Hearts & Minds in Herts & Beds

In this adventure, I go local and travel on some new and recently changed routes mainly with UNO Buses and Arriva in the Hatfield and Luton areas.

UNO Buses made extensive alterations to their Hertfordshire based services from 31st August. This leaflet provided an outline route map of the new network and explained the changes on a route by route basis.

I picked up a copy of this on one of the buses I travelled on together with a full timetable for the 242/243 routes.

DAY 1

UNO Route 242: Hatfield - Waltham Cross

I had ridden the 242 with UNO back in January 2025, soon after it passed from previous operator Metroline and gained an enhanced hourly M-S daytime service over the whole route between Potters Bar & Waltham Cross. At that time, single deckers were the norm, usually Enviro200s. However, since then, the route has been upgraded to double deck operation and, from 1st September, gained an extension from Potters Bar to Hatfield Business Park, replacing a section of the 610. Also, with the introduction of new route 243 between Barnet and Hatfield, a joint 30 min M-S daytime service is provided over the common section with the 242 north of Potters Bar, a frequency not seen on this corridor for many a long year. In addition, the operating day is slightly longer than previously.

On this journey, I resolved to cover both routes and began on a damp morning opposite the UNO Garage in Hatfield Business Park. The service alterations introduced at the beginning of September have seen a recasting so that most routes in the area now either terminate at or pass the garage, thereby making driver changes easier and eliminating much dead running.

I began with the 08.40 departure on the 242 to Waltham Cross. Enviro400 City 254 had arrived on a previous working but then departed on another route, so I had to await Enviro400 MMC 261, which emerged from the garage about 5 mins late. Hopping aboard with another passenger, we soon began to pick up more as we trundled around the Business Park, with its mix of housing, retail, small business units and university campuses. Passing the restored former control tower, I was reminded that the whole site was once an airfield and aircraft factory, opened by de Havilland in 1930 and passing through Hawker Siddeley to British Aerospace, who closed it in 1993. During WW2, the Mosquito fighter bomber was developed here, followed by the Vampire jet and then the Comet and Trident commercial airliners. Following closure, the land was used for the filming of the Spielberg movie “Saving Private Ryan”, before being developed for its present uses.

We picked up a large number of students on this section, as we continued past The Galleria shopping centre and then did the double run to serve The Forum (main university campus), where many alighted. Returning to the town centre and then on through the residential area of South Hatfield, we picked up and set down in ones and twos at most stops. Leaving Hatfield, we had a brief spurt through country before turning off to serve Welham Green and Brookmans Park, both of which provided more custom. Arriving into Potters Bar, although most of our clientele left the bus at the station, it was interesting to see that around half a dozen stayed on to travel over the new direct link to Cuffley, Cheshunt and Waltham Cross.

After this, we were onto the traditional section of the 242, past Tescos and along the High St to PB Garage, with a few joining us on this stretch. Then, the expected fast run through the countryside to Cuffley, although we did pick up one lady at Northaw “Two Brewers”. Two passengers alighted in Cuffley, after which we ascended the hill to Goffs Oak War Memorial. From here on, we gained one or two passengers at almost every stop, with many travelling to Brookfield Farm for shopping. Navigating the Rosedale Estate, we made our way to the Brookfield Centre and then through the narrow Whitefields Road area to Flamstead End, before continuing on to the “Old Pond” at Cheshunt. The final section via Theobalds Grove to Waltham Cross was traversed in record time and we arrived at Waltham Cross virtually on schedule after a total journey of 1h40m. Due to ongoing works at the Bus Station, most non-TfL routes including ours were terminating instead at Waltham Cross Railway Station, where there was a temporary stand and dolly stop.

ADL Enviro400 City 254 stands in front of the UNO Bus Garage in Hatfield Business Park after completing a trip on the 242, which was extended to this point from Potters Bar over part of the former 610 as part of the changes from 1st September.

This vehicle is one of those branded for “The Comet” route 614 (Hatfield - Queensbury), but which now often also appear on the 242 and 243.

UNO Part Route 242: Waltham Cross - Potters Bar

After a 10 min layover, I rejoined fleet no 261 for the return run as far as Potters Bar. This bus had previously been branded for withdrawn Route 601, the “Alban Way”, but although the exterior legends had been removed, the interior still had the route diagrams on the cove panels, a potential source of confusion for users. However, the bus did have a box containing the new 242/243 timetable leaflets at the front, which was a positive move.

