Go-Angular General.

This post could be classified as late. Or not.

Over late 2015 into early 2016, Go-Ahead retained quite a few routes with Volvo B5LH/ Wright Gemini 3 buses, with the hybrids penetrating deeper into the suburbs.

The first route to be converted was the 202 with Metrobus in August-September 2015:


Metrobus WHV43 on Route 202, Blackheath Royal Standard (© Aubrey)

Route 202 was the first of the lot to convert, as part of a contract renewal, as well as the double decking of this fairly busy route.


Metrobus WHV46 on Route 202, Maze Hill (© Aubrey)

Then the 119 converted at around the same time:


Metrobus WHV46 on Route 119, East Croydon (© Aubrey)

No, it's not the same photo. Or taken on the same day either. Coincidentally, 119N has moved to Croydon Garage as part of the new contract.


Metrobus WHV49 on Route 119, East Croydon (© Aubrey)

This also showed that any new buses for Metrobus will gain GAL codes and the numbered codes are to be phased out with the integration of Metrobus into GAL.

Then, London General in early December 2015, the 155 and 93 gained their examples. Initially, the 155 with 93 peak hour journeys were where the buses were used:


London General WHV101 on Route 155, Tooting (© Aubrey)

They were gradually introduced, cascading double deckers across Go-Ahead London to help remove the last Euro 2 PVLs.


London General WHV82 on Route 155, Tooting (CC Aubrey)

Route 93 also gained these buses, initially peak hour journeys from the 155, but it started to gain its own allocation from Sutton Garage. As well as the N155.
(Photos are by Anthony Gumm, who has kindly allowed for them to be used.)


London General WHV107 on Route 93, Wimbledon (© Anthony Gumm)

These buses will eventually take over from the DOEs, which are currently still going strong on the 93 as well.


London General WHV106 on Route 93, Wimbledon (© Anthony Gumm)

This seems to be the new standard for Go-Ahead London new bus orders if they are hybrid double deckers, at this moment in time.

Some of the buses have strayed from their allocated routes. The Metrobus WHVs have strayed frequently onto nearly all double decker routes at Croydon Garage:


Metrobus WHV50 on Route 64, East Croydon (© Aubrey)

Also, the Merton WHVs have strayed onto the 44 and 270, with the 270 shown here:


London General WHV90 on Route 270, Putney Bridge (© Anthony Gumm)

Overall, the buses seem to be just like the usual B5LH, with the Gemini 3 body being the angular thing it is. Being on the upper deck of a few of them now means that the smaller windows are starting to feel more normal.