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| Route 254 map |
Sorry for
the late news update - LOTS have
reported from the TFL tender awards that route
254 will be the next to convert to the three-door two-staircase hybrid
buses called ‘New Routemasters.’
From LOTS:
LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for
the following routes with the operators listed below:
- 217 - awarded to Sullivan Buses (currently Metroline) with new Euro VI diesel double deck, PVR 11. Start date 3 June 2017.
- 254 re-awarded to Arriva London North with new Euro VI New Routemaster, PVR 33. Start date 3 June 2017.
- E6 re-awarded to Metroline West with 2010 Euro V diesel single deck, PVR 13. Start date 27 May 2017.
- P4 re-awarded to Stagecoach Selkent with 2009 Euro IV and five Euro V single deck, PVR 13. Start date 29 April 2017.
- U1 re-awarded to Metroline West with 2010 Euro V diesel single deck, PVR 8. Start date 29 April 2017.
- U2 re-awarded to Metroline West with 2009 Euro V diesel single deck, PVR 9. Start date 29 April 2017.
- U3 re-awarded to Metroline West with 2009 Euro IV diesel single deck and one double deck, PVR 11. Start date 29 April 2017.
- U4 re-awarded to Metroline West with 2009 Euro IV diesel double deck, PVR 14. Start date 29 April 2017.
- N136 awarded to London Central (currently Stagecoach Selkent) with 2011 hybrid double deck from 436 allocation. Start date 27 May 2017.
Looking at
the start date, this may be the last route to convert to New Routemasters as
TFL confirms the rollout of 1,000 NRM’s is to be completed by Summer 2017. But
who knows though, it could convert to NRM’s early.
The next routes to convert to New
Routemasters are:
21 –
Expected to convert around November 2016
48 –
Expected on 25th February 2017
76 –
Expected on 18th January 2017
254 –
Expected on 3rd June 2017
East London
Transit routes EL1, EL2 and EL3 – Expected on 18th February 2017
Once the
conversions are completed, the only type of New Routemasters going to be rolled
out are the Volvo B5LH/B5LHC
with two-door one-staircase bodies. The New Routemaster design lives on!
As always, I
invite you to follow me on Twitter and
Google Plus which is @CLondoner92