The run back from Waltham Cross to Potters Bar largely mirrored the outbound run, with passengers well into double figures throughout most of the trip. A crowd of about a dozen boarded at the Old Pond, most of them local travellers to Whitefields Road or Brookfield Farm. Others joined us there for trips back to Rosedale, Goffs Oak and Cuffley. As expected, quieter on the Cuffley - Potters Bar stretch, but we had a few takers.

I alighted at Potters Bar Station after a 55min trip, pleasantly surprised by the better than expected usage on both journeys on this bus. Hopefully, custom will continue to build as people get used to the fact that there is a regular bus service over this corridor again. Who knows, we may even see the reintroduction of a 30 min service between Cuffley and Waltham Cross in due course!

Enviro400 MMC 261 illustrates the other main type which now appears on the 242, seen at Potters Bar Station after my ride on it here from Waltham Cross.

The vehicle has had its “Alban Way” branding removed but the outline of this is just visible between decks. Unfortunately, the interior branding on the cove panels had not been dealt with similarly.

UNO Part Route 243: Potters Bar - Barnet

A half hour break at Potters Bar Station allowed me to stock up on supplies before continuing my journey on new Route 243. This has replaced former Central Connect 84B between Potters Bar and Barnet, with the same one way loop working at the latter as the previous service, whilst continuing north to Hatfield in parallel with the newly extended 242 in place of the withdrawn section of the 610. An hourly service operates M-S daytimes, with a slightly extended operating day to the former 84B.

For this trip, I had another Enviro400 MMC, this time fleet no 258, another de-branded “Alban Way” example. Slightly confusingly, the 243 operates in a different way around Potters Bar from the 242, performing a double run from the High Street to the Station via Mutton Lane in both directions from its north-south axis, whereas the 242 operates in a “U” shape from Little Heath via Darkes Lane, Station, Mutton Lane, High Street and Bus Garage southbound and the reverse northbound. So, for example, if you are travelling from PB Garage to Hatfield, you need to remember that the 242 departs from the southbound stop and the 243 from the northbound stop on the opposite side of the road!

We had only a single digit load and after a lengthy wait for the lights to change when turning right from Mutton Lane into Barnet Road, had a reasonably fast run over the countrified section to Hadley Highstone, where we picked up a couple of short riders into Barnet. Whilst the loop working here has been simplified since the original “twice past High Barnet Station” arrangements were abolished, it is still a bit of a faff getting stuck in traffic past Barnet Church and down the hill to loop around the back streets and back up the hill again through to Barnet Hospital. Our passengers alighted either at The Spires or at the Hospital and no-one joined us on this section, so it was all a bit of a waste of time, during which we lost 5 mins on the schedule. 30 mins from Potters Bar Station on this run.

Another Enviro400 MMC, 258, stands in the rain at Barnet Hospital on the new 243 (Barnet - Hatfield), during the “hesitation” on the loop section at this end of the route.

The 243 runs in tandem with the 242 between Potters Bar & Hatfield on a combined 30 min M-S daytime frequency, but maybe the former might have been better numbered 303 in a nod to history over this corridor!

UNO Route 243: Barnet - Hatfield Business Park

After the scheduled 5 min “hesitation” at Barnet Hospital, I continued on the northbound 243 over the full route back to Hatfield. At least we departed Barnet fairly smartly from this point, sneaking around the back of The Spires via Stapylton Road and Salisbury Road to the High Street. Our driver had a bit of difficulty performing the sharp left turn on a large double decker out of Salisbury Road, having to advise a car driver coming the other way to move forward so as not to collide with him!

A few more joined us for the return trip to Potters Bar, with another fast run northbound through Hadley Highstone and beyond. The double run to and from Potters Bar Station from the High St via Mutton Lane seems unnecessary and a bit of a time waster - surely better to operate as per the 242 from this point onwards on a standardised routeing? We then proceeded through Little Heath, Brookmans Park and Welham Green, with a few on and off at various stops, our driver being a little timid on the narrower sections of route compared with the southbound run on the 242 earlier.

Arriving back into Hatfield, we became something of a local route again, transporting short riders between South Hatfield, the Town Centre, The Forum, The Galleria and the Business Park. We completed our journey back at the UNO Garage after a run of 1h15m in total.

