Jump to content

Wright Eclipse Gemini

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Wright Eclipse Gemini 2)

Wright Eclipse Gemini
London General Wright Gemini 3 bodied Volvo B5LH at Marble Arch in September 2022
Overview
ManufacturerWrightbus
Production2001–present
AssemblyBallymena, Northern Ireland
Body and chassis
Doors1-2
Floor typeLow floor
ChassisVolvo B8L
Volvo B5TL
Volvo B5LH
Volvo B9TL
Volvo B7TL
Volvo Super Olympian (Explorer)
Scania K410EB
RelatedWright Eclipse
Wright Pulsar Gemini
Wright StreetDeck (Chassis)
Powertrain
EngineVolvo D8K (Volvo B8L)
Volvo D5K (Volvo B5TL)
Volvo D5E/D5F/D5K (Volvo B5LH)
Volvo D9A/D9B (Volvo B9TL)
Volvo D7C (Volvo B7TL)
Volvo D10A (Volvo Super Olympian)
Scania DC13 (Scania K410)
TransmissionVolvo I-Shift
Voith DIWA
ZF Ecomat
ZF EcoLife
Dimensions
Length
2-axle
10.0 m (32 ft 10 in) to 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in)[1]
3-axle
11.3 m (37 ft 1 in)
12.0 m (39 ft 4 in)
12.8 m (42 ft 0 in)
Width2.52 m (8 ft 3 in)
Height4.23 m (13 ft 11 in) or 4.4 m (14 ft 5 in)

The Wright Eclipse Gemini is a low-floor double-decker bus body that was built by Wrightbus since 2001, based on the single-decker Wright Eclipse design. The second-generation Eclipse Gemini 2 was launched in 2009, followed by the third-generation Gemini 3 in 2013. Additionally, the body was available on Volvo Super Olympian chassis in Hong Kong between 2003 and 2005, marketed as the Wright Explorer.

The original Eclipse Gemini was launched in 2001 on Volvo B7TL chassis; from 2006, the body was also built on the replacement Volvo B9TL chassis and, from 2013, on the B9TL's replacement, the Volvo B5TL. From 2008, the body was also available on Volvo B5LH hybrid chassis. Eclipse Gemini's exported to the Asian market have been offered a choice of the tri-axle Volvo B8L and the Scania K410EB.

Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied buses were mass-introduced on London Buses services from 2001. It has also been popular with FirstGroup, who from 2003 onwards have purchased over 1,200 into service.[2] Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have also acquired many Volvo B9TLs with Wright Eclipse Gemini bodywork.

First generation (2001–2009)

[edit]
Transdev in Burnley & Pendle Volvo B7TL with first generation Wright Eclipse Gemini body
Rears of First Bristol Volvo B7TL (right) and facelifted Volvo B9TL (left) Wright Eclipse Geminis at Cribbs Causeway bus station

The Wright Eclipse Gemini was launched in 2001, initially on the Volvo B7TL chassis, as a double decker version of the existing Wright Eclipse body.[3] The original Eclipse Gemini, and all versions up until the facelifted Gemini 3, have both the upper and lower deck front windscreens forming part of a single oval shape, with the destination blind in between. The interior of the Eclipse Gemini features curves similar to its exterior, and continues the modern feel.

In 2006, the Volvo B7TL chassis, which had been the subject of noise complaints,[4] was superseded by the Volvo B9TL, with Wrightbus launching a facelifted version of the Wright Eclipse Gemini to fit the new chassis. The updated styling was largely confined to the rear of the body, where it has a more rounded appearance compared to the original and a central LED route number panel, housed within a smoked glass effect panel underneath the upper rear window. Other external modifications included the relocation of the rear number plate from its integrated position with the upper rear window to a more conventional siting at the bottom of the bus.

