Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
Poised to enter service on a number of Arriva’s key Transport for London (TfL) routes, the Volvo B5L hybrid Gemini 2 Double Decks were officially handed over to Arriva London Managing Director, Bob Scowen and London Buses, Operations Director, Mike Weston by Volvo Bus Sales Director, Phil Owen and Sam McLaren, Commercial Director, The Wright Group.
Commenting on the new Volvo hybrid Double Deck vehicles Arriva Managing Director, Bob Scowen, said “It’s great to see the new technology being introduced into the Arriva fleet”. He also explained that, “initial feedback from drivers and passengers has been positive”.
Highly specified, the vehicles are built on the Volvo B5L platform, incorporating Volvo’s parallel driveline with an EEV compliant Volvo 4-cylinder, MD5 Euro 5 diesel engine, rated at 216hp and a 70kW electric motor. These are coupled to an automated 12-speed Volvo AT2412D I-shift gearbox.
Critical in the operation of the hybrid technology is the role of the special Lithium–ion energy storage system, developed by Volvo for optimal size, weight, power and longevity.
The chassis has disc brakes front and rear with EBS5 control system, together with electronically controlled air suspension, with stabilisers, combining low entry and exit operation for passenger comfort.
Featuring the distinctively styled Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork, the new vehicles represent another successful project between Volvo Bus and the Wright Group to develop purpose built, fully TfL compliant Double Deck buses, ideally suited for the particular demands of operation in London.
To aid fuel efficiency, the new hybrid buses feature two electronic solenoids in the fuel tank, whilst the fuel lines are also fitted with manual shut off valves. The vehicles are limited to 43 miles per hour and are all fully DDA compliant – including a Compak 5 power ramp fitted to the mid door.
“Arriva knew the high specification of vehicle they required for their London operations,” commented Phil Owen, Volvo Bus Sales Director, “The B5L not only meets all green standards and is therefore supported by the Green Bus Fund, but has the added incentive of the high quality Wright Group bodywork, meaning it looks great as well”.
Volvo Bus Regional Commercial Manager, Roger Turner, who was also present at the official handover, commented, “Having already established an excellent working relationship with both Arriva and TfL, we are delighted to see an additional 20 Volvo Double Deck Wrightbus-bodied hybrids entering service in the Capital”.
ENDS
08 February 2011
Caption for image: (left to right) Peter Batty, Commercial Director Arriva London, Tony Ward, Engineering Director, Arriva London, Sam McLaren, Commercial Director The Wright Group, Bob Scowen Managing Director Arriva London, Phil Owen, Volvo Bus Sales Director, Mike Weston, Operations Director London Buses & Roger Turner, Regional Commercial Manager Volvo Bus at the official handover in London.