Volvo B7RLE 370 loads at Luton Interchange on the 610 bound for its truncated southern destination of Hatfield Station. I had ridden this bus here on its previous trip.

This bus is in “Tigermoth” livery with signwriting for the 653, demonstrating the perils of branding when buses stray from their intended routes.

UNO Route 610: Hatfield - Luton (& Back)

At the Business Park, I switched to the truncated and slightly rerouted 610, which now runs between Luton and Hatfield Station. A 30 min service operates M-F daytimes, Hourly evenings and on Sats. I began with the short trip to the terminus at the Station, a simple 20 min run through the town aboard Volvo B7RLE 366.

However, then things went wrong! After a comfort break, I intended to take the next 610 departure at 14.45, which would get me to Luton in time to catch the last southbound X10 back to Hatfield, which route I intended to finish on. Tracking the inbound 610 on bustimes.org, I saw that it was a Citaro and after dropping his load at the entrance to the station, the driver continued into the Bus Station. Whilst there was another bus on Stop 2 where I was waiting, Stop 1 ahead was free, so I was expecting him to pull in there, but he simply continued past without stopping despite my wild waving in his direction and departed with no passengers!

This meant a long wait for the next bus at 15.20, which turned out to be another Volvo B7RLE, 370, whose driver fortunately did bother to stop to pick me up. However, it also meant that I could not catch an X10 on return from Luton, but would have to return on the 610, messing up my intended schedule. Whilst we began quietly enough as we made our way through Hatfield Town Centre, we picked up a large load of students at The Forum, who took several minutes to board, some not having the correct card or ticket to travel. Eventually, we got going and continued via The Galleria and the Business Park, finally breaking free from Hatfield onto the pleasant section through the country lanes and picking up a bit of speed.

Soon, we powered past the famous “Crooked Chimney” pub, followed soon afterwards by a glimpse of the 18th Century Brocket Hall and its grounds, a stately home now known for its two championship golf courses and its conference and dining facilities. Onwards to the large village of Wheathampstead, with its quaint church, High Street and little bridges over the River Lea, where we lost and gained a few passengers. Then through the ribbon development to Batford, before turning left up the hill into the town of Harpenden, famous as the home of the late comedian Eric Morecambe.

After negotiating sticky traffic in the High St and overtaking a northbound Arriva 321, we made up time with a largely non-stop run through Kinsbourne Green and past the grounds of Luton Hoo into Luton itself, dropping off at various stops, many passengers having travelled through from The Forum. We arrived at Luton Interchange, beside the Railway Station, after a 1h25m run, although around half of this had been spent pootling around Hatfield!

There was a big crowd waiting to board the bus for its return run at 17.00, so I left it until the next working at 17.30, formed of Mercedes Benz Citaro 317, which at least allowed me to sample a different type. Whilst we had a reasonable number aboard, this was a much quieter and more comfortable trip than the outbound one and we made better time. I arrived back in Hatfield, alighting at The Galleria, 1 hour later exactly.

With dusk beginning to close in, Mercedes Benz Citaro 317 is seen on the 610 at The Galleria in Hatfield after my journey aboard back from Luton.

The 610 sees a mix of single deck types, with Mercedes Benz Citaros, Volvo B7RLEs and Volvo B8RLE MCV Evora types all appearing.

DAY 2

Luton is a place I have visited several times over the years, firstly in the 70s when I rode London Country RT and RF routes in the area, together with United Counties Bristol Lodekkas on town services. In later decades, I returned during the Luton & District era covering Bristol VR and Leyland National types. Since Arriva became the main operator, I have sampled Olympians followed by Tridents and Darts, together with rides on the Luton - Dunstable Guided Busway in recent years.

Luton & Dunstable Bus Network Map from June 2025 showing routes of all the main operators: Arriva, Centrebus, Grant Palmer, Stagecoach & UNO, except for certain works and school services.

Arriva Route L: Luton - Linmere (& back)

On the second day of my adventure, I returned to Luton, this time basing myself on the Interchange, which is really the Bus Station adjacent to the Railway Station. Whilst several operators work in the town, the largest remains Arriva, as successor to London Country and United Counties in the area. A significant recast of services was undertaken in June 2025, with new routes introduced and changes made to others. I wanted to sample some of the new and extended services.

