AV1-9London Central was privatised in October 1994, with garages at Camberwell, New Cross, Peckham and Bexleyheath, and a double-decker fleet mainly of Routemasters and Titans. They immediately sought some new double-deckers for route P11 (Rotherhithe - Waterloo Stn), newly converted from midibus operation. They bought nine Volvo Olympians with Alexander Royale bodywork from dealer stock and placed them in Peckham Garage to operate the route.In September 1999 the P11 was renumbered 381, so that a night route, N381 could be added.
The AVs were withdrawn in April 2003, having spent their time with London Central serving the one route.
Most (AV1-8) went to store at First's Leicester depot for a year, then were sold to Ensign Bus at Purfleet, who promptly sold them on to other operators.
Ensignbus had already bought AV9, and sent that off to Guide Friday in Stratford.
The others went to Talisman Coaches (Colchester), Chambers (Bures), Hams Travel (Flimwell), First Manchester,
and Centra.
Bus Stop Olympians NV AV histories photo refs VN,VA
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