Routes 215 and
215A
18 Sep 76, and RF operation
in Kingston still covers five routes - but not for much
longer. The line-up outside Kingston's Guildhall reminds us
why Kingston was known as RF territory. RF489 picks up a good
load as it leaves town.
Photo © John Parkin
The 215 ran between Kingston and Guildford until 1939, when
the Ripley to Guildford section was transferred to the Country Area
as the 415. The 215A to Downside was introduced
after the war, and was the reason that Kingston garage retained TDs
until 1962. Today's 515 runs again between Kingston and
Guildford.
Original RF routes
Kingston, Long Ditton, Sandown Park, Esher, Church Cobham,
then (215A and later 215) Downside. Until
1967, the 215 continued from Church Cobham via Wisley to
Ripley.
Timetable
The 215 and 215A will operate between Kingston
and Cobham on 22 March, with a few journeys extended to Ripley
(215) or Downside (215A). Timetable.
Main boarding points
Kingston Cromwell Road Bus Station stop A3
Long Ditton Winters Bridge
Esher Sandown Park
Esher High Street
Note that northbound buses from Ripley will serve Cobham
Police Station in Portsmouth Road, not Church Cobham.
Route history in detail is
here for the 215 and
here for the 215
A.
Saturday 16 October 1976, and that long hot
summer seems to have continued. Within a week, there will
only be a few Saturday RF journeys on the 215 as the Bristols will
have taken over. Here RF505 runs down Anyards Road to the
stand in Church Cobham.