Among the changes, were alterations to routes serving the Luton - Dunstable Guided Busway, which features various lettered routes operated by Arriva, Centrebus and Grant Palmer. On a previous visit, I had ridden Arriva routes A and Z from Luton Airport to Dunstable, which were revised to form a “frying pan” operation, with the A operating clockwise around the loop in the Dunstable area and the Z operating anti-clockwise. It also introduced two new services linking to developing areas, the first being the L to Linmere which is a new area of housing north of Lewsey Farm / Houghton Regis, in the triangle between the M1 and A5, which was my initial route of the day.

I boarded new Volvo B8RLE MCV Evora 3205 on Route L at Luton Interchange, one of a fleet of 30 new single deckers of the type bought by Arriva specifically for local and out of town services using the Busway. Unlike many places, integrated tickets known as “HipHop” are available covering Arriva, Centrebus and Grant Palmer services at £3.50 for a day (Busway routes only) or £6 a day (all routes in the Luton/Dunstable area), which are very reasonable. The L operates every 15 mins M-S daytimes, every 30 mins M-S eves and Sun daytimes.

Soon, we were off with a good load and almost immediately onto the Guided Busway, where we sped up to the line speed of 40mph, although in some parts there is a 50mph limit. The Busway was built on the route of the disused railway between Luton and Dunstable, which many feel would have been better utilised for a reinstated heavy rail line. It runs for just over 8 miles in total, of which almost 5 miles are on guided track.

However, after calling at the Clifton Road stop, we left the Busway at Hatters Way Retail Park, immediately transferring from a fast dedicated track to a busy road chock-a-block with morning school traffic! Past this though, we were travelling out of town “against the flow” via Chaul End and under the M1 to L&D Hospital, where we turned right off the main road. We then ambled along the estate roads in Lewsey Farm, before switching to new roads on the outskirts of Houghton Regis and into the Linmere development, where we followed a one-way loop through the stark new housing in close pursuit of a Grant Palmer Volvo B9TL double decker on Route Jo. My first time to this part of town by bus.

Despite a 3 minute “hesitation” built into the schedule here, we continued straight on without pause due to late running, completing the loop and returning whence we came back to Luton via the reverse of the outward route. Reasonable usage, although most joined in the traditional Lewsey Farm area - hopefully custom will improve from the new development once awareness increases. Whilst a joint 7-8 min M-S daytime frequency is scheduled on common sections with the A / Z routes, we ran in tandem with an A for part of the trip back to town, a problem with late running. Arrival back at the Interchange was after a round trip time of 65 mins.

A fleet of 30 new Volvo B8RLE MCV Evora single deckers entered service with Arriva at Luton Garage during 2025 for use on routes operating via the Luton & Dunstable Busway. Fleet no 3212 is at Luton Interchange on Route L (Luton - Linmere), introduced with the June changes.

The signwriting for the Busway and Luton Airport can been seen together with the guide wheel for the Busway to the right of the front tyre.

Arriva Route 23: Luton - Sundon Park (& back)

Next, I switched to my only double decker of the day, one of the batch of Volvo B9TL Optare Olympus buses transferred from Arriva Midlands to Luton to replace the former Trident Alexander ALX400s, all of which are now withdrawn. The deckers tend to appear mainly on out of town route 321, where they form a part allocation, together with local routes 23 & 23A, plus odd journeys on other services like the 1. At school times, the buses on local services tend to disappear onto school routes, with single deckers taking over on the main routes.

However, mid morning saw fleet no 4104 out to play on the 23, which operates between Luton & Sundon Park, then over a relatively new section to serve the Ocado and Lidl Distribution Centres in Linmere. An Hourly service operates M-S from 0500 to 2300 and Sun from 0900 to 2300. On M-S daytimes, an hourly 23A variant provides an additional service over most of the route, before diverging after Sundon Park to Upper Sundon, with a 30 min service at those times on the common section.

We left Luton Interchange with a small number on board, which included a lady who was conducting a survey on usage. Departing the town centre, we made our way a short distance along New Bedford Road, before turning off via the narrow back streets to Biscot Mill, with passengers on and off in ones and twos. Passing through the Saints area of town, we emerged onto the Leagrave Road, which was a little sticky with traffic due to queues up to the various sets of lights including a temporary set in Leagrave High Street. After Leagrave Station, we continued past the greenery of Sundon Park, before turning off to loop around the estate roads.

From here, it was new territory for me, as we roared around some winding country lanes, before emerging into the new development of Linmere, which I had visited earlier from another direction. However, rather than serving the housing area, the 23 calls at the massive Ocado and LIDL Distribution Centres, with only a couple of passengers alighting at the latter.

