Belgium: Gruson Autobus

Friday 3 September 2004 (approx. 1714) – Gruson Autobus 550140 (JDW 242), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE new in December 2002, was seen entering Grote Markt from Guido Gazellestraat in Poperinge when working the 1714 Poperinge-Nieuwkerke service 741. We had travelled on this bus earlier in the day when it was working the 1425 Ieper-Poperinge (Zwijnland) service 69b. Based in Ieper since the 1950s, I believe the Gruson business may have originated in Nieuwkerke or Dranouter. De Lijn (Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Friday 28 April 2000 (approx. 1200) - Gruson Autobus 357137 (RNY 755), a Jonckheere Transit bodied Volvo B10B new in July 1999, standing in Vroonhof, Poperinge prior to working the 1205 De Lijn service 69b to Ieper. This service had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway company of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse ervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Friday 28 April 2000 (approx. 1200) - Gruson Autobus 357137 (RNY 755), a Jonckheere Transit bodied Volvo B10B new in July 1999, standing in Vroonhof, Poperinge prior to working the 1205 De Lijn service 69b to Ieper. This service had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway company of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse ervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Saturday 23 August 2003 (approx. 1200) - Gruson Autobus 357137 (RNY 755), a Jonckheere Transit bodied Volvo B10B new in July 1999, standing in Grote Markt, Poperinge having arrived on the De Lijn service 69b to Ieper. The tower of Poperinge Town Hall stands behind. Service 69b had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway company of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse ervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Saturday 23 August 2003 (approx. 1748) - Gruson Autobus 357137 (RNY 755), a Jonckheere Transit bodied Volvo B10B new in July 1999, standing in Grote Markt, Poperinge having worked the 1820 De Lijn service 69b from Ieper. My wife and I took a trip to Ieper on this bus when it returned at 1807. This service had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway company of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse ervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 August 2003 - Gruson Autobus 357139 (JDW 239), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE new in December 2002, standing in Vroonhof, Poperinge prior to working the De Lijn service 69b to Ieper. This service had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway ompany of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse ervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 August 2003 - Gruson Autobus 357139 (JDW 239), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE new in December 2002, standing in Vroonhof, Poperinge prior to working the De Lijn service 69b to Ieper. This service had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway ompany of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse ervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Sat 1 Sept 2007 (approx 0923) – In addition to running its own buses (which have four digit fleet numbers), many services of De Lijn - the National bus/tram company of northern Belgium, are worked by contracted operators (these have six digit fleet numbers). Gruson Autobus of Ieper, which is now owned by the Veolia Group, is the operator of 550139 (JDW 239), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE (new Dec 2002) seen in the Grote Markt, Ieper when working the 0855 service 72 from Le Bizet. Market stalls/traders surrounding.

Sat 1 Sept 2007 (approx 0922) – In addition to running its own buses (which have four digit fleet numbers), many services of De Lijn - the National bus/tram company of northern Belgium, are worked by contracted operators (these have six digit fleet numbers). Gruson Autobus of Ieper, which is now owned by the Veolia Group, is the operator of 550139 (JDW 239), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE (new Dec 2002) sets down at the Grote Markt, Ieper when working the 0855 service 72 from Le Bizet. The original Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall) was built in the 13th century and was one of the largest commercial buildings of the Middle Ages. Such was the damage to Ieper during World War 1 that after the war the building was re-constructed as near to being an exact copy of the original. On the left are the stalls of the market traders occupying the Grote Markt.

Sat 1 Sept 2007 (approx 1130) – In addition to running its own buses (which have four digit fleet numbers), many services of De Lijn - the National bus/tram company of northern Belgium, are worked by contracted operators (these have six digit fleet numbers). Gruson Autobus of Ieper, which is now owned by the Veolia Group, is the operator of 550139 (JDW 239), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE (new Dec 2002) seen in the Grote Markt, Ieper when working the 1125 service 72 from Ieper Bus/Rail Station to Le Bizet.

Sat 1 Sept 2007 (approx 1130) – In addition to running its own buses (which have four digit fleet numbers), many services of De Lijn - the National bus/tram company of northern Belgium, are worked by contracted operators (these have six digit fleet numbers). Gruson Autobus of Ieper, which is now owned by the Veolia Group, is the operator of 550139 (JDW 239), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE (new Dec 2002) seen in the Grote Markt, Ieper when working the 1125 service 72 from Ieper Bus/Rail Station to Le Bizet.

