Yet a fourth route 43 photograph for this page. The first was an early TP class Trident; Metroline subsequently replaced many of Holloway’s TPs with larger VPL class Volvo B7TLs (of which we had two photos), but now types are being standardised and they have in turn been replaced by more Tridents, this time long wheelbase versions, and the VPLs have themselves moved on. Here TPL 279 (LR02 BBO) sets off from Archway, bound for London Bridge.

Photo by Martin Hazel.

The original order for TP class low floor buses for the 17, 43 and 134 was placed before Metroline’s acquisition of MTL London, which brought Holloway garage and the 43 into the Metroline fleet. As with a number of other routes, capacity soon proved to be a problem, and the decision was therefore taken to replace them with long wheelbase buses, with the short buses moving to the 271 and W7 (although the 4, rather than 271, seemed at first to be the main beneficiary for some reason). The new buses also expressed a new-found preference within Metroline for smooth-riding Volvo B7TLs against the noisy rough fuel-guzzling Trident – though Metroline now appears to be dual sourcing with a mixture of Tridents and B7TLs entering the fleet.

Route 43 follows, for much of its length, the original “Red Route” scheme, along the A1 in North London. Although the concept has been watered down a little since its introduction — in practice, at least, if not in theory! — the original aim of improving traffic flow with particular benefits for buses continues. Red markings proliferate, both on the road surface in the form of “red lines” in place of the well-established “yellow line,” and on all the associated signage. The significance to the road user is that heavier fines are implemented for contravention of the parking regulations, which are strictly enforced by a team of “Red Route Patrols.”

The implementation of a red route generally involves quite considerable upheaval. Much planning goes into the process; parking bays are moved to reduce obstruction, traffic islands are erected to assist pedestrians, junctions are redesigned to reduce conflicting traffic movements and streamline alignments. A further strange aspect is the infamous “side entry treatment,” which involves building a ramp out of blocks at the end of every side road, usually with a narrowing of the side road. This probably accounts for a substantial proportion of the expenditure but its benefit is not clear!

Sadly, it has to be said that the emphasis seems now to be on quantity rather than quality. Some of the more recent schemes have had questionable results; your webmaster regularly travels on a section of red route where congestion has been increased quite significantly. Equally, there are now so many red routes that the patrols are spread rather thinly; it’s not too often you see anyone getting caught, and consequently blatant disregard for the restrictions continues.

The 43 is a rare example of a route that has not changed over the years. My 1936 bus map shows buses following the exact current route from Friern Barnet to London Bridge. However, it seems always to have had rather peculiar times of operation, and for many years had no Sunday service. This was restored in 1991, diverting to Liverpool Street, for Shoreditch market, instead of London Bridge.

Building on the “Red” theme, London Transport introduced the “Red Express” X43 in 1992, a commuter route paralleling the 43, although originating from Potters Bar. This was launched as part of the “flagship” A1 road scheme, taking advantage of the various bus priorities on offer. A batch of nearly new Scania double deckers was brought in from East London to operate the service. Sadly, LT’s quest for standardisation saw it prematurely axed after 1997, despite good usage. By way of consolation the 43 was increased in frequency, but I expect most passengers transferred to the tube instead! At the same time the Sunday service was introduced throughout, but maintaining the Sunday market hours deviation via Shoreditch instead of Moorgate.

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See also routes N43, 134