Tight timing meant we continued on the return journey without pause and no other takers on the new section. Progress was good for the first part of the trip, until we reached Leagrave High Street, where the temporary lights caused a 5-10 min delay. However, once through, we made up some time and arrived back at Luton Interchange after an interesting round trip of 1h25m.

Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse 3940 is typical of the usual rolling stock on Arriva Route 1 (Farley Hill - Dunstable via Luton), when seen at Luton Interchange.

However, Wright Streetlites also appear, together with the odd double decker Volvo B9TL Optare Olympus.

Arriva Route 1: Luton - Farley Hill - Dunstable

Next, I tackled Route 1, which largely replaced the former 31 between Luton & Dunstable, with the addition of a loop around the Farley Hill area. Whilst there was an odd decker out later in the day, at the time I rode it, a mix of Volvo B7RLE and Wright Streetlites were providing the service. I boarded one of the former, fleet no 3940, for its perambulation out to Farley Hill and back. A decent 15 min frequency operates M-S daytimes, every 30 mins eves and Sun daytimes, hourly Sun early and late.

We had a reasonable load as we progressed up the steep hill out of town, before turning off to complete the circuit around the vast housing area, pausing briefly to await time at Friars Way and again at Priestleys. More joined us for local trips back into town, before a driver change back at the Interchange. As a “non Busway” route, we continued via the bustling Bury Park area, passing near the Luton Town FC stadium. Busy traffic caused a bit of a slog from here along the straight run via Chaul End and the L&D Hospital, after which it was a bit faster through to Dunstable Town Centre, terminating at ASDA after a total trip of 1h30m.

A plethora of signage at the start of the Luton Dunstable Busway just beyond the Interchange in Luton Town Centre.

Note that a 24 hour service is in operation to and from Luton Airport.

Arriva Route H: Dunstable - Thorn - Luton Airport

At Dunstable ASDA, I transferred to another new route, the H, for a run out to another new housing area at Thorn, to the west of Houghton Regis, another first for me. A 20 min run, with a handful of passengers, aboard another of the new Volvo B8RLEs, 3220. A 30 min service operates M-S daytimes, Hourly M-S eves and Sun daytimes.

After just a couple of minutes “hesitation” at the Thorn terminus, adjacent to some industrial units, I reboarded to complete the whole trip through to Luton Airport. A few passengers joined in the housing area before we continued through country lanes back into Houghton Regis, where there was an exchange of customers in the High St. Then along a short section of Busway back into Dunstable, where we called at the main stops in the town centre.

We then sped up as we entered the main section of the Busway, for an excitingly fast run at line speed back into Luton, certainly quicker than the 1 and taking just 15 mins from Dunstable Town to Luton Interchange. Most alighted here, apart from some airport passengers and airline personnel, of which some more joined us for the final stretch. Between the Interchange and the Airport, we traversed the Bus Only road and called at Luton Parkway Station, before arriving at Luton Airport Bus Station 10 mins later. The overall trip time end to end was a decent 45 mins.

Volvo B8RLE MCV Evora 3225 disappears along the Guided Busway from Luton Town Centre towards Dunstable on Route H (Luton Airport - Thorn). This was a new service starting in June 2025.

Note the car trap designed to prevent vehicles other than guided buses from using the Busway.

Arriva Part Route A: Luton Airport - Luton

To return to the Interchange, I boarded another Volvo B8RLE on the A at the adjacent stand, which was leaving first. The A & Z are the main routes to and from the Airport, each running every 15 mins M-S daytimes, 30 mins M-S eves & Suns and Hourly all night, providing a 24 hour service. Just 10 mins on this short trip.

Centrebus Enviro200 fleet no 501 at Luton Interchange after my circular trip via Caddington Woods and Caddington Village on the 230.

Unusually, this is a FREE service, sponsored by CaSE Community Trust. Buses operate an anticlockwise circuit on a hourly basis M-S daytimes, but strangely there is no clockwise version, meaning some short trips in one direction involve a long journey around the loop in the other direction!

Centrebus Route 230: Luton & Caddington Woods (Circular)

There was time to fit in one more route before heading home, so I plumped for the circular 230 service out to Caddington. This is a FREE service, sponsored by the local community trust. It is operated by Centrebus, with Enviro200 fleet no 501 being the allocated bus on that day. An Hourly service operates between 0600 - 2000 M-F and 0900 - 1700 Sat.

