The 173 Bus Route - under the new

On Saturday 17th of October 2020, Stagecoach London commenced operation of London Bus Route 173 taking over from Arriva London. I did two posts already on Arriva's part of the post previously if you want to check those out:

Part 1: https://transportunited.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-173-bus-route-under-old-day-out.html

Part 2: https://transportunited.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-173-bus-route-under-old-day-out.html

Temporary Allocation (to start off with...)

80461 (YX62BLZ) is seen in Little Heath on route 173 heading to King George Hospital - the last stop. Taken during: December 2020

As the buses ordered for the route were not yet ready, Stagecoach London had to use Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s these being from London United/Sovereign RATP Group who were generous enough to loan them. Unlike Arriva's these were 3 years younger, being new from 2012. This gave a sense of continuation in terms of the allocation of what Arriva London did - almost like passing the baton if you get what I mean. 

While I did feel tempted to see the buses myself, this was not possible and given the cases were pretty bad back then Lockdown #2 came into force during most of November.  

A month later when Lockdown #2 was done, on Christmas Eve (December 24th) I decided to take a short ride on one from Chadwell Heath to Little Heath. My bus that day was ADE40461 or 80461 (YX62BLZ). Given I wasn't going that far, I could tell the journey managed to be quick. The bus when I rode it was in good condition so yeah - well done RATP Group. Seeing RATP buses in East London was a weird sight for sure but no complaints from me. 

10137 (LX12DFO) is seen in Chadwell Heath on route 173 to King George Hospital this was one of the other types of buses that formed the temporary allocation. 
Taken during: January 2021

So 2021. New year new beginning right? Wrong. We were only a few days into the new year until we entered into another lockdown. Honestly, at this point it felt tedious and very frustrating knowing this would be the third time staying indoors. I did manage to see a Stagecoach Enviro 400 on the route when I walked around in January but otherwise that's it pretty much. 

80413 (YX12FNU) is seen at Goodmayes Station out of service heading back to Barking (BK) garage. It went back out again later on. 
Taken during: December 2020

List of buses (temporarily allocated) that appeared on the route:

80410 - YX12FNR

80411 - YX12FNS

80412 - YX12FNT

80413 - YX12FNU

80418 - YX12FOA

80425 - YX62AGU

80455 - YX62BHW

80456 - YX62BJF

80457 - YX62BJU

80458 - YX62BJZ

80460 - YX62BKO

80461 - YX62BLZ

Actual Allocation...

Nearly 4 months later...

This electric bus entered service a few days ago when taking the photo.
14118 (LF70YUR) is seen at Little Heath heading to the final stop at King George Hospital.
Taken during: April 2021

Monday 29th of March 2021. First day of lockdown #3 being eased fully. What a relief after almost 4 months. So in April I needed to go somewhere, first thing I noticed is that the temporary buses went back to their operator as I did not see them on the route. However, I did see some electrics. That's right. The actual allocation has arrived, albeit 5 months late to be exact. It was my first time on a double decker electric bus and when I boarded, I felt that "new bus smell". Went upstairs and sat at the back. Admittedly it felt weird to be on a electric bus, the motors were quiet having been used to hearing the sounds of the diesel bus for so long. The ride was okay but nothing too interesting. There were USB ports behind every seat providing if you go on long journeys. 

When I rode them during the summer between June-August the air conditioning was pretty useful - perhaps almost too useful as it almost felt like being in a freezer. Otherwise not so bad I guess. During Autumn/Winter the air conditioning can be a bit annoying though - especially when sitting upstairs at the back. Also there's not much legroom if you sit downstairs near the back. Bear that in mind. 

Upstairs interior.

Upstairs at the back.

Poster onboard advertising how it is quiet and better for environment.

View near the back.

USB charging is also available onboard.

Despite electric buses being more suited on routes that pass the city, elsewhere they are also starting to be deployed in other residential/urban routes so that emissions are reduced making it better for the environment. Overall in my opinion, the buses are smooth riding on them but with the quiet electric motors it does sound quite soulless. From an enthusiast's perspective. As a passenger I would say it is a worthy upgrade with comfortable seats and USB chargers, along with the fact that there is no loud engine - as it's a zero emission vehicle - so they can read or use their device in peace. I don't think they are bad they just lack character. Though this an electric bus so don't be surprised. You may have a different opinion to mine. As long as it takes me from A to B then I am not bothered. 

List of buses for the route:

14113 - LF70YUJ

14114 - LF70YUK

14115 - LF70YUL

14116 - LF70YUN

14117 - LF70YUO

14118 - LF70YUR

14119 - LF70YUS

14120 - LF70YUU

14121 - LF70YUV

14122 - LF70YUW

14123 - LF70YUX

14124 - LF70YUY

14125 - LF70YVA

14126 - LF70YVB

14127 - LF70YVC

14128 - LF70YVD

14129 - LG21HZP

It's been a year since these electric buses have entered service for the route and they are doing their job. As for the route itself it operates alright. That said, there have been few occasions when another bus bunches up together. Not surprising but it's better than nothing. Still Stagecoach are doing a good job operating it and I wish them all the best in operating this route. Quite a number of routes have been gaining electric buses recently here in London - I imagine that number is increasing - all in the name of reducing pollution. So don't be surprised if you start seeing them on your route soon as well in the coming years! 

Thanks for reading the blog and happy riding! :)

One of the advertisements for the electric buses on route 173.

King George Hospital

Chadwell Heath Lane, near Grove Road (Little Heath) 

King George Hospital

Beckton Bus Station