THE GALLERY

London

THORPES

Page 1

Metroline website

LT website

London index

A company with a background in coaching, which diversified gradually into the London bus operating market. Thorpe's only appearance at Showbus was back in the Woburn days with a Plaxton Viewmaster from the coach fleet. In August 2004 the company became a subsidiary of the major London operator, Metroline.

DLF77 and DLF79 (X177/9BNH) on Thorpe's latest London route, the 70. They are seen outside McDonalds in Acton High Street.

Thorpes' first big claim to fame was a small but prestigious operation linking the main London termini with disabled access vehicles. They thus introduced the first Optare Excels to London service. XL300 (N300FET) is seen at Victoria Rail Station on the anti-clockwise SL2.

The Stationlink service also includes Victoria Coach Station, suitably labelled as a back up to the Excels is this Alexander bodied Mercedes 709D. Disabled access is through the open rear door tail lift.

Thorpes followed on from the Stationlink routes successfully with tenders for a number of Mobility Access routes around the capital. Alexander bodied Merc 709 K2FET is seen in Hammersmith.