Unveiling London Bus Route 655: A Historical Journey

London's extensive network of bus routes is a testament to the city's dynamic public transport system, with each route possessing its own unique story. Among these, London Buses route 655 stands out as a dedicated and vital school service, primarily catering to students travelling between Mitcham and Raynes Park High School. Operated under contract by Transport for London, this route, while seemingly modest in its scope, has undergone a fascinating evolution since its inception, reflecting changes in operational needs, fleet advancements, and service priorities. This article delves into the rich history of Route 655, tracing its journey from its inaugural run to its current operation, highlighting the key milestones that have shaped its service to the community.

The Genesis: Establishing a Dedicated School Service

The story of London Bus Route 655 began on 19 April 2004. This significant date marked the commencement of a new, dedicated transport link designed to streamline the journey for students. The route initially operated between Mitcham Raleigh Gardens and Raynes Park High School, providing a crucial connection via key areas including Raynes Park, Colliers Wood, and South Wimbledon. Its introduction was a strategic move by Transport for London, specifically intended to replace existing school services that were previously integrated into the broader Route 152. This separation allowed for a more focused and efficient service tailored to the specific needs of school travel, ensuring timely and reliable transport for pupils.

From its very first day, the operation of Route 655 was entrusted to London General, a well-established operator within the capital's bus network. Their Merton (AL) garage was the operational base for the route. For the initial phase of its service, London General deployed an existing Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL, a robust and familiar sight on London's roads, demonstrating a practical approach to fleet allocation for the newly established route.

Early Adaptations and Route Refinements

The early years of Route 655 were characterised by a series of pragmatic adjustments, reflecting the continuous fine-tuning often seen in public transport services to optimise efficiency and passenger experience. Just a few months after its launch, in September 2004, the initial Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL was replaced. This change saw an existing Volvo Olympian take over duties, suggesting an adaptation based on fleet availability or operational performance considerations. While a subtle change, it marked the first evolution in the types of vehicles serving the route.

A more significant alteration occurred on 5 September 2005, when the route was re-routed. Instead of passing directly via Raynes Park Station, the buses began operating direct via Bushey Road. This adjustment was likely implemented to improve journey times, providing a more direct and potentially faster transit for students, bypassing what might have been a more congested or circuitous path through the station area. Such route modifications are common in urban transport planning, aiming to enhance punctuality and efficiency.

December 2005 brought another notable upgrade to the route's operational standards. The service was converted to low floor double-deck operation, utilising an existing Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL. The transition to low-floor vehicles was a significant step forward in terms of accessibility, making the service more inclusive for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges. Double-deckers, of course, also provided increased capacity, a crucial factor for a busy school route during peak hours.

On 2 December 2006, London General successfully retained the contract for Route 655, reaffirming their commitment to operating this specific service. However, this period also saw a modification to the morning (AM) journey, with a segment between Shannon Corner and New Malden Police Station being withdrawn. These small, targeted adjustments are often a result of detailed analysis of passenger demand and operational costs, ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed.

Fleet Evolution and Operator Continuity

The decade that followed saw a consistent pattern of fleet upgrades and continued operational stability under London General. In 2010, the Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL was once again replaced, this time by an existing Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL. The Wright Eclipse Gemini is a modern, aesthetically pleasing bus body that has become a staple of the London bus fleet, known for its comfortable ride and efficient design. This continuous refresh of vehicles underscored a commitment to providing modern and reliable transport for students.

London General's dedication to Route 655 was further cemented by their successful retention of the route contract on two subsequent occasions: on 3 December 2011 and again on 3 December 2016. Such long-term continuity with an operator can foster reliability and familiarity, which are valuable attributes for a regular school service.

In May 2018, the fleet saw another upgrade with the Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL being replaced by an existing Alexander Dennis Enviro400. The Enviro400 is one of the most prevalent double-deck bus types across the UK, renowned for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and robust performance. This transition ensured that Route 655 continued to operate with contemporary and high-standard vehicles.

Navigating Capacity: Additions and Withdrawals

The year 2020 presented unprecedented challenges globally, and public transport was no exception. On 28 September 2020, in response to evolving needs (likely related to increased demand or capacity requirements, potentially influenced by social distancing measures during the pandemic), extra journeys were introduced on Route 655. To facilitate this, an existing Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL was reintroduced to run alongside the Alexander Dennis Enviro400. This demonstrated flexibility and responsiveness in adapting the service to meet immediate demands.

However, as circumstances normalised, these extra provisions were eventually scaled back. On 22 July 2021, the extra journeys, which had been provided for additional capacity, were withdrawn. Concurrently, the reintroduced Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL was also withdrawn, and the route reverted to a full Alexander Dennis Enviro400 operation. This adjustment reflected a return to standard operational capacity as the need for surge services diminished.

The Current Era: Modern Operations and Operator Shifts

The latter part of 2021 brought a significant change to the operational landscape of Route 655. On 4 December 2021, the route officially passed from London General to London United. This marked a notable shift after years of consistent operation by London General. London United began operating the route from their Tolworth (TV) garage, continuing to use an existing Alexander Dennis Enviro400. This change in operator, while maintaining the same modern vehicle type, represented a new chapter for the route's management.

The most recent development in the route's history occurred on 7 December 2024, when the route passed to Transport UK London Bus. This marks the current operational phase of Route 655. Like its immediate predecessor, Transport UK London Bus continues to utilise an existing Alexander Dennis Enviro 400H for the service. This latest transition ensures that Route 655 remains under the management of experienced operators within the Transport for London network, continuing its vital role in connecting students with their school.

Route 655 Milestones: A Timeline

The Enduring Purpose of Route 655

Throughout its two decades of operation, London Bus Route 655 has consistently fulfilled its fundamental purpose: providing essential transport for students attending Raynes Park High School. Its evolution, marked by strategic route adjustments, continuous fleet modernisation, and operator transitions, underscores the dynamic nature of urban transport planning. Each change, whether a subtle vehicle swap or a significant operator handover, has been part of an ongoing effort to ensure the service remains efficient, reliable, and equipped to meet the evolving needs of its young passengers. As a dedicated school bus route, the 655 plays a quiet yet crucial role in the daily lives of many families in South London, ensuring safe and timely journeys to and from education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When did London Bus Route 655 first start operating?

A: London Bus Route 655 commenced operation on 19 April 2004.

Q: What is the primary purpose of Route 655?

A: Route 655 is a dedicated school bus service, primarily connecting students from Mitcham to Raynes Park High School.

Q: Which areas does Route 655 serve?

A: The route runs between Mitcham and Raynes Park High School, passing through areas such as Raynes Park, Colliers Wood, and South Wimbledon, though its exact routing has seen minor adjustments over the years.

Q: Who currently operates London Bus Route 655?

A: As of 7 December 2024, London Bus Route 655 is operated by Transport UK London Bus.

Q: Have the buses used on Route 655 changed over time?

A: Yes, the types of buses used on Route 655 have been updated several times since its inception, evolving from Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TLs and Volvo Olympians to more modern Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs and currently, Alexander Dennis Enviro400 and Enviro 400H models.

Q: Has the route itself ever been changed?

A: Yes, the route was notably re-routed on 5 September 2005, to go direct via Bushey Road instead of via Raynes Park Station. There have also been adjustments to specific journeys, such as the withdrawal of part of the AM journey in December 2006.

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