Route 19 to convert to three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemaster buses

As more London bus routes are restructuring to save costs, the withdrawal of route 48 has enabled another conversion to New Routemaster (NRM) operation.

According to London Bus Routes service changes, route 19 is expected to partially convert to New Routemaster operation on 12th October 2019 as route 48 is withdrawn. Then on 25th April 2020 it is expected route 19 will be fully served with New Routemaster buses from route 67.

Upcoming new London electric bus routes for 2020

It has been revealed that London will be getting more electric buses during 2020.

Taking a look at a recent Freedom of information (FOI) request submitted to Tfl; they have released some interesting information regarding the electric bus project for London. TfL stated under a Freedom of Information request:

We are currently converting routes 43 and 134 to double deck electric buses – and all buses will be in service by the end of the year. These double decks are made by two manufacturers – Optare and a partnership with BYD/ADL.

London bus tender awards for early October 2019

This is a brief news update for London buses.

TfL has announced the London buses tender awards as bus operators Metroline and Stagecoach retained their routes respectively and Abellio lost their K1 contract to RATP-Dev London United with new diesel single deck buses.

LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for the following routes with the operators listed below:

Wrightbus has gone in to administration!

I know I haven't been posting for a month, but I have to break this sad news.

Wrightbus, who notably manufactured 1,000 of the three door, two staircase hybrid New Routemaster buses, 6 Volvo B5LH with SRM bodywork and 2 Volvo B5LHC with SRM bodywork has gone in to administration due to cash flow problems which has affected thousands of jobs.

Why the Wrightbus SRM failed and Alexander Dennis’ Enviro400 City is gaining success

This is my essay about the failure of the Wrightbus SRM bodywork and the success of Alexander Dennis’ City bodywork. The purpose of this essay is not to discredit Wrightbus and their SRM design.

Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis developed and manufactured their own New Routemaster spin-offs as part of TfL's challenge to succeed the New Routemaster bus designed by Heatherwick Studios.

The SRM has only been sold in two drivelines which are the Volvo B5LH and B5LHC. Yet other bus operators (in London and elsewhere) haven’t shown much interest using the SRM for their services.

London bus tender awards for mid August 2019 and pure electric double-deck bus for Reading Buses

TfL has recently revealed the new London bus tender awards and Abellio have won nearly all the new contracts.