London Buses route C1 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England. Running between White City bus station and Victoria, it is operated by London United.
Route C1 commenced operating on 25 October 1986 as a weekday-only service between Kensington and The Embankment via South Kensington, Sloane Square and Victoria with Optare CityPacer minibuses from Victoria garage.
On 1 August 1987 the route was extended to Waterloo, and renamed Central Hoppa C1. The route also gained a Saturday service, and early evening journeys between Victoria and Waterloo stations. The Victoria to Waterloo section was transferred to Red Arrow route 511 in 1991 (now route 211). In February 1993, the route was diverted between Kensington High Street and South Kensington via Earl's Court.
Upon being re-tendered, in July 1998 the route passed to Travel London, having previously been operated by London General. It was included in the August 2000 sale of Travel London to Limebourne Buses, which in turn was sold to Connex in July 2001 and then back to Travel London in February 2004.[2] In July 2005, Travel London commenced a new contract with the Optare Solos replaced by Dennis Darts.[3]
The route was extended from Kensington to Shepherd's Bush on 6 January 2007. This extension caused a lot of controversy as it was intended to run through previously unserved roads, although the extension went ahead, but with the buses not serving the originally planned route via Blythe Road, and difficulties with the narrow roads meant the route was redirected via Holland Road.[4]
On 29 November 2008 route C1 was extended to White City bus station to coincide with the opening of Westfield London.[5]
In May 2009, route C1 was included in the sale of Travel London to Abellio London.[6][7]
Upon being re-tendered, on 3 July 2010 the route passed to Transdev London's Park Royal garage. On 20 October 2012, route C1 transferred to Shepherd's Bush garage.
Current route[edit]
White City bus station for Wood Lane station London Underground
Shepherd's Bush station London Underground London Overground National Rail
Kensington High Street
Earl's Court station London Underground
South Kensington station London Underground
Harrods
Knightsbridge station London Underground
Sloane Square station London Underground
Victoria Coach Station Bus interchange
Victoria station London Underground National Rail Buckingham Palace Road
