New Alexander Dennis buses for Berlin + Other ADL build news

[Gingerbus1991]

ADL has Introduces a Glazed staircase on the 400 MMC bodywork.

These are for Berlin. Good to see its not just the UK itself who purchase in-house but other countrys as well.

 

[GusB]

ADL has Introduces a Glazed staircase on the 400 MMC bodywork.

These are for Berlin. Good to see its not just the UK itself who purchase in-house but other countrys as well.

I was quite surprised to read that Berlin had gone for ADL rather than a home-grown product.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

ADL has Introduces a Glazed staircase on the 400 MMC bodywork.

These are for Berlin. Good to see its not just the UK itself who purchase in-house but other countrys as well.

It was first introduced on the E400 City so not entirely new...

 

[Darklord8899]

ADL has Introduces a Glazed staircase on the 400 MMC bodywork.

These are for Berlin. Good to see its not just the UK itself who purchase in-house but other countrys as well.

A beautiful looking vehicle!
Hopefully it drives and is as comfortable to ride as it looks!

 

[Gingerbus1991]

I was quite surprised to read that Berlin had gone for ADL rather than a home-grown product.

Although do Mercedes or Scania for instance make tri-axle deckers?

I am aware that german suburbs have Mercedes Citaro and Volvo 7900 bendys running around them, I suppose some german manufacturers arent building all kind of stuff

 

[Gingerbus1991]

It was first introduced on the E400 City so not entirely new...

Initially, the 400 CITY was supposed to be a direct rival towards Londons Routemaster and was purposely designed from the ground up with the stair glazing, Just the next logical implementation I guess to put it on the standard MMC, I think the MMC models offer direct rivalry to Wrights Streetdeck.

 

[radamfi]

ADL don't have a good reputation for build quality so is this a good thing? I realise ADL are British but that should be irrelevant. Are they superior compared to the MAN double deckers BVG mostly use? Will they have air-conditioning and double-glazing like the MAN buses?

 

[goldisgood]

ADL don't have a good reputation for build quality so is this a good thing? I realise ADL are British but that should be irrelevant. Are they superior compared to the MAN double deckers BVG mostly use? Will they have air-conditioning and double-glazing like the MAN buses?

They'll put that in if they are asked to I guess?

 

[Jordan Adam]

ADL has Introduces a Glazed staircase on the 400 MMC bodywork.

These are for Berlin. Good to see its not just the UK itself who purchase in-house but other countrys as well.

The bus shown there isn't a Enviro400MMC...

 

[Bungle965]

The bus shown there isn't a Enviro400MMC...

Quite, the attachment literally says Enviro 500 for Berlin.
Sam

 

[Mwanesh]

ADL don't have a good reputation for build quality so is this a good thing? I realise ADL are British but that should be irrelevant. Are they superior compared to the MAN double deckers BVG mostly use? Will they have air-conditioning and double-glazing like the MAN buses?

They have upped their game.MAN dont make decent engines anymore.

 

[Jordan Adam]

They have upped their game.MAN dont make decent engines anymore.

MAN made decent engines?.... Only thing MAN engines were ever good at is blowing up!

 

[Robertj21a]

ADL don't have a good reputation for build quality so is this a good thing? I realise ADL are British but that should be irrelevant. Are they superior compared to the MAN double deckers BVG mostly use? Will they have air-conditioning and double-glazing like the MAN buses?

I'm surprised that you aren't aware that BVG are amongst the most cautious of European operators. They have been trialling 3 (I think) different types of double decker for very many months now - and all met the specifications laid down by BVG. It's very good news that they decided on ADL - as did the Swiss for their Postal operations.

 

[jp4712]

They have upped their game.MAN dont make decent engines anymore.

Yep, a very senior engineer from one of the big groups told me that Alexander have upped their game at the same time as Wright have gradually lost the plot (cough cough Streetlite cough cough).

 

[Teflon Lettuce]

MAN made decent engines?.... Only thing MAN engines were ever good at is blowing up!

you forget they're also very good at roasting the passengers at the back whilst killing the ones at the front with hypothermia

 

[Gingerbus1991]

ADL has Introduces a Glazed staircase on the 400 MMC bodywork.

