Harrow (SO): New DLE26 for the H13

One of two posts today, the second of which is slightly longer and, in a way, relevant with this one!

Before I start this post, I should point out that the new DLE was parked in the corner of the garage and it was difficult for me to get any good photos of the exterior, but nonetheless I was determined to get some sort of picture to show on here!

It was announced in February that London Sovereign (then part of Transdev) had retained route H13 with 5 existing DEs from the original 2009 batch (numbered DE50-56) along with one brand new 10.8m Enviro200 which was to arrive in August.

Unfortunately, the annual shutdown of ADL postponed many buses, including DEL2062-2071 for Metroline's win of the 112 and Sovereign's DLE26 and all of these have now been delivered over the course of last week.

Anyway, back to the bus in question. Due to there being much contemplation by Transdev early this year to sell to RATP (which was confirmed and carried out in April), the bus is fitted with the same interior as the large 2011 batch (DE57-99) and remains logoless. I was however told that logos should be applied very soon, which will be a welcome relief for the 2011 batch which have been logoless for 3 years now!

DLE26 interior - the bus has space for 31 seated. You can see the similarities in the interior design with the same moquette along with handrail and panel colours. There was much confusion over what interior would be chosen for this bus - perhaps it would have the same Veolia-style interior as the new VHs which entered service on route 13 last year, or with the quick takeover of RATP it would have the Transdev-inspired turquoise interior like on the new ADEs and OCEs.

The driver's cabin is also very much the same:

Key Facts of the new bus:

• Fleet Number: DLE26
• Registration: LK64CZZ
• Chassis: AD E20D SFD7L1ER7EGY34358
• Body Number: E212/1

More Pictures Follow!

I was also able to blind a DPS for some special routes!

London Sovereign DPS633 blinded for routes 114 and 398!

Many thanks to the London Sovereign (now part of RATP Group) staff for allowing me onsite to look at the new bus. I must say I felt very welcomed by their kind attitude and willingness. I remind all thinking of visiting a bus garage on a non-open day to follow safety procedures and wear a hi-vis jacket - we wouldn't want any of you being run down now!

Thanks for reading this post, and be sure to keep tabs on my Flickr for when the bus enters service hopefully some point next week!