The first-generation Wright Eclipse Gemini was highly popular with the FirstGroup, with the group ordering examples from 2004 onwards. Wright Eclipse Geminis on the Volvo B7TL chassis entered service with First Glasgow, First West and South Yorkshire, and First Leicester, among others, between 2004 and the B7TL's discontinuation in 2007.[5][6] The first examples on the following Volvo B9TL chassis entered service with First South Yorkshire and First Glasgow in 2007, subsequently followed by a large order from First Greater Manchester, who ordered over 200 of the type from 2007 to 2010.[7][8]

In London, the Wright Eclipse Gemini on the Volvo B7TL chassis was also highly popular with Transport for London operators, although these buses were the subject of criticism for noise from their cooling fans.[4] Arriva London were the launch customer for the Wright Eclipse Gemini, taking on its first two of the type in July 2001, one of which was displayed at the 2001 International Association of Public Transport conference at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre.[9]: 166  Arriva London would go on to operate a total 179 Wright Eclipse Geminis on the Volvo B7TL chassis, while 273 B7TL Geminis were delivered to Go-Ahead London Central and London General, 209 to First Capital, 73 to Travel London, 44 to East Thames Buses and three delivered to London United.[9]: 272  A single Euro IV Volvo B9TL demonstrator with Wright Eclipse Gemini bodywork was delivered to London Central in July 2006, however orders did not materialise.[10]: 5 [11]

Lothian Buses were another popular customer of the Wright Eclipse Gemini, initially ordering 125 on the Volvo B7TL chassis between 2005 and 2006, having previously standardised with the Plaxton President on the Dennis Trident chassis.[12][13] The company moved onto the Volvo B9TL chassis in 2007, taking on a first batch of 50 that year.[14] The Wright Eclipse Gemini on the Volvo B7TL chassis was similarly popular with Travel West Midlands, taking delivery of 150 of the type between 2004 and 2006,[15][16][17] as well as Translink of Northern Ireland, who took delivery of 125 Geminis on Volvo B9TL chassis during 2007 for use by both its Metro and Ulsterbus companies.[18]

Go North East initially took delivery of three Wright Eclipse Geminis with high specification interiors on the Volvo B7TL chassis in 2005, which were used on the X10 express service connecting Newcastle upon Tyne and Middlesbrough;[19] this was followed in 2006 by an order for five B7TL Geminis for use on the 724 service connecting Newcastle and Chester-le-Street.[20] East Yorkshire Motor Services purchased a total of 60 Wright Eclipse Geminis on both the Volvo B7TL and B9TL chassis between 2005 and 2009, including four for its Manchester-based Finglands Coachways operation,[21][22][18] and Lincolnshire RoadCar took delivery of six Wright Eclipse Geminis on Volvo B7TL chassis for Lincolnshire InterConnect services in 2006.[23]

The Blazefield Group first ordered Wright Eclipse Geminis in 2003, ordering twelve Volvo B7TLs with high-specification interiors for use on The 36, serving Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds.[24] This was followed by a delivery of 16 Geminis on B7TL chassis in 2005 for use on The Witch Way, serving Burnley and Manchester.[25] Ten Wright Eclipse Geminis on Volvo B9TL chassis were later delivered to Yorkshire Coastliner in 2008.[26]

Smaller operators of Wright Eclipse Geminis included Yellow Buses, who took delivery of six B7TL Wright Eclipse Geminis,[27] and Wessex Bus, who took delivery of seven B9TL Geminis during 2007.[18]

The Wright Eclipse Gemini was also made available on the hybrid Volvo B5LH chassis in 2008. The first six hybrid Eclipse Geminis were delivered to Arriva London in 2009.[28][10]: 136 

Wright Explorer

[edit]
Kowloon Motor Bus Wright Explorer bodied Volvo Super Olympian

Between 2003 and 2005, Wrightbus bodied 100 Volvo Super Olympian chassis for Kowloon Motor Bus in Hong Kong; these received a modified version of the Eclipse Gemini body, initially marketed as The Wright Bus but later being renamed the Wright Explorer. The bodywork was modified to fit the Super Olympian chassis, with the most noticeable difference being the tri-axle layout.[29][30] The last Volvo Super Olympian to roll off the production line received Wright Explorer bodywork.[citation needed]

