Dying Diesels in Croydon

On this journey, Watton’s Wanderings tracks down some of the fast disappearing diesel buses in one of their remaining strongholds around the Croydon area.

We begin with one from my archives. The 127 began in 1981 as a replacement for parts of the 77 and 115 between Tooting and Wallington. DMS 1702 of Merton (AL) Garage is at the Shotfield terminus.

The lady passenger seems anxious to secure her place at the front of the queue! Note the advert for the 25p suburban flat fare which was introduced around this time.

Route 127: Tooting Broadway - Purley

Alighting from the Northern Line at Tooting Broadway, I followed in the footsteps of Wolfie Smith in the opening credits of the BBC sitcom “Citizen Smith” from the late 70s, although I resisted the urge to shout “Power to the People!” as I exited the station!

Just around the corner, I crossed the road to reach the first stop of my first route of the day, the 127 to Purley. This is currently on a 2 year contract extension with Go Ahead London from Croydon (C) Garage using existing diesels, mainly Es supported by a handful of WVLs. The next departure was formed by E198 and we left with just half a dozen aboard. An easy run to Mitcham, although the 127 doesn’t run direct via Tooting Station, instead taking the dog leg from Amen Corner via Southcroft Road and Mitcham Lane / Streatham Road to Figges Marsh. After navigating Mitcham Town Centre, we moved onto the pleasant countrified stretch past Mitcham Junction to Beddington Corner and Hackbridge, where we left the direct route once again to serve Carshalton Station and the Ponds. Passing through the High St, we took the short cut along Parkgate Road to Wallington, the initial terminus of the route when introduced.

A passenger exchange in the High St, before continuing through Woodcote Green and a brief view of open country before traversing Foxley Lane with its big houses downhill into Purley. We terminated at the station after a decent run of just on 1 hour.

This incarnation of the 127 is the third in London Transport history - it previously applied to a Morden & South Wimbledon/St Helier local (1941-58) and then to a Trolleybus Replacement service between Waltham Cross & Victoria (1961-70). However, the current version came along in 1981 between Tooting Broadway & Wallington, replacing the unique southern section of the 77 and part of the 115, operated with DMS types at first, although these were swapped with LS class Nationals the following year. In 1984, the route received the extension to Purley in lieu of the 234 and was diverted via Carshalton instead of direct via London Road, this section being replaced by the 151. DMS types reappeared at this time.

Tendering came to the route in 1986, with London Country taking over with ANs and introducing a short-lived extension to Sanderstead Church/Selsdon, nearer to the operational garage of Chelsham (CM) until that closed. After passing through its successors London Country South East, London & Country and Londonlinks, the late 90s saw an unstable period with various operator changes including London General, Selkent, Mitcham Belle and Centra, when Darts generally replaced double deckers. The route returned to an even keel in 2005, when Metrobus were awarded the contract, which has remained since through their takeover by Go Ahead. PVLs were the initial allocation until the intended Scanias took over, but by the late 2010s, Es and WVLs had become the usual fare.

To end, brief mention of the suffixed variant, the 127A. This was a Sunday only route between 1984-89, running at first between Streatham Garage and South Croydon Garage via Mitcham, Wallington and Purley, although the northern terminus was later changed to Brixton Garage. DMS operated from Croydon (TC). The variant continued with London Country and its successors after tendering in 1986, including the extension to Sanderstead/Selsdon as on the parent route, using ANs.

Fast forward to 2025 and we have Go Ahead London’s Enviro400 E198 of Croydon (C) Garage on stand at Tooting Broadway.

This is the predominant type on the route, although a few WVLs and the odd WHV also turn out.

Part Route 434: Purley - Kenley (& back)

Back in March 2024, as part of a set of changes in the area, the 434 was restructured south of Purley to run direct to Caterham via the 407, its previous backstreet routeing between Purley and Whyteleafe being taken over by new route 439. I rode the full revised route between Caterham and Rickman Hill at that time.

