London's Route 131: A Bus Journey Through Time

The familiar rumble of a bus navigating London's streets is a quintessential part of the city's fabric. Among the myriad of routes crisscrossing the capital, Route 131 holds a unique place, boasting a rich history that stretches back over eight decades. This TfL contracted route, operated by London General, connects the vibrant hubs of Tooting Broadway and Kingston, offering a vital link for countless commuters and travellers. But when exactly did this important artery of London's public transport first begin its journey, and how has it evolved over the years? Join us as we delve into the captivating chronicle of London Buses Route 131.

The Genesis of Route 131: A 1941 Beginning

Route 131 commenced its service on 29 October 1941. At its inception, the route operated between Kingston Bus Station and Walton-on-Thames Manor Road, traversing picturesque areas such as Hampton Court, East Molesey, West Molesey, and Walton Road. The initial operator was London Transport, utilising their Kingston (K) garage and a fleet of robust AEC Regents. These early buses were the workhorses of their time, laying the foundation for the reliable service that would follow.

Evolution of the Fleet: From AEC Regents to Electric Dreams

The journey of Route 131 is intrinsically linked to the evolution of bus technology. Over the years, the buses serving this route have undergone significant transformations: * 1949: A significant upgrade saw the AEC Regents replaced by the more advanced AEC Regent IIIs. This marked a step forward in passenger comfort and operational efficiency. * 1962: The introduction of AEC Routemasters heralded a new era. These iconic buses, known for their distinctive design and front-entrance/rear-exit configuration, became synonymous with London's public transport. * 1973: The route converted to One Person Operation (OPO), utilising Daimler Fleetlines. This change reflected a move towards more streamlined operations. * 1979: The fleet saw the introduction of MCW Metrobuses, further enhancing the passenger experience. * 1987: London & Country took over operations, introducing brand new East Lancs S-type bodied Volvo Citybuses, a modern addition to the fleet. * 1990: Westlink took the reins, operating the route with Leyland Titans, another classic British bus. * 1996: London United introduced Alexander RH bodied Volvo Olympians, renowned for their reliability and comfort. * 2001: A significant leap towards accessibility and modern design occurred with the conversion to low-floor operation, featuring brand new Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Tridents. * 2015: The fleet was further enhanced with the introduction of Scania OmniCitys, running alongside the existing Dennis Tridents. * 2017: London General took over operations, initially with Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TLs and an Alexander Dennis Enviro400. * 2020: The route transitioned to a full Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TL operation, ensuring a consistent and modern fleet. * 2023 (Temporary Reintroduction): Existing Alexander Dennis Enviro400s were temporarily reintroduced alongside the Volvo B9TLs. * 2024 (Reversion): The route reverted to a full Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TL operation. * Future (From 2025): The exciting prospect of brand new Wright StreetDeck Electroliner EVs promises a zero-emission future for Route 131.

Shifting Terrains: Route Adjustments Over Time

Beyond the vehicles, the path of Route 131 has also seen its share of modifications, reflecting the ever-changing urban landscape and transport needs: * 1961: The Sunday service was extended from Walton to Hersham, via Service 264. * 1962: A significant extension saw the route reach Wimbledon, replacing the withdrawn trolleybus route 604. This also saw part of the allocation transferred to Merton (AL) garage. * 1964: The Sunday service was extended further, from Wimbledon to Clapham Common via route 155. * 1964 (Withdrawal): The Sunday extension to Clapham Junction was withdrawn. * 1966: The Sunday service was withdrawn entirely. * 1971: The route was curtailed between West Molesey and Walton-on-Thames, with this section being replaced by route 211. * 1984: Sunday journeys to Embankment were diverted to Aldwych instead. * 1986: The Sunday service saw further withdrawals between Clapham Common and Aldwych, and between Hampton Court and West Molesey. * 1990: The route was withdrawn between Clapham Common and Wimbledon, and extended from the Ship in Weybridge to the Station. * 1994: The route was withdrawn west of Kingston, with this section being replaced by the new route 411. * 2007: A significant expansion saw the route extended from Wimbledon to Tooting Broadway Station, incorporating South Wimbledon and Colliers Wood. * 2023-2024: Due to reconstruction works, the route temporarily did not serve Cromwell Road Bus Station.

Garage Allocations: The Operational Hubs

The operational base for Route 131 has also shifted, impacting its day-to-day running: * 1952: Allocation transferred to Norbiton (NB) garage. * 1959: Part of the allocation transferred to Kingston (K) garage, with the Kingston allocation then transferred back to Norbiton (NB) garage later that year. * 1962: Part of the allocation transferred to Merton (AL) garage. * 1996: Allocation transferred to Fulwell (FW) garage. * 2014: Allocation transferred to Tolworth (TV) garage. * 2017: Part of the allocation transferred to Fulwell (FW) garage, with this Fulwell allocation then transferred back to Tolworth (TV) garage later that year. * 2017: The route passed to London General, operating from their Merton (AL) garage.

Key Milestones and Ownership Changes

Several key events mark the commercial and operational history of Route 131: * 1995: Westlink was sold to London United, who have operated the route since. * 1995 & 2000, 2005, 2010: The route was retained by London United during these periods, indicating stable service provision. * 2017: The route passed to London General, marking a new chapter in its operational history. * 2024: The route was retained by London General.

Understanding Route 131 Today

Currently, Route 131 operates approximately every 8 minutes, providing a frequent and reliable service between Tooting Broadway and Kingston. The route is a testament to London's ability to adapt and modernise its transport network while preserving its rich heritage. From its humble beginnings in 1941 with AEC Regents to the upcoming introduction of state-of-the-art electric buses, Route 131 has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of Londoners.

Frequently Asked Questions about Route 131

• When did Route 131 start?Route 131 began operating on 29 October 1941.
• What is the current operator of Route 131?The current operator is London General.
• What are the current termini for Route 131?The route runs between Tooting Broadway and Kingston.
• How frequently does Route 131 run?The service runs approximately every 8 minutes.
• What kind of buses are currently used on Route 131?As of June 2024, the route is operated by Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TLs.
• When will electric buses be introduced on Route 131?Brand new Wright StreetDeck Electroliner EVs are scheduled to be introduced from 2025. Route 131 is more than just a bus route; it's a living piece of London's history, constantly moving forward while carrying with it the legacy of decades of service. Its journey reflects the broader narrative of public transportation in the capital, showcasing innovation, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to serving the community.

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