Subsequently, the Super Olympian was replaced by a tri-axle variant of the Volvo B9TL. Wrightbus offered similar tri-axle bodywork, which was unnamed and had slightly different rear styling, to the chassis. Deliveries commenced in 2006 with an initial batch of 64 Wright-bodied B9TLs.[31] After the introduction of Euro IV-engined Volvo B9TL, this bodywork became known as the Eclipse Gemini tri-axle, but no bodywork carrying this name were known to have been built.

Second generation (2008–2018)

[edit]
Lothian Buses Volvo B9TL with standard-height Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 body in June 2010
Arriva North West Volvo B5LH with low-roof version of the Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 body

The second generation Wright Eclipse Gemini, called the Eclipse Gemini 2, was launched in 2008 on Volvo B9TL and B5LH chassis. The Eclipse Gemini 2 features front and rear ends facelifted to match the Eclipse 2 single-decker, as part of Wrightbus' new design philosophy.[32] A low-roof version was introduced in 2012.

After having been a significant customer for Wright Eclipse Geminis, outside London, the FirstGroup ordered comparatively fewer Wright Eclipse Gemini 2s on the Volvo B9TL chassis. First West Yorkshire took the largest delivery of Gemini 2s in the group, with 47 delivered to the operator in 2012 following their use in London on shuttle services for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[10]: 184–185  Six were also delivered across two batches for First Berkshire's Green Line service 702 between 2011 and 2013,[10]: 178–179  while First Eastern Counties took delivery of 15 Gemini 2s for services in Norwich in 2012.[33]

Lothian Buses were a continuing customer for the Gemini body on Volvo B9TL chassis, purchasing 145 Gemini 2s from 2009 to 2011.[34][35] 14 of these were delivered in 2010 for Lothian's Airlink services, specified with luggage racks, free WiFi, tables and a route-branded livery.[36]

East Yorkshire Motor Services took delivery of twenty Gemini 2s in two batches in 2009.[37][38] Six more were delivered to the company in 2014, followed by three acquired from Volvo dealer stock in 2015.[39][40]

Delaine Buses took delivery of seven Wright Gemini 2s on Volvo B9TL chassis between 2011 and 2015, with Delaine's final example also being the last Volvo B9TL chassis and Wright Gemini 2 body built for the UK market.[41][42] Dublin Bus purchased 160 during 2012 and 2013.[citation needed]

The Volvo B5LH with Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork was popular with Arriva UK Bus, with 77 examples delivered to group subsidiaries between 2012 and 2013. 44 were delivered to Arriva North West, 33 of which were for use in Merseyside and the remaining eleven delivered for use in Manchester,[43][44][45] 12 were delivered to Arriva Yorkshire,[46] eleven were delivered to Arriva Southern Counties[47] and ten were delivered to Arriva North East.[48]

Elsewhere, operators of Volvo B5LHs with Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork include the Oxford Bus Company, who had nineteen low-roof examples delivered in 2013,[49][50][51] and National Express West Midlands, who had eighteen in two batches delivered between 2011 and 2013.[52][51] 22 were delivered to First West Yorkshire in 2011 for use on the Leeds guided busway,[53][54] while 14 were delivered to First Greater Manchester,[55] where four were also purchased that year by Bullocks Coaches for use on shuttle services along Oxford Road to the University of Manchester.[56][57] Smaller operators include Brighton & Hove, who had eleven delivered in 2012,[58] Preston Bus, who had eight delivered in 2013,[59][60][51] and Ensignbus, who had five delivered in 2012.[61]

Exports

[edit]
SBS Transit Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2

Like the Explorer, the Eclipse Gemini 2 was sold in Hong Kong, including a tri-axle variant that replaced the Explorer. Citybus, Kowloon Motor Bus, MTR Bus and New World First Bus purchasing examples.[62][63][64] In 2013, Kowloon Motor Bus purchased two extended 12.8 metre long demonstrators.[65][66] and was delivered in mid-2014. Citybus took an example of the 12.8 metres long as well and was delivered in late-2013, with build quality issues delaying the registration process and eventually put into service in March 2015. In 2017, the first demonstrator Volvo B8L for Kowloon Motor Bus was fitted with an Eclipse Gemini 2 body.

