please empty your brain below
Good luck on doing this as you're going to be zooming here and there if you are doing it in a strict alphabetical order.

One comment - the later schemes that brought in many lettered routes (e.g. B in Bexley, R in Orpington and W in Walthamstow / Woodford) were more to do with area review / minibus / tendering schemes than the Reshaping Plan. I am happy to be corrected but I am not sure there's a direct link all the way back to the 1960s for some of today's lettered routes. There are a few like some of the E routes and the W3 which do link back.

PC | 04.11.14 - 7:31 a.m. | #

Yay! For a W, I'd suggest my daily bus the W3: further out from the bit of the route I use experience fabulous views as the bus passes the front of Ally Pally. The W7 is shorter and somehow more satisfyingly direct (a seemingly rare more or less straight route) and makes a good second choice!

EskimoPie | 04.11.14 - 7:36 a.m. | #

I'm not excited.

Geofftech | Homepage | 04.11.14 - 8:06 a.m. | #

I am ! Can't wait.

Kevin | 04.11.14 - 8:17 a.m. | #

Take the W9 - it was the first of the new wave bus routes using smaller buses along narrower residential roads infilling large areas of housing previously unserved. There are now many routes of this kind, not only with numbered letters but often in the 300s and 400s too. The original bus reshaping lettered routes merely followed traditional bus route roads.
Of the old school routes I have to agree the W3 is the best with its Ally Pally views of London.

Roger | 04.11.14 - 8:28 a.m. | #

The P4 was a brand new bus route to feed people into the Victoria Line at Brixton (Brockley Rise-Honor Oak-Forest Hill-Dulwich Village). For some reason it got a P-prefix even though the nearest it got to Peckham was Dulwich Village. Because it only ran with 16 seater minibuses, it had to avoid anywhere that might actually supply it with passengers, such as Dulwich-Plough or Forest Hill Station.

Max Roberts | 04.11.14 - 8:40 a.m. | #

So the question is: Will you get to do T31, T31 and T33 before they are withdrawn?

Pedantic of Purley | 04.11.14 - 8:40 a.m. | #

Obviously must recommend the C11 which passes through West Hampstead. It's a great sinuous route from Brent Cross to Archway taking in a couple of hospitals, some very posh streets, some far less posh streets, and always has a fair collection of characters on board. I'd personally take it in the BC-Archway direction 'cos you'll get to go past the old Decca studios building where the Beatles were rejected. (it's a one-way street, so the reverse journey skips it out)

WHampstead | Homepage | 04.11.14 - 8:47 a.m. | #

I second the W9 - although the W8 is close to my heart as I rode it to school (along with it's predecessor, the 128). As someone who took a trip to Turnpike Lane specifically to ride all the W routes there on the day they were introduced - I'm excited.

Steve | 04.11.14 - 9:04 a.m. | #

For the R routes, I recommend the R3. Incredibly indirect with a mix of urban and rural, it should give you plenty of material.

Ned | 04.11.14 - 9:05 a.m. | #

For the "D" group, I'd suggest the D3. A huge variation from the wealthiest parts of the east end through some of the poorest.
I miss the P14. Must have been the one of the smallest buses on a tfl service - had to be small to get through the Rotherhithe tunnel

IslandDweller | 04.11.14 - 9:14 a.m. | #

The P4 still seems to use a 16-seater minibus. It's full every time I use it - even on Saturdays. I'm guessing there's a reason they've not made it a double-decker though.

Adrian | 04.11.14 - 9:38 a.m. | #

And there was I starting to think that you were intending to 'do' the bus routes operated by the Garage code letter (A- Sutton, B - Battersea, C - Athol Street Poplar, etc).

Perhaps one for a future blog, to see where the nearest point of convergence of three or more consecutive letters occurs.

I must admit, I'm now somewhat lost on some of the new garage codes. And, what - Athol Street is closed ? Is nothing sacred ?

