Ulsterbus Fleet News 2007
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05/12/07 - Dates of entry in to service for the latest intake of new vehicles are:
Volvo B7R/Wrightbus
B66FL (201-310) B62FL (311-360)Volvo B9TL/Wrightbus H75F+4 298
304
311
300
299
305
314
316
318
319
283
315
317
322
320
321
303
312
323
297
310
324OEZ 7298
OEZ 7304
PEZ 9311
OEZ 7300
OEZ 7299
OEZ 7305
PEZ 9314
PEZ 9316
PEZ 9318
PEZ 9319
OEZ 7283
PEZ 9315
PEZ 9317
PEZ 9322
PEZ 9320
PEZ 9321
OEZ 7303
PEZ 9312
PEZ 9323
OEZ 7297
OEZ 7310
PEZ 9324Londonderry
Omagh
Enniskillen
Londonderry
Ballymena
Craigavon
Dungannon
Coleraine
Newry
Newry
Enniskillen
Dungannon
Armagh
Ballymena
Coleraine
Coleraine
Omagh
Larne
Larne
Ballymena
Newtownards
Magherafelt02.11.07
02.11.07
02.11.07
07.11.07
14.11.07
14.11.07
14.11.07
14.11.07
14.11.07
14.11.07
22.11.07
22.11.07
22.11.07
22.11.07
23.11.07
23.11.07
26.11.07
26.11.07
26.11.07
27.11.07
28.11.07
30.11.072237
2238
2240
2241
2242
2243
2236
2244
2245OEZ 7237
OEZ 7238
OEZ 7240
OEZ 7241
OEZ 7242
OEZ 7243
OEZ 7236
OEZ 7244
OEZ 7245Lisburn
Lisburn
Londonderry
Londonderry
Londonderry
Londonderry
Downpatrick
Coleraine
Coleraine16.11.07
22.11.07
22.11.07
22.11.07
26.11.07
26.11.07
28.11.07
28.11.07
28.11.07Tiger 1079 was returned to service on 10th November, whilst Gardner engined 2609/13 have also returned to service with Metro. Unsurprisingly a large number of Tigers were detaxed at the end of the month: 341 (Larne), 351 (Ballymena), 428 (Omagh), 447 (Londonderry), 449 (Londonderry), 485 (Downpatrick), 492 (Dungannon), 494 (Bangor), 496 (Dungannon), 497 (Gt. Victoria St.), 1001 (Newcastle), 1006 (Lisburn), 1009 (Gt. Victoria St.), 1021 (Omagh), 1031 (Londonderry), 1065 (Ballymena), 1072 (Craigavon), 1078 (Newry), 1079 (Bangor), 1098 (Gt. Victoria St.), 1100 (Londonderry), 1118 (Dungannon), 1119 (Dungannon), 1161 (Ballymena). Similar buses withdrawn completely are 356 (Bangor) and 383 (Coleraine) both with mechanical failures. Just 3 examples of the DXI batch remain in use with Ulsterbus: 357 at Armagh and 368/9 at Derry. As has been usual lately a large number of vehicles have been on the move: 2401 Bangor - Newtownards, 2402 Bangor - Newtownards, 1012 Coleraine - Craigavon, 1023 Ennsikillen - Bangor, 1074 Craigavon - Bangor, 1648 Gt. Victoria St. - Newry, 1855 Newtownards - Metro (Gt. Victoria St.), 1875 Bangor - Newtownards, 1497 Lisburn - Dungannon, 1229 Enniskillen - Craigavon, 1054 Londonderry - Dungannon, 1160 Coleraine - Gt. Victoria St., 1164 Coleraine - Gt. Victoria St., 1032 Downpatrick - Newcastle, 1358 Newtownards - Bangor, 1349 Downpatrick - Bangor, 1649 Bangor - Downpatrick and 440 - Coleraine - Newtownards.
02/12/07 - New vehicles to enter service during November are 283 (E), 299 (BM), 304 (OM), 310 (LR), 314/5 (DG), 316 (CL), 317 (AM), 318/9 (NY), 320/1 (CL), 322 (BM). Mark II Goldliners reseated to B63F ex C49F are 1352/3/5/9 in 10/07 (1352/5) or 11/07 (1353/9). News of former vehicles is Leopard/Plaxton 566 (AJD 166T, as 79-KY-600) was withdrawn by Fitzpatrick, Listowel in 5/07; Dart/Wright 602/19 (CAZ 6602/19) have passed to Midland Rider, Oldbury ex Chalkwell, Sittinbourne; DAF/Plaxton 679 (SXI 1679) has passed to Tobin, Newmarket on Fergus ex Kelleher, Tipperary and has now been registered 90-CE-4672 whilst similar 685 (RXI 6685, ex D360 PJA) is now with Red Route, Northfleet ex Griffen, Dunton Green; Volvo B10M/Plaxton 1553/73 (DAZ 1553/73), 1586/93/4/6 (EAZ 2586/93/4/6), 1600 (EAZ 2600) have all been reseated to C70F ex C53F with Edwards, Llantwit Fardre and finally RELL 2395 (UOI 2395) has passed from Andrews, South Mimms to Mike Nash, Ockley for preservation.
16/11/07 - Service 200 is further enhanced from this Sunday, with departures every hour 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally 2 journeys on Service 240 (Downpatrick - Newry) are extended to/from Dublin.
