@@thewesternway Yeah I'm grateful that it stayed diesel until now. I didn't like the cutback to Hammersmith at first but tbh the 218 and 306 are nice routes so I'm now sort of ok with it
@@MostlyBuses1 The Routes were too long for the 266, They got 218 and 306 replacement of Askew Road. Night bus service to be redesigned to create N266 after 24 hour removed.
I still miss the Tower Transit days on the 266. Loved the VNs and even the WNs on the route man, I felt like TT suited the 266 the best with the allocation but it’s a shame the B7TLs or Plaxton Presidents were never blinded for the 266 during the TT days. It was also cool to see some of the 28’s refurbished VNs and WNs on the 266 too. It was good that Metroline won back the 266 with tridents and I was pleased but I still preferred if TT kept the 266 with the B9TLs but it became boring as soon as those dull 60 reg TEs and the 08/58/13 reg TEHs replaced them in mid to late 2018 and I was happy that RATP won the 266. I remember TT use to put a lot of the BU16 VHs on the 266 too and going to RATP meant that the 67 reg VHs can stray on the 266. It’ll be good to see the 266 back at Metroline with decent EvoSetis and seeing B9TLs make a return to the route after 7 years. TT could’ve operated the 266 until 2019 as they had a 7 year contract established from the 2012 win initially under First London but TT found it so difficult to run the route and X pretty much only hated running the old 266 which wasn’t surprising as it was too long back then and they gave it up at the first opportunity in the 5 year break clause and because they gave up the route, Metroline was the only other company that could’ve taken on the 266 at short notice to finish off the last 2 years of TT’s contract which wasn’t extendable until 2019. When Metroline won the 266 back in 2017 at short notice, WJ was going to operate the route since they were the only garage that was ready and W wasn’t even ready at short notice but W was better placed especially since the 266 was rather using Tridents and it borrowed them off the 113 and the other EW routes like the 186 as the 113 received 61 reg TEHs for its 2017 retention and the 186 gained a small 60 reg TEH allocation spare from the 139’s loss to release further 56/07 reg TEs to the 266. It’s funny how Metroline is running the 266 for the third time now and I hope Electroliners are ordered for it as the 266 would go back to a Wright route after being ADL under RATP and then Metroline before that.
@@zfs.59 Tbh I think WJ would work well for the 266 with it having the 28 as well now. I'm glad that RATP got the 266 with diesels for 5 years but it's a shame that the ADEs will probably be withdrawn now. I'll certainly miss them on the 220 which is probably my most used (in terms of distance) RATP route this year although the BD/BT13s are great for long journeys as well.
Maybe the 266 and 316 could swap garages as has been suggested but I doubt it tbh. I would have the 328 at WJ to have a common fleet of DD vehicles with the 28 and 206 and house the 266/316 under W instead.
Hey also if u didn’t know Route 218 will be passed back to Westbourne Park on the same day and go back to being London transit :D sadly they were gonna get GB kites but that’s been delayed since 2025
@@ShadowTransport Yes I did know that, I was filming for a video I'm making on the 18 and 218 last week. 5 years really have gone by quite quickly, I still remember the first day of the 218
Awesome video, its funny how metroline keep getting this route back. I appreciate the info too very helpful. Any updates on what electric buses the route is getting? 5:35 yoo calm down ppl and respect to u for keeping the camera still in that moment as that was unexpected
@@LJ07EBP Thanks! Unfortunately there haven't been any updates as to what this is getting but I hope ML order some BZL DDs for this. And yh that was unexpected at 5:35. It was actually a protest where there was just a huge line of cars with flags honking. I passed through Willesden today and there was another protest about the same thing
I hope Electroliners get ordered for the 266 as that would mean the 266 has been a majority Wright route and would go back to a Wright route. Much like how the 196 has been an ADL route and is getting E400EVs. The 266 has only been an ADL route when Metroline took it back in 2017 to finish TT’s contract till 2019 and then RATP’s operation from 2019 till now 2024.
The 266 could theoretically go to WJ as it passes the garage too. When Metroline took on the 266 on a emergency 2 year contract in 2017 after TT terminated the 266’s contract early and didn’t even bother bidding for the route due to its tough nature and the fact that X found it hard to run the route compared to W and RP, the 266 was meant to go to WJ but W was chosen instead and especially since TEs were going on the route
@@zfs.59 As to the WJ can get more relevant whenever they get relegated or come close to Willesden Junction a sufficient amount of 23 bus service should be a full operator performs at the slightest capacity to 120. W was up to 200.
