The second batch of new Borismaster buses for London (NB4L) came in to full operation on the 22nd of June 2013. Following the initial eight ravishingly eye-catching vehicles in 2012 (nos. 1-8) for the massive 68 vehicle requirement on Service 38 this time the whole of Service 24 can be served by the latest thirty-two new buses (nos. 9 to 40).
Service 24 is an attractive route operating from the idyllic turning circle at Hamstead Heath, through Camden Market, Tottenham Court Road, Trafalgar Square, Westminster alongside the Houses of Parliament and down to Pimlico where buses terminate briefly directly opposite Battersea Power Station. There are three points along the diagram where one-way road systems separate the two-way flow of these vehicles.
During my summer holidays to London in 2013, just like 2012, I decided to embark on a project to locate and photograph all the new vehicles along the service route 24 - a task not as difficult as it sounds given that all the buses are totally loyal to this route. In this special summer series enjoy a glimpse of the 32 Boris buses in numerical order, nos. LT9 to LT40 and the various locations I found through the centre of London in temperatures that at times reached 30 degrees.
Tags: NB4L Borismaster Londonbuses
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The first of London's newest Wright Borismasters LT9 (LTZ 1009) purrs through the gardened squares running a similar route to Service 29 in the centre of town. The 24 operates on a 6-10 minute frequency and the 32 new vehicles are the only one to work this route.
It's great to travel on the new Boris buses, especially with the return of the conductor and open rear platform. I had quite forgotten what fun it is to jump off and catch your feet on the ground level while the bus is still moving - something we all enjoyed doing as kids! It's also great to be able to get off to take a few photos and jump back on again - with a wee wink to the conductor! And no need to wait until the official bus-stops are reached if you're in a hurry - I love this freedom that London allows its passengers.
The 'stacking' order staunchly adhered to in Edinburgh (that is passengers wait at the bus stop for the bus to stop exactly there) doesn't apply in London and you can board and alight whenever the vehicle is near to the stop. One thing I noted is that drivers are doing just that and little else nowadays - it seems no money is being passed over on entry and the use of pass-cards and especially the glorious Oyster card system allows for speedy entry - you can use these at all three doors. The middle door appears to be used the least but many can be seen entering here too. All this is quite superb I think compared to the tight regulation almost everywhere else today.
Tags: NB4L Londonbuses Borismaster
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The leafy terminus at Hampstead is at times crowded with bus enthusiasts and photographers for the arrival and departure of the 32 new Wright Borismasters. LT10 (LK13 FJE) is one of four that have temporary registration plates and will become LTZ 1010 in due course.
London's Service 24 is the first route to be run entirely on Wright's new Borismaster and a total of 32 new buses entered service (LT9 to LT40) in June 2013. It is hoped that by 2016 the number of these magnificent machines made in Northern Ireland will reach 600 at a cost of over £200 million. Route 11 will convert to the next batch in September 2013.
Travelling on London's new Borismasters is like riding on a cushion of air - such is the complete smoothness of the Hybrid functioning vehicles. There is though a notable issue with air quality and with no opening windows the air conditioning is a must at all times - sadly this doesn't always function to maximum levels leaving the atmosphere sometimes resembling a sauna on wheels. Fortunately the rear door gives good ventilation although this is often closed in the evening in the absence of a conductor.
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LT20 (LTZ 1020) sits beside LT11 (LK13 FJJ) at Hampstead Heath. LT11 is one of four with temporary registration plates and will become LTZ 1011 in due course.
In 2012 the original eight new buses were sent for operation on the massive diagram of London's Service 38 (a 68 vehicle requirement) between Hackney and Victoria and along with the regular on-board service information announcements every so often Mayor Boris Johnson himself would say hello and welcome everyone to this grand new experience, but this has been dropped for the second batch which I think is a shame. Boris however is absolutely delighted and describes the vehicles which are named after himself as "a brilliant feat of British engineering are these beautiful, bespoke, economy-boosting buses. They have world-leading environmental credentials and offer an unparalleled passenger experience".
Do you know - I think that's just great and London should be proud to have Boris Johnson! Such British enthusiasm is totally admirable.
Tags: NB4L Borismaster Londonbuses
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On the way to Pimlico LT12 (LK13 FJF) is one of four with temporary registration plates and will become LTZ 1012 in due course.
London's 40 new Borismasters, built by Wright's of Northern Ireland are described by Mayor Boris Johnson as "a brilliant feat of British engineering". The first batch of just eight were initially trialled on Service 38 operating alongside the normal Wright Eclipse Gemini vehicles also allocated to this diagram.
A propos some teething troubles which can be expected of course with such new and state-of-the-art technology London Buses Operations director Mike Weston says "we are aware of some technical difficulties with the ventilation and air chill systems on the New Bus for London (NB4L) vehicles on Service 24. Our suppliers are working to resolve the issues and we are working hard to minimise the impact of these on our passengers".
Tags: Londonbuses NB4L Borismaster
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