These are for Berlin. Good to see its not just the UK itself who purchase in-house but other countrys as well.

The bus shown there isn't a Enviro400MMC...

I shouldve left the “400” out, slip of the hand!

 

[Gingerbus1991]

They have upped their game.MAN dont make decent engines anymore.

MAN made decent engines?.... Only thing MAN engines were ever good at is blowing up!

Stagey’s Cowdenbeath depot, wayyy before the 200 MMC’s on the 19’s at dunfemrline, they had MAN 18.240 300’s on them, not onces did I ever step into one that didnt have warnings on the dash, albeit, the brakes were brilliantly smooth and the retarders didnt jab away at the slightest brake push.

Once, maybe twice did I drive one when the engines were performing well, I got told by an older driver that they were always looked after when they were new, considering MAN had engineers close by at there Halbeath site, decent buses when looked after though.

 

[jon0844]

you forget they're also very good at roasting the passengers at the back whilst killing the ones at the front with hypothermia

I quite like the idea of being able to move up and down the bus to find the perfect temperature!

 

[Teflon Lettuce]

I quite like the idea of being able to move up and down the bus to find the perfect temperature!

problem is they're roasting hot from the step back and ice cold forwards of the step... no happy in between anywhere lol

 

[Jordan Adam]

ADL have now officially launched the 13.4 Metre Enviro400XLB, Lothian is the first buyer getting 42 of them.

https://www.alexander-dennis.com/me...va9uckbYOTyNIKt6SiGcWP3HLV20Z4fGAFIByLEI9Sz3g

100 SEATS FOR LOTHIAN IN NEW THREE-AXLE ADL ENVIRO400XLB ON VOLVO CHASSIS

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has unveiled the brand new 100-seat Enviro400XLB three-axle double decker, developed in close collaboration with Lothian and chassis manufacturer Volvo. 42 of these high-capacity buses will enter service in Edinburgh from January onwards. They are manufactured in Falkirk, securing jobs and adding value to the Scottish economy directly and via the extensive local supply chain.

With Lothian’s services in the Scottish capital seeing consistent patronage growth, the operator collaborated with Alexander Dennis to develop the 13.4m Enviro400XLB. Offering 100 seats and able to carry up to 131 passengers in total, it delivers unrivalled capacity for busy routes in the capital, while its front and middle doors will speed-up dwell times at bus stops. It has been built to even higher standards than bus users in Edinburgh are familiar with, with comfortable high-backed seating, wifi, USB charging, mood lighting and audio-visual stop announcements.

Alexander Dennis’s Enviro400XLB is the first bus for the United Kingdom to be mounted on Volvo’s recently launched three-axle B8L chassis, powered by the efficient 350hp Euro 6 D8K engine.

ADL Chief Executive Colin Robertson handed over the first bus to Lothian Managing Director Richard Hall on 8th November in a ceremony at the manufacturer’s Falkirk plant that was attended by Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson, and representatives of Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and CPT Scotland.

Richard Hall, Managing Director of Lothian, said: “Buses are the lifeblood of Edinburgh and the Lothians, transporting over 350,000 customers every day and are integral to the local economy. We are delighted to be able to work with other businesses who share our passion for innovation with a commitment to deliver a high quality, reliable and unique product for our operations in Scotland, which could be utilised in the wider UK market. We look forward to continuing to build on our strong relationships with both Alexander Dennis and Volvo and are excited about the future of public transport in our country.”

Colin Robertson, ADL Chief Executive, said: “Customer collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Alexander Dennis and we are proud to work with Lothian to meet their exacting requirements as they are renowned as a leader in delivering an outstanding customer experience. As a company headquartered in Scotland, building buses again for Edinburgh is a great source of pride for the employees at our Falkirk factory and we look forward to further developing our relationship with Lothian.”