It's a shame that 266 had Metroline multiple times and ended up RATP would incinerate if they were placed on RP downgrade does not conflict with W may finally have the tools from lowering down a garage. None of this adds up but RP ex - Tower Transit open late 2017 carrying capacity allows 18 to be at X on our electrification works. London United didn't just win the route, Weather usually take 3 year contract and priorities going forward of their current plausible tender programme. There is still a sufficient reason why 226 never moved then refuse to novate BT.
@@JAmoahGranite58 I'm sad ML are getting it back though. RATP have so much variety and I'm guessing there will be some ADE withdrawals after this. I need to tick off my last unused section on the 220 quickly as I think the ADEs from RP will all be gone when the 258 leaves.
@@MostlyBuses1 Sadly RATP were not electrified and they can acquire BYD BD11/ Electroliner/ GB Kites become fully EV by west london garages, 33 and 218 are single deck plus 31 only gets DD once they get free competitions to win 2025/6/7 contract, including: London United's FW, AV, WK, RP, S, V and TV or London Sovereign BT, CP and SO.
@HampshireTransport007 yeah, that was a sad day for the 266 although the 218 is a very nice route (it needs DDs although I'm not sure if they can handle the section near West Acton station). The 306 should've gone to Action High Street instead of Acton Vale as well
@HampshireTransport007 but it would make travel between Hammersmith and Acton town centre much easier. The 218 gets crowded on that section. And I get that passengers from the 306 can change to the 207 and 607/SL8 at Acton Vale but it's inconvenient.
@@Ybillz I like the temporary allocation as the 266 had TEHs appear on it until RATP took over. It's also good to see the EvoSetis stray onto the 139, 328 etc
@@jtransportbuses Thanks! I don't think they will tbh since apparently hybrids can't cope with the deadrun to RP which is why no VH has done it recently (looking on lvf it seems that a few ADHs have made it out on the route in the past few months though they look a bit like log ins)
The 258 is allocated ADEs and is fully ADE, has been since it moved to RP 3 years ago. The ADHs are only allocated to the 266 and 2-3 ADEs are allocated to the 220 now
Not necessarily, It's down to strike over tender when Metroline issues a statement in serious and involves RATP hanging around a lot lately doing absolutely work near Harlesden with the same few drivers. 260 jotting random ideas like 3 year contract, RP isn't satisfied include London United not winning West London bus route options after old Stonebridge Park change-over strategy through Craven Park.
@@MostlyBuses1 it because I'm a big fan of these electric buses so i haven't got the calmness to wait i just want to know straight away which electric bus it gets
@@MostlyBuses1 i hope so as well I love volvo bzl dd and it would be nice for tfl to order them for metroline they only been order for stagecoach and arriva for now but i think gut wise it either going to volvo bzl dd or enviro 400 ev
@@AG_Buses Thanks and I don't want to be rude but I already heard about those. It's a shame the withdrawals are going ahead though I'm fine with the 118 one
@@cooldude12-q9b I don't mind ML getting it since I think RATP would've retained with EVs anyway but yeah it's so sad that the variety of buses on the 266 is going away. I think the ADEs will be withdrawn too but I hope I'm wrong.
@@cooldude12-q9b Well the 18 will be moving to X soon and RP are strict on it for some reason so idk but I would like it if they kept them on the 220 since it's my most used RP route
The 266’s ADE/ADH will be withdrawn unfortunately, I’m guessing a few of the 62 regs could go to V to oust the 60 regs until the E3 supposedly gets more VHs from the 18’s allocation.
The electrics would’ve came to 266 if ratp retained the route anyway so those diesels are bound to go at some time or they would be kept in case the electric buses doesn’t work and they can replace
The first day of route 266 Metroline operation (explained):
ua-cam.com/video/xrI5cIdGYRk/v-deo.html
Well, that was a well 5 year operation, even tho it never terminates at Hammersmith anymore, im still happy to see it back!