15/11/07 - Five more schoolruns released to traffic yesterday were:- 299 (Ballymena), 314 (Dungannon), 316 (Coleraine) and 318/9 (Newry).
14/11/07 - Further B7R/WrightBus to enter service are 298 (Derry) and 304 (Enniskillen) on 2/11, 300 (Derry) on 7/11 and 305 (Craigavon) on 14/11, alonmg with the first of the next batch, 311 at Enniskillen on 2/11. This batch are 62 seaters, there being no seats at the wheelchair lift position. Two Tigers to be returned to service on 2/11 are 441 (NC) and 1013 (BG). Also making an unexpected return to service is Scania/Irizar demonstrator 2035 at Derry. Volvo/Plaxton coach 692 is yet another of this flammable type to suffer serious fire damage and its future is now in doubt. Volvo/Wrights 2835/6 have been loaned to Citybus (SS) from 8/11 and 9/11 respectively. Further Tigers sold to Hamills for scrap are 376/86/91, 455/82/9, 1004 and 1113/51. Registrations REZ 9767-86 have been reserved for the 20 new Volvo B12B Goldline coaches (1767-86). Service revisions in the Bangor area next Monday see a number of journeys on service 3 (Bangor - Donaghadee) extended to Ballywalter, the introduction of evening route B5 (Bus Station - Towerview - Ashbury - Bexley), and the extension of service 301B (Bangor - Holywood) to Holywood Exchange.
04/11/07 - More new vehicles arriving during October were B9TL/Wrightbus H75F+4 2234 (OEZ 7234 - Antrim - 08/10) and 2235 (Newcastle 09/10) along with B7R/Wrightbus B66FL 275 (NEZ 9275 - Craigavon - 25/10), 289 (OEZ 7289 - Ballymena - 10/10), 282 (Magherafelt - 12/10), 294 (Downpatrick - 12/10), 296 (Newcastle - 12/10), 308 (Enniskillen - 12/10), 309 (Derry - 12/10), 280/1 (Antrim - 17/10), 290 (Newry - 17/10), 295 (Newcastle - 17/10) and 288 (Ballymena - 29/10). A number of Tigers have also returned to service: 1001 (Newcastle 4/10), 485 (Downpatrick 15/10), 497 (GVS 17/10) and 356 (Bangor 23/10). Unsurprisingly quite a number of similar vehicles were put in to Reserve at the end of October: 454/1079 (Newry), 465/1089 (Dungannon), 490/1087/96 (Craigavon), 1011/58/69 (Derry), 1013/63 (Ballymena), 1109 (Newcastle), along with the final Gardner engined example 2609 (Ballymena) and TE's 515/20 (Driving School). A number of Tigers have also been withdrawn: 424/46 (Ballymena), 480 (Newcastle), 1016 (Downpatrick), 1113 (Armagh) and 1171 (GVS), the last 2 with accident damage. On the move are: 1172 (Active Reserve - Craigavon), 766 (Derry City - Londonderry), 1044 (Enniskillen - Armagh), 1074 (Downpatrick - Craigavon), 1088 (Magherafelt - Ballymena), 1201/93 (Londonderry - Derry City), 2408 (Derry City - Londonderry), 493/4 (Omagh - Bangor), 1081 (Antrim - Craigavon), 1022 (Ballymena - Dungannon), 243 (Magherafelt - Antrim), 2234 (Antrim - Magherafelt), 1321 (Newcastle Gt. - Victoria St.), 1013 (Antrim - Ballymena), 525 (Driving School - Gt. Victoria St.), 694 (Enniskillen - Driving School). Sales see 476/80/1016/55/71 going to Hamill for scrap, 433 to St Malachys Primary School (smartly repainted two tone green), 424 to Collins, Ballymena (in place of 386) and 446 to Dervock Community Association. Finally, Scania/Irizar demonstrator 2035 has been returned to it's owner.
26/10/07 - The second group of 40 B9TL/Wrightbus Gemini will be registered PEZ 7261-7300.
25/10/07 - Volvo B7R's 311-60 will take registrations PEZ 9311-60, so it looks like delivery will commence pretty much immediately after the current batch. Dennis Dart/Wright 612 (CAZ 6612) has been re-registered L106 WSW with Dumfries & Galloway Regional Council. DAF/Duple 685 (RXI 6685, ex D360 PJA) has passed back to Wealdon, Five Oak Green ex Griffin, Dunton Green. More Mark IV Volvo/Plaxtons traced are 1555 (DAZ 1555) to Amvale, Grimsby and 1573 (DAZ 1573), 1586 (EAZ 2586), 1593 (EAZ 2593) and 1596 (EAZ 2596) to Edwards, Llantwit Fardre, leaving just 1560 (DAZ 1560) to be found. Bristol RE's 2367 (UOI 2367) and 2588 (BXI 2588) have passed to UK Bus Dismantlers, Bromyard ex S & A Produce, Marden while sisters 2368/85 (UOI 2368/85) and 2450/2 (WOI 2450/2) have passed to the same dealer from Nocton, Camborne. Two disposals from some years ago which have just come to light. 1383 (BOI 1383) and 1940 (KOI 9940) passed to Wilson, Inverin ex Chambers, Moneymore becoming 71-G-22 and 76-G-107 respectively. 1383 had gone from Wilson by 8/96 and 1940 by11/94, both presumed scrapped.
16/10/07 - B10M 1509 (Enniskillen) has been maliciously destroyed in Fivemiletown. Scanias 751 (Ards) and 830 (Derry) have gained overall advertisements for the NI Fire & Rescue Service.
