Volvo B7TL
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| Volvo B7TL | |
|---|---|
 Wright Eclipse Gemini-bodied Volvo B7TL owned by First West Yorkshire | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Buses |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 1 or 2 door |
| Floor type | Low floor |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Volvo D7C (7.3 L) |
| Power output | 215hp/250hp |
| Transmission | Voith DIWA/ZF Ecomat |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volvo Olympian |
| Successor | Volvo B9TL (2-Axle) |
Volvo B7TL is a low-floor double-decker bus which was launched in 1999 and replaced the 2-axle version of Volvo Olympian (its 3-axle version was replaced by Volvo Super Olympian). It was built as the British bus operators seemed hesitant to purchase the B7L double decker with a long rear overhang (although some have since entered service in Glasgow, Scotland as 12m long double deckers).
The B7TL chassis was initially built in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland. In 2000, production was gradually transferred to Sweden. In mid-2004, production of MkII version of B7TL was started.
Like the Olympian, the B7TL features a transversely-mounted rear engine and a shorter rear overhang, but the radiator was mounted on the right side of the engine compartment. It was equipped with Volvo D7C engine and ZF or Voith gearbox. The B7TL was initially available with Alexander ALX400 and Plaxton President bodywork, later followed by East Lancs Vyking and Myllennium Vyking bodies, and also the Wright Eclipse Gemini.
The Volvo B7TL was very popular in the United Kingdom, with a large number being purchased by most of the major bus groups such as FirstGroup and Arriva. Also Travel West Midlands purchased over 320 B7TLs with Plaxton President, Alexander ALX400 and Wright Eclipse Gemini bodies. Translink of Northern Ireland also purchased over 150 B7TLs.
It was especially popular in London where totalling 790 Volvo B7TLs with Alexander ALX400, Plaxton President, East Lancs Myllenium Vyking and Wright Gemini bodywork were put into service by Go-Ahead London General and Central. London Central AVL1 (V101 LGC) cited to be the first example of a production B7TL.
It was also popular in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin Bus acquired 648 B7TLs between 2000 and 2007, all with Alexander/TransBus/Alexander Dennis ALX400 bodywork. Bus Éireann also purchased more than twenty B7TLs.
On the other hand, a batch of 150 B7TLs had been delivered to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002 and were fitted with Marcopolo Viale DD bodywork.
The Volvo B7TL was superseded by 2-axle version of the Volvo B9TL in late 2006.
Gallery
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ALX400-bodied Volvo B7TL owned by Arriva Medway Towns. -
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The unique Volvo B7TL/Alexander Dennis Enviro400 owned by Bluestar. All production Enviro / Volvo buses are on the new B9TL chassis.
See also
- Competitors