This page created 13th November 2003, updated 6th December.
479 DG Orpington Stn - Farnborough - Keston Church - Leaves Green - Biggin Hill (Post Office)
The 479 was a shoppers' route, linking Biggin Hill - a developing area - with Orpington. Unfortunately the nearest it got to the Orpington shops was a long 500 yards: not a good idea when laden with shopping. It operated on Saturdays only, starting in February 1963. It failed to attract sufficient custom, and was withdrawn in June the same year. (The Orpington Rural Transport Association immediately organised their own service, operating for four weeks via the same route and then running via Downe and Jail Lane rather than Keston Church and Leaves Green. This route had rather more success and considerably greater longevity, albeit with a number of short-lived operators! It was given route number 858, and in August 1986 became a London-supported service as Roundabout R2, served by Crystals' minibuses - but that's another story!)
The operation used a GS from the Dunton Green allocation.
GS16, GS19 and GS22 certainly operated on it, GS19 working the last service.
On the day that Dunton Green garage closed (14th February 1998) GS56 and GS62 were taken along to pay respects. GS62 sports a 479 blind on the rear.
GS1 and GS32 went to Biggin Hill together from Orpington Station along the 479 route on 10th July 2005. GS1 is seen leaving Orpington Station, and waiting to return from Biggin Hill (Post Office).
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478, 479
481
Bus Stop
GS