However, the intention always was for the 434 to divert via Upper Kenley between Purley and Kenley Station, to serve a hilly area of housing remote from other bus services. Unfortunately, alterations to the road layout were necessary before buses could assume the new routeing, but they finally did so in March 2025. Therefore, I took the opportunity to try out the new section of route on this occasion.

The 434 is operated by GAL out of Croydon (C) Garage on a half hourly Daily daytime frequency, so having just missed one by 5 mins at Purley High St, I had time to take a break and replenish supplies at the nearby Tesco. Eventually, the next southbound bus arrived, formed by SEN43, an Enviro200 formerly with First and Metroline and still bearing its old number DES1714 in the cab. Departing under the railway bridge near Purley Station, we soon turned right and began climbing through an area of large houses to the summit of the route, before descending the other side through more suburbia back to the main road at Kenley Station. Just 10 mins over the new section, which is clearly useful for local residents, particularly anyone of restricted mobility, although only one on and one off over this stretch on my trip.

Alighting at Kenley Station, I had a 12 min wait for the next northbound bus, which was Enviro200 192, a former Metrobus example. Just one other passenger on board when I got on, as we again made our way over the twisting hilly section, but this time in the other direction. 3 other passengers boarded on this stretch, all short-riders to the shops in Purley. An extra couple of minutes on the return run, due to a queue to get out onto the main road just before Purley Station Bridge.

Inherited from Metrobus, GAL Enviro200 189 of Croydon (C) Garage is seen on the 434 at the Rickman Hill Ridgemount Avenue terminus in 2024 when I rode the revised route between Caterham and here.

The intended rerouteing between Purley and Kenley Station via Upper Kenley was not introduced until March 2025 pending road layout alterations.

Route 412: Purley - Croydon Town Centre

After arriving back at Purley Tesco, I made my way to the nearby stop at Downlands Precinct for my next route, the 412. Arriva have retained several routes at Croydon (TC) Garage on retender from end of August 2025, including this one, with a large batch of electric double deckers promised in due course. Therefore, my aim was to ride some of these services before the existing diesels disappear.

Unfortunately, there appeared to be an issue with the 412 at the Croydon end, with late running and short turns in evidence, although I was unable to discover what the problem was. Having just missed the 11.30 departure, the following working at 11.50 was cancelled (presumed turned short) and the 12.10 was only going to South Croydon. Finally, I boarded DW546 on the 12.30 for the journey to Croydon Town Centre the long way round.

After expecting the worst, this turned out to be a very simple and fast journey! Not that many passengers and not much traffic encountered throughout, so no idea what the cause of the earlier delays had been. Our bus struggled a bit uphill out of Purley towards Riddlesdown, passing the countrified section at Mitchley Hill. It was then on to Sanderstead with its delightful little church with wooden spire atop the tower, before continuing to Selsdon, where we looped around to serve Sainsbury’s and the Library. Having made our way east up to now, we then turned north west towards our objective of Croydon, along Upper Selsdon Road and past leafy Croham Hurst Woods. All too soon, we were into South Croydon, taking the detour shared with the 403 to avoid the low railway bridge, then onto the main road at the Swan & Sugar Loaf. It was then a simple run into Central Croydon, serving the Flyover and Fairfield Halls, before terminating in Park Street. An easy 35 min run, a few minutes less than scheduled.

The 412 dates from 1990, when it replaced the 12A between West Croydon and Purley Old Lodge Lane, using DT class Darts. In 1993, a double deck schoolday element was introduced to Wallington, bifurcating from the main route at Purley. The Old Lodge Lane section was ceded to the 450 later the same year. 1995 saw the Wallington section become the 612, whilst the 412 was extended north to Norwood Junction. DRLs replaced DTs the following year. Then, in 1998 was cut back again to West Croydon, with the 410 covering the Norwood Junction leg. LDR types replaced the shorter Darts, although these were later swapped for the DDL version.

Double deck conversion came in 2003, initially with DLAs, although early DWs later joined in. From 2013, new DWs became the norm, with some Ts in support. The final change came in 2019, when the route was cut back in Croydon from West Croydon Bus Station to Park Street/Katherine Street. The 412 has always been with Arriva and its predecessors, having only ever worked from Thornton Heath (TH) and Croydon (TC) Garages.