09/10/07 - More recent new arrivals are :
B7R/Wrightbus 252 (NEZ 9252) at Craigavon - 05/09/07, 255/6 Antrim - 14/09/07, 262 Lisburn - 05/09/07, 271 Magherafelt - 14/09/07, 273 Coleraine - 26/09/07, 274 Craigavon - 17/09/07, 275 Craigavon - 03/10/07, 276 (OEZ 7276) Armagh - 24/09/07, 278 Armagh - 14/09/07, 284/5 Coleraine - 11/09/07, 286 Coleraine - 04/10/07, 287 Ballymena - 04/10/07, 291 Newry - 04/10/07, 292/3 Downpatrick - 04/10/07, 301/2 Omagh - 04/10/07, 306 Craigavon - 04/10/07, 307 Enniskillen - 04/10/07
B9TL/Wrightbus 2229/30 (OEZ 7229) Londonderry - 06/09/07, 2226/7 GVS - 12/09/07, 2228/31 Omagh - 21/09/07, 2232 Larne - 21/09/07 and 2233 Magherafelt - 27/09/07.
Numbers reserved for future arrivals are 1767-86 for the B12B/Sunsundegui Goldliners and 124-7 for Volvo touring toaches. A number of Tigers have returned to service recently: 457 Larne (03/09/07), 403 Craigavon (12/09/07), 449 Londonderry (26/09/07), 1090 Newcastle (26/09/07), 1217 Larne (27/09/07), 485 Downpatrick (05/10/07) and 1001 at Newcastle on 4/10/07. Against these a more of Tigers have been taken out of use and placed in Reserve: 457/1082 (Larne), 485 (Coleraine - subsequently returned to service at DP), 497 Omagh, 1001 (Armagh - subsequently returned to service at NC), 1024/55/67 Gt. Victoria St., 1035/52/3 Craigavon, 1093 Coleraine, 1110 Lisburn and 2608 Antrim (leaving 2609 at Ballymena the sole Gardner engined example left).
Tigers 1075 (Derry) and 1113 (Armagh) have been withdrawn with accident damage, with 1171 at GVS also damaged and possibly withdrawn. The last converted Mark IV Goldliner returned to service in Sepnember - 1626 along with the first converted Mark II (as B63F) - 1354 (TXI 1354).
Moves see the following: 644 (Bangor - Newtownards), 1380 (Newtownards - Bangor), 1856 (Bangor - Newtownards), 1649 (Downpatrick - Bangor), 1033 (Active Reserve - Craigavon), 3113 (Newry - Londonderry), 490 (Magherafelt - Craigavon), 1112 (Armagh - Gt. Victoria St.), 1166 (Omagh- Armagh), 1601 (Gt. Victoria St.- Lisburn), 749 (Bangor - Newtownards), 1135 (Newtownards - Bangor), 1354 (Newtownards- Bangor) and 1380 (Bangor - Newtownards).
Further sales are 433 (KEZ 5805, ex GXI 433) to St. Malachy's Primary School, Belfast; 367/422/70/3/6/89/1034/73/1102 to Hamill, Ahoghill as scrap; 386 to Collins, Ballymena and finally former Ballymena Leopard/Alexander y-type towcar 1882 to Shannon, Newtownards for preservation.
14/09/07 - Early September saw no less than 62 vehicles entering service:
B7R/Wrightbus B66FL: 211 (MEZ 7211) Downpatrick, 213 Enniskillen, 214/5 Omagh, 216 Dungannon, 217/8 Lisburn, 219/20 Magherafelt, 221 Coleraine, 222/3 Dungannon, 224/5/6 Armagh, 227/8/9 Ballymena, 230/1 Larne, 232/3 Newry, 234/5/6 Newcastle, 237/8 Downpatrick, 239/40 Lisburn, 241/2/3 (NEZ 9241) Magherafelt, 244/5/6/7/ Londonderry, 248/9/50 Enniskillen, 251 Craigavon, 254 Antrim, 257/8/9 Newry, 260/1/3/4 Lisburn, 265/6 Newtownards, 267/8/9 Newry, 270 Magherafelt, 272 Coleraine, 277 (OEZ 7277) Armagh and 279 Antrim.
B9TL/Wrightbus H45/30F+4: 2221/2/3/4/5 (OEZ 7221) Gt. Victoria St.
