The busy 391 features on this site again, following its conversion from early DR-class step-entrance Darts to more modern low floor Darts. Here DPS 629 arrives at Richmond Bus Station this summer. Conversion was delayed due to problems with parked cars along Sandycombe Road in Kew; the original buses for the 391 were instead diverted to Tolworth garage for route 371, so that the DRs continued on the 391 for a further six months until the buses originally ordered for the 391 arrived, by which time necessary roadworks in Kew had been carried out.

Photo by Martin Hazel.

The 391 number derives from old route 91, which was divided in 1991. The main section of the 91 became the H91 between Hammersmith and Hounslow West, while the 391 took over the Fulham Broadway – Hammersmith — Turnham Green section. About a year later, the 391 replaced the Hammersmith — Turnham Green — Richmond section of the 27, which was cut back to its current terminus at Turnham Green. However, between Kew Bridge and Richmond buses run via Sandycombe Road, rather than Kew Road, the direct route, as part of the decimation of route 90.

The 391, which had been worked by small Darts since its introduction, really needs double deckers, and indeed conversion to double deck was proposed after route 27 was lost to Centrewest in November 2000. However, the new 391 contract, which started in November 2001, continued to specify single deck buses. At least the DPSs are larger and can hold more standees in less uncomfortable conditions, but they do not offer significantly more seats.

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See also routes 27, 94, H91, 90, 490