Page 7 - MBF Supplement Demo

City Transport (A+ Travel Group) Reuben Greene - SE & Central London - Facebook
Delivery of Wright New Bus for London (NBfL) H62T here continues with the arrival of HWM701-6 (LU17HSV-Z/TA). The conversion of route 683 to the type was completed in May, the balance of the order (including the remaining four outstanding due in July/August) being allocated as spare cover for both routes operating the type. Other new arrivals are a further trio of Alexander Dennis Enviro500NG hybrid CH80D as HNL576-8 (LV17JVK-M).
to be withdrawn, H76D seated TNM791. Of these, TAM786/880 are the last of their class here with TAM880 bowing out from service in April having completed a 'tour' of all routes at Clapham (with the exception of the section of the 205 between Putney and Hammersmith due to the low emission restrictions) during its last week in service.
Other vehicle movements have seen the first Volvo B9TL/ Wright Gemini Mk1 transfer into Clapham Garage (where they now work alongside visually identical B7TLs) following displacement from Victoria by new NBfLs, the latter garage also having lost its last standard Enviro 400 for the same reason. Route 205 was fully equipped with buses upgraded to Euro VI emission standards in time for the introduction of the first Low Emission Bus Zone in Putney High Street, with subsequent overhauled vehicles continuing to be upgraded by the same means (fitment with Eminox exhaust treatment systems) as standard.
Further to the previous report, the deadline for bids to operate route BR1 (Victoria to King's Cross) should have read 10th June. Interested operators (including existing contractors) should apply via the Supplement Editor as soon as possible.
A package of service changes is due for introduction from 9th September. These are partly due to the introduction of the next Low Emission Bus Zone between Streatham and Brixton and also to reduce some service overlaps/duplication and make better use of available stand space at various locations. Green Line routes 706/9 (operated under contract by Hants & Sussex) will be re-routed between Streatham and Vauxhall to serve Clapham Common instead of Brixton; routes 802 and 837 will be withdrawn and replaced by new route 807 (operating via the 802 between Grove Park and Brixton, then via Clapham Common, Battersea Park and Victoria to Baker Street to replace most of the 837); route 305 will be withdrawn between Streatham and Crystal Palace, with the 205 having a slight re-routing between Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood to partially replace it over that section.
Dennis Trident/ ALX500 TAL684 along with Trident/ ALX400s TAM784-6 were loaned to Crossways between 14th and 17th March for special services to/from the Cheltenham Races. Of these, TAM784/5 never returned to City Transport premises, both passing to their new owners as described above immediately after the races.
Finally, the experimental 'Kindle' type destination screens fitted to Enviro 400 TNM469 were removed upon overhaul and replaced with standard destination blind units after the experiment was not deemed to be a total success. However, the company is keen to investigate other new destination screen technology as it becomes available.
New arrivals include further Alexander Dennis Enviro500NG hybrids.
Something of a surprise in March was the arrival of a batch of five second hand NBfLs from Trinity Engineering & Bus Sales. These originated with Capital & Provincial Busways where they had been purchased for evaluation. They are HWM744-8 (CP15XXA-E) with City Transport and are currently stored awaiting a decision on their possible use.
Something of a surprise in March was the arrival of a batch of five second hand NBfLs from Trinity Engineering & Bus Sales.
There has been a spate of departures from the fleet since the last report. Dennis Trident/ Plaxton President TPM763-8 have all gone (763 to Enjays, 764/5 to Gipping Valley, 766 to Exclusive Motor Services, 767/8 to Countrybus/Hertsway via dealer), along with Volvo B7TL/ Wright Gemini VWS679/790/886 (679/790 to Countrybus/Hertsway, 886 to Exclusive Motor Services), and Dennis Trident/ ALX400 TAM782-5 (782/5 to Countrybus/Hertsway, 783/4 to Gipping Valley).
Due to be withdrawn in May/June were Dennis Trident/ ALX500 CH87D TAL682-4, Dennis Trident/ ALX400 H69D TAM786/880, Dennis Trident/ Plaxton President H67D TPM769/70 and the first Enviro 400
7