Route 36, 73 and 82's New Buses!

For routes 36 and 73, we are late on it - however, due to certain circumstances, we couldn't cover it until now. The 82 merged into this as it is the same topic and I don't have many photos for it.

Route 36:
Route 36 is operated from Go-Ahead London's New Cross Garage [NX], and last month (February 2013), new double-decks had entered service on the route. These new double-deck's were the state-of-the-art Enviro 400's which had been built to Whole Type Approval. However, GAL didn't retain the 36 with fully new double-decks, they also bought in some existing ones too! Sadly, we have no pictures for the existing double decks although we have 2 shots for this. Our South London correspondent, Jack, may be able to supply us a few more photos of the 36 later.

SN62 DFL/ E264 on route 36 at Marble Arch Station.

Rear of E264/ SN62 DFL.

Route 73:
In 2011, route 73 was converted from articulated to double-deck operation. Upon this, Arriva had ordered some new DW's and HV's. In January, the DW's had moved elsewhere in the company whilst new HV's joined the 73 along with the existing ones. These are 62reg and are built to WTA. Here is 1 shot:

HV77 stands at Marble Arch.

Route 82:
Now I have covered this in more detail - inside and out. Metroline retained the contract for route 82 last year. The new contract did start in March 2012, however the new vehicles weren't delivered until now due to all the major bus manufacturers like Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus being pushed to maximum capacity to build several buses in time for the Olympics.

Finally, a year later - TE1420-47 are arriving at CELF/ Potter's Bar [PB] garage for route 82. According to sources, TE1448 going to W for "Top-ups" although earlier rumours claimed TE1448 was going to EW (Edgware).

I am not sure of this fact, I think these buses are on a Voith gearbox - they do have that squeaky Voith sound although facts need to be checked. These buses will allow the ever-so-aging TPL's to say farewell to London operation as they would probably be sold to other companies outside of London.

Without anymore of the chatter, enjoy!

TE1430/ LK62 DYG out of service. This bus is for route 82.

TE1429 curtailed to Portman Square.

TE1421/ LK62 DXP on route 82 to Victoria. 

Lower Deck interior of TE1421 - facing front.

Lower deck interior of TE1421 facing rear.

TE1421 upper deck interior.

The buses came with this moquette.

Rear of TE1421.

That's the end of this post! Stay safe and hope you've enjoyed it!