Nick Page, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK, said: “The Volvo B8L is already a well-proven chassis in demanding environments in a number of cities in Asia Pacific. I am delighted and proud that long-standing customer Lothian has once again worked with Volvo Bus to bring further innovation to the streets of Edinburgh in the form of a high specification, high capacity double deck bus. The new vehicles will help to reduce road congestion and with it further improve air quality, both of which are key to driving the quality of life in Scotland’s capital city.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “I am pleased that Lothian continues to invest in their bus fleet in partnership with Alexander Dennis. These 42 brand new Euro 6 vehicles will help improve air quality in Edinburgh and provide modern amenities, making an attractive offer to customers. The partnership with Alexander Dennis is yet another success story for the business, who already enjoy an outstanding reputation as the world’s largest double deck bus manufacturer. Taking the bus is a more sustainable form of travel than taking the car, and I welcome today’s announcement, which supports the Scottish Government’s ambitions to encourage sustainable and lower carbon transportation across Scotland.”


Note to editors
The Enviro400XLB shares its body structure with the market-leading two-axle Enviro400, which has been designed for the requirements of British and Irish bus operators. This ensures a high degree of commonality between the models for ease of maintenance and repairs. The Enviro500 has a different body structure and remains Alexander Dennis’s three-axle double deck product for international markets.

In my opinion these vehicles look "bloody amazing" and are a real step forward for the UK bus industry.

 

[Gingerbus1991]

ADL have now officially launched the 13.4 Metre Enviro400XLB, Lothian is the first buyer getting 42 of them.

https://www.alexander-dennis.com/me...va9uckbYOTyNIKt6SiGcWP3HLV20Z4fGAFIByLEI9Sz3g



In my opinion these vehicles look "bloody amazing" and are a real step forward for the UK bus industry.

Woww! I would never have guessed they would've been Deckers!! I really thought it was gonna be B8RLEs, Plus the B8L chassis got snapped up quickly, So are these for busy buses like the 22?

 

[Jordan Adam]

Woww! I would never have guessed they would've been Deckers!! Plus the B8L chassis got snapped up quickly, So are these for busy buses like the 22?

I heard that they're to be used on "key routes in the city" so i'd assume the 22 and 26 are included, i've also heard the 31 mentioned.

The B8L chassis is hopefully going to be a good unit, i think ADL would have had this in development for quite some time to be fair.

 

[Gingerbus1991]

I heard that they're to be used on "key routes in the city" so i'd assume the 22 and 26 are included, i've also heard the 31 mentioned.

The B8L chassis is hopefully going to be a good unit, i think ADL would have had this in development for quite some time to be fair.

The B8L chassis has been under trial since last year in Gemini body form abroad, Obviously that suggest Volvo are happy with it and by extension ADL as well, hindsight tells me that the 22’s cope ok with 4x2 B5’s, as well as the 26’s B5’s, the 25’s seem to be a good choice for them as well, especially in the morning with Herriot Watt peaks, however I still find it hard to justify them atm! No route in edinburgh really seems busy enough to warrant a tri-axle, perhaps I’m wrong but maybe lothian also have a future sight that’ll mean extra capacity for Edinburgh’s LEZ.

P.S. @Jordan Adam a viable option for your neck of the woods? Olde 1 and 2!

 

[LOL The Irony]

They have upped their game.MAN dont make decent engines anymore.

I've been on a few of Blackpool's E400 City's both in service and on rail replacement and they creak like mad.

 

[LOL The Irony]

ADL have now officially launched the 13.4 Metre Enviro400XLB, Lothian is the first buyer getting 42 of them.

https://www.alexander-dennis.com/me...va9uckbYOTyNIKt6SiGcWP3HLV20Z4fGAFIByLEI9Sz3g



In my opinion these vehicles look "bloody amazing" and are a real step forward for the UK bus industry.

Why not just use a 500 instead of designing a brand new vehicle that's very close to a 500? Waste of money IMO.

 

[GusB]

Why not just use a 500 instead of designing a brand new vehicle that's very close to a 500? Waste of money IMO.

I did wonder about that, too. According to the article from ADL:

Note to editors
The Enviro400XLB shares its body structure with the market-leading two-axle Enviro400, which has been designed for the requirements of British and Irish bus operators. This ensures a high degree of commonality between the models for ease of maintenance and repairs. The Enviro500 has a different body structure and remains Alexander Dennis’s three-axle double deck product for international markets.

I wasn't aware that the E400 and E500 were so different structurally.