Between 2010 and 2017, SBS Transit and Land Transport Authority took delivery of 1,606 Eclipse Gemini 2 for Volvo B9TLs being delivered as knock-down kits and locally assembled by ComfortDelGro Engineering. They are operated by all public transport operators in Singapore (SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit and Go-Ahead).[67][68][69][70]

Third generation (2013–present)

[edit]
Dublin Bus Wright Gemini 3-bodied Volvo B5TL near Parnell Square in May 2019

The third generation Wright Eclipse Gemini, now called simply the Gemini 3, was launched in 2013 for the new Volvo B5TL chassis, the eventual replacement of the B9TL. The Gemini 3 also remained available on Volvo B5LH hybrid chassis. Some design features were taken from the New Routemaster, another Wrightbus design. The two most noticeable aesthetic changes were a substantial redesign of the rear end and the introduction of smaller upper deck windows to save weight; the front light clusters were also slightly redesigned, in order to incorporate separate LED daytime running lights for the first time.

The majority of orders for the pre-facelift Wright Gemini 3 were placed by Dublin Bus, who have taken over 600 of the type on from 2014 onwards, the majority of which were built on the Volvo B5TL chassis. Some of these have since transferred to Go-Ahead Ireland following the retendering of Dublin Bus services to the new company by the National Transport Authority.[71][page needed]

In London, pre-facelift Wright Gemini 3s on the Volvo B5LH chassis were delivered to Stagecoach London, who took delivery of 32 of the type in 2014 for service on route 53;[10]: 162–163 [72] these were subsequently disposed of to Arriva London in 2018.[73] Metroline, meanwhile, took delivery of 95 B5LHs with pre-facelift Wright Gemini 3 bodies,[10]: 109–112  and in 2015, London United took delivery of 28 Gemini 3s, with Tower Transit also taking delivery of eleven Gemini 3s.[10]: 68, 90 [74]

Lothian Buses purchased 25 pre-facelift Wright Gemini 3s on the Volvo B5TL chassis in 2014,[75] and Yellow Buses took delivery of eight Gemini 3s on Volvo B5TL chassis in 2015.[76][77] Delaine Buses purchased three Wright Gemini 3-bodied B5TLs between 2015 and 2017.[78]

2014 facelift

[edit]
Translink Metro Wright Gemini 3-bodied Volvo B5TL in Belfast
Lothian Buses Wright Gemini 3 open top-bodied Volvo B5TL in Edinburgh in June 2018

In 2014, to coincide with the launch of the integral Wright StreetDeck, the Gemini 3 underwent a facelift. Both the front and rear ends were substantially redesigned to match the StreetDeck.

Lothian Buses took delivery of a large number of facelift Wright Gemini 3s on the Volvo B5TL and B5LH chassis from 2015 until 2019, many of which were ordered through a four-year agreement signed in 2016 with Wrightbus to supply new buses to Lothian's fleet.[79][80] A majority of these Gemini 3s were delivered for the standard fleet to replace older buses,[81][82] however some were also delivered for use on Airlink and Skylink services, the latter of which was specified to operate B5LH hybrids.[83][84]

