The London Volvo B9TL and B5LH

After the successful six-year production run of its B7TL low-floor double-decker had been curtailed in London by increasing noise problems, Volvo developed a leaner and quieter update which it dubbed the B9TL, and orders resumed in strength. As diesel-engined buses gradually gave way to battery-hybrid technology at the end of the first decade of the 21st century, Volvo unveiled the B5LH hybrid to immediate acclaim and even healthier London sales. With most Transport for London-contracted bus companies operating Volvo B9TLs and/or B5LHs, bodied by Wrightbus, Alexander Dennis or MCV, this book offers a comprehensive account of the first ten years of one of London’s newest double-deck bus types, whose career will span the rest of the 2010s and into the next decade. AUTHOR: Matthew Wharmby is an author, photographer and editor who specialises in London bus history. His published books include London Transport’s Last Buses: Leyland Olympians L 1-263, Routemaster Requiem and Routemaster Retrospective (with Geoff Rixon), London Transport 1970-1984 (with R.C. Riley), The London Titan and The London Metrobus. He has also written many articles for Buses, Bus & Coach Preservation, Classic Bus and London Bus Magazine. This is his ninth book for Pen and Sword; the others are London Transport’s Last Buses: Leyland Olympians L 1-263, The London Bendy Bus, The London Enviro400, The London DMS, The London LS, Last Years of the London Titan, Last Years of the London Metrobus and (with John Laker), London Buses 1970-80.
350 colour and b/w illustrations