Arriva London VDL DB300 Wright Eclipse Gemini DW546 of Croydon (TC) Garage on stand at Purley High Street before my ride on it to Croydon the long way round.

This is the main type on the route, supported by the odd T, but due for replacement by new electrics as part of the contract renewal spec from September 2025.

Route 312: Croydon Town Centre - Norwood Junction - Purley Old Lodge Lane

In Croydon, although staying with Arriva, I switched to the single deck element at TC Garage, where route 312 (together with the 166) is due to receive new electrics as part of the tender renewal from September. The 312 is interesting in that it was the first route in London to operate with electric buses in 2015, only for these to be replaced by diesels again in 2024. Clearly, that was just a short term arrangement, with re-conversion now planned, but an opportunity for me to sample the existing operation before it changes.

I had ridden ENLs on the 312 early last year, but although these remain the principal type, a few of the longer ENXs now turn out in support. The next northbound bus to arrrive at Croydon Flyover was the doyen of the class, ENX1, so I embarked with a couple of others. A straight 20 min run via East Croydon, Addiscombe and Woodside to Norwood Junction.

After the layover, I rejoined the same bus for a run over the whole route down to Purley Old Lodge Lane. When I had ridden the route last time, new blinds were not available, with slipboards showing route number and destination displayed in the front windscreen instead, but I noticed that all buses on the route had since been fitted with suitable blinds. A fairly quiet run as we made our way through surburbia back to Central Croydon and then on down the Brighton Road past the operational garage at South Croydon, where I noted a couple of other ENXs in “Superloop” livery parked up, recently released from their duties on the SL5 by the arrival of new ED class electric double deckers. Through Purley Town Centre again, then continuing south along the main road before turning off at Reedham Station for the short run to the end of the route at Old Lodge Lane. 50 mins end to end.

I mentioned earlier how the 412 replaced the southern end of the 12A in 1990 - the 312 replaced the northern end of the same route at the same time, operating between Peckham and South Croydon. L type Olympians were the original allocation, although DMS and M did appear. Low floor conversion to DLA came in 2001. However, the route was completely restructured in 2005, when it was shortened to become a Croydon local between Norwood Junction and South Croydon Garage with PDL single deckers, the Peckham leg being transferred to the 197. EMC type electrics took over in 2015, although diesels frequently subbed. The extension to Old Lodge Lane came in March 2024, in replacement for part of withdrawn route 455, with a reversion to diesels using ENLs.

Another TC Garage bus, ENX1, first of the extra long Enviro200s, at Norwood Junction Station on the 312. The route is mainly operated by ENL types, both indigenous Arriva versions and some transferred from Stagecoach, but a few ENXs help out.

These are also intended to be succeeded by new electrics in due course. The route was the first electric bus route in London back in 2015, but reverted to diesel in 2024.

Part Route 312: Old Lodge Lane - Purley

I was able to step up a working at the unusually rural Old Lodge Lane terminus, as ENL108 was ahead on the stand and departed after a few minutes. As I boarded, the Stagecoach heritage of the vehicle was evident, with dark blue interior panelling, although now with Arriva style moquette. Just a short 6 min ride back up to the main road, where I alighted at Grovelands Road.

At the other end of the 312, we have ENL65 at the countrified Old Lodge Lane terminus in 2024, soon after these buses appeared on the route when it was extended from South Croydon to this point in place of the 455.

At first, suitable blinds were not available and cards were placed in the windscreen showing the route number and destination. However, these vehicles have since gained new blinds.

Part Route 60: Purley - Old Coulsdon

Crossing the Brighton Road, I had only a 5 min wait before the next southbound 60 arrived, which was to be my final complete route of the day. The 60 is another Arriva service based at TC Garage which is promised new electrics as part of its imminent contract renewal, so possibly a final opportunity to sample the existing rolling stock.

Although largely DW operated, a couple of Ts per day often help out, and I was lucky that T281 was on the next working. A short 15 min journey through Coulsdon Town Centre, where a number of short-riders joined us for the run through typical suburban housing up to Old Coulsdon. We circumnavigated the terminal loop before finishing at the “Tudor Rose”.