The facelift Wright Gemini 3 also can be configured as a purpose-built open top bus. The biggest customer for the open-top Gemini 3 is Lothian Buses, who took 30 examples for use on the company's City Sightseeing, Edinburgh Tour and Majestic Tour operations in 2016.[85] Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, meanwhile, received seven open-top Gemini 3s on the Volvo B5TL chassis for use on the operator's Lakesider sightseeing service in the Lake District in 2017,[86][87] and Stagecoach East received six B5TL Gemini 3 open-toppers in 2018 for its City Sightseeing operations in Cambridge.[88][89]

Translink, who were a launch customer for the facelift Wright Gemini 3, standardised on both pre and post-facelift Gemini 3s on the Volvo B5TL chassis, with a majority being delivered to Metro for use in Belfast.[90] Ten facelift Gemini 3s were also delivered in May 2017 for Airport Express services serving Belfast International Airport.[91]

Transdev Blazefield first took delivery of 14 high-specification facelift Gemini 3s on the Volvo B5TL chassis to upgrade their 36 service in 2016,[92] which was followed by the purchase of ten similar buses for the Yorkshire Coastliner service in 2016.[93][94] Both services received three more Gemini 3s in 2017.

First Greater Manchester purchased 20 facelift Gemini 3s on Volvo B5LH hybrid chassis in 2015 for use on Transport for Greater Manchester-contracted Vantage services on the Leigh-Salford-Manchester Bus Rapid Transit scheme, with five more acquired in 2016 to cope with increasing demand.[95][96] Arriva Merseyside also received 51 facelift Gemini 3s built with low-height bodies on the Volvo B5LH chassis between 2016 and 2017.[97] Smaller orders for the facelift Gemini 3 on the Volvo B5TL chassis, meanwhile, include the University of Wolverhampton, who took delivery of five Gemini 3s for shuttle services between the university's campuses in 2017,[98] and Sanders Services, who took delivery of two of the type in 2021.[99]

Exports

[edit]

The first three-axle Volvo B8L delivered to SBS Transit in Singapore in 2017 received a facelifted Gemini 3 bodywork and was registered as SG4003D. It failed trials in Singapore as a demonstrator for 3 years, and was subsequently bought by private operator A&S Transit (bus is now registered as PD169L).

Hong Kong's franchised bus operators have also placed orders for Volvo B8Ls with Gemini 3 bodywork – 200 for Kowloon Motor Bus, 10 for Long Win Bus, 46 for Citybus and 7 for New World First Bus. KMB's vehicles entered service in March 2018, with Citybus and New World First Bus's examples entering service in December 2019.[citation needed]

Hato Bus ordered 5 sightseeing buses in December 2018 on the twin-axle Scania K410EB chassis.[100] These were delivered sometime in 2020 and were unveiled in 2021.[101][102]

See also

[edit]

