Replacement Bus Hire

Fleet updates 🛠️🪛⚙️

Volvo B9TL BG59 FXC has joined our fleet and was duly delivered to us today. We have assigned WVN26 as a fleetnumber.

WVN23 and 26 are the replacements for VLA94 and DPV3. They are currently going through our refresh programme, with the aim of getting them performing as strongly and reliably as we’ve got our other Volvo B9TL, DPV3. By the end of the programme, we envisage the blindboxes and cassette ramps will no longer be needed, so if anyone would like them, do message us with an offer. We are also on the lookout for front, side and rear Mobitec LEDs, preferably white.

We have fitted WVN23 with the same Next Stop Announcement system that SPV11 has and will be ready for service in the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, while MEC9 remains on the books, it has been nominated to trial Hanover Next Stop Announcement kit. This should make an appearance in the next few weeks.

Fleet updates 🛠️🪛⚙️

Volvo B7TL VLA94 passed its MOT this week. Prep involved among other things, suspension bush replacement - without a jig, replacement of some of the rear end lights, renewal of water circuit hoses, new drag link, track rod, airbags and replacement of the electric cooling fan controller. The boost circuit is now airtight and exhaust system has been extensively worked on so this bus is now delivering a true 250bhp!

Volvo B9TL DPV3 has also had further work done. It was missing an air drier silencer - so we fitted one and the air drier started dumping excessive amounts of air. We VOR’d it to get to the bottom of the matter. It became clear why the air drier had been tampered with - the air compressor signal valve was knackered! So we sorted this and replaced the air drier with a brand new one so the system functions as per the manufacturer’s design.

Both of these buses are for imminent withdrawal as they are being replaced with Euro 6 compliant deckers. The timing is owing to the need to install PSVAIR kits, which we have in stock and really need to go in ULEZ complaint vehicles we’re keeping long term. The B7TL is up for sale for £8k and the B9TL is up for £18k, though we are open to offers and a deal for the pair.

Meanwhile, MCL1 soldiers on - we renewed part of the frame after raising the ride height. She was out in the unforgiving heatwave a couple of weeks ago working the Luton to Bedford all stops route for a week. We increased airflow within the vehicle by opening the ventilation flaps on the roof on the free flowing sections, and running the turbo ventilation fan and activating the radial blowers in the ceiling when at lower speeds. This reduced saloon temperatures by a few degrees. We have looked at full saloon air conditioning - these buses were specced for driver only aircon. While the pod is there, a few features required for saloon cooling were never installed, so it would be quite a task to get it up and running. The vehicle is also being livened up for PSVAIR, along with MEC9 which is being used as a testbed for different next stop announcement systems.

2007 Volvo B9TL for sale!

We are selling this vehicle, which will revert to its original MX07 BVC registration. The reason being we are after a ULEZ compliant decker as a replacement. We are looking at selling for £18k + VAT or an exchange for another Volvo B9TL. We would happily consider an ex-London model as is or another with a provincial spec.

PSVAR compliant, 74 seats, most of which are fitted with headrests. D9B engine and 6 speed ZF Ecolife transmission. MOT to March 2027. Engine oil pressure is decent and no issues at all with coolant temperature in the recent heatwave. Retains its original hydraulic cooling fan.

We’ve spent a significant amount to make this a reliable, strongly performing vehicle and it has not let us down! This vehicle is currently in daily service, but is available immediately.

A recent video of the vehicle in action can be found in the comments below. The performance settings have been set to deliver all available power on driver’s request, but we can change this to reduce torque, disable the kickdown, set the shift pattern to Normal or Super Eco and change the speed limiter to whatever is desired up to 62mph as part of the sale - or leave it as is.