Petras409 | 04.11.14 - 9:49 a.m. | #

The view from the W3 - as it traverses the road along the heights of Ally Pally - is with out doubt the best view from a bus in London. Make sure you are on the upper deck - obviously - and sitting on the correct side [I would suggest take it from Wood Green direction - so you are best on the left].

However the W5 is a lovely little bus route that winds is way around the back of various bits of Hornsey/Crouch End/Highgate - but avoid at all costs the school rush - sit towards the rear, and stare out of the window, and note how people actually say 'thank you' to the driver - as it stops off [it is for some part of the route 'hail and ride']

Of course you wont imagine my Nan sitting on this bus singing at the top of her voice as she came back from sainsburys [one end of the W5 route] - as she was inclined to do... No, that's my little memory.

I often sit and admire the commuters waiting for the W7 in Crouch End [to Finsbury Park]. It remains one of the most civilised queues that I know... people in single file, walking to the back as they arrive, waiting their turn... contrast that with every man for himself in Turnpike Lane and the 41 bus and you get an idea why I cycle everywhere....

PJS | 04.11.14 - 10:08 a.m. | #

FWIW don't bother with the E3, my local service, quite useful for a short trip, but the whole length, from Greenford to Chiswick, Essendon Road takes you from one not particularly inspiring suburb to the middle of nowhere, unless you want a longish walk along the river to the Fullers Brewery. (OK perhaps not too bad then).

Dave | 04.11.14 - 10:14 a.m. | #

Oh go on please do the W9........

.........there's a great bit in Highlands Village where the bus keeps turning left but is actually performing a large clockwise circuit - most disorientating when I first rode it.

It's also my local route.

Stephen | 04.11.14 - 10:33 a.m. | #

Of the K's the K3 is undoubtedly the most scenic and the K5 the most quirky.
As you have already done the B12, N343, R8, R11, U3, and X26, that narrows the filed down a bit unless you are going to recycle them.

timbo | 04.11.14 - 10:42 a.m. | #

W5 does a very useful route, not directly served by any other service, only with change and long detour. However it is dreadfully infrequent and unreliable.

Greg | 04.11.14 - 10:45 a.m. | #

My suggestions (having used them all at some point):

A: A10, obviously.
B: Hard to remember, but perhaps the B12?
C: C2. Great route. Otherwise do the C11.
D: D3, I'd say.
E: I'd pick the E6, though again no strong views.
EL: EL1, because of the new Barking Riverside.
G: G1, obviously. Though I can't say I recommend it.
H: H3. Truly beautiful.
K: K5. Quirky and interesting. Or the K3 should be fun.
N: Not recommended. Especially stay away from the N15 and the N279, but don't do it full stop. Though if you really must, I would say N47.
P: Not memorable, though I think the P5 was basically a long line of council housing, if you like that.
R: R5 or R10. Hands down.
RV: RV1, obviously.
S: S1, recently extended.
T: T32, though if you don't make it in time you'll have to do the 433 and pretend.
U: The U2 is incredibly loopy. I would recommend the U9, though.
W: W3 is the most beautiful, though there is one pretty impressive view on the W5. The W10 has the best atmosphere, though.
X: Do both of them. Seriously, they're both a necessary London Buses Experience.

the orange one | 04.11.14 - 10:55 a.m. | #

Shame you can't do the S2 anymore.

Kim | 04.11.14 - 11:30 a.m. | #

The G-prefix originated from a local council bus service which is why it doesn't take its prefix from the locality.

Kim | 04.11.14 - 11:33 a.m. | #

The RV1 takes a thrillingly indirect route from Covent Garden to Tower Gateway (or the other way round, should you prefer).

Its dubious 'green' credentials as a hydrogen-powered bus might be worth unpicking too..