Competitors:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jones, Stuart (26 January 2016). "Transdev Harrogate redefines the 36". Bus & Coach Buyer. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  2. ^ "News in brief". Bus & Coach Professional. 13 October 2003. Archived from the original on 18 October 2003. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  3. ^ "Wrightbus announces new decker on Volvo B7L". Bus & Coach Professional. Archived from the original on 8 January 2001. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Route 6 & 52". london.gov.uk. 6 December 2006. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  5. ^ "Massive two-year order for First". Bus & Coach Professional. 9 July 2004. Archived from the original on 20 October 2007. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  6. ^ "First orders 320 Volvo/Wrights". Bus & Coach Professional. 20 March 2006. Archived from the original on 24 March 2006. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  7. ^ "First introduces its first Euro4 Eclipse Geminis". Buses. No. 628. Shepperton: Ian Allan Publishing. July 2007. p. 12. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  8. ^ "200 more buses for First Manchester". Bus & Coach Professional. 16 September 2009. Archived from the original on 15 December 2007. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  9. ^ a b Wharmby, Matthew (11 November 2021). The London Volvo B7TL. Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-52678-695-1. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Wharmby, Matthew (30 January 2020). The London Volvo B9TL & B5LH. Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-52674-963-5. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  11. ^ "Volvo's first Euro 4 on trial in London". Bus & Coach Professional. 18 July 2006. Archived from the original on 23 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  12. ^ "Lothian switches to Volvo/Wrights". Bus & Coach Professional. 1 April 2005. Archived from the original on 24 March 2006. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Lothian orders Euro 3 and Euro 4". Bus & Coach Professional. 7 February 2006. Archived from the original on 24 March 2006. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  14. ^ "Lothian adds more from Volvo and Scania". Bus & Coach Professional. 15 November 2006. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  15. ^ "NatEx orders 60 from Volvo/Wrightbus". Bus & Coach Professional. 11 April 2006. Archived from the original on 30 October 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  16. ^ Plisner, Peter (28 November 2004). "The Banana makeover". Bus & Coach Professional. No. 93. Retrieved 16 October 2022 – via TRID.
  17. ^ "1000th Gemini from Wrightbus". Bus & Coach Professional. 2004. Archived from the original on 6 December 2004. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  18. ^ a b c "More jobs at Wrightbus as orders flow in". Bus & Coach Professional. 3 July 2007. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  19. ^ Lyons, Mark (30 June 2022). "Go North East". The Go-Ahead Group: The First 25 Years. Key Publishing. ISBN 978-1-80282-082-9. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  20. ^ "Go North East upgrades with Wrightbus" (Press release). Ballymena: WrightGroup. 2 November 2005. Archived from the original on 9 November 2006. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  21. ^ Shipp, Peter (9 September 2009). "EYMS Group announces another big order for new buses" (Press release). Kingston upon Hull: EYMS Group. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  22. ^ Shipp, Peter (1 October 2007). "BIGGEST ever single bus order to bring 20 new buses in 2008" (Press release). Kingston upon Hull: EYMS Group. Archived from the original on 23 January 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  23. ^ Booth, Gavin (14 March 2006). "Making connections in Lincs". Bus & Coach Professional. Archived from the original on 28 May 2006. Retrieved 7 April 2023. Brian Souter of Stagecoach [...] was enthusiastic about the whole InterConnect concept, agreeing that the injection of new buses will help. Six new Volvo B7TL/Wright Eclipse Geminis are expected and Hill pulled out drawings of the livery that will be applied to these buses.
  24. ^ "News from Coach & Bus 2003". Bus & Coach Professional. Archived from the original on 29 December 2003. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  25. ^ "Upmarket deckers for Burnley services". Bus & Coach Professional. 15 August 2005. Archived from the original on 26 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  26. ^ "Blazefield takes 18 more Volvos". Bus & Coach Professional. 6 December 2007. Archived from the original on 29 December 2008. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  27. ^ "Wrightbus repeat order for Bournemouth" (Press release). Ballymena: WrightGroup. 25 February 2004. Archived from the original on 9 November 2006. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  28. ^ "Volvo hybrid double-deck handed over at historic venue". Fleet. 11 July 2009. Retrieved 5 August 2018.[dead link]
