New DML's for 70

Today commenced the change of operator of route 70.

The route was previously operated by Metroline, but was lost to First London, who started operating the route today.

Route 70 operates between Acton, High Street and South Kensington via Queensway. The route is now operated from Wesbourne Park Garage situated in the West of London.

Westbourne Park Garage holds 181 buses, and runs London bus routes 9 (Heritage), 70 and 24-hour routes 23 and 295.

Metroline previosuly operated the route with MCV Evolution's (MM's) and Dennis Dart's (DLD's).

Before the switch, I decided to head down to Ladbroke Grove to see these buses for the last time!

LK07 AYC - MM772 on route 70 at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

W126 WGT - DP26 on route towards South Kensington

Y652 NLO - DLD182 at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

W144 ULR - DLD144 boarding passengers on route 70

W152 ULR - DLD140 pulls to collect passengers at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

I am personally sad to see the there will no longer be any MCV Evolution's as I think it's one of the things that makes the route pleasureable to ride.

However, I wish First the best of luck, and look foward to the future of the route!

Now, back to the new Enviro 200's!

Many seem to be excited over the new DML's for 70. I have to say that it is long waited, but still the same old story 24/7. Personally I think they look that great with First, but we all have different opinions.

Some things what the new DML's contain are:

• a batch of 25 buses (DML44313 - DML44328)

• a weight of U.W. 7641 KGS

• a body length of 10.25 metres

• a horsepower of 140 on a Alison Gearbox with a Cummins isBe Engine

• a seating capacity of 29

• Estaban Civic seats

Without further ado, enjoy the rest of a huge collection of photos!

YX12 AAJ - DML44313 pulls into Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's to collect passengers

YX12 ARZ - DML44321 boarding passengers at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

DML44313 on route towards Acton, High Street

YX12 AEA - DML44314 at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

One of the new DML's on route 70 to Acton, High Street

DML44326 at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

YX12 AED - DML44315 waiting to depart to Acton, High Street

YX12 DJD - DML44327 on route 70 at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

Close up of YX12 AEF on route to South Kensington

YX12 AEF - DML44316 departing Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

YX12 DHZ - DML44326 waiting for passengers at Ladbroke Grove Sainsbury's

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Close up Shot of YX12 AZW - DML44325

Front Interior of the new DML's

Rear Interior of the new DML's

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Cab of the new DML's

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