LT dial-a-ride
Ford Transit/Dormobile FS19 (MLK719L) was representative of 20 minibuses that London Transport bought in 1973 to launch new services in underserved parts of London, where the twists and turns of the local roads hampered the use of full-sized buses. Hampstead Garden Suburb in London NW11 was one such example. Launching the service in 1974 as Hampstead Dial-A-Bus using a single vehicle allocated to Finchley (FY) Garage, the initially demand-responsive route soon merited a second vehicle, and it was later upgraded to the scheduled H2 service. The H2 service continues today, still using midibuses.
FS19 is seen here at Golders Green Bus Station, the route’s terminus. The bus enjoyed a longer life with LT than its 1973 brethren, as after being taken out of passenger service in 1980, it was retained as a radio training vehicle. After disposal in 1986, FS19 was bought by a preservationist. Ian’s Bus Stop traces no further history after 1997, however.
February 1976
Zorki 4 camera
Agfa CT18 film.
LT dial-a-ride
Ford Transit/Dormobile FS19 (MLK719L) was representative of 20 minibuses that London Transport bought in 1973 to launch new services in underserved parts of London, where the twists and turns of the local roads hampered the use of full-sized buses. Hampstead Garden Suburb in London NW11 was one such example. Launching the service in 1974 as Hampstead Dial-A-Bus using a single vehicle allocated to Finchley (FY) Garage, the initially demand-responsive route soon merited a second vehicle, and it was later upgraded to the scheduled H2 service. The H2 service continues today, still using midibuses.
FS19 is seen here at Golders Green Bus Station, the route’s terminus. The bus enjoyed a longer life with LT than its 1973 brethren, as after being taken out of passenger service in 1980, it was retained as a radio training vehicle. After disposal in 1986, FS19 was bought by a preservationist. Ian’s Bus Stop traces no further history after 1997, however.
February 1976
Zorki 4 camera
Agfa CT18 film.