Roehamster | 04.11.14 - 11:48 a.m. | #

The green credentials of the "Hydrogen" buses is not the only dubious thing: the designer of the logo on the back of the RV1 buses is clearly no chemist as the "O" of the word "Hydrogen" is represented by an atom with four electrons orbiting the nucleus - which is beryllium - instead of just one.


timbo | 04.11.14 - 12:44 p.m. | #

The N55 will take you from deepest Central London (Oxford St.) to nearly Essex (Woodford Wells), if it went a few 100 yards further it would be across the boarder. If you want value for money, this is the bus!

Andy Carter | Homepage | 04.11.14 - 1:00 p.m. | #

I thoroughly recommend reading the comments on the linked post about the 77A disappearing
http://diamondgeezer.blogspot.co.uk/2006/05/farewell.html

Interesting to see peoples opinions on things like iBus (talking buses) and about how things will be much worse all in the name of the 'small minority'

mdb | 04.11.14 - 1:01 p.m. | #

Got to be the W4 bus.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/w4

It does a loop around Broadwater farm estate. Takes in Bruce Grove - Overground next year!

And if you go after November 9th you can see the all new Tottenham Hale bus station!!!

For bonus points it takes in some of the famed Palace Gates Line!

Briantist | Homepage | 04.11.14 - 2:30 p.m. | #

The P4's certainly an interesting route, with some great views as it winds through the hills of South London.

To answer a previous comment, I suspect the terrain isn't suitable for a double decker. For example, there's one particularly hair-raising junction at the top of Honor Oak Road where I'd be concerned a double decker would topple over.

Simon | 04.11.14 - 2:33 p.m. | #

"
Dear Mr,

I am writing to let you know that the new Tottenham Hale bus station will open on Saturday 8 November. This is following completion of works to rebuild the station.

The following permanent changes will apply:
• Routes 41 and N41 will start and finish at Tottenham Hale bus station and be rerouted via Broad Lane in both directions
• Route 76 will now run 24 hours a day and will be extended from Tottenham High Road to the bus station; as a result route N76 will no longer run
• Routes 123, 230, W4, and N73 will serve Tottenham Hale bus station in both directions
• Route 192 will start and finish at Tottenham Hale bus station"

Briantist | Homepage | 04.11.14 - 2:33 p.m. | #

Yeh! The K5 is not so much quirky as where t f is it going now? 😳

Jo W | 04.11.14 - 4:08 p.m. | #

The midibus W12 used to go past my old front door, on one of its hail-and-ride sections. It'd've been fantastically handy if I was a granny. Recommended.

Rich Thomas | 04.11.14 - 4:11 p.m. | #

It feels as though everyone has a view on the W routes here! And I'm not going to be any different. The W9 is my local bus with it's strange loops and indirect routings. I must be one of the few people who've actually found it useful to ride from beginning to end. It's really a short route from Chase Farm Hospital to Enfield Town, and then an entirely different route from Enfield Town to Southgate. You can do either route quicker (W8 or 121), but the W9 is more fun.

But if you're close to the run up to Christmas, then I'd suggest the W10 - perhaps ending in Crewe's Hill. The nurseries there get quite lively around Christmas and half of North London seems to buy a tree there. I've actually bought one and then brought it back on the train that runs Crewe's Hill through to Finsbury Park and Moorgate/King's Cross. A small tree, obviously!

Adam Bowie | Homepage | 04.11.14 - 4:51 p.m. | #

@Rich Thomas, I use the W12 a lot, it stops at the end of my road (in South Woodford). It was introduced about 20 years ago, and provided a useful link to Walthamstow Central, but after a few years the route was changed to serve Whipps Cross Hospital, this made the journey to Walthamstow much longer. The Hail and Ride section is still there.

amber | 04.11.14 - 5:30 p.m. | #

oh please do the W5, then you'll go past the end of my street ... also it would link up well with one of the C buses at Archway

Caroline | 04.11.14 - 6:12 p.m. | #

Another vote here for the W3 and the Ally Pally up'n'over. Although it seems almost every W route has its fans, judging by the comments.