A number of Tigers were also returned to service: 351 (Ballymena), 390 (Newcastle), 413/47/61/8/1011/26/58 (Derry), 488 (Coleraine), 490 (Magherafelt), 1013 (Antrim) with 341 also returning to use at Larne from the Driving School. Detaxed to reserve at the end of August are Tigers 356 (Downpatrick), 386 (Driving School), 457/1014/1217 (Larne), 464/7 (Craigavon), 1050/1 (Lisburn), 1073 (Craigavon), B10M 1658 (Ballymena - with fire damage), Scania 2468 (Coleraine - with accident damage) and most of the remaining Gardner engined Tigers: 2604/5/10 (Derry) and 2613/29 (Derry City). Transfers see the following: 1419 Newtownabbey - Londonderry, 1649 Bangor - Downpatrick, 1824 Enniskillen - Larne, 1055 Newcastle - Gt. Victoria St., 1602 Gt. Victoria St. - Newcastle, 458 Newry - Armagh, 496 Enniskillen - Dungannon, 497 Armagh - Omagh, 507 Glengall St. - Driving School, 520 Lisburn - Driving School, 524 Magherafelt - Driving School, 525 Newcastle - Driving School, 650 Newcastle - Lisburn, 1005 Lisburn - Craigavon, 1007 Lisburn Gt. - Victoria St., 1033 Downpatrick - Active Reserve (CG), 1063/5 Enniskillen - Ballymena, 1067 Newtownards - Gt. Victoria St., 1068 Lisburn - Newcastle, 1087 Magherafelt - Craigavon, 1109 Newry - Newcastle, 1118 Newry - Dungannon, 1161 Newtownards - Ballymena, 1171 Newry - Gt. Victoria St., 1321 Antrim - Newcastle, 1377 Antrim - Ballymena, 1511 Armagh - Gt. Victoria St., 1512 Armagh - Gt. Victoria St., 1547 Newcastle - Newtownabbey, 1548 Newcastle - Newtownabbey, 1659 Newry - Lisburn, 1824 Larne - Enniskillen, 2316/7 Newcastle - Armagh, 2320/1 Newcastle - Dungannon, 2921/2/35/6 GVS - Metro. Notably all the TE's remaining in use had moved to the Driving School, although 524 has since gone to Ballymena to replace 1658. Probably the most interesting news in a hectic month is the conversion of Tiger 1060 for towing (at Ballymena), the first of this type of vehicle to be done.
29/08/07 - Deliveries of B7R's continue to flood in from Wrightbus, with the first of the B9TL deckers ready also. Allocations for the 110 Schoolbuses and the first 60 B9s should be as follows:
B7R/Wrightbus
Newtownards 201/2 (MEZ 7201) 265/6 (NEZ 9265)
Lisburn 203/17/8/38/9 (MEZ 7203) 260/1/2/3/4 (NEZ 9260)
Coleraine 204/5/21 (MEZ 7204) 272/3 (NEZ 9260) 284/5/6 (OEZ 7284)
Antrim 206/7 (MEZ 7206) 254/5/6 (NEZ 9254) 279/80/1 (OEZ 7279)
Derry 208/9 (MEZ 7208) 244/5/6/7 (NEZ 9244) 297/8/9/300 (OEZ 7297)
Downpatrick 210/1/37/8 (MEZ 7210) 292/3/4 (OEZ 7292)
Enniskillen 212/3 (MEZ 7212) 248/9/50 (NEZ 9248) 307/8 (OEZ 7308)
Omagh 214/5 (MEZ 7214) 301/2/3/4 (OEZ 7301)
Dungannon 216/22/3 (MEZ 7216) 270/1 (NEZ 9270)
Magherafelt 219/20 (MEZ 7219) 241/2/3 (NEZ 9214) 282/3 (OEZ 7282)
Armagh 224/5/6 (MEZ 7224) 276/7/8 (OEZ 7276)
Ballymena 227/8/9 (MEZ 7227) 287/8/9 (OEZ 7287)
Larne 229/30 (MEZ 7229) 309/10 (OEZ 7309)
Newry 232/3 (MEZ 7232) 257/8/9/67/8/9 (NEZ 9257) 290/1 (OEZ 7290)
Newcastle 234/5/6 (MEZ 7234) 295/6 (OEZ 7295)
Craigavon 251/2/3/74/5 (NEZ 9251) 305/6 (OEZ 7305)
B9TL/Wrightbus
GVS 2221/2/3/4/5/6 (OEZ 7221)
Derry 2227/8/9/30/1/2/40/1/2/3/54/5/6/7/8 (OEZ 7227)
Antrim 2233/4 (OEZ 7233)
Armagh 2235/6 (OEZ 7235)
Lisburn 2237/8/9 (OEZ 7237) 2276/7
Coleraine 2244/5/60/1/2/3 (OEZ 7244)
Ballymena 2246/7 (OEZ 7246)
Downpatrick 2248/9 (OEZ 7248)
Omagh 2250/1/2/3 (OEZ 7250) 2267/8/9/80
Newcastle 2258/9 (OEZ 7258)
Magherafelt 2264/5
Dungannon 2270/1
Craigavon 2272/3/4/5
Newtownards 2278/9
09/08/07 - It is belived that an order is to be placed for 20 Goldline coaches to be supplied by Volvo/Sunsundegui.
07/08/07 - Dart 650 returned to service at the start of July at Newcastle, along with Tiger 1056 and B10M 1512, both at Armagh. 1056 was replaced at the end of the month by 497. Also now in Reserve are Tiger 379/99/1042/3 (GVS) and 390 (Downpatrick). The GVS ones will be replaced by the first 6 Geminii's, 2221-6. Moves last month see the following: 1627 (Newry - Ballymena), 1649 (Bangor - Downpatrick), 2777 (Downpatrick - Newcastle), 1235 (Lisburn - Dungannon), 1089 (Magherafelt - Dungannon), 1291 (Newtownards - Newry), 1375 (Antrim - Newry), 1605 (Newry - Antrim), 1627 (Ballymena - Newtownards), 1119 (Larne - Dungannon) and 1611(Dungannon - Larne). B7RLE demonstrator 2034 has been returned to Wrightbus.
