I know this news is a little bit late.
The long awaited Volvo B5HLC with the SRM (two-door, one-staircase New Routemaster) bodywork finally launches in service on route 37.
There are only two Volvo SRM B5LHC’s; they are (fleet numbers) VHP1 and VHP2 operated by Go-Ahead London.
Checking the Volvo Bus website, there’s no recent news stories about the Volvo B5LHC with the SRM bodywork. And no update from Wrightbus’ news page, and not even on TfL’s Press Release or the London Mayor’s press release page. But Wrightbus still have the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemaster product on their website, but they still haven’t added the SRM product to the list.
As there are no new orders for new hybrid buses with Wrightbus SRM bodywork, Alexander Dennis will be rolling out 37 BYD Enviro400EV’s (pure electric bus) with the City bodywork for London Bus route 43.
Here’s the London Bus news updates from LOTS:
Sunday 29 July
The six Stagecoach E40Ds 11033-038 are being fitted with the new digital destination displays over the next weeks, 11033 being done so far. Go-Ahead VHP 1 and 2 are due to begin on route 37 next week on Tues or Weds, to begin with, probably in hybrid mode. Go-Ahead TA , the BCI triaxle, is getting closer to going into service and is due to do so on route 12.
Thursday 26 July
RATP has now secured premises for its expansion of work from 1st September. Acquisition of premises adjacent to the Harrow Garage will allow the assumption of routes H18/H19 from Arriva and an open yard at Parr Road, Canons Park will accommodate 288 and 303 from Arriva plus the 251 from Edgware, thus producing space at Edgware for assumption of the H12 from Metroline. Arriva will thus close down its Garston Garage finally from 1st September.
It looks like mid to late September for conversion to electric operation of Metroline route 46 at Holloway and of London United 70 and C1 at Shepherd’s Bush.
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