London Buses route 279 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England. Running between Waltham Cross and Manor House, it is operated by Arriva London.
History
Route 279 commenced operating on 26 April 1961 between Cheshunt and Smithfield via Waltham Cross - Ponders End - Edmonton - Tottenham - Manor House - Holloway - Islington. The route was introduced as a replacement for trolleybus route 679. The route was initially operated by London Transport from their Edmonton (EM) garage using AEC Routemasters.
On 28 October 1978, it was withdrawn between Cheshunt and Waltham Cross, being replaced by route 283. This was reintroduced on 27 September 1980, before being withdrawn again on 3 August 1985 and replaced by route 259.
On 26 September 1987, the route was converted to one man operation with MCW Metrobuses and was extended from Waltham Cross to Upshire at nights.
From 1 February 1992, the Holloway and Smithfield section was withdrawn, with route 153 taking over.
On 27 April 1996, the Waltham Cross to Upshire section ceased operating.
On 20 August 1999, the route was converted to low floor operation using Plaxton President bodied DAF DB250LFs.
On 16 October 1999, the route was retained by Arriva London.
On 16 October 2004, the route was retained by Arriva London and was withdrawn between Manor House and Holloway.
On 15 October 2011, the route was retained by Arriva London with brand new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s introduced.
On 15 October 2016, the route was retained by Arriva London.
On 14 October 2023, the route was retained by Arriva London using existing Alexander Dennis Enviro400s. At the same time, the PVR increased from 29 to 30.
Brand new Wright Electroliner EVs will be introduced from 2024.
Current Route
Route 279 operates via these primary locations:
- Waltham Cross Bus Station
- Enfield Highway
- Ponders End High Street
- Edmonton Green Bus Station
- Upper Edmonton
- Bruce Grove Station
- Tottenham High Road
- Seven Sisters Station
- Manor House Station Seven Sisters Road
Trivia
- It is the busiest bus route in London to cross the greater London boundary, and 10th busiest in London overall.