ktgurney
SMA18 on route 725 at Sidcup 6th August 1975
SMA 18 is seen loading at Sidcup Police Station on 6th August 1975. Despite problems with punctuality, patronage held up well on route 725, and additional peak period journeys were introduced over certain sectors such as Croydon – Dartford. Whilst the “traditional” radial Green Line routes struggled into oblivion, route 725’s range of orbital links remained highly popular.
In the mid-1970s, London Country’s parent National Bus Company imposed standard liveries upon its constituents, who had to choose between poppy red or leaf green. London Country chose the green option, which could be modified to include an “express” white component. The SMA class was thus repainted, and SMA 18 had already lost its London Country logo (irreverently called “flying polo”, “gun carriage”, etc. etc.) in preparation. It saddens me to admit that following the demise of the Green Line livery, my interest in the shrinking network waned.
However, route 725 bucked the trend of decline. Companion route 726 was introduced in 1977 operating via Heathrow Airport, and route 725 was diverted to serve Bexleyheath a year later. 1978 also saw the demise of the SMA class. New timetables at last took account of average prevailing traffic conditions. Subsequent years are well documented elsewhere, suffice to say that dogmatism attempted to abolish these successful orbital express routes, and at the time of writing, all that remains is a route X26 confined to the Croydon – Heathrow leg. This despite the incoming London Mayor’s declaration in 2008 to revive orbital express services, an intention proving fruitless, with no comment on the subject forthcoming from any of the Mayoral contenders in 2016!
However, I dislike discussing politics, so perhaps I could return to the 1975 picture and point out a remnant of London Transport practice instituted from its inception 42 years earlier: finials adorning the tops of bus stop posts. Stops at which buses (central and country area) called were equipped with the red “apple core” variety, while stops at which Green Line coaches called were topped with the green “pineapple” type. This stop at Sidcup Police Station was served by both buses and coaches, so was equipped with both types of finial. Opinions vary regarding their significance, however, in my mind, they are regarded as Art Décor embellishments so typical of the 1930s, embraced by the fledgling style-conscious LT.
SMA18 on route 725 at Sidcup 6th August 1975
SMA 18 is seen loading at Sidcup Police Station on 6th August 1975. Despite problems with punctuality, patronage held up well on route 725, and additional peak period journeys were introduced over certain sectors such as Croydon – Dartford. Whilst the “traditional” radial Green Line routes struggled into oblivion, route 725’s range of orbital links remained highly popular.
In the mid-1970s, London Country’s parent National Bus Company imposed standard liveries upon its constituents, who had to choose between poppy red or leaf green. London Country chose the green option, which could be modified to include an “express” white component. The SMA class was thus repainted, and SMA 18 had already lost its London Country logo (irreverently called “flying polo”, “gun carriage”, etc. etc.) in preparation. It saddens me to admit that following the demise of the Green Line livery, my interest in the shrinking network waned.
However, route 725 bucked the trend of decline. Companion route 726 was introduced in 1977 operating via Heathrow Airport, and route 725 was diverted to serve Bexleyheath a year later. 1978 also saw the demise of the SMA class. New timetables at last took account of average prevailing traffic conditions. Subsequent years are well documented elsewhere, suffice to say that dogmatism attempted to abolish these successful orbital express routes, and at the time of writing, all that remains is a route X26 confined to the Croydon – Heathrow leg. This despite the incoming London Mayor’s declaration in 2008 to revive orbital express services, an intention proving fruitless, with no comment on the subject forthcoming from any of the Mayoral contenders in 2016!
However, I dislike discussing politics, so perhaps I could return to the 1975 picture and point out a remnant of London Transport practice instituted from its inception 42 years earlier: finials adorning the tops of bus stop posts. Stops at which buses (central and country area) called were equipped with the red “apple core” variety, while stops at which Green Line coaches called were topped with the green “pineapple” type. This stop at Sidcup Police Station was served by both buses and coaches, so was equipped with both types of finial. Opinions vary regarding their significance, however, in my mind, they are regarded as Art Décor embellishments so typical of the 1930s, embraced by the fledgling style-conscious LT.