02/08/07 - Volvo/Plaxton 1602/5/27 (JAZ 1602/5/27) have been converted to B69F in 6/07 (1625) or 7/07 (1602/27) with 1608/23/6 (JAZ 1608/23/6) currently undergoing conversion at present leaving just 1601 (JAZ 1601) to be done. Tiger/Alexander 1354 (TXI 1354) has had its seats removed and is to be the first former Mark II Goldliner to become a school bus with 3+2 seating. Some news of former vehicles is that Tiger/Wright 537 (GXI 537) passed to Wilsons Auctions, Mallusk in 7/07 ex Transport Training Services, Nutts Corner; DAF/Plaxton 670 (SXI 1679) has been re-registered 90-TS-6777 with Kelleher, Tipperary; Volvo/Plaxton 1563 (DAZ 1563) has turned up with Belle Vue, Heaton Chapel and like many others has been reseated to C70F. RELLs 2367 (UOI 2367) and 2588 (BXI 2588) have passed to S & A Produce, Marden for staff transport ex Nocton, Camborne.
30/07/07 - The last 35 of the initial 110 B7R/Wrightbus, 276-310, will take registrations OEZ 7276 - 7310, whilst the first 40 B9TL's, 2221-60 will be OEZ 7221- 7260.
24/07/07 - B7R's 241-75 are registered NEZ 9241 - 9275. 201-10/2 have been temporarily loaned to Metro, with 203/8-10/2 entering service on 23rd July.
03/07/07 - The final Ayats Bravo 323 (BXI 323) has finally entered service at GVS (from 2/2/07); it is joined there by 2019 from Derry, whilst B10M/Plaxton 507 has returned to service at Glengall Street. June has proven not to be a good month for Tigers, with 351/76/403/13/22/3/6/9/33/41/7/9/61/8/78/88/9/90, 1011/3/26/30/8/56/8/60 and 1249 going to Reserve. 350 has also been withdrawn from Coleraine, along with 598, the final ex Shearings Tiger/Van Hool and accident damaged Renault Master 78 from Enniskillen. Moves see the following transfers:1374 Craigavon - Downpatrick, 1592 Downpatrick - Craigavon, 507 Lisburn - Glengall St., 1659 Lisburn - Newry, 2316/7 Armagh - Newcastle, 2320/1 Dungannon - Newcastle and 2774/5/6 Downpatrick - Newcastle. As usual a large number of vehicles have been detaxed for the school holidays, the full list being as follows:
Fleet No Depot Fleet No Depot Fleet No Depot 469 Lisburn 2674 Newry 1508 Omagh 505 Lisburn 3113 Newry 496 Enniskillen 507 Lisburn 1048 Dungannon 1131 Enniskillen 511 Lisburn 1049 Dungannon 1167 Enniskillen 520 Lisburn 1066 Dungannon 1228 Enniskillen 650 Lisburn 1169 Dungannon 1281 Enniskillen 756 Lisburn 1285 Dungannon 1282 Enniskillen 757 Lisburn 1286 Dungannon 1427 Enniskillen 758 Lisburn 1395 Dungannon 1509 Enniskillen 1068 Lisburn 1514 Dungannon 1824 Enniskillen 1348 Lisburn 1515 Dungannon 814 Coleraine 1357 Lisburn 368 Londonderry 818 Coleraine 1400 Lisburn 369 Londonderry 833 Coleraine 1500 Lisburn 410 Londonderry 1093 Coleraine 1501 Lisburn 442 Londonderry 1094 Coleraine 1502 Lisburn 443 Londonderry 2831 Coleraine 1615 Lisburn 722 Londonderry 2850 Coleraine 464 Craigavon 723 Londonderry 1143 Ballymena 467 Craigavon 724 Londonderry 1180 Ballymena 1053 Craigavon 725 Londonderry 1404 Ballymena 1403 Craigavon 1031 Londonderry 1405 Ballymena 1408 Craigavon 1054 Londonderry 1467 Ballymena 1409 Craigavon 1069 Londonderry 1519 Ballymena 1589 Craigavon 1075 Londonderry 1520 Ballymena 1591 Craigavon 1100 Londonderry 2609 Ballymena 1592 Craigavon 1101 Londonderry 770 Larne 1630 Craigavon 1186 Londonderry 771 Larne 2700 Craigavon 1207 Londonderry 1082 Larne 2737 Craigavon 1208 Londonderry 1158 Larne 2741 Craigavon 1360 Londonderry 1183 Larne 2742 Craigavon 1363 Londonderry 1399 Larne 2744 Craigavon 1417 Londonderry 1406 Larne 356 Downpatrick 1418 Londonderry 1481 Larne 2644 Downpatrick 1505 Londonderry 1523 Larne 2645 Downpatrick 1613 Londonderry 1526 Larne 2646 Downpatrick 1614 Londonderry 1536 Larne 2661 Downpatrick 1621 Londonderry 1087 Magherafelt 2676 Downpatrick 2001 Londonderry 1088 Magherafelt 357 Armagh 2201 Londonderry 1089 Magherafelt 387 Armagh 2604 Londonderry 1162 Magherafelt 497 Armagh 2605 Londonderry 1184 Magherafelt 1113 Armagh 2636 Londonderry 1185 Magherafelt 1168 Armagh 2658 Londonderry 1270 Magherafelt 1178 Armagh 2659 Londonderry 1271 Magherafelt 1456 Armagh 2746 Londonderry 2638 Magherafelt 1463 Armagh 2747 Londonderry 707 Antrim 1511 Armagh 2753 Londonderry 708 Antrim 1512 Armagh 2754 Londonderry 709 Antrim 2653 Armagh 2755 Londonderry 733 Antrim 2654 Armagh 2756 Londonderry 734 Antrim 2655 Armagh 2757 Londonderry 769 Antrim 2656 Armagh 2758 Londonderry 1081 Antrim 1171 Newry 2759 Londonderry 1215 Antrim 1196 Newry 2760 Londonderry 1321 Antrim 1353 Newry 2761 Londonderry 1377 Antrim 1466 Newry 3112 Londonderry 1432 Antrim 1624 Newry 428 Omagh 2608 Antrim 1625 Newry 1064 Omagh 643 L’derry City 2647 Newry 1166 Omagh 846 L’derry City 2663 Newry 1279 Omagh 2411 L’derry City 2664 Newry 1280 Omagh 2613 L’derry City 2665 Newry 1437 Omagh 2629 L’derry City
28/06/07 - Tiger 393 (MEZ 5669, ex FXI 393) was briefly taken back into Ulsterbus stock from Holland, Downpatrick. It has since passed on to Mike Nash, Dorking for continued preservation. Former Mercedes/Wright 861 (NXI 6861) was re-registered 89-DL-6719 with McLaughlin, Convoy in 6/06 and sold on to an unknown buyer in 2/07 whilst mark IV Goldliner 1561 (DAZ 1561) has been allocated fleet number 691 with Highland Country.