Klepsie | Homepage | 04.11.14 - 7:51 p.m. | #

I think the N routes would be best done in the summer, when one can actually see outside.

I wonder if DG is up to the challenge of riding each N route at 4am in the morning. I did most of them, after returning from a holiday in Asia (and also being unemployed but with money to spend)!

JQ | 04.11.14 - 8:18 p.m. | #

North London out in force - good to see!

I am always a bit sceptical before I step on the W5 should it beat the 41 at Archway: memories of a late night journey disrupted by a disgruntled passenger (something had happened in the hail and ride section) who decided to try and stop the bus moving by standing in front of it, and ending up being wrestled to the ground by passengers who just wanted to get home.

And PJS, queuing does seem differ wildly by stop as well as by route. I get on the W3 at the last stop where you're more or less guaranteed to get on; every stop thereafter has an orderly queue! But the W3 and W7 do have a very different vibe to the 41. Love the Ws!!

EskimoPie | 04.11.14 - 8:30 p.m. | #

Hmm, of those I know, I'd speak up for the C11 (very roundabout route, but through several really interesting and characterful - and sometimes character-filled neighbourhoods). And I agree, best done in the Archway to Brent Cross direction.

The H2 and H3 are both fine routes, but probably H3 has the edge but getting in The Bishops Avenue as well as a little bit of Hampstead Garden Suburb. Not exactly frequent, however..

N139 (another West Hampstead one) - surely the most civilised nightbus route in London?

and the W19 (which partly replaced an old Eastern National Route, 551) - cuts across Wanstead Flats and goes into bits of Walthamstow that others do not. Its predecessor went well out into Essex - I think at least as far as Basildon, possibly further. (or was that just the 550 - which went as far as Ramsden Heath? Can't quite remember...)

Dominic H | 04.11.14 - 8:39 p.m. | #

For the "N" I'd say N9 "centre of town": Aldwych/Trafalgar Square to "London Airport": Heatrow Airport Central/Heathrow Terminal 5.

OnTheBus | 04.11.14 - 8:43 p.m. | #

There was a short-lived route Z1, about twenty years ago, between Baker Street and the Zoo augmenting the 274

timbo | 04.11.14 - 9:23 p.m. | #

May I suggest you try a bus route from each locality, where possible, instead of only one per letter? In this way, those with quite a lot of routes (C, H, R, W) can be better served, especially the W (my area!)

In that way you get to ride one on Wood Green and one in Walthamstow. My Walthamstow suggestions would be the W16 (from Chingford Mount; my local route until last month), the W19 (the only direct transport route from Walthamstow to Ilford) the W12 (very handy local route to the main high streets)... they're all good actually!

| 04.11.14 - 9:49 p.m. | #

U buses:
U4 is the only regular double-decker, so best for views but not the most interesting route.
U9 is quirky for its rurality and high proportion of elderly people who know the driver. The one-way bit at the Harefield end also means that you might be able to stay on the bus from Uxbridge back to Uxbridge again without getting too many strange looks from the driver.
On balance though, the most interesting route is probably the U3. Normally single-decker, but if you travel at school start/end time you might strike lucky and get a double-decker.
Have fun!

Andrew S | 04.11.14 - 11:21 p.m. | #

I would say the U9 for Uxbridge way, leaping out into the countryside, up to Harefield and back to Uxbridge running parallel to the M25.

For the night buses I have fond memories of the N207, in my mind it is a die-straight line heading west from Holborn to Uxbridge through Ealing and Shepherd's Bush.

Adam S | Homepage | 05.11.14 - 12:20 a.m. | #

To sum up, so far you've recommended...

