The
Goldline Story – Volvo makes a comeback contributed by Will
Hughes
After receiving the two batches of Scania K94/Irizar Intercentury
vehicles for the “Goldline” fleet, it came as something
of a surprise when the next order for “Goldline”
coaches was announced as being 20 Volvo B10B with Sunsundegui
Sideral 2000 C53FL bodies. They were the first vehicles to be
supplied to Ulsterbus with the Spanish Sunsundegui body and were
also the first coaches in the fleet to make provision for the
carriage of wheelchair passengers.
Fleet numbers allocated were 1767 – 86 and they were
registered REZ 9767 – 86. They were new in 2/08 (1769/71/2),
3/08 (1767/8/81), 4/08 (1770/3-80/2-4/6) or 5/08 (1785) and
initial allocations were Great Victoria Street [V] 1767 –
71, Downpatrick [DP] 1772/3/83, Coleraine [CL] 1774/5, Omagh [OM]
1776/7, Londonderry [LD] 1778 – 80/5, Armagh [AM] 1781/2 and
Enniskillen [E] 1784/6.
1786 (REZ 9786) seen here at Coleraine on 13/7/15 whilst
on a private hire connected with the annual 12th July
demonstrations. © Will Hughes
The wheelchair space was accessed by way of the additional hinged
door situated behind the front nearside wheel arch using a
retractable underfloor mounted wheelchair lift.
In 2012 fourteen of the batch were hired to Stagecoach Events,
London for use at the London Olympics, 1772 – 4/6 – 86.
They were allocated Stagecoach fleet numbers 81772 – 4/6
– 86 and all had to have local branding removed before
departing for London. The contract commenced on 6/7/12 and ran
until 17/9/12 when the vehicles returned to Northern Ireland.
These have without doubt proved to be extremely popular and
reliable vehicles, accumulating huge mileages in their eleven
years of front line service. In 2018 it was decided to give them
major life extension overhauls which included major chassis, body
and mechanical attention but also included the fitting of leather
seating incorporating USB ports for Wi-Fi.
1771 (REZ 9771) seen undergoing its major life extension
overhaul at the Citybus Falls Park workshops on 29/9/18. © Will
Hughes
A further four vehicles were ordered at the same time for use by
the tour pool. This time the chassis chosen was the mid-engine
Volvo B12M fitted with Sunsundegui Sideral 2000 C48FT bodies.
Fleet numbers allocated were 124 – 7 and they were to
receive the “cherished” registrations IXI 1000/1 and
LXI 1100/11 which were transferred from Alexander (Belfast)
“N” type Leyland Tigers. In the event all four were
rejected by Ulsterbus and never taken into stock following
problems getting them certified for use in Northern Ireland. It
is believed that their gross unladen weight exceeded that
permitted for two axle coaches in Northern Ireland. All were
returned to Volvo and after modifications they were eventually
sold on the mainland private operators. One did eventually see
use in Northern Ireland when it was sold to a local private
operator.