18/06/07 - B7R/Wrightbus entering service are: 201/2 (Ards - 11/06/07), 206 (Antrim - 11/06/07) and 207 (Ballymena - 21/06/07 - this should move to Antrim at a later date), whilst Scania/Irizar demonstrator 2035 (YN 07 EZA) entered service at Derry on 6th June. Plaxtons 1592 (EAZ 2592) and 1624 (JAZ 1624) are the latest conversions to 69 seaters. Tigers 366 (DXI 3366), 421 (KEZ 1268, ex GXI 421), 431 (KEZ 1841, ex GXI 431), 437 (KEZ 6408, ex GXI 437), 438 (KEZ 6409, ex GXI 438) and 1316 (PXI 1316) have gone to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap, whilst accident damaged 1102 (LXI 1102) is confirmed withdrawn.
18/06/07 - The first 10 B7R's showld be allocated as follows, a number have now been delivered to their depots: 201/2 (Ards), 203 (Lisburn), 204/5 (Coleraine), 206/7 (Antrim), 208/9 (Derry) and 210 (Downpatrick). An additional 50 of these buses have been ordered, along with more B9TL/Wrightbus, bringing that order to 125 vehicles. A few more former Mark IV Goldliners traced to new owners are 1557 (DAZ 1557) with Wootten, Chesham (as C70F) and 1594/8 (EAZ 2594/8) and 1600 (EAZ 2600) to Edwards, Llantwit Fardre. On the home front, fire damaged 1569 (DAZ 1569) has gone to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap. Ultra's 2742/6 are now repainted in slightly different styles of the new fleet livery. Other recent repaints are Solos 1819/27/8, Scanias 700/2/16/7/9/20/1/3/39/47/8/72/4, Commuter 2201 and Renowns 2828/49. B10M/Plaxton 1621 is now a 69 seater, while not previously mentioned is that 1604 was fitted with an LED destination screen during it's refurbishment. Tiger 1102 is the latest accident victim, and may well be withdrawn. The next stage of the Strategic Review will take place on 2nd July, with the Newcastle, Downpatrick and Donaghadee areas seeing service changes.
07/06/07 - Deliveries of Volvo B7R/Wrightbus Eclipse have commenced in earnest, with up to 208 present in Newtownabbey. Tigers 388 (Newry) and 459 (GVS) are now in Reserve. The unfortunate B10M/Plaxton 1551 is now withdrawn after it's latest accident, along with another accident victim, Tiger 1316. Only a few vehicles were on the move last month: 1105 Armagh - Dungannon, 1623 Coleraine - Newcastle, 1376 Antrim - Ballymena, 1607 Ballymena - Antrim, 1583 Enniskillen - Lisburn, 350 Enniskillen - Coleraine and 1931 Craigavon - Coleraine. Tigers 354/95/404/76/2606 have gone to Hamill, and 432 to Bell, Ballymena.
23/05/07 - Two more Mark IV Goldliners have surfaced with Highland Country, 1561 (DAZ 1561) and 1575 (EAZ 2575). Both are still C53F and 1575 has been allocated fleet number 687. It now transpires that 1590 (EAZ 2590) with Highland and 1587 (EAZ 2587) with sister company Orkney Coaches are still C53F and have not yet been reseated to C70F. Sister vehicle 1551 (DAZ 1551) was involved in another bad accident on Monday and with substantial front and damage may very well be a write off this time. The new school bus B7R/Wright were today formally launched, with a demonstration at Assumption School, Ballynahinch.
20/05/07 - 1605/7/19/20/9 are the latest Mark IV Goldliners to be reseated to B69F; similar 1553 (DAZ 1553) has been acquired by Edwards, Llantwit Farde. Tiger 396 was reinstated at Craigavon on 10/5/07 whilst former Citybus 2606 (LXI 6606) was withdrawn on 16/5/07 following engine failure and has been despatched to Hamill for scrap along with 395 (KEZ 5807, ex FXI 395). Also going to Hamill but for preservation is Leopard 328 (FEZ 8628, ex BXI 328) with 338 (BXI 338) going to Grimes, Cork for preservation. Also for preservation is Lisburn towbus 4904 (HOI 1904) has been withdrawn and sold to Begley, Lisburn.