@@thewesternway Yeah I'm grateful that it stayed diesel until now. I didn't like the cutback to Hammersmith at first but tbh the 218 and 306 are nice routes so I'm now sort of ok with it
@@MostlyBuses1 The Routes were too long for the 266, They got 218 and 306 replacement of Askew Road. Night bus service to be redesigned to create N266 after 24 hour removed.
exactly
I still miss the Tower Transit days on the 266. Loved the VNs and even the WNs on the route man, I felt like TT suited the 266 the best with the allocation but it’s a shame the B7TLs or Plaxton Presidents were never blinded for the 266 during the TT days. It was also cool to see some of the 28’s refurbished VNs and WNs on the 266 too. It was good that Metroline won back the 266 with tridents and I was pleased but I still preferred if TT kept the 266 with the B9TLs but it became boring as soon as those dull 60 reg TEs and the 08/58/13 reg TEHs replaced them in mid to late 2018 and I was happy that RATP won the 266. I remember TT use to put a lot of the BU16 VHs on the 266 too and going to RATP meant that the 67 reg VHs can stray on the 266. It’ll be good to see the 266 back at Metroline with decent EvoSetis and seeing B9TLs make a return to the route after 7 years. TT could’ve operated the 266 until 2019 as they had a 7 year contract established from the 2012 win initially under First London but TT found it so difficult to run the route and X pretty much only hated running the old 266 which wasn’t surprising as it was too long back then and they gave it up at the first opportunity in the 5 year break clause and because they gave up the route, Metroline was the only other company that could’ve taken on the 266 at short notice to finish off the last 2 years of TT’s contract which wasn’t extendable until 2019. When Metroline won the 266 back in 2017 at short notice, WJ was going to operate the route since they were the only garage that was ready and W wasn’t even ready at short notice but W was better placed especially since the 266 was rather using Tridents and it borrowed them off the 113 and the other EW routes like the 186 as the 113 received 61 reg TEHs for its 2017 retention and the 186 gained a small 60 reg TEH allocation spare from the 139’s loss to release further 56/07 reg TEs to the 266. It’s funny how Metroline is running the 266 for the third time now and I hope Electroliners are ordered for it as the 266 would go back to a Wright route after being ADL under RATP and then Metroline before that.
@@zfs.59 Tbh I think WJ would work well for the 266 with it having the 28 as well now. I'm glad that RATP got the 266 with diesels for 5 years but it's a shame that the ADEs will probably be withdrawn now. I'll certainly miss them on the 220 which is probably my most used (in terms of distance) RATP route this year although the BD/BT13s are great for long journeys as well.
Maybe the 266 and 316 could swap garages as has been suggested but I doubt it tbh. I would have the 328 at WJ to have a common fleet of DD vehicles with the 28 and 206 and house the 266/316 under W instead.
It looks like we've been treated to a near full allocation of ADEs on the 266 today. There aren't any Gemini 3s on it either!
There’s a few 13 reg VHs out though which is nice
@@zfs.59 yep, ADH45019, ADE40308 and ADE40428 are also out today which is nice. I need to get ADH19 today as I've not been on it on the 266 yet
:( 266 was better on the ratp
@@TrainPlayz566 Agreed. I'll miss the variety on the 266 and the lovely ADEs but it's nice the 266 is coming home to Metroline
@ ok
The 266 is back home at Cricklewood. Wonder when the electric buses will turn up for it.
Hopefully they'll be delayed for a while. I want to make the most of the EvoSetis at W
Hey also if u didn’t know Route 218 will be passed back to Westbourne Park on the same day and go back to being London transit :D sadly they were gonna get GB kites but that’s been delayed since 2025
@@ShadowTransport Yes I did know that, I was filming for a video I'm making on the 18 and 218 last week. 5 years really have gone by quite quickly, I still remember the first day of the 218
Awesome video, its funny how metroline keep getting this route back. I appreciate the info too very helpful. Any updates on what electric buses the route is getting? 5:35 yoo calm down ppl and respect to u for keeping the camera still in that moment as that was unexpected
@@LJ07EBP Thanks! Unfortunately there haven't been any updates as to what this is getting but I hope ML order some BZL DDs for this. And yh that was unexpected at 5:35. It was actually a protest where there was just a huge line of cars with flags honking. I passed through Willesden today and there was another protest about the same thing
@@MostlyBuses1 Anytime and okay! hmm that would be cool. ohh okay dangg
I hope Electroliners get ordered for the 266 as that would mean the 266 has been a majority Wright route and would go back to a Wright route. Much like how the 196 has been an ADL route and is getting E400EVs. The 266 has only been an ADL route when Metroline took it back in 2017 to finish TT’s contract till 2019 and then RATP’s operation from 2019 till now 2024.
😂😂😂
I will miss this bus, the ratp e400s, g2s, g3,s were amazing its sad to see them go
@@londonbusesc3 Same, although the G3s are allocated to the 18 so they won't be going soon (the 18 is getting electrics though which is a shame).