  29. ^ "Hong Kong breakthrough makes Wright Group" (Press release). Ballymena: WrightGroup. 4 December 2003. Archived from the original on 9 November 2006. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  30. ^ "The Wright Double Deck for KMB" (Press release). Ballymena: WrightGroup. 8 December 2003. Archived from the original on 9 November 2006. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  31. ^ "KMB place repeat Wright order" (Press release). Ballymena: WrightGroup. 10 February 2006. Archived from the original on 9 November 2006. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  32. ^ "New integrated Wrightbus double-deck". Bus & Coach Professional. 13 December 2007. Archived from the original on 17 December 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  33. ^ "New buses for UEA routes in Norwich". Eastern Daily Press. Norwich. 11 August 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  34. ^ "Latest order for 75 double decks further cements Lothian Buses' partnership with Volvo and Wrightbus" (Press release). Volvo Buses United Kingdom & Ireland. 6 March 2009. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  35. ^ NC Creative Group (6 June 2011). "Edinburgh branded Wrightbus deckers take to the road with Lothian". Intelligent Transport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  36. ^ "High-spec deckers for Edinburgh Airlinks". Bus & Coach Professional. 18 March 2010. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  37. ^ "More new buses for Hull roads" (Press release). Hull: EYMS Group. 30 June 2009. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  38. ^ "£1.75 million investment in buses for Hull" (Press release). Hull: EYMS Group. 9 September 2009. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  39. ^ "EYMS delivery includes its first MCV-bodied vehicles". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  40. ^ "Vehicle reliability keeps East Yorkshire Motor Services coming back to Volvo Bus" (Press release). Volvo Buses United Kingdom & Ireland. 24 August 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  41. ^ "Delaine Buses switches to Wrightbus". Bus & Coach Professional. 26 September 2011. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  42. ^ "Delaine Buses". Coach & Bus Week. No. 1182. Peterborough. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  43. ^ Challen, John (19 March 2013). "Arriva North West goes for 44 Volvo hybrid buses". Transport Engineer. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  44. ^ "Arriva invests £15.5m in green buses for NW". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 5 March 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  45. ^ Pattinson, Rob (9 March 2013). "Arriva unveils new cross-river service fleet of hybrid "green" buses in Birkenhead through £9m scheme". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  46. ^ "Arriva Yorkshire unveils fleet of 'Frankenbuses'". BBC News. 16 April 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  47. ^ Boyle, Danny (15 March 2013). "Arriva buses a breath of cleaner air in Maidstone". Kent Online. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  48. ^ "Arriva places £26.7m orders for 98 new greener buses" (Press release). Arriva UK Bus. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  49. ^ "2013 Volvo B5LH Wright Gemini 2 Bus - N1 OXF". Buses. Stamford: Key Publishing. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  50. ^ Ffrench, Andrew (16 February 2013). "Green vision sparks hybrid buses boost". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  51. ^ a b c "Low carbon buses part-funded through the Green Bus Fund" (PDF). parliament.uk. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  52. ^ Challen, John (1 April 2011). "National Express signs key Volvo Bus deal". Transport Engineer. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  53. ^ NC Creative Group (30 March 2011). "Wrightbus and Volvo continue to be backbone of FirstGroup bus fleet as 2011/12 vehicle orders are confirmed". Intelligent Transport. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  54. ^ "Leeds' new fleet of fuel-efficient buses hit the road". BBC News. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  55. ^ "First Manchester hybrids hit the road". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 22 November 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  56. ^ "Government confirms 175 'green' buses for two cities". Place North West. 6 April 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  57. ^ "New £1.2m hybrid bus fleet hits Oxford Road". University of Manchester. 15 March 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  58. ^ "Eleven new Volvo hybrid buses for Brighton & Hove" (Press release). Volvo Buses United Kingdom & Ireland. 3 December 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  59. ^ "Poignant Preston Bus handover for Volvo Bus Managing Director Steve Dewhurst" (Press release). Volvo Buses United Kingdom & Ireland. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  60. ^ "Preston trials radios". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough. 16 July 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  61. ^ "Ensign Bus adds hybrid Volvos". Bus & Coach Professional. 10 December 2012. Archived from the original on 15 December 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  62. ^ Weir, Clare (6 March 2014). "Ballymena's Wrightbus to build flatpack buses for Hong Kong". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  63. ^ "Wrightbus to assemble in Malaysia". Bus & Coach Professional. 6 March 2014. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  64. ^ "World News". Buses Worldwide. No. 208. April 2018. p. 45.