18/05/07 - Futher Mark IV Goldliners traced are 1556 (DAZ 1556) with Amvale, Grimsby and 1570 (DAZ 1570) and 1574 (EAZ 2574) with Brown, Roecliffe. The latter two are now C70F. 813 (MXI 3813) recently passed to UK Bus Dismantlers, Bromyard for scrap ex Anning, Peterchurch. Mercedes/Wright 823 (NXI 6823) is back with Autocar, Five Oak Green (again) ex Staff Pay, Chatham. It was re-registered to OXI 525 in 1/06. 885 (AAZ 8885) passed to Morris, Pencoed in 4/06 ex BCA Auctions, Manchester. It then passed to Easyway, Bridgend in 5/06. Volvo B9M / Caetano 512 (JAZ 5512) has been re-registered 96-DL-6108 with McGonagle, Buncrana. Tiger 340 (DXI 3340) has passed to Grimes, Cork (Kells Transport Museum) ex Dempsey, Celbridge.
03/05/07 - Optare Solo 331 (BXI 331) finally entered service at Criagavon on 20th April, over a year after the rest of the batch! Tigers 398/426 returned to service in early April at Newcastle and Newry respectively, with 455 (Coleraine) going to Reserve at the end of the month, along with 402 (Armagh) and 408 (Lisburn) which were withdrawn completely. Also withdrawn is Tiger / Van Hool 593, leaving only 598 of this type in use. Moves last month saw the following: 1639 Armagh - Craigavon, 1623 Newcastle - Glengall St., 1625 Newry - Glengall St., 1672 Dungannon - Enniskillen, 1687 Dungannon - Enniskillen, 1696 Antrim - Dungannon, 1756 Enniskillen - Antrim, 1765 Enniskillen - Antrim, 509 Glengall St. - Ballymena, 1623 Glengall St. - Ballymena, 1624 Glengall St. - Ballymena, 1625 Glengall St. - Ballymena, 1632 Glengall St. - Driving School, 1637 Glengall St. - Driving School, 1643 Glengall St. - Larne, 2019 Coleraine - Londonderry, 508 Newry - Driving School, 509 Ballymena - Driving School, 1623 Ballymena - Coleraine, 1624 Ballymena - Newry, 1625 Ballymena - Newry, 1643 Larne - Newry, and 351 Magherafelt - Londonderry. Sales have seen Leopards 319, 326, 337 and Tiger 385 go to Kells Bus Museum, Cork for preservation, Tiger 370 to M. Nash, Dorking for preservation, Tigers 371, 392, 402, 408, 411, 415, 420, 1339 to T. Hamill, Ahoghill as scrap, DAF 679 to Kelleher, Tipperary and Atlantean 4908 to McBride, Londonderry.
25/04/07 - A further large batch of reregistrations has taken place, all dated 23/04/07. All there KEZ batch of Scanias now have their cherished numbers.
381 FXI 381 to NEZ 1089
399 FXI 399 to NEZ 1092
455 GXI 455 to NEZ 1078
457 GXI 457 to NEZ 1079
459 GXI 459 to NEZ 1086
469 HXI 469 to NEZ 1087
470 HXI 470 to NEZ 1088
475 HXI 475 to NEZ 1101
593 OXI 521 (ex A165 MNE) to NEZ 1091
2455 KEZ 7455 to GXI 455
2457 KEZ 7457 to GXI 457
2459 KEZ 7459 to GXI 459
2469 KEZ 7469 to HXI 469
2470 KEZ 7470 to HXI 470
2471 KEZ 7471 to FXI 381
2473 KEZ 7473 to OXI 523
2475 KEZ 7475 to HXI 475
2479 KEZ 7479 to FXI 39917/04/07 - The 110 Volvo B7R/Wrightbus on order will take former Leopard fleetnumbers 201-310; the first 40 will have registrations MEZ 7201-40. The 80 Geminii's will take former RELL numbers 2221-2300; delivery of these should commence in August. Former Mercedes/Wright 845 (NXI 6845) is now registered 90-DL-6503 with McLaughlin, Convoy. Dumped at Convoy being used for spares are Flexibus 830 (NXI 6830) and 1807 (SXI 2807) and Ulsterbus 856 (NXI 6856). Flexibus 1806 (SXI 2806) has been prepared for service and repainted but does not appear to have been used. B9M/Caetano 512 (JAZ 5512) is now registered 96-DL-6108 with McGonagle, Buncrana. Another Mark IV Goldliner to surface on the mainland is 1559 (DAZ 1559) which has joined others now with Olympus, Harlow. Sister vehicle 1562 (L553 NUD, ex DAZ 1562), now with Woottens of Chesham, was reregistered BIG 7048 in 3/07. Leyland Tiger/Duple 552 (BXI 5552), latterly with Castell Coaches, Trethomas, passed to an unknown owner in Lancashire in 8/05. DAF/Plaxton 697 (WNR 118X, ex HIB 9482, WNR 118X), also latterly with Castell Coaches, Trethomas was sold for scrap in 7/05.
