London Buses route 189 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England. Running between Brent Cross and Marble Arch, it is operated by Metroline.
History[]
Route 189 commenced operation on 11 October 1997 running between Kilburn Park Station and Brent Cross Shopping Centre via Kilburn High Road Cricklewood Broadway - Cricklewood Lane - Claremont Road - Clitterhouse Estate. The route was introduced to partially replacing the withdrawn route 16A (which ran from Brent Cross to Oxford Circus, via Marble Arch). The route was initially operated by Metroline from their Cricklewood (W) garage usingPlaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart SLFs.
On 28 March 1998, the route was extended to Oxford Circus via Abbey Road and Baker Street to parallel the newly single decked 139, giving extra capacity on that section.
On 12 October 2002, the route was retained by Metroline.
On 1 February 2003, the route was gradually converted to double deck operation with Plaxton President bodied Dennis Tridents, in preparation for the Congestion Charging Scheme. At the same time, the route was extended late evenings from North Cricklewood to Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
On 24 April 2004, the route was converted to a 24-hour service.
On 10 October 2009, the route was retained by Metroline.
In 2010, the Plaxton President bodied Dennis Tridents were replaced by brand new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s.
In 2013, the Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s were replaced by brand new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400Hs.
In September 2016, the Alexander Dennis Enviro 400Hs were replaced by brand new New Routemasters.
On 8 October 2016, the route was retained by Metroline.
On 1 April 2017, the route was withdrawn between Orchard Street/Portman Street and Oxford Circus, and diverted to Marble Arch.
On 7 October 2023, the route was retained by Metroline.
On 17 February 2024, the route was rerouted to Brent Cross West Station temporarily via Parkview Avenue, both ways before returning on to Claremont Road.
Once the development is fully completed, the route will be rerouted further to serve the roads of the currently under construction Brent Cross Town development instead of Claremont Road.[1]
Current Route[]
Route 189 operates via these primary locations:
- Brent Cross Shopping Centre Bus Station
- Claremont Road
- Brent Cross West Station
- Cricklewood Broadway (for Cricklewood Station)
- Kilburn Station
- Brondesbury Station
- Abbey Road
- St John's Wood
- Lord's Cricket Ground
- Baker Street Station
- Portman Square
- Marble Arch