Route in Focus Post 1: Shopper route 359 (1/1/2013)

This is a new series I am starting called "Route in Focus" This week, let's start with route 359.

The 359 is a shopper route which runs between Addington Village, and Selsdon Library. This route is run normally by a single 8.9m Marshall Dart, or a MAN E200. In early December, the Marshall will be replaced by an existing MPD released from the R7, after being awarded to Stagecoach, and that bus will become a spare

142 (LT02 ZDR) on the 359 at Selsdon

The route began in March 1998 to bring the residents of Monks Hill a link to neighbouring towns. It used 10.7m Darts off the 138 allocation at Orpington Garage. When the route began, it did not serve Addington Village Interchange, so instead, it turned at Forestdale.

142 (LT02 ZDR) on the 359 at Addington

In May 2000, The route was extended to serve New Addington, and the allocation was changed to one bus off the T33, but this extension wouldn't last long. 

142 (LT02 ZDR) on the 359 at Addington

In May 2002, the route was moved to Godstone Garage to make space at Orpington.

In March 2006, the route was curtailed at Addington Village due to lack of use. The allocation was also transferred to Croydon, because of the closure of Godstone in Febuary of that year. 

142 (LT02 ZDR) on the 359 at Addington

Since then, the route hasn't really changed, it still has it's odd frequency of every 35 minutes, which can be confusing at times, but always keep a timetable handy when travelling on this route!

142 (LT02 ZDR) on the 359 at Addington

I also recorded a journey for you lot to view, you can see it by clicking here