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Wright Eclipse Gemini

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The Wright Eclipse Gemini is a double-decker body of a bus. It has a low-floor. It has been made from 2001 to the present day by Wrightbus.

Wright Eclipse Gemini
BV66VJN Go-Ahead London WHV122 Volvo B5LH with Wright Gemini 3 bodywork (52445287202).jpg
London General Volvo B5LH with Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 bodywork 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)

First generation (2001–2009)

For the Gemini body on the VDL/DAF DB250LF chassis, see Wright Pulsar Gemini.
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

From 2001 to 2009, Wrightbus made a double-decker body of a bus called the Wright Eclipse Gemini.

From 2001 to 2006, the Eclipse Gemini was built on the Volvo B7TL chassis.[2]

In 2007, the Volvo B7TL chassis was replaced with the Volvo B9TL chassis because the B7TL chassis had lots of noise complaints.[3]

In 2007, Wrightbus improved the Wright Eclipse Gemini to fit the new Volvo B9TL chassis. the rear destination number was moved to the right, the registration plate was moved to the top of the bus and the rear bottom window was made smaller.

From 2007 to 2009, the Eclipse Gemini was built on the Volvo B9TL chassis.[4][5]

Operators

United Kingdom

Volvo B7TL

Arriva London ordered 179 Volvo B7TLs with Eclipse Gemini 1 bodywork.

London Central and London General ordered 273 Volvo B7TL Gemini 1s.

From 2004 to 2007, First Glasgow, First West, First South Yorkshire, and First Leicester ordered Volvo B7TLs with Eclipse Gemini 1 bodywork.[6][7]

Volvo B9TL

SBS Transit Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2

In 2014, Citybus, Kowloon Motor Bus, MTR Bus and New World First Bus ordered Volvo B9TL Gemini 2s.[8][9][10]

From 2010 to 2017, SBS Transit and Land Transport Authority ordered 1,606 Volvo B9TL Gemini 2s, They were sent as knock-down kits and locally made by ComfortDelGro Engineering.[11][12][13][14] ±

Volvo B5LH

Arriva North West Volvo B5LH with low-roof version of the Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 body

From 2012 to 2013, Arriva UK bus ordered 77 Volvo B5LHs with Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork.

In 2013, Oxford Bus Company ordered 19 Volvo B5LH Gemini 2s.[21][22][23]

In 2011, First West Yorkshire ordered 22 Volvo B5LH Gemini 2s for use on the Leeds guided busway.[24][25]

In 2013, Preston Bus ordered 8 Volvo B5LH Gemini 2s.[26][27][23]

Hong Kong

In 2017, Kowloon Motor Bus ordered 200 Volvo B8Ls with Gemini 3 bodywork.

In 2017, Long Win Bus ordered 10 Volvo B8L Gemini 3s.

In 2017, Citybus ordered 46 Volvo B8L Gemini 3s.

In 2017, New World First Bus ordered 7 Volvo B8L Gemini 3s.

Wright Explorer

Kowloon Motor Bus Volvo Super Olympian with Wright Explorer bodywork

From 2003 to 2005, Wrightbus made a double-decker body of a bus called the Wright Explorer (previously called The Wright Bus[28][29]). It had three-axles and it had low-floor. It was made for the Hong Kong market.[28][29]

The Wright Explorer body was built on the Volvo Super Olympian chassis.[29]

Second generation (2008–2018)

For the Gemini 2 on VDL DB300 and diesel-electric hybrid chassis, see Wright Gemini 2.
Lothian Buses Volvo B9TL with standard-height Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 body in June 2010

From 2008 to 2018, Wrightbus made a double-decker body of a bus called the Wright Eclipse Gemini 2. It had a low-floor.

The Eclipse Gemini 2 body was built on the Volvo B9TL chassis[30][31][32] and the hybrid B5LH chassis.[33][34]

Third generation (2013–present)

Dublin Bus Volvo B5TL with Wright Gemini 3 bodywork near Parnell Square in May 2019

From 2013 to the present day, Wrightbus make a double-decker body of a bus called the Wright Eclipse Gemini 3. It has a low-floor.

The Eclipse Gemini 3 body is built on the Volvo B5TL chassis[35][36][37] and the hybrid Volvo B5LH chassis.[38][39][40]

Volvo B5TL

Lothian Buses open-top Volvo B5TL with Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 bodywork in Edinburgh in June 2018

From 2015 to 2019, Lothian Buses ordered Volvo B5TL and B5LH Gemini 3s.[41][42][43][44]

In 2019, Lothian Buses ordered 30 open top Volvo B5TL Gemini 3s for use on City Sightseeing, Edinburgh Tour and Majestic Tour services.[45]

In 2017, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire ordered 7 open-top Volvo B5TL Gemini 3s for use on the Lakesider sightseeing service in the Lake District.[46][47]

In 2017, Translink ordered 10 Volvo B5TL Gemini 3s for Airport Express services, these served Belfast International Airport.[48]

B5LH

In 2015, First Greater Manchester ordered 20 Volvo B5LH Gemini 3s for use on Vantage services. In 2016, they ordered five more Volvo B5LH Gemini 3s.[49][50]

2014 improvements

Translink Metro Volvo B5TL with Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 bodywork in Belfast

In 2014, the Eclipse Gemini 3 body was improved, it had new front headlamps, new grille, new front and rear bumpers, new rear lights and a new interior.

