[LDN} new Evolution double deck bodied volvo B9L

At long last we have a different sort of a new bus in London!

Here are two photos of the new Evolution d/d body for a volvo B9L [10m long chassis] - a prototype.
the vehicle is operated by Go Ahead London- Dockland buses, and it is supposed to be on route 425;
however this week it worked the afternoon peak bus on route 474.

here is VM1- as it is known- shown in service today.

makes a good change from the masses of new E200 E400 ADL buses, and the Wright d/d body for Volvo B9L or VDL/Wright integral chassis!

regards

Yoram

Excuse me sir, I think this bus should be fitted with B9TL chassis instead of B9L

Yes, it is B9TL- sorry- my mistake!:
regards

I've never been to London -- so please pardon my ignorance.

But why do they not use electronic destination signs?

原帖由 hubertlam 於 2011-6-4 16:39 發表
I've never been to London -- so please pardon my ignorance.

But why do they not use electronic destination signs?

That's a TfL (Transport for London) standard.
They claim that roller blinds are much clearer than electronic displays to the
elderly passengers and so all buses operated for TfL contracted routes must
be fitted with roller blinds with standard fonts.

seems the drive is angry that you are taking the photo

yes, he was!
some drivers do not like their photos being taken.
The point is that in London, so many locations [high streets, bus terminals and major roads] are covered by CCTV...so the driver's image is recorded by CCTV. so what is worst?

why are they angry?
- they have something to hide: they may be working as bus drivers, but either working another job, or claiming benefits
- superstition: it is bad luck to have your photo taken.

regards

Yoram

Where did you take this photo?

Is it with MCV DD103 Body?

The photos were taken at Cyprus [the offside shot] and opposite Pontoon Dock station on the DLR [the nearside shot].

the first day of service for VM1 was recorded on Wends 1st June

regards

Yoram