This version of the 60 is the third in London, having previously been used for a route between Colindale & Old Ford (until 1958) and then a M-F Peak Hours service between Cricklewood & Surrey Docks (1961-68). The current incarnation came in 1982 as a new route between Brixton Garage and South Croydon Garage via Pollards Hill and replacing part of the 130. Initially RM operated, it was converted to OPO with DMS in 1983. The late 80s saw an extension to Brixton Station in M-F peaks, but in 1990 the main service was diverted to Clapham Common in place of the 118 and converted to L operation.

1998 saw the route changed to run between Streatham and Old Coulsdon, replacing part of the 50, but there followed an unhappy period when the contract was awarded to Capital Logistics, who had immediate problems in resourcing the service. For many months, a reduced timetable was put in place, with other operators such as Selkent and Blue Triangle stepping in to help out. Eventually, in 2000, the route reverted to Arriva and some sense of normality. However, Connex (later Travel London) took the contract for a 5 year stint from 2001 with Tridents. In 2006, Arriva returned again and have remained ever since, older DWs since being replaced by newer versions.

The 60 is mainly DW operated but one or two Enviro400 T types appear each day. Arriva T281 of Croydon (TC) Garage is at the leafy Old Coulsdon terminus at the southern end of the route after I rode it here.

The 60 is another that will lose its diesels to new electrics in the fullness of time.

Route 60: Old Coulsdon - Streatham

After a break to stretch the legs, I returned to the “Tudor Rose” to ride the whole route through to Streatham. This time, I had DW269, one of the older members of the class left in service. A quiet run - which was to prove our undoing - stay with me! As we descended towards Coulsdon, a brief argument with a car which tried to “run the gap” between two parked cars in front of us and got stuck in the middle. Eventually, the car driver reversed to allow us through.

We continued with a free run through Coulsdon and along the Brighton Road, back via Purley and South Croydon into Central Croydon for the final time on this trip. Traffic was unusually light and we called at West Croydon Bus Station with just a handful of passengers on and off, before making our way north along London Road. At Croydon University Hospital, we received a 4 min hold for early running.

Passing Thornton Heath Garage and Pond, the trouble began when the driver played the “This bus is on diversion” message. No explanation was given other than the usual route was blocked, so we continued up London Road to Norbury, before taking Stanford Road/Stanford Way via the 255, rejoining line of route at Rowan Road but missing out Pollards Hill completely. Many disgruntled passengers as a result. By now, we had caught up the bus in front, DW545, and we played “cat and mouse” with it through to Streatham Common Station.

Then, much to the annoyance of all on board, our driver received instructions to terminate and transfer passengers to the bus in front - which was practically full already. A man with a walking stick and a lady with a shopping trolley were particularly upset at having to change. After various angry exchanges between drivers and passengers, it emerged that we were being terminated “due to early running and the Controller not wanting too many buses on stand at Streatham Station”. We then continued packed on the other bus just 3 stops on the 5 min journey to Streatham Station. 1h15m from the start at Old Coulsdon.

Despite the concern about “too many buses on stand”, when we arrived, there were no other 60s there and plenty of free stand space! Less than 10 mins later, DW269 finally arrived, in service again, having simply waited at Streatham Common a short while. This was followed in quick succession by two other terminating 60s, so although the first one had since departed again, there were then three 60s on stand, making a nonsense of the decision a few minutes before. All in all, a complete dog’s breakfast.

Finally, DW269 (TC) demonstrates the current majority allocation on the 60 at Streatham Station. I almost made it to this point aboard this bus - see text for details!

A reasonable crowd prepares to board for its return run.

Part Route 250: Streatham - Brixton

Having committed to ride only diesels on this trip, I finished with a short 20 min ride from Streatham Station to Brixton aboard Arriva T193 of Thornton Heath (TH) Garage on the 250. This is another route which will lose these veterans when electrics enter service in their place shortly and which I covered in full earlier in the year.

At Brixton, I alighted at the station and transferred to the Victoria Line for the journey home.

Watton