MCW Metrobus

In March 1987 the Routemasters departed permanently making way for new MCW Metrobuses. OPO had finally come to 207. The Metrobus occupies a special place in my affections as the last major class purchased by an unadulterated London Transport. The fact that nearly all 1440 M-class buses are still on the road 20 years after M1 was first registered proves London Transport got it right this time.

As the events building up to the dismemberment of London Transport and the founding of the present independant operators bubbled away quietly logos came and went but little changed. The only major upheaval was in March 1993 when Hanwell closed and 207 was shared between Uxbridge and the newly re-opened Acton Tram Depot.
M566 with the last version of London Transport logos
M349 plus the pre-privatisation CentreWest isignia
M976 at Uxbridge Station in similar livery
These 3 images ©Paul Watson
CentreWest was privatised in a management buy-out in September 1994. The new company established a reputation by aquiring London Buslines and in November 1995 founded a new operating base in Orpington by winning a group of tenders in the area. Such a dynamic operation soon attracted the attentions of large corporates and CentreWest was absorbed by the Firstbus Group in February 1997.
M851 an unwilling participant in Acton Tram Depot's Open Day July 1996 is totally naked of branding
M851 at Ealing Broadway in May 1997. Is that another knock N/S front ? or unpainted after 10months ?
M414 & M347 at Shepherd's Bush wearing the current version of First logos
These 3 images ©Martin G. Layton
The recent development of a limited stop variation of the Shepherd's Bush to Uxbridge service reviving the number 607 is detailed next or watch this space when another chapter is added.