Running between West Croydon and Heathrow Central bus stations, it is operated by Metrobus, a subsidiary of Go-Ahead London.

[2] The contract changed from London Coaches to Capital Logistics in the late 1990s, and passenger numbers continued to decline.

In 1997, London Transport attempted to withdraw the service,[3] but at the end of year, it was given an 18-month reprieve after over 1,600 letters had been received in its support.

[2] On 22 November 2008, route X26 was doubled in frequency to every 30 minutes for most of the day, including Sundays, although the evening service remained hourly.

[8] To cover for the increase in PVR while new vehicles were prepared, Metrobus hired Mercedes-Benz O530 Citaros from Wealden PSV, delivered directly from original owner Quality Line.

[14] Double deck Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TL buses that formerly operated East London Transit services were introduced after having their rear doors removed and additional luggage racks fitted.