  65. ^ "KMB introduces Hong Kong's First and More Eco-Friendly 12.8 Metres Long Bus" (Press release). Kowloon Motor Bus. 2 June 2012. Archived from the original on 6 May 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  66. ^ "Higher Capacity Double Deck Evaluation Vehicle Delivered to KMB" (Press release). Ballymena: Wrightbus. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2018.[permanent dead link]
  67. ^ "First for Wrightbus". Bus & Coach Professional. 24 September 2010. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  68. ^ "Doing the Wright thing in Asia" (Press release). Wrightbus. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2018.[permanent dead link]
  69. ^ "Wrightbus International and Volvo Bus win fourth consecutive contract from SBS Transit Singapore". routeone. 9 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 May 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  70. ^ "415 Volvos for Singapore". Bus & Coach Buyer. 11 July 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  71. ^ Walter, Richard (15 March 2020). Dublin Buses. Stroud: Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4456-9196-1. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  72. ^ "Stagecoach London/Volvo B5LH Wrightbus". RouteOne. 2014. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  73. ^ "Four-year-old Wright-bodied Volvos to go". Buses. Stamford: Key Publishing. 18 October 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  74. ^ Timham, Brian (19 February 2015). "TfL specification Volvo hybrid buses for Tower Transit". Transport Engineer. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  75. ^ "Lothian Buses orders 25 Euro 6 Gemini double deckers". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  76. ^ Cork, Laura (8 April 2015). "Yellow Buses extends fleet with Euro 6 Volvo B5TL". Transport Engineer. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  77. ^ "Yellow Buses spend £1.6m". RouteOne. 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  78. ^ "Last of the classics". RouteOne. 6 December 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  79. ^ Sadler, Katie (1 November 2016). "Lothian Buses agrees 4 year deal with Wrightbus for up to 316 vehicles". Intelligent Transport. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  80. ^ "Lothian Buses and Wrightbus announce four year deal". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 8 November 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  81. ^ "Lothian's £6m gift for Edinburgh". RouteOne. 19 December 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  82. ^ "Lothian launches £6m Wrightbus fleet". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  83. ^ Cole, David (29 September 2015). "Doors Open Day". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  84. ^ Stephen, Phyllis (29 September 2017). "Lothian Buses roll out first of all-electric vehicles". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  85. ^ Cole, David (23 August 2016). "Fresher air on top". Bus & Coach Buyer. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  86. ^ "Stagecoach launches its first new UK open-toppers". Buses. Stamford: Key Publishing. 17 August 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  87. ^ "First open-top Gemini 3 Volvos for Stagecoach". RouteOne. 25 July 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  88. ^ "Stagecoach East's new City Sightseeing buses go 'greener'". Cambridge Network. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  89. ^ Beddall, David (30 August 2022). Cambus to Stagecoach East: A Fleet History, 1984–2020. Pen and Sword Transport. p. 126. ISBN 978-1-5267-8103-1. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  90. ^ "New Volvo / Wrightbus double-decks for Belfast". Bus & Coach Professional. 5 May 2017. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  91. ^ "Translink makes £2.3m upgrade to Airport Express". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  92. ^ Jones, Stuart (26 January 2016). "Transdev Harrogate redefines the 36". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  93. ^ Cole, David (13 December 2016). "Coastliner upgrades". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  94. ^ "£2.34m investment in Coastliner". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 13 December 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  95. ^ Peat, Chris (5 April 2016). "Busway begins". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  96. ^ "Extra buses added to cope with guided busway demand". Leigh Journal. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  97. ^ "Arriva Volvo hybrids arriving". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  98. ^ "Five Wright Eclipse Geminis for University of Wolverhampton". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  99. ^ Millar, Alan (7 August 2022). "The Rise of Wrights". Buses. No. 810. Stamford: Key Publishing. p. 60. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  100. ^ "Japanese Tour Operator orders Wright Open-tops". Buses Magazine. No. 765. Key Publishing. December 2018. p. 21.
  101. ^ "@HATOBUS_JP". Twitter (in Japanese). Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  102. ^ "@HATOBUS_JP". Twitter (in Japanese). Retrieved 31 March 2021.
[edit]

Media related to Wright Eclipse Gemini at Wikimedia Commons