After multiple months of anticipation, the high specification BCI Excellence for Go-Ahead London Central finally entered service on the 6th November 2018. It is a high specification bus, with many interior features which are very new to Transport for London services, even though they are already prolific on some buses outside London.
TA1 standing at Oxford Circus awaiting the next journey to Dulwich
© Aubrey Morandarte
Following various mechanical mishaps it ran into, as well as fitting of some new allegedly high-tech axles, it finally was deemed ready to go out on the road.
Initially tipped to work route X68 from Camberwell [Q] garage, the plans were changed after it transpired it would disrupt certain crosslinks involving school routes which it would not fit around. It was also rumoured it might struggle to get round West Croydon bus station, but that is unconfirmed. Therefore a change was made for it to be used on the route 12 between Oxford Circus and Dulwich Library instead. Normally worked by the notorious BorisBuses, as a somewhat more conventional vehicle with front single-door boarding, it was only a matter of time to witness some custom try to board through the back and be told off by the driver. This route also was one of the articulated bus routes in the 2000s.
Apart from the obvious fact that the bus is a 12.5m long tri-axle vehicle, unusually for TfL conditions they are also equipped with high-back Lazzerini seats, 5V USB ports, phone holders [pictured], LED displays (same as 6 of the micro-hybrid MMCs at WH), proper air conditioning units as opposed to usual air-cooling ones used in London, personal 'Stop' buttons due to a noticeable lack of grab poles on the upper deck, and upstairs available seats counter on the lower deck.
A demonstration of the phone rack equipled at the rear of the high-backed seats - given the lower quality plastic nature, how long till one is broken??
(© Alisha Juszczyk)
In addition to that, it also carries some feature branding on the side, and attracted enough attention that even some non-enthusiast people were spotted taking pictures!
Now time will tell how this bus gets on… Let's hope all precautions were taken so that it does not break down again anytime soon - especially that the track record of previous Vantage hybrids in TfL service was not so good. It would also be interesting if more routes were to trialled, especially ones that do not use LTs. 25 anyone?
The journey sampled was one where it curtailed at Peckham Rye, hence the display. The short notice curtailment does show the speed which a destination can be changed on an electronic LED display as opposed to blinds.
(© Aubrey Morandarte)
The display can be difficult to photograph at times, as shown here. TA1 shown stopping in Regent Street, by Oxford Circus at the end of a journey from Dulwich Library.
(© Alisha Juszczyk)
With the advent of Transport for London's ever decreasing demand for buses, as well as the various cuts to service, this bus could be a catalyst for a higher-quality revival. Other than the electronic screens for iBus displays, USB ports and LED displays, the features shown are very new to London service.
Post by Aubrey Morandarte, Alisha Juszczyk
Photos by Aubrey Morandarte, Alisha Juszczyk and Tommy Cooling
All rights reserved © WLTMTB 2018
Please do not reproduce any images without permission
TA1 standing at Oxford Circus awaiting the next journey to Dulwich
© Aubrey Morandarte
Following various mechanical mishaps it ran into, as well as fitting of some new allegedly high-tech axles, it finally was deemed ready to go out on the road.
Initially tipped to work route X68 from Camberwell [Q] garage, the plans were changed after it transpired it would disrupt certain crosslinks involving school routes which it would not fit around. It was also rumoured it might struggle to get round West Croydon bus station, but that is unconfirmed. Therefore a change was made for it to be used on the route 12 between Oxford Circus and Dulwich Library instead. Normally worked by the notorious BorisBuses, as a somewhat more conventional vehicle with front single-door boarding, it was only a matter of time to witness some custom try to board through the back and be told off by the driver. This route also was one of the articulated bus routes in the 2000s.
Apart from the obvious fact that the bus is a 12.5m long tri-axle vehicle, unusually for TfL conditions they are also equipped with high-back Lazzerini seats, 5V USB ports, phone holders [pictured], LED displays (same as 6 of the micro-hybrid MMCs at WH), proper air conditioning units as opposed to usual air-cooling ones used in London, personal 'Stop' buttons due to a noticeable lack of grab poles on the upper deck, and upstairs available seats counter on the lower deck.
A demonstration of the phone rack equipled at the rear of the high-backed seats - given the lower quality plastic nature, how long till one is broken??
(© Alisha Juszczyk)
In addition to that, it also carries some feature branding on the side, and attracted enough attention that even some non-enthusiast people were spotted taking pictures!
Now time will tell how this bus gets on… Let's hope all precautions were taken so that it does not break down again anytime soon - especially that the track record of previous Vantage hybrids in TfL service was not so good. It would also be interesting if more routes were to trialled, especially ones that do not use LTs. 25 anyone?
The journey sampled was one where it curtailed at Peckham Rye, hence the display. The short notice curtailment does show the speed which a destination can be changed on an electronic LED display as opposed to blinds.
(© Aubrey Morandarte)
The display can be difficult to photograph at times, as shown here. TA1 shown stopping in Regent Street, by Oxford Circus at the end of a journey from Dulwich Library.
(© Alisha Juszczyk)
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| TA1 circles St. George's Circus after dark heading towards Dulwich Library. The new LED screen has come out well here despite being shot at 1/200. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127662272@N07/44842275175/in/dateposted/ © Tommy Cooling |
Post by Aubrey Morandarte, Alisha Juszczyk
Photos by Aubrey Morandarte, Alisha Juszczyk and Tommy Cooling
Please do not reproduce any images without permission
