Virtual electrics launched and first sighting of short New Routemaster Enviro400VE
After trials on the route using one bus, Tower Transit has shown its Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro400VE ‘virtual electrics’ at a UITP stakeholder event at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Three buses are expected to enter full service early next year and will recharge using induction plates sunk into the road surface at the Transport for London (TfL) bus stations at Walthamstow and Canning Town either end of the route.
A spokesman at TfL told CBW that the buses will be used to test contactless charging technology, with an induction charging plate under the road service at each end of their route. The Enviro400VE will be charged wirelessly while they sit over the plate using similar technology to that used in electric kettles.
They’re expected to run on electric power for 80% of the route, and will utilise geofencing technology to ensure that they don’t emit any emissions over certain sections.
According to the London Bus Club, TfL Managing Director, Surface Transport Leon Daniels has been to the Wrightbus factory in Ballymena to view the first short New Routemaster, fleet number LT806. Still a three door vehicle with two staircases, a bay of seats has been taken out reducing over all length to about 10.1m. The resulting wait saving means the bus will be able to carry 87 passengers – more than the existing New Routemaster.
Delivery of the 19 Arriva London Alexander Dennis Enviro400H Citys for route 78 (Shoreditch-Nunhead) is now well underway from Falkirk. Around half the batch are now at Ash Grove garage.
A demonstrator returning to London is the short Mercedes-Benz Citaro K that worked for several operators in the capital in 2013/14. London United is using it in the Hounslow area on TfL contracted route 110 (West Middlesex Hospital- Twickenham).
Tender Awards have been awarded for Tranches 517, 525. 528 and 529. Start dates are April 30 (315), September 3 (the rest except for the 83/483 on September 10. Within those, routes 171/N171, 196, H12, H14 and H17 received two year contract extensions with current operators.
83/N83 retained by Metroline West with a PVR cut from 28 to 19 using existing Euro 4 diesel double-deckers. Day route 83 to be shortened (see 483) to run between Golders Green and Alperton Station. The present ’24-hour’ service Golders Green- Ealing Hospital to be renumbered N83.
114 awarded to Metroline Travel (PVR 17 to 18) with new Euro 6 battery hybrid double-decks. Currently operated by London Sovereign from Edgware garage.
117 Awarded to Metroline Travel (PVR 9) with new Euro6 flywheel single-deckers. Currently with Abellio London from Fulwell garage.
140 (24hrs) retained by Metroline Travel (PVR 28 to 29) with new Euro 6 battery hybrid double-decks.
182 retained by Metroline Travel (PVR 22 to 23) with new Euro 6 battery hybrid double-decks.
183 retained by London Sovereign (PVR 22 to 23) with a mix of existing Euro 4 diesel double-deckers and six new Euro 6 diesel double-deckers.
203 retained by London United (PVR 7) with existing Euro 5 diesel single-deckers and one new Euro 6 diesel single-decker.
251 retained by London Sovereign (PVR 12 to 13) with existing Euro 4 and 5 diesel single-deckers.
315 retained by G0-Ahead London General PVR 4, but with a possible increase once the result of a possible route extension is decided. Existing Euro 5 diesel single-deckers will be used.
340 retained by Arriva the Shires (PVR 9) with new Euro 6 diesel double-deckers. 398 retained by London Sovereign (PVR 3) with existing Euro 4 and 5 diesel single-deckers.
New route 483 awarded to Metroline West (PVR 25) with a mix of Euro 4 diesel and five new battery hybrid double-deckers.
697 and 698 retained by London United (PVR 4 each) with existing Euro 3 double-deckers.
H9/H10 retained by London Sovereign (PVR 15 to 16) with existing Euro 4 and 5 diesel single-decks. H11 also retained by London Sovereign (PVR 7) with existing Euro 4 and 5 diesel single-deckers.
