| We had been advised that two new minibuses were on order for the Elizabeth Line, to replace VW Transporters 8651VW and 8652VW, and it appeared that these would be numbered 9465 and 9466 (with 9461-9464 and 9467-9486 already allocated here). However, when the minibuses eventually turned up in spring 2026, we were rather surprised to find that they carried numbers 9833 and 9834. Given that the highest number otherwise reported in use at the time was 9533F, it seemed likely that incorrect numbers had been applied. Either that or a whole load of other vehicles have been ordered! Another surprise was that the minibuses were Vauxhall products (Vivaro-E electrics), bringing the V suffix back into use after a gap of two years. Vauxhall was a major supplier to the central fleet until early 2012, after which just six Vauxhall Movano minibuses had been taken (arriving in 2014-2017 and disposed of in 2019-2024). The two new minibuses were seen through the fence at Plumstead Depot on 14th April 2026, with 9833V on the right and 9834V on the left, the latter being the first 26-reg vehicle reported for the central fleet. One of the Renault Kangoo electric crew vans is also in evidence. |
| Photographer: |
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Photo ID: |
8366 |
| Photo date: |
14/04/2026 |
Size: |
Regular. An extra large copy of this photo is available. |
| Subject/s: |
9834V (KM26OGR)
9833V (YO75GNU)
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| Location/s: |
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| Tags: |
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| Date added: |
24/05/2026 |