A) A10
B) B12
C) C2 C11
D) D3
E) E6
G) G1
H) H3
K) K3 K5
N) N9 N47 N55 N139 N207
P) P4 P5
R) R3 R5 R10
S) S1
T) T32
U) U2 U3 U4 U9
W) W3 W4 W5 W7 W8 W9 W10 W12 W16 W19
X) X26 X68

(in bold, buses recommended more than once)

Do keep recommending, cheers!

diamond geezer | Homepage | 05.11.14 - 12:55 a.m. | #

I also recommend the D3 of the D bus routes - I suggest you do it in the direction Bethnal Green to Crossharbour as you'll experience the strange diversion along the Aspen way and then underneath Westferry Circus.

Jan P | 05.11.14 - 1:17 a.m. | #

@ Dominic H - I'm afraid there is no N139 any more... the 139 is a 24hr service so doesn't get an N prefix these days. Still the most civilized "late night" bus service though, I agree. Hopefully even more so when the 24hr tube starts on the Jubilee.

WHampstead | Homepage | 05.11.14 - 9:22 a.m. | #

For the B route, the B16 is worth considering. It starts in the huge new Kidbrooke Village development (replacing the old concrete Ferrier Estate) and gives a run out to Bexleyheath along parts of the old Rochester Way and past Oxleas Wood.

Ned | 05.11.14 - 10:49 a.m. | #

Another vote for the D3, because it's my local and I remember what it was like before it came into being. Enjoy the trip round Wapping.

s | 05.11.14 - 11:51 a.m. | #

Interesting challenge DG. I think you should take the P13 from Streatham to New Cross.

Naturally it takes ages. It starts off fairly sensibly but after it passes Dulwich Common it meanders considerably. Just when you think you're approaching a main road and about to really gain ground it peels off down a maze of side streets. There's one bit where it does the rare trick of doubling back on itself to do a little loop, then returning to cross its previous path.

It also skirts fairly close by a couple of former stations on the old branch line to Crystal Palace High Level. I was surprised to find out that the Crystal Palace and South London Junction Railway (as officially known) was closed in 1954, long before Beeching. Presumably if the branch was still there little buses like this wouldn't be so neccessary.

Matt | 05.11.14 - 1:06 p.m. | #

P.S. [You posted as I was typing]. I'd give my second preference vote to the P4.

The P4 is of course more than 16 seats now but indeed very busy, despite the introduction of new buses and a slighlty improved timetable in recent years. It is the only form of public transport to go directly from Lewisham to Brixton*, so the cheapest way of getting from one to the other. Again it can be painfully slow, in part due to getting snarled up in the traffic of several major arteries. Late at nigh though (e.g. post-gig heading back from Brixton Academy) it can veritably race along.

*Back to trains again, if the oft-discussed high level platforms were added at Brixton for the Overground, could the Victoria - Dartfords call there too? It would mean Lewisham to Brixton would take about 15 minutes, and perhaps the end of the P4.

Matt | 05.11.14 - 1:16 p.m. | #

If you do the W11 I'll bring you a mug of tea as it's my local "W" route. ;-)

Having ridden the H3 recently I found that interesting if you like architectural "contrasts" (ahem) created by the rich on Bishops Avenue.

The R3 is fun but lengthy and loopy.

The W12 is full of neighbourhod contrasts but not exactly fast.

I would have thought the N97 might be fun as it's not overly long and is unusual in having no daytime bus counterpart.

I agree the C11 is full of contrasts as other people have stated. The C3 has the advantage of toddling down Lots Road and then going through Chelsea Harbour.

I've ridden the B12 once and thought it interesting but IIRC DG did it on a Sunday so perhaps that's not on the list. The B11 has a stark contrast between Thamesmead, a wood and then Bexleyheath suburbia.

I rode the H12 recently which skims through comfortable Harrow suburbia near the Greater London boundary.