 

[Jordan Adam]

The B8L chassis has been under trial since last year in Gemini body form abroad, Obviously that suggest Volvo are happy with it and by extension ADL as well, hindsight tells me that the 22’s cope ok with 4x2 B5’s, as well as the 26’s B5’s, the 25’s seem to be a good choice for them as well, especially in the morning with Herriot Watt peaks, however I still find it hard to justify them atm! No route in edinburgh really seems busy enough time to warrant a tri-axle, perhaps I’m wrong but maybe lothian also have an future sight that’ll mean extra capacity for Edinburgh’s LEZ.

P.S. @Jordan Adam a viable option for your neck of the woods? Olde 1 and 2!

The trials for the B8L only started this year, i have my hopes they do well though, and will leave my opinion about the mechanical aspect on them out until i've actually sampled them! But initial impression as they look fantastic.

I admit i'm not the best when it comes to Edinburgh's routes so i have little to no clue where they could go. Although @ross4122 did suggest to me the 11, 16 or 23 as options.

I agree, They'd be perfect for the 1/2! Even more so with the Artics up for replacement in the next year or two.

 

[Gingerbus1991]

The trials for the B8L only started this year, i have my hopes they do well though, and will leave my opinion about the mechanical aspect on them out until i've actually sampled them! But initial impression as they look fantastic.

I admit i'm not the best when it comes to Edinburgh's routes so i have little to no clue where they could go. Although @ross4122 did suggest to me the 11, 16 or 23 as options.

I agree, They'd be perfect for the 1/2! Even more so with the Artics up for replacement in the next year or two.

KMB had a pre-production Eclipse Gemini 2 with an early B8L chassis underneath way back last year in september(2017), then in january of this year(2018) SBS transit had the new frog-face Gemini 3 with the B8L underneath for assessment, I was led to believe initially that there was a few certification problems with bodywork safety and stability when mated to the Gemini 3 body but those were rectified before commercialisation.

I’ve had a quick go on Stagey’s Panther 6x2 LE’s while using what Volvo calls a B8RLE Tri-Axle chassis, which will use the same engine
/power output and I assume the same Ecolife gearbox as these, albeit with slightly larger tires than what looks to be fitted to these XLB’s, the tri-axle config makes them more comfortable over bumps etc I assume like alot of modern E6 vehicles they won’t be without there teething problems.

 

[Jordan Adam]

KMB had a pre-production Eclipse Gemini 2 with an early B8L chassis underneath way back last year in september(2017), then in january of this year(2018) SBS transit had the new frog-face Gemini 3 with the B8L underneath for assessment, I was led to believe initially that there was a few certification problems with bodywork safety and stability when mated to the Gemini 3 body but those were rectified before commercialisation.

I’ve had a quick go on Stagey’s Panther LE’s which use the same engine and gearbox as these albeit with slightly larger tires than what looks to be fitted to these 400XLB’s, the tri-axle config makes them more comfortable over bumps etc I assume like alot of modern E6 vehicles they won’t be without there teething problems.

The Panther LE's will struggle in the long run, but these E400XLB's will be on totally different work and for a different application so should be ok, I do think 7660cc is quite small for such a large vehicle, but we'll have to see!

Now Volvo needs to get a 2 axle Volvo B8TL sorted to get rid of the appalling B5TL!

 

[Gingerbus1991]

The Panther LE's will struggle in the long run, but these E400XLB's will be on totally different work and for a different application so should be ok, I do think 7660cc is quite small for such a large vehicle, but we'll have to see!

Now Volvo needs to get a 2 axle Volvo B8TL sorted to get rid of the appalling B5TL!

Do keep in mind though that Cummins L9 is only just over a litre larger yet the L9 can summon 380hp/1700nm for buses, internal engine components and durability should be forseen by all manufacturer so that they can cope with the work or power they have to develop for where there intended to be used on whether that be city or motorway ops, as I recall as I learned from yourself that Volvos D9Bs whilst being up to the job had injector problems, I would like to hope volvo put that experience of problems to work, then again that was technically a renault engine.

The D8K 250hp/1050nm could likely be fitted as Wrights are apparently able to fit a Daimler OM936 to there own product whilst still maintaining there micro-hybrid warfare etc

The same could be said for Plaxtons usage of Volvos D11K for there 14m coaches, Stageys new Panoramas are volvos B11RLE chassis , I would assume they are up to the job, particularly as the iShift trans will keep revs low on the motorway