London Buses route 65

London Buses route 65 is a Transport for London bus route in London, England. It runs between Ealing Broadway station and Kingston upon Thames. Route 65 is operated by London United, which is owned by First Bus London.

History
Route 65 first ran from Ealing Argyle Road (now Scotch Common) to Leatherhead via Ealing Broadway, South Ealing, Brentford, Richmond, Petersham, Ham, Kingston, Tolworth, Hook and Chessington. In the summer months, the route also covered Kingston to Chessington Zoo. It was first operated from Kingston (K) and Turnham Green (V) garages, using STL-class AEC Regents and, after World War II, AEC Regent III RTs, Leyland Titans, and Routemasters. In 1946, "pay-as-you-enter" was tested on route 65, running between Ealing Broadway and Leatherhead.

In the 1960s, the section between Chessington Zoo and Leatherhead was withdrawn. This section went to route 71. In 1975, the old AEC Regent III RT were replaced by AEC Routemasters. The route went from Chessington Zoo to Chessington Fox & Hounds during Monday to Friday peak hours.

In February 1979, the route was split into two parts in Petersham. This is because there was a big sinkhole called the 'Petersham Hole'. The route did not operate fully again until September 1980.

In 1984, the northern section to Argyle Road was cut back to Ealing Broadway. In 1985, the 65 started using MCW Metrobuses, all based at Norbiton. These buses only needed one person. In 1987, the route was reduced further. The route was withdrawn between Chessington and Kingston.

The route passed to London United on 29 June 2002 with new Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Trident 2s from Fulwell garage.

London United kept the route with a new contract starting on 4 July 2009. The section between Kingston and Chessington returned for night-time services on the N65 only.

In 2022, the bus fleet became electric, as BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV battery electric buses entered service.

On 28 February 2025, RATP Dev Transit London was bought by FirstGroup, therefore London United is now owned by First Bus London.

Current route
Route 65 operates via these main locations:Route 65 Map Transport for London
Ealing Broadway station   
South Ealing station 
Brentford High Street
Kew Bridge station  
Kew Gardens for Kew Gardens station   
Richmond station   
Richmond bus station 
Petersham 
Ham
Kingston station  
Cromwell Road bus station 
Kingston upon Thames Brook Street

References

Other websites

Timetable

Category:Bus routes in London
Category:Transport in the London Borough of Ealing
Category:Transport in the London Borough of Hounslow
Category:Transport in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Category:Transport in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames