Metroline's Extensive Garage Network

Metroline, a prominent bus operator primarily serving Greater London and extending into Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire, plays a crucial role in the capital's public transport system. As a subsidiary of ComfortDelGro and operating under contract for Transport for London, Metroline manages a significant fleet of buses. A key aspect of any large bus operator's infrastructure is its network of garages, which serve as operational bases, maintenance hubs, and points of deployment for their vehicles. This article delves into the substantial presence of bus garages operated by Metroline, exploring their history, current functions, and the geographical spread of these vital facilities.

Understanding Metroline's Operational Structure

Metroline's operations are divided between two registered companies: Metroline Travel Limited and Metroline West Limited. This division reflects the company's growth and strategic acquisitions over the years, including the integration of companies like Thorpes and Armchair Passenger Transport, and earlier expansions through the purchase of Atlas Bus & Coach and MTL London. The company's history is rooted in the privatisation of London bus services, with Metroline being one of the first ex-London Buses companies to expand its reach.

The Importance of Bus Garages

Bus garages are more than just parking spaces for buses. They are complex facilities that support the daily operations of a bus company. Key functions include:

• Vehicle Storage: Providing secure overnight and off-duty storage for the fleet.
• Maintenance and Repair: Housing workshops equipped for routine servicing, repairs, and more extensive engineering work. This ensures the reliability and safety of the buses.
• Cleaning and Refuelling: Facilities for cleaning the interior and exterior of buses, as well as refuelling (diesel, electric, or hydrogen).
• Driver Facilities: Providing rest areas, briefing rooms, and administrative support for bus drivers.
• Operational Control: Often serving as a base for dispatching services and managing daily route operations.

Metroline Travel Limited: A Deep Dive into its Garages

Metroline Travel Limited manages a significant portion of Metroline's garage network. As of recent data, the company operates 14 garages across its two legal entities, with a substantial number falling under Metroline Travel Limited.

Brentford (AH)

The Brentford garage, a key facility, operates several routes including 9, 190, 237, 481, E2, E8, H91, and N9. It has a history dating back to 1990 when it was initially opened by Armchair Passenger Transport. The garage underwent a significant redevelopment, with a new, modern facility capable of housing over 100 buses opening in July 2024, representing a substantial investment of £19 million. This expansion underscores Metroline's commitment to upgrading its infrastructure.

Cricklewood (W)

With a rich history dating back to May 1905, the Cricklewood garage is one of London's oldest bus depots. Originally known as Dollis Hill, it was the first motorised depot for the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC). Cricklewood has seen periods of rationalisation and expansion, notably in the 1990s, and now serves as both a major operational hub and, importantly, the European headquarters for ComfortDelGro. It operates routes such as 16, 32, 112, 139, 143, 189, 210, 268, 324, 328, 631, 632, H2, H3, and N32.

Edgware (EW)

Opened by the LGOC in 1925, the Edgware garage has a complex history involving expansions, potential closures, and shared operations. Originally built to accommodate 24 buses, it was redeveloped in 1939 and again in 1984 with a larger, 100-bus capacity facility. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it even served as a shared facility for two operators, London Sovereign and Metroline. Current operations include routes 113, 142, 204, 240, 251, 642, and N113.

Harrow Weald (HD)

Established in 1930 by the LGOC, Harrow Weald garage replaced a smaller facility and has been extended over the years. It played a role in the early days of bus development, housing experimental vehicles. The garage also served as the base for the ill-fated Harrow Buses operation in the late 1980s. Despite this, Harrow Weald survived and has since been a key Metroline facility, also undertaking engineering work for buses based at Edgware. It currently operates routes 140, 182, 186, 258, 292, N98, and N140.

Holloway (HT)

With origins as Holloway Tram Depot in 1907, this site transitioned to a trolleybus depot and then a bus garage. It has seen significant changes in operator ownership, passing through London Northern and MTL London before becoming part of Metroline. Holloway garage, which operates routes 4, 17, 30, 43, 46, 153, 234, 274, 390, 393, 603, C11, W7, and N20, is noted for being close to capacity with around 200 buses allocated.

Lampton (SG)

Also known as Spring Grove, the Lampton garage is a more recent addition, opening on 27 July 2019 when Metroline took over route 81. It is situated on the site of a former Westbus coach depot and currently operates routes 81, 120, and 635, often sharing buses with Brentford garage.

