Metroline CELF Centre Part 29...New VWs for Route 79

Today I visited Metroline's CELF Centre, the central point for Metroline's bus maintenance. Metroline will operate Route 79 (Alperton Sainsbury's - Edgware) commencing on the 26th of this month using Volvo B9TL/Gemini 2.

Metroline VW1210 LK61 BNB

The vehicles, numbered VW1205 - VW1216, weigh 12150kgs. Route 79 will be operated from Perivale East (PV). The vehicles have commenced delivery to the CELF Centre with some still at Heysham on there way over to the centre. Whilst on the site today I noted the following vechiles: VW1205, VW1206, VW1207, VW1208, VW1210,VW1211, VW1212 and VW1213. The new VWs are somewhat a unique batch of Buses in London. This is due to the fact they are the first Volvo B9TL Wright Gemini2 Buses to be delivered to the new W.T.A (Whole Type Approval) specification, this means the bus have an array of new features such as orange lights running along the body, CCTV Screens and the Buses are generally lighter than their predecessors. One strange feature on these Buses is the lack of upper-deck rear lights, whether this is a direct result of the new W.T.A Specification remains to be seen...I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lovely staff at Metroline's CELF Centre for allowing me in the premises. Please note that all safety precautions were taken whilst on site. More shots from the day are below.

Metroline VPL585 LK04 NMJ

Metroline VW1208 LK61 BMZ

CCTV Screen on the new VWs situated on the

staircase

The line up at CELF Centre

Metroline TE1080

Metroline VW1208 LK61 BMZ interior