LK18AGU is the first Metroline N266!
Saw that LVF yippee
@@JAmoahGranite58 there haven't been any Gemini 2s so far though :(
There’s two VWs on the 266
Metroline keeps giving 266 to cricklewood garage why? 🤔🤔
@@DanielIstetI'm guessing it's because it's closer to the end of the route and has space.
The 266 could theoretically go to WJ as it passes the garage too. When Metroline took on the 266 on a emergency 2 year contract in 2017 after TT terminated the 266’s contract early and didn’t even bother bidding for the route due to its tough nature and the fact that X found it hard to run the route compared to W and RP, the 266 was meant to go to WJ but W was chosen instead and especially since TEs were going on the route
@@zfs.59 As to the WJ can get more relevant whenever they get relegated or come close to Willesden Junction a sufficient amount of 23 bus service should be a full operator performs at the slightest capacity to 120. W was up to 200.
It's a shame that 266 had Metroline multiple times and ended up RATP would incinerate if they were placed on RP downgrade does not conflict with W may finally have the tools from lowering down a garage. None of this adds up but RP ex - Tower Transit open late 2017 carrying capacity allows 18 to be at X on our electrification works. London United didn't just win the route, Weather usually take 3 year contract and priorities going forward of their current plausible tender programme. There is still a sufficient reason why 226 never moved then refuse to novate BT.
@@JAmoahGranite58 I'm sad ML are getting it back though. RATP have so much variety and I'm guessing there will be some ADE withdrawals after this. I need to tick off my last unused section on the 220 quickly as I think the ADEs from RP will all be gone when the 258 leaves.
@@MostlyBuses1 Sadly RATP were not electrified and they can acquire BYD BD11/ Electroliner/ GB Kites become fully EV by west london garages, 33 and 218 are single deck plus 31 only gets DD once they get free competitions to win 2025/6/7 contract, including: London United's FW, AV, WK, RP, S, V and TV or London Sovereign BT, CP and SO.
@@JAmoahGranite58 the 218 is 10.2m Kites right? And yh RATP have been on a bit of a comeback recently
😢🎉
@@MostlyBuses1I think what lead to RATP losing 266 is Atlas Road garage
closing for the HS2 works
Wait actually? This bus I take every day from school to get back home
@@Tspeakerman yep, you'll be riding on different buses on Monday
I hope those buses that is on 266 right now will be in H98 allocation
They won't be sadly. The H98 will be retained by RATP with the ex 211 LTs from 2025.
@MostlyBuses1 oh..
@@kurinchikankesavan9866 And I'm guessing the 266's ADEs will be withdrawn now
And tommorow is also 5 years since 266 cutback to Acton with 218 and N266 being introduced as well.
@HampshireTransport007 yeah, that was a sad day for the 266 although the 218 is a very nice route (it needs DDs although I'm not sure if they can handle the section near West Acton station). The 306 should've gone to Action High Street instead of Acton Vale as well
@ I mean it is a new route and is the same length as 218 so
@HampshireTransport007 but it would make travel between Hammersmith and Acton town centre much easier. The 218 gets crowded on that section. And I get that passengers from the 306 can change to the 207 and 607/SL8 at Acton Vale but it's inconvenient.
And it will also be 5 years since 140 was cut and 278/X140(SL9) was introduced
@@MostlyBuses1I agree eventhough it would mean 218s route is mostly 306, Personally I would extend 306 to Ealing Broadway via E3 then 65.
Im Happy 266 Returns Back To Metroline On Saturday Tommorow.
@TransportEnthusiastsanimeguy23 I'll miss the variety RATP had but yeah it's cool to see them return to the route
It would be nice if metroline allocated e400 mmc's and g3 instead of g2's and evosite's
@@Ybillz I like the temporary allocation as the 266 had TEHs appear on it until RATP took over. It's also good to see the EvoSetis stray onto the 139, 328 etc
What electric buses have been ordered?
@LondonBuses632 it's not confirmed yet
Soon the route 266 will go back to Metroline IG right? 🎉
@@AbdirahmanMahamoud-b9e yes, in just a few hours they'll start running the N266 and the 266 will be run by them again tomorrow
Are they getting the volvo BZL after it stops being delayed ?
@@idontknow12383 it's not confirmed yet
Nice Video!
Do you think RP will now give 258 ADH's from now up until the end of the contract???
