History
Route K3 is part of the K-prefix network of services run around Kingston upon Thames, introduced in 1987.
Since its introduction, route K3 has been operated by companies related to London United. At first Westlink, who they purchased, then by London United themselves. It is now run by its direct successor, Transdev London. Westlink used a variety of minibuses, predominately MCW Metroriders. When London United took over, the service was run by Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Darts. Low floor vehicles were introduced following the new contract in 2001, with a batch of Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 2s introduced to the service.
The route has remained much in its current format between Esher and Roehampton Vale since its introduction. In 1993 however, saw some routes switch between Surbiton and Kingston, K3 swapping its route with the more direct K4. Another route change was from November 1997, when the Sunday service was extended much further into Surrey, running every two hours from Esher via Hersham and Weybridge to Byfleet. This extension lasted a couple of years until its withdrawal.
Abellio London have gained the contract for route K3 from 29 June 2013.
Read more about this topic: London Buses Route K3
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