Perivale (PV)

The Perivale garage has experienced closures and reopenings, with its current iteration dating back to August 2016. It was renamed Perivale following the closure of Perivale West garage in 2022. Notably, Perivale is home to Metroline's fleet of Wright StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV double-decker buses, the first of their kind in England, operating on routes 7, 245, and N7. The garage also shares buses with Athlon Road garage.

Potters Bar (PB)

Opened in 1930, Potters Bar garage has faced multiple closure threats due to its location but has managed to survive through revised agreements and by securing commercial routes. It passed to Metroline following the purchase of MTL's London operations. In May 2022, the garage was affected by a significant fire that destroyed several buses, including two Optare MetroDecker EVs, leading to a nationwide recall of that model. It serves routes 107, 134, 231, 263, 317, 327, 382, 384, 491, 617, 629, 626, 634, N263, W8, and W9.

Willesden (AC)

Opened in October 1912, Willesden garage has a long and varied history, including roles in vehicle overhauls during wartime. It was largely rebuilt in 1975 to increase capacity and became part of Metroline following the break-up of London Regional Transport. Willesden has been notable for housing experimental vehicles, including early Routemasters and a Volvo Olympian imported from Singapore for evaluation. It was also London's first bus garage to operate battery electric double-decker buses and has been involved in trials for bus safety innovations. Current operations cover routes 6, 52, 98, 260, 302, and 460.

Metroline West Limited: Expanding the Network

Metroline West Limited encompasses garages acquired through the purchase of five First London garages in 2013, significantly expanding Metroline's operational footprint. It currently operates three garages.

Greenford (G)

Greenford bus garage, part of an Ealing London Borough Council depot, began its life as a midibus base in March 1993, leading to the closure of another garage in Hanwell. It gained prominence as the first bus garage in London to operate a London Superloop express bus service with route 607 being renumbered SL8. Greenford operates routes 92, 95, 282, 640, E1, E9, and SL8.

Uxbridge (UX)

The original Uxbridge garage, built by the LGOC in 1921, has a history of being outside the Greater London boundaries. The current garage, located next to Uxbridge tube station, opened in late 1983 after extensive planning and construction. It has been instrumental in operating the U-Line network of local routes and has seen the introduction of larger buses and low-floor vehicles. Uxbridge garage serves routes 114, 222, 331, A10, H13, U1, U2, U3, U4, and U10.

Willesden Junction (WJ)

While specific details about the history of Willesden Junction garage are less extensive in the provided text, it is listed as an operational garage for Metroline West Limited. As of May 2024, it operates routes 28, 187, 206, 223, 228, 316, 487, H17, and N28.

Comparative Overview of Metroline Garages

The network of Metroline garages showcases a diverse range of histories, capacities, and specialisations. While some, like Cricklewood, boast over a century of service, others, like Lampton, are relatively new. The investment in modern facilities, such as the new Brentford garage, highlights Metroline's focus on efficiency and sustainability. The presence of specialised facilities for electric and hydrogen buses at Perivale indicates an adaptation to evolving public transport technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Metroline have a bus garage?

Yes, Metroline operates a significant network of bus garages across Greater London and surrounding areas. As detailed above, they manage 14 garages under their two legal entities, Metroline Travel Limited and Metroline West Limited.

Where is Metroline's headquarters?

Metroline's European headquarters, along with its operational base, is located at the Cricklewood garage.

What is the oldest Metroline garage?

The Cricklewood garage, which opened in May 1905, is one of London's oldest bus garages and has been a Metroline facility for many years.

Does Metroline operate electric or hydrogen buses?

Yes, Metroline is investing in newer technologies. The Perivale garage, for instance, is home to their fleet of Wright StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV double-decker buses, which run on hydrogen. Willesden garage was also the first in London to operate battery electric double-decker buses.

Conclusion

Metroline's extensive network of bus garages is fundamental to its ability to provide reliable and efficient bus services across London and its commuter belt. From historic depots that have served the city for over a century to modern, technologically advanced facilities, these garages represent a considerable investment in infrastructure and are crucial for the maintenance, operation, and future development of Metroline's fleet. Understanding the geographical spread and historical context of these garages provides valuable insight into the operational backbone of one of London's major bus operators.

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