Japan

In 2018, Hato Bus ordered 5 Scania K410EB Gemini 3 sightseeing buses.[51]

±

Wright Eclipse Gemini Media

References

  1. ↑ Jones, Stuart (26 January 2016). "Transdev Harrogate redefines the 36". Bus & Coach Buyer. https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/transdev-harrogate-redefines-36/. Retrieved 17 November 2018. 
  2. ↑ "Wrightbus announces new decker on Volvo B7L". Bus & Coach Professional. http://www.busandcoach.com/latestnews.html. Retrieved 14 July 2022. 
  3. ↑ Route 6 & 52. london.gov.uk (6 December 2006). Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  4. ↑ Walter, Richard. The Buses of East Scotland (in en) (15 October 2020)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-4456-9640-9.
  5. ↑ Walter, Richard. Edinburgh Buses and Trams Since the 1990s (in en) (15 March 2025)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0713-7.
  6. ↑ "Massive two-year order for First". Bus & Coach Professional. 9 July 2004. http://www.busandcoach.com/newsstory.aspx?id=445. Retrieved 14 July 2022. 
  7. ↑ "First orders 320 Volvo/Wrights". Bus & Coach Professional. 20 March 2006. http://www.busandcoach.com/newsStory.aspx?id=681. Retrieved 14 July 2022. 
  8. ↑ Weir, Clare (6 March 2014). "Ballymena's Wrightbus to build flatpack buses for Hong Kong". Belfast Telegraph. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/ballymenas-wrightbus-to-build-flatpack-buses-for-hong-kong-30067879.html. Retrieved 5 August 2018. 
  9. ↑ "Wrightbus to assemble in Malaysia". Bus & Coach Professional. 6 March 2014. http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=8282&categoryid=0. Retrieved 5 August 2018. 
  10. ↑ "World News". Buses Worldwide (208): 45. April 2018. 
  11. ↑ "First for Wrightbus". Bus & Coach Professional. 24 September 2010. http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=4541&categoryid=1. Retrieved 5 August 2018. 
  12. ↑ Wrightbus (21 November 2012). "Doing the Wright thing in Asia". Press release. http://www.wrightbusinternational.com/news/news_item/Doing-the-Wright-thing-in-Asia. Retrieved 5 August 2018. 
  13. ↑ "Wrightbus International and Volvo Bus win fourth consecutive contract from SBS Transit Singapore". routeone. 9 July 2014. http://www.route-one.net/articles/Wrightbus_International_and_Volvo_Bus_win_fourth_consecutive_contract_from_SBS_Transit_Singapore. Retrieved 5 August 2018. 
  14. ↑ "415 Volvos for Singapore". Bus & Coach Buyer. 11 July 2014. https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/415-volvos-singapore/. Retrieved 5 August 2018. 
  15. ↑ Challen, John. Arriva North West goes for 44 Volvo hybrid buses. Transport Engineer (19 March 2013). Retrieved 26 August 2022.[dead link]
  16. ↑ "Arriva invests £15.5m in green buses for NW". Coach & Bus Week (Peterborough). 5 March 2013. https://cbwmagazine.com/arriva-invests-15-5m-in-green-buses-for-nw/. Retrieved 26 August 2022. 
  17. ↑ Pattinson, Rob (9 March 2013). "Arriva unveils new cross-river service fleet of hybrid "green" buses in Birkenhead through £9m scheme". Liverpool Echo. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/arriva-unveils-new-cross-river-service-3009300. Retrieved 27 August 2022. 
  18. ↑ "Arriva Yorkshire unveils fleet of 'Frankenbuses'". BBC News. 16 April 2013. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-22168757. Retrieved 27 August 2022. 
  19. ↑ Boyle, Danny (15 March 2013). "Arriva buses a breath of cleaner air in Maidstone". Kent Online. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/arriva-buses-a-breath-of-cleaner-a54863/. Retrieved 28 August 2022. 
  20. ↑ Arriva UK Bus (23 March 2012). "Arriva places £26.7m orders for 98 new greener buses". Press release. https://news.arriva.co.uk/news/arriva-places-26-7m-orders-for-98-new-greener-buses. Retrieved 27 August 2022. 
  21. ↑ "2013 Volvo B5LH Wright Gemini 2 Bus - N1 OXF". Buses (Stamford: Key Publishing). 16 July 2019. https://www.keybuses.com/article/2013-volvo-b5lh-wright-gemini-2-bus-n1-oxf. Retrieved 26 August 2022. 
  22. ↑ Ffrench, Andrew (16 February 2013). "Green vision sparks hybrid buses boost". Oxford Mail. https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10232859.green-vision-sparks-hybrid-buses-boost/. Retrieved 26 August 2022. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Low carbon buses part-funded through the Green Bus FundParliament of the United Kingdom. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  24. ↑ 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. https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/3697/wrightbus-and-volvo-continue-to-be-backbone-of-firstgroup-bus-fleet-as-201112-vehicle-orders-are-confirmed/. Retrieved 27 August 2022. 