09/04/07 - Tiger 1099 returned to service at GVS on 16th March, followed by 402 at Armagh on the 22nd and 441 at Newry on 3rd April. 434 (GVS), 1004 (Omagh) and 1316 (Coleraine) have been detaxed. Recent moves between depots have seen the following take place: 1583 Lisburn - Enniskillen, 1606: Coleraine - Larne, 2610: Londonderry - Derry City, 2629: Londonderry - Derry City, 1637: Londonderry - Driving School, 350: Magherafelt - Enniskillen, 383: Driving School - Coleraine, 1688: Larne - Coleraine, 1630: Bangor - Craigavon, 1632: Londonderry - Glengall Street, 1643: Londonderry - Glengall St, 509: Craigavon - Glengall Street, 1637: Driving School - Glengall Street, 1226: Craigavon - Armagh, 1589: Gt. Victoria Street - Craigavon, 1022: Dungannon - Ballymena, 1248: Craigavon - Bangor, 1591: Bangor - Craigavon, 1611: Ballymena - Dungannon, 1624 Newry - Glengall Street, 1644: Dungannon - Londonderry. The reason for 1637's transfer to the Driving school is apparently a requirement for tests to be undertaken in a vehicles equipped with ABS. Tiger 393 has been sold to Holland, Downpatrick and Mercedes 875 to Catterson, Londonderry. Tiger 1323 has regained it's original registration of RXI 3323 now that BXI 323 is in use on Ayats 2023.
23/03/07 - The first of the Wrightbus Eclipse / Volvo B7R was demonstrated to Ulsterbus management yesterday, along with a Gemini for FirstGroup. Further Mark IV conversions to 69 seaters are as follows:- 1614 - Derry, 19th January; 1606 - Larne 2nd February; 1609 - Magherafelt, 7th February; 1622 - Enniskillen, 15th March; 1616 - Omagh, 22nd March. Tiger 1316 has been badly damaged in an accident and may be a write off. It has been replaced at Coleraine (at least in the short term) by Driving School 383. Further reregistrations today are:-
383 FXI 383 to MEZ 5658
393 FXI 393 to MEZ 5669
451 GXI 451 to MEZ 5670
478 HXI 478 to MEZ 5671
2451 KEZ 7451 to GXI 451
2452 KEZ 7352 to FXI 383
2453 KEZ 7453 to FXI 393
2478 KEZ 7478 to HXI 478
22/03/07 - The remains of Volvos 2998 & 2324 have been cut up on site at Ballygowan by Hamill. Construction of a new depot on the outskirts of Ballygowan continues apace - hopefully this will offer more secure parking, as well as an office and buswash. This new site will be used by Comber vehicles also and additionally will replace the cramped and unsuitable Saintfield yard. Tigers returned to service have been 428 at Omagh on 2nd March, 388 at Newry on 7th March, 379 & 434 at Great Vict Street on 12th March and 1015 at Magherfaelt also on 12th March. Accident damaged 1339 has now been written off. Reregistrations are again the flavour of the moment with the following taking place recently:-
14/3/07
2456 KEZ 7456 to OXI 518
4908 OXI 518 to MEZ 3995
15/3/07
458 GXI 458 to MEZ 5485
2458 KEZ 7458 to GXI 458
20/3/07
390 FXI 390 to MEZ 5626
398 FXI 398 to MEZ 5620
465 HXI 465 to MEZ 5616
466 HXI 466 to MEZ 5617
467 HXI 467 to MEZ 5618
474 HXI 474 to MEZ 5623
476 HXI 476 to MEZ 5624
2460 KEZ 7460 to HXI 460
2465 KEZ 7465 to HXI 465
2466 KEZ 7466 to HXI 466
2467 KEZ 7467 to HXI 467
2468 KEZ 7468 to HXI 468
2474 KEZ 7474 to HXI 474
2476 KEZ 7476 to HXI 476
2480 KEZ 7480 to FXI 390
21/3/07
460 HXI 460 to JNZ 7487
468 HXI 468 to MEZ 5619
2472 KEZ 7472 to FXI 39820/03/07 - Volvo/Plaxton 1622 is now converted to a 69 seater.
10/03/07 - Four more Mark IV Goldliners have turned up on the mainland, all with Garnett, Tindale Crescent who acquired them in 11/06. 1578/9 (EAZ 2578/9) are now C57F, 1585 (EAZ 2585) is now C70F and 1595 (EAZ 2595) remains C53F. This operator is thought to have at least one more. DAF/Duple 685 (RXI 6685, ex D360 PJA) moved to Tourmaster, Crowland in 11/06 ex Joplin, Tittleshall (NK). It then went back to Wealdon in 2/07.
10/03/07 - Volvo deckers 2998 (EEZ 2998) and 2324 (IEZ 2324) have been destroyed by fire at Ballygowan depot; B10M 1537 was scorch damaged also.
05/03/07 - A couple of corrections; 1847 moved from Bangor to Ards, and 1844 from Larne to Derry, not 1843.
02/03/07 - Excellent news is that the order for 80 double deckers has been placed with Wrightbus, presumably on Volvo B9TL chassis. More Tigers returned to service over the past month are: 408 (Lisburn), 423 (Craigavon), 436 (Dungannon) and 442/3 (Londonderry) whilst Ayats 2019 has returned to service at Coleraine. Against this the following have been detaxed: 388 (Londonderry), 402 (Ballymena), 441 (Newtownards), 1015 (Larne), 1034 (Armagh), 1099 (Larne), 1339 (Lisburn - with accident damage), whilst 1599 is now confirmed withdrawn, along with one of the few Gardner engined Tigers remaining 2601 (Derry - with engine failure). Vehicles on the move last month see the following: 1591 (Antrim - Bangor), 1675 (Craigavon - Newtownabbey), 1762 (Newtownabