, wish I'd gotten the 123 instead Walk to Claybury Broadway 128 to Romford Station (VLA138 and T185) - I knew I needed to do this route before it goes to Stagecoach, and is rerouted in Romford. I let a T at the Claybury stand go in favour of a VLA, whilst I do like Tridents, it has to be said these ones aren't in optimal condition, and I can understand why the drivers I spoke to will be glad to see them go. This bus was curtailed at Becontree Heath which gave me a chance to talk to DX drivers waiting to take over buses, both of them said that they much prefer the DWs/Ts to the VLAs. Lots of passengers were giving the poor driver some stick when the bus curtailed at Becontree Heath, however Becontree Heath is hardly in the middle of nowhere, and there are lots of buses from there to Romford, including a 5 a few minutes behind. The 128's route isn't anything special though, what made it special was the chance to ride a trident. 6.5/10 66 to Leytonstone (DW244) - A nice lively ride along the A12 with the driver flooring the bus where possible, this is augemented by some lovely scenery towards the eastern end of the part of the A12 this route uses. Its a nice quick route too, taking less than an hour, which was exactly what I needed having needed two hours to do the 128 end to end. One criticism of the route is that after a whle going down the A12 turns into routine dual carrigeway boredom but good other than that. 8/10 Central Line to Stratford 158 to Chingford Mount (HV225) - There is immense demand for this route at Stratford, no wonder it got a PVR increase. The route is mostly enjoyable. I found it interesting for the most part, with the best parts being Blackhorse Road-Stratford, and Crooked Billet-Chingford Mount. The residential part of this route was a little boring, but it wasn't the worst, despite the traffic leading up to the Billet. I prefer this route to the 58, and I can imagine it is a popular radial for those wanting to avoid the congestion of Walthamstow Town Centre. A solid route. 7.5/10 97 to Chingford (15044) - Just to get up to Chingford, but sitting at the back of a Scania is great fun 97 to Stratford City (15044) - A route I really like. Chingford is a very pleasant suburb which I've really enjoyed visitng, and viewing from the 97/179/212. The scenery just between Chingford and the Mount was good, but I like the majority of the route. The section between the Billet and Bell Corner felt a little bland, but other than that I really enjoyed the views from this route. The section between Walthamstow and Stratford is fantastic, even better than I remember it being on the 69. Leyton, and Draper's Field were interesting places too. I like that rather than going to the main Stratford Bus Station as the 69/158 do this goes to SCBS. Its cool to go into Stratford via the backdoor instead, and be able to get a great view of Stratford Box, and see all the newbuilds which have gone up in the viccinty of Stratford International, the fact there are fewer buses from this side of Stratford make visiting it a lot more enjoyable. If I lived in Leyton, I would chose the 97 over the 69/158 to reach Stratford. Also the Scanias make the route even better. 8.5/10 I can assure you if you'd have gotten the 123 you'd have said the 179 would have been better. Both types are relatively boring You keep referring to the 128s buses as Tridents, they're not Tridents at all They're Volvo B7TL buses on an ALX400 body, the only two Tridents left now are at W. Interesting comments from the drivers regarding the 128, the few I've heard from prefer them over the Ts and DWs and of all the types kept at DX the VLAs are the ones that on average are in the best kept condition. Although maintenance standards there have really fallen off a cliff in recent months. I think the driver got a bit of issues from the passengers as despite the 175 and 5 both go Romford the 128 goes in via the Brewery, the 103 does too but that doesn't come to the part you'd have been turfed off at. I agree about the 97, it's a lot nicer to come in through Westfield. You sometimes forget how peaceful the Olympic Park and the surrounding area can be when West Ham are not playing. I often go there with my friends just to kill some time in the Sun - probably one of my favourite parts of London.
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Post by Frenzie on Sept 3, 2019 7:34:57 GMT
Thought I'd create a ranking of all the routes in Kingston I've done after that Kingston heavy day: 65 57 X26 406 85 285 418 111 131 I think as an area Kingston has some of the best routes in the whole of London. I agree. Just a shame that it’s a horrible area to spend time in.
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Post by george on Sept 3, 2019 7:41:26 GMT
I think as an area Kingston has some of the best routes in the whole of London. I agree. Just a shame that it’s a horrible area to spend time in. There are areas far worse than Kingston in London, I'm not claiming Kingston is really nice but it certainly isn't the worst.
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Post by rif153 on Sept 3, 2019 9:04:18 GMT
I think as an area Kingston has some of the best routes in the whole of London. I agree. Just a shame that it’s a horrible area to spend time in. You ain't seen nothing yet
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Post by Frenzie on Sept 3, 2019 9:27:49 GMT
I agree. Just a shame that it’s a horrible area to spend time in. There are areas far worse than Kingston in London, I'm not claiming Kingston is really nice but it certainly isn't the worst. I didn’t say it was the worst. Just always busy, not enough good areas to eat and lacks charm. Richmond is far nicer to spend time in. (I’ve been going to Kingston everyday for the last 6 years so maybe I’ve just become bored).
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Post by george on Sept 3, 2019 9:41:32 GMT
There are areas far worse than Kingston in London, I'm not claiming Kingston is really nice but it certainly isn't the worst. I didn’t say it was the worst. Just always busy, not enough good areas to eat and lacks charm. Richmond is far nicer to spend time in. (I’ve been going to Kingston everyday for the last 6 years so maybe I’ve just become bored). I just think the word "Horrible" was a bit extreme. I do agree that Richmond is nicer to spend time in, Talking about Richmond it's a shame that no double decker routes goes over Richmond Bridge apart from the N22, The views over the bridge are lovely so being on a double decker in the day would be nice, now I know a route that could have double deckers that goes over the bridge but I won't mention it as I'm sure people will be getting bored of me keep mentioning the said route 😁
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Post by rif153 on Sept 3, 2019 9:46:57 GMT
I didn’t say it was the worst. Just always busy, not enough good areas to eat and lacks charm. Richmond is far nicer to spend time in. (I’ve been going to Kingston everyday for the last 6 years so maybe I’ve just become bored). I just think the word "Horrible" was a bit extreme. I do agree that Richmond is nicer to spend time in, Talking about Richmond it's a shame that no double decker routes goes over Richmond Bridge apart from the N22, The views over the bridge are lovely so being on a double decker in the day would be nice, now I know a route that could have double deckers that goes over the bridge but I won't mention it as I'm sure people will be getting bored of me keep mentioning the said route 😁 The R70?
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Post by george on Sept 3, 2019 9:52:00 GMT
I just think the word "Horrible" was a bit extreme. I do agree that Richmond is nicer to spend time in, Talking about Richmond it's a shame that no double decker routes goes over Richmond Bridge apart from the N22, The views over the bridge are lovely so being on a double decker in the day would be nice, now I know a route that could have double deckers that goes over the bridge but I won't mention it as I'm sure people will be getting bored of me keep mentioning the said route 😁 The R70? good guess but obviously I meant the 969 😁
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Post by rj131 on Sept 3, 2019 10:44:06 GMT
There are areas far worse than Kingston in London, I'm not claiming Kingston is really nice but it certainly isn't the worst. I didn’t say it was the worst. Just always busy, not enough good areas to eat and lacks charm. Richmond is far nicer to spend time in. (I’ve been going to Kingston everyday for the last 6 years so maybe I’ve just become bored). I think Kingston is a lovely lovely area, I love it can’t get enough of the place. In contrast to the St Nic’s centre I went to in Sutton yesterday the Bentalls is very very grand with fabulous architecture, absolutely thriving that place and I think it’s refreshing to see a town centre doing well rather than everywhere closing down.
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