Centra (bus company)

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Centra was one of many operators of London Buses. They were the transport division of Central Parking Systems of UK Limited (CPS) who has acquired the assets of Wimco Group Coaches Limited (which has been trading as Mitcham Belle) in August 2004. The company ran its last passenger services on 19 May 2006.

The Centra logo

Their main address was:

Unit 18

Heathrow International Trading Estate

Green Lane

Hounslow

MIDDLESEX

TW4 6HB

1 Garages
- 1.1 Beddington
  - 1.1.1 History
  - 1.1.2 Bus types used
- 1.2 Streatham Road
  - 1.2.1 History
  - 1.2.2 Bus types used
2 See also
3 External links

[edit] Garages

They had 2 bus garages:

[edit] Beddington

Their address is:

87 Beddington Lane

Croydon

SURREY

CR0 4TH

This garage held 53 buses, and ran London bus routes 200, 201, 493.

[edit] History

Originally opened by Mitcham Belle the yard was taken over in 2004 by Central Parking Systems under the Centra name following poor performance and a history of poor public relations. A huge overhaul of buses and other issues was undertaken by Centra, although it would appear that this has not worked out as well as hoped with the loss and subsequent early surrender of the route 127 contract to Metrobus.

On 21 April 2006 it also lost its 152 route, although the handhover to new operator Travel London was delayed by problems sourcing enough vehicles.

Rumours abound in some circles that Centra were looking to sell off the bus operation to concentrate on their traditional operations of parking courtesy buses. It was confirmed as the company consulted on redundancies at their Beddington Lane depot.

Centra ceased their London bus operations on 19 May 2006 when its buses ran on the 200, 201 and 493 routes for the last time. The following day, London General began operating the 200, East Thames Buses the 201 and Armchair the 493.