(25/2/2015) Arriva London DAF DB250LF DLA173 W373VGJ on Route 417 to Crystal Palace

As of the time of filming, DLA173 is the oldest member of the DLA class that is still running on regular TfL services (I term them as "TfL DLAs"). It is also one of the only 3 TfL DLAs still have their wheelchair space on the left (probably as well as one of the only 4 TfL double deckers with this arrangement--the 4th one is PVL115 which is the only TfL bus with central staircase now).
Perhaps DB250LF is not as successful as Trident and B7TL, it is however the most comfortable low floor double decker in my point of view. Its suspension is relatively soft, which may cause more roll than the latter ones, but it also eliminated the annoying shocks and bumps. In addition, it doesn't rattle like B7TL (especially those with Plaxton President bodywork in Metroline fleet!). The ride quality, as well as the whines from Voith gearbox and GKN drive axle, resemble some characteristics of Dennis Dominator and MCW Metrobus (my favourites!).
The only 2 things that I don't like about DB250LF are the long front overhang and the step right behind the exit door. Its front overhang (2729mm on early examples) is much longer than contemporary buses (around 2400mm), and it is even longer than that of Enviro400 (2650mm)! It seems ridiculous not to fit any seats on the front wheel arch. And for the step, it effectively separated the lower saloon into 2 parts and discouraged passengers from moving to the rear of the bus, which is annoying when the bus is crush loaded.
Anyway, DB250LFs are still the most enjoyable low floor buses I have ever tried. Sadly DLAs are withdrawing from London quickly.
Feel free to leave comments! (External mic was used to enhance sound quality. Sorry for the short video since there were too many passengers and noise before I could start filming.)

[@LondonTransportMaster]

The memories 😍

[@BusesinLondon345]

IKR

[@LondonTransport466]

DB250LFs are definitely my favourite sounding London Double Deckers!

[@LJ07EBP]

It's the best sounding chassis out there

[@abdulahmed9706]

Used to love going to school in these, a primary school memory

[@BusesinLondon345]

I had these on 160 when I went to school in Eltham and they were great :-)

[@LeeLee-jv3rp]

I honestly just LOVE the musical tune-sound in the engine at 1:09 as it drives up the hill - you should have recorded this journey during the hill climb on the way to and past Salter's Hill Bus Stop just so that I can listen to the musical tune in the engine, before even reaching Hermitage Road!!. 😉😀👍

[@NLTJ]

Seriously are YOU that thick!!! Couldn't you have read the description! There's a reason why he couldn't record much footage.

[@richlsmith1]

I own this bus, its up in liverpool and will be transformed to a pub, it will still be drivable

[@abdulahmed9706]

Shane they arent around anymore

[@abelbirhanu7356]

How many routes has arriva lost? 0:25 my friend use to live in one of the flats

[@AzzY300689]

W372 is now with pilkingtonbus, Accrington

[@olubunmiosituwo9051]

Its not W372 its W373

[@AzzY300689]

@@olubunmiosituwo9051 I know, I was informing other people that it’s sister bus still survives. 😀

[@olubunmiosituwo9051]

You mean E400 Ts or Volvo President DLPs?

[@ChilternTransportProductions]

@@olubunmiosituwo9051 Volvo President DLPs? Arriva London never had any Volvo presidents, only DAF ones

[@Sholly141]

when is this going out of london service (date)?

[@FF3170]

Sadly, from the record of www.londonvf.co.uk/, DLA173 has been out of service since 7 March, when Arriva lost route 415 to Abellio. I saw it staying with dozens of DLAs (as well as training buses) and DW (DB250LF) in Norwood garage on 11 March.

[@Sholly141]

they are still there in the garage of 24.03.15

[@FF3170]

LondonBuses68 9 Oh I didn't see DLA173 (did you mean it?) there on 23 March. There seemed to be more training buses and fewer red ones (perhaps they moved to the back) than my last visit.
I just heard that route 432 will be passed to Go-Ahead on 4 April (how come Arriva keeps losing routes?), so the chance to see a face-to-face seating DLA would be even smaller...

[@TheUnknown313]

FF3170 Arriva already lost 4 routes in North London as well! Wonder what's going on there?

[@Sholly141]

FF3170 Yes DLA173 is still there, just saw it today

[@edwinliang4288]

DAF把聲都幾似ATR同MCW