Dartford Tunnel Cycle Bus
Dartford Tunnel Cycle Bus: Ford low-loader Thames Trader chassis. Body by Strachans (1963): Ministry of Transport(Life time: Crown copyright), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Technical Specifications & Construction #
- Chassis: Ford Thames Trader low-loader commercial chassis.
- Engine: Powered by a 3.61-litre Ford 4D (592E) inline 4 cylinder direct injection diesel, producing 60 to 65 bhp with a Simms Minimec injection pump and gear-driven timing.
- Bodywork: Custom-built double-deck bodies by Strachans of PaceWorks, Hamble.
- Capacity:
- Lower Deck: Open-sided with specialized racks to secure 23 standard bicycles, plus a rear boot/bay designed to hold non-standard cycles, tandems, and tricycles.
- Upper Deck: Fully enclosed seating for up to 33 passengers.
- Fleet Details: Five vehicles were commissioned by London Transport on behalf of the Ministry of Transport, registered 526 FJJ to 530 FJJ.
Dartford Tunnel cycle bus 528FJJ, one of a fleet of five Ford Thames Traders with Strachans bodies: CLICK HERE: external SCT'61 archive.
History of the Dartford Tunnel Cycle Service #
- 1961: As construction of the first Dartford Tunnel neared completion, authorities determined that cycling through the narrow, heavily trafficked 1.4-mile subaquatic shaft was far too dangerous. London Transport commissioned five purpose-built double-deckers to provide a dedicated cycle transport service.
- 18 November 1963: The Dartford Tunnel opened to traffic. The cycle bus service launched concurrently, running continuously back and forth between dedicated loading bays at the Kent and Essex portals.
- Early 1964: Operationally, the service proved to be a financial disaster. Running the five-bus fleet cost approximately £2,550 per month, while generating just £45 per month in passenger fares.
- April 1964: Due to severely low passenger demand, the schedule was drastically curtailed. Four of the buses were withdrawn, leaving a single vehicle to cover the reduced timetable.
- October 1965: The dedicated bus service was officially abandoned entirely. The buses were replaced by a Land Rover pulling a custom cycle trailer, operated “on-demand” when a cyclist requested a crossing via emergency roadside phones.
- Aftermath & Disposal: After withdrawal, the unique Strachans bodies were stripped and scrapped. However, because the vehicles were relatively new with low mileage, the chassis were sold off and converted into standard flatbed lorries and recovery vehicles.
- Today: Cyclists wishing to cross the Dartford Crossing use a free, on-demand pick-up service operated by National Highways, where a dedicated vehicle carries bikes and riders through the tunnel or across the QEII bridge.
An unidentified Dartford Tunnel cycle bus at one of the loading ramps: CLICK HERE: external SCT'61 archive.