London's Smaller Bus Types Since 1986

Since the introduction of the B-type with London General in the 1900s, certain types of buses have proved popular with London operators over others. AEC, Leyland and MCW buses proved popular with London Transport, with the Dennis Dart and the Leyland / Volvo Olympian becoming popular with London operators since the 1980s. Dennis’ presence continued to dominate the London scene with the Trident, and then later Alexander Dennis with it’s Enviro range. Volvo also capitalised on the low-floor market with the popular B7TL, B9TL and B5LH models amongst others. Both Volvo and Dennis also made other types which were taken into stock in smaller quantities by London operators. These, alongside other models from Wrightbus, Optare, MCW, Renault, Mercedes-Benz and MAN, also plyed for hire on the streets of London. It is these types of buses that were taken into stock by London operators in smaller quantities that is the focus of London’s smaller bus types since 1986.