  25. ↑ "Leeds' new fleet of fuel-efficient buses hit the road". BBC News. 13 August 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-14506441. Retrieved 27 August 2022. 
  26. ↑ Volvo Buses United Kingdom & Ireland (1 March 2013). "Poignant Preston Bus handover for Volvo Bus Managing Director Steve Dewhurst". Press release. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2013/mar/news-139780.html. Retrieved 26 August 2022. 
  27. ↑ "Preston trials radios". Bus & Coach Buyer (Peterborough). 16 July 2015. https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/preston-trials-radios/. Retrieved 26 August 2022. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :0.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1.
  30. ↑ Bartlett, Andrew. Buses Along the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole Harbour via Land's End: A History of the Past & a Guide to the Modern Day (in en) (30 January 2021)Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-5267-5543-8.
  31. ↑ Tucker, Peter. Urban Buses in Northern England: A Second View (in en) (15 April 2023)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-1348-0.
  32. ↑ Stubbings, Richard. Buses of Bristol and Somerset: Past and Present (in en) (15 March 2023)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0597-3.
  33. ↑ Jenkinson, Keith A.. Wrightbus: From 1946 to New Horizons (in en) (15 March 2020)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0389-4.
  34. ↑ Beddall, David. London's Low-floor Buses (in en) (15 November 2020)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0120-3.
  35. ↑ Jenkinson, Keith A.. Wrightbus: From 1946 to New Horizons (in en) (15 March 2020)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0389-4.
  36. ↑ Moth, David. East Anglia Buses (in en) (15 March 2025)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-1987-1.
  37. ↑ Squires, Tim. Stagecoach South West (in en) (15 August 2023)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-4456-8580-9.
  38. ↑ Tucker, Peter. Buses in Greater London (in en) (15 February 2024)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-1667-2.
  39. ↑ Walter, Richard. The Bus and Coach Today (in en) (15 September 2022)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0463-1.
  40. ↑ Walter, Richard. Edinburgh Buses and Trams Since the 1990s (in en) (15 March 2025)Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0713-7.
  41. ↑ Sadler, Katie (1 November 2016). "Lothian Buses agrees 4 year deal with Wrightbus for up to 316 vehicles". Intelligent Transport. https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/21059/lothian-buses-wrightbus/. Retrieved 23 July 2022. 
  42. ↑ "Lothian Buses and Wrightbus announce four year deal". Coach & Bus Week (Peterborough). 8 November 2016. https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-buses-and-wrightbus-announce-four-year-deal/. Retrieved 23 July 2022. 
  43. ↑ Lothian's £6m gift for Edinburgh. RouteOne (19 December 2016). Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  44. ↑ "Lothian launches £6m Wrightbus fleet". Coach & Bus Week (Peterborough). 20 December 2016. https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-launches-6m-wrightbus-fleet/. Retrieved 23 July 2022. 
  45. ↑ Cole, David. Fresher air on top (23 August 2016)Bus & Coach Buyer. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  46. ↑ "Stagecoach launches its first new UK open-toppers". Buses (Stamford: Key Publishing). 17 August 2017. https://www.keybuses.com/article/stagecoach-launches-its-first-new-uk-open-toppers. Retrieved 23 July 2022. 
  47. ↑ First open-top Gemini 3 Volvos for Stagecoach. RouteOne (25 July 2017). Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  48. ↑ "Translink makes £2.3m upgrade to Airport Express". Coach & Bus Week (Peterborough). 9 May 2017. https://cbwmagazine.com/translink-makes-2-3m-upgrade-to-airport-express/. Retrieved 19 July 2022. 
  49. ↑ Peat, Chris (5 April 2016). "Busway begins". Bus & Coach Buyer (Peterborough). https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/busway-begins/. Retrieved 22 July 2022. 
  50. ↑ "Extra buses added to cope with guided busway demand". Leigh Journal. 28 September 2016. https://www.leighjournal.co.uk/news/14769152.extra-buses-added-to-cope-with-guided-busway-demand/. Retrieved 22 July 2022. 
  51. ↑ "Japanese Tour Operator orders Wright Open-tops". Buses Magazine (Key Publishing) (765): 21. December 2018. 

Other websites

Media related to Wright Eclipse Gemini at Wikimedia Commons

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