PC | 05.11.14 - 4:04 p.m. | #

The absence of a day counterpart to the N97 is because it is the last relic of the original night bus network numbering. Until 1960 night buses were numbered 281 to 299, but were then renumbered to N81 etc to free up numbers range for former trolleybus routes as they were converted to diesel.
Night bus numbers bore no relation to any daytime routes. Most have now been renumbered to correspond with the closest daytime route (so the old N89 to Uxbridge is now the N207), and some numbers have been recycled (so the new N89 goes to Bexleyheath, largely along the route of the daytime 89). Only the N97 survives in more or less its original form, although the glory days when it ran all the way to Heathrow are now long gone (that role now having been taken by the parallel N9).

Until the 1980s night buses ran mainly to serve workers in the various markets and newspaper industry (hence the large number of routes serving Fleet Street), with most not running on Saturday nights - now their busiest night.

timbo | 05.11.14 - 6:01 p.m. | #

To sum up, so far you've recommended...

A) A10
B) B11 B12 B16
C) C2 C3 C11
D) D3
E) E6
G) G1
H) H3 H12
K) K3 K5
N) N9 N47 N55 N97 N207
P) P4 P5 P13
R) R3 R5 R10
S) S1
T) T32
U) U2 U3 U4 U9
W) W3 W4 W5 W7 W8 W9 W10 W11 W12 W16 W19
X) X26 X68

(in bold, buses recommended more than once)

diamond geezer | Homepage | 05.11.14 - 7:16 p.m. | #

Would second the R5/R10 - it's the same bus but different name for which way it goes. Even more rural then the R8

Tom | 05.11.14 - 11:22 p.m. | #

No lack of interest in bus routes, then!
I remember when the E buses started in Ealing they were little red minibuses that pottered round the back streets. As time passed, they became full sized double deckers, and there were protests from local residents because the upstairs passengers could see down into their private leafy gardens!

ActonMan | 06.11.14 - 12:19 a.m. | #

Another recommendation for the P4, my local bus. Great views along Honor Oak Road towards Kent! P12 and P13 are veeerrrryyy roundabout routes. Almost painful.

Wendy | 06.11.14 - 12:19 a.m. | #

The E11 ends in Ealing Common near my old flat if that helps. Used to be the E10 that went there, and then they changed it (boo!)

The E10 is the only bus route in London operated by Tellings Golden Miler. Although it is branded under their parent company brand of Arriva. Which also means it's the only Arriva service in that part of London.

Andrew Bowden | Homepage | 06.11.14 - 9:27 a.m. | #

@Acton Man
the first three E routes, introduced in 1968, were full-sized single-deckers (Merlins). By the time I came to know them in the late 70s the Merlins had gone: the E1 and E2 were double deck Fleetlines and my local route, the E3, used Swifts (which didn't last much longer than the Merlins: the route was converted to double deck in 1981). The minibuses, and the other E routes, didn't arrive until the 1990s.

timbo | 06.11.14 - 4:14 p.m. | #

Another vote here for the C11. A varied route that navigates large ugly roads around Brent Cross and Swiss Cottage (enjoy it while you can) to quiet residential streets around West Hampstead and Hampstead.

Tetramesh | Homepage | 07.11.14 - 8:59 a.m. | #

I would suggest the R68 for your R-route. Depending on how you feel that day you could start at Hampton court and watch the route getting more and more depressing ending up at the TK-Maxx in Kew or the other way round, ending the trip on a high note...

Martin | 10.11.14 - 11:15 a.m. | #

Can I suggest for the "N" route one of the few which has no daytime equivalent - the N97 (the last survivor of the original network, now sadly usurped from its airport function by the more direct N9) or the N551 - which also has the distinction of being the highest-numbered "letter" route: and apart from school and mobility services the second-highest numbered route of all, (exceeded only by the 607 express)

timbo | 15.11.14 - 11:23 a.m. | #

The Dulwich Raider covered the P4 (which would definitely be my recommendation for the Ps) as a rather good pub crawl recently:

http://deserter.co.uk/2014/11/taking-the-ps/

lockedintheattic | 17.11.14 - 10:47 a.m. | #











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