A full load of home going shoppers and students were aboard when we left, before continuing along the A505 adjacent to the Busway. Traffic congestion at Hatters Way Retail Park caused a bit of a delay, but we then made better progress via Chaul End and L&D Hospital, before turning off the Dunstable Road at Skimpot Tesco. It was then an uphill run through the trees to the new development at Caddington Woods, where most alighted.

I continued on with a few others along country lanes into Caddington Village, where we called at the attractive green before traversing the Elm Avenue loop. Then more pleasant countryside to Slip End, with a handful on and off, before emerging just north of Kinsbourne Green adjacent to Luton Hoo. However, rather than taking the direct route back into Luton, the 230 dives off past the Capability Green Business Park to Luton Airport Parkway Station, before the final section into town and back to the Interchange.

We took 5 mins more than the scheduled 50 mins, but the bus was still on time for its next trip 1 hour after the previous one. A useful service, but a longer trip than the former direct route via Farley Hill for Caddington residents. Also, as the bus only operates one way round the loop, certain short journeys between two points would take much longer in the opposite direction - for example, Caddington Woods to Caddington Village is only a 5 min trip, but the reverse would take 55 mins! Perhaps funding could be found for a second bus running the other way round on the opposite half hour?

Archive Shot 1…

Dennis Trident Alexander ALX400 5445 in Luton Church Street on Route 27 to Marsh Farm, which I rode on a previous visit to the town in March 2021.

These vehicles are now all withdrawn from Luton Garage, being replaced by secondhand Volvo B9TL Optare Olympus type from Arriva Midlands.

Archive Shot 2…

Dennis Dart Pointer 3836 also in Luton Church Street back in April 2021 after a ride from Dunstable.

Darts are now withdrawn from Luton and Route 31 has been renumbered Route 1 with an extension to Farley Hill.

And Finally… Flashback to Luton 50 Years Ago!

My trip to Caddington on this journey reminded me of a previous “Green Rover” trip to Luton, way back in April 1974 during the era of London Country, which had a small garage in the town coded LS (said to be “Luton Strawhatter”, after the former owners Strawhatter Coaches who were absorbed into Green Line in 1934).

Memories of that day are a bit hazy, but I recall that a friend and I arrived in Luton aboard a Green RF on Route 366 from Welwyn Garden City, a service which still runs today in modified form operated by Centrebus. We left Luton later on trunk route 321 which was then AN operated and at that time ran all the way to Uxbridge - this also survives today with Arriva but now goes no further than Watford.

However, whilst in town, we did a round trip on local route 360 from Luton to Caddington and back aboard Green RT3478, which was the highlight of our day. After the conversion of the 321 from RT to AN in 1972, the 360 was the sole remaining regular RT route in Luton. This short service ran up Farley Hill and on to Caddington Village, looping around the Elm Avenue estate, before returning to town. Just 22 mins were allowed for the rounder with an RT, although the use of a one-man operated RF on Sundays saw an additional 1 minute allowed for the running time! I was able to reprise my RT trip on the 360 with a second visit in July 1975.

A timetable from that time shows a 30 min service ran on M-S from around 0600 to 2300 using one bus, with a 15-20 min frequency in M-F Peaks requiring 2 buses. The Sunday RF service started later at 1100 and operated approximately hourly. Of interest is that there were a couple of extra trips which extended from Caddington to Dunstable on M-F mornings (except Thursday which was early closing day) and on Saturday afternoons, which ran 90 mins apart to allow just enough time for shopping in Dunstable before returning to Caddington.

The 360 passed to United Counties in December 1976, with the closure of LCBS Luton Garage coming soon afterwards in January 1977 as the other routes based there were reallocated elsewhere. Today, there is no direct bus over the former 360 route to Caddington, with passengers being treated a circuitous journey on the 230 instead - such is progress!

Watton

Archive Shot 3…

London Country RT3478 at the Park Square terminus of the 360 Luton & Caddington local service after my round trip aboard in April 1974. Sadly, this bus went to Booths of Rotherham for scrap in 1976.

Note the “lazy blind” display which avoided winding every few minutes on this short route. The driver sits in his cab with feet up smoking his pipe whilst the conductor leans against the bonnet in classic pose chatting to his mate during the short layover.

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