@@jtransportbuses Thanks! I don't think they will tbh since apparently hybrids can't cope with the deadrun to RP which is why no VH has done it recently (looking on lvf it seems that a few ADHs have made it out on the route in the past few months though they look a bit like log ins)
The 258 is allocated ADEs and is fully ADE, has been since it moved to RP 3 years ago. The ADHs are only allocated to the 266 and 2-3 ADEs are allocated to the 220 now
I'm gonna miss this bus as RATP group
@@mohibj agreed. There won't be as much variety with Metroline
@@MostlyBuses1 Soon the 31/N31 win RATP.
@@JAmoahGranite58 yeah with electrics too which I did not expect
Apparently the 266 didn't do well with RATP Group, though I think otherwise
Not necessarily, It's down to strike over tender when Metroline issues a statement in serious and involves RATP hanging around a lot lately doing absolutely work near Harlesden with the same few drivers. 260 jotting random ideas like 3 year contract, RP isn't satisfied include London United not winning West London bus route options after old Stonebridge Park change-over strategy through Craven Park.
Well there have been a few bunchings and stuff but they were decent imo
These are now replaced with the Volvo MCV Evoseti
yes, I made a first day video with Metroline on it as well
It really ignores me that the electric bus has not been confirmed for this route yet
@@HasanYilmaz-c6u it means I get to make another video on the 266 when its order comes out so I'm fine with it
@@MostlyBuses1 it because I'm a big fan of these electric buses so i haven't got the calmness to wait i just want to know straight away which electric bus it gets
@@HasanYilmaz-c6u fairs. I hope it gets BZL DDs, we haven't seen ML order them even though they had a demonstrator
@@MostlyBuses1 i hope so as well I love volvo bzl dd and it would be nice for tfl to order them for metroline they only been order for stagecoach and arriva for now but i think gut wise it either going to volvo bzl dd or enviro 400 ev
@@HasanYilmaz-c6u it's the companies who chose what to order, not TfL
Where will the e400 go
Where will G2 go
@@shubhamuprit The E400s will likely get withdrawn and I'm guessing more G2s will get allocated to the 220.
The G2s are allocated to the 220, they just stray on the 18 and 266 more often.
RIP
Great observations bro!
Btw I posted some tenders on my community post if u wanna see it pls!👍🙏
@@AG_Buses Thanks and I don't want to be rude but I already heard about those. It's a shame the withdrawals are going ahead though I'm fine with the 118 one
buses on diversion in Lewisham it road closed at 3 August 2024 road open on lewisham at 31 march 2025 by next year
@@jasonbusred3297 yeah, it's pretty inconvenient. Google maps says the 108 starts from a different stop than it actually does which is confusing.
@MostlyBuses1 I’m happy my oyster card come at year week
RATP should've retained this route imo
ML are going to ruin this route with the EVs
Now the ADE's might get withdrawn (i hope not)
@@cooldude12-q9b I don't mind ML getting it since I think RATP would've retained with EVs anyway but yeah it's so sad that the variety of buses on the 266 is going away. I think the ADEs will be withdrawn too but I hope I'm wrong.
@@cooldude12-q9b at least the 258's ADEs aren't being withdrawn yet (although they'll probably be gone when it goes to ML)
@@MostlyBuses1 I think the remaining ADE's and ADH's should go on the 220 or 18
Or they should transfer to another RATP garage perhaps to AV
@@cooldude12-q9b Well the 18 will be moving to X soon and RP are strict on it for some reason so idk but I would like it if they kept them on the 220 since it's my most used RP route
The 266’s ADE/ADH will be withdrawn unfortunately, I’m guessing a few of the 62 regs could go to V to oust the 60 regs until the E3 supposedly gets more VHs from the 18’s allocation.
ROUTE 266 WILL BE METROLINE
@@IbrahimAli-wh1dm yes
HOORAY I LOVE METROLINE
BY THE WAY RATP DEV IS HORRIBLE
@@IbrahimAli-wh1dm I'm fine with RATP though they don't run routes well
@ I REALLY HATE RATP DEV
my local
@Lets631 why did you steal my 631 and H22 videos?
The electrics would’ve came to 266 if ratp retained the route anyway so those diesels are bound to go at some time or they would be kept in case the electric buses doesn’t work and they can replace
Yeah that's what I was thinking too although it's good to see Metroline diesels and hybrids on it for one last time.
Electric 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
@@mohibj ikr