Saturday 23 August 2003 (approx. 1200) - Gruson Autobus 357141 (KWK 218) was seen in Ieperstraat, Poperinge when working the 1102 De Lijn service 69b to Ieper. It was a Mercedes-Benz O 345 Connecto that was new in March 2003. Service 69b had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway company of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Saturday 23 August 2003 (approx. 1200) - Gruson Autobus 357141 (KWK 218) was seen in Ieperstraat, Poperinge when working the 1102 De Lijn service 69b to Ieper. It was a Mercedes-Benz O 345 Connecto that was new in March 2003. Service 69b had its origins as a Belgian Railways substitution service running through to Abele on the Belgian-French border. The railway service into Poperinge from Kortrijk etc is numbered 69 and the section of railway on the closed section west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. The Belgian Railways bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. Gruson Autobus works a number of contracts on behalf of De Lijn, the national bus and tramway company of northern Belgium. De Lijn (Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Sunday 24 August 2003 (approx. 1800) – Gruson Autobus 357141 (KWK 218) seen in the village of Abele on the border of Belgium and France. The village straddles the border with some houses in each country. There was once a Customs Office which is now a café with a small museum. The red and white border barrier, which now remains permanently open, can be seen on the right by the horse drawn cart. The bus, a Mercedes-Benz O 345 Connecto that was new in March 2003, had worked the De Lijn service 69b from Ieper via Poperinge and was about to return. This service had its origins as a substitution service for the Poperinge-Abele railway. The service into Poperinge from Kortrijk and Ieper was numbered 69. The replacing bus service west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. Gruson had operated the service under contract to Belgian Railways (NMBS) from about 1950. The NMBS bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991. De Lijn (Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number.

Sunday 24 August 2003 (approx. 1800) – On board Gruson Autobus 357141 (KWK 218), a Mercedes-Benz O 345 Connecto that was new in March 2003, which was working the De Lijn service 69b from Ieper to Abele. De Lijn (Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij De Lijn) was created in 1991 from the northern part of NMVB (Nationale Maatschappij van Buurtspoorwegen). The company operates its own large bus and tram fleet which carry four digit fleet numbers but the buses operated by contractors carry six digit fleet numbers – the first four digits relate to the De Lijn contract number with the final two digits are the operators own fleet number. Service 69b had its origins as a substitution service for the Poperinge-Abele railway. The rail service into Poperinge from Kortrijk via Ieper was numbered 69. The replacing bus service west of Poperinge to Abele became bus service 69b. Gruson had operated the service under contract to Belgian Railways (NMBS) from about 1950. The NMBS bus services were taken over by De Lijn around 1991.

Mon 3 Sept 2007 (approx 0823) – In addition to running its own buses (which have four digit fleet numbers), many services of De Lijn - the National bus/tram company of northern Belgium, are worked by contracted operators (these have six digit fleet numbers). Gruson Autobus of Ieper, which is now owned by the Veolia Group, is the operator of 550142 (PBQ 995), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE (new Feb 2004) seen in Grote Markt, Ieper having arrived on the 0748 De Lijn service 71 from Dranouter.

Mon 3 Sept 2007 (approx 0823) – In addition to running its own buses (which have four digit fleet numbers), many services of De Lijn - the National bus/tram company of northern Belgium, are worked by contracted operators (these have six digit fleet numbers). Gruson Autobus of Ieper, which is now owned by the Veolia Group, is the operator of 550142 (PBQ 995), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE (new Feb 2004) seen in Grote Markt, Ieper having arrived on the 0748 De Lijn service 71 from Dranouter.

Mon 3 Sept 2007 (approx 0835) – In addition to running its own buses (which have four digit fleet numbers), many services of De Lijn - the National bus/tram company of northern Belgium, are worked by contracted operators (these have six digit fleet numbers). Gruson Autobus of Ieper, which is now owned by the Veolia Group, is the operator of 550142 (PBQ 995), a Jonckheere Transit 2000 bodied Volvo B7RLE (new Feb 2004) seen in Grote Markt, Ieper working the 0825 De Lijn service 60 from Ieper rail/bus station to Poperinge (Zwijnland). This bus had previously worked the 0748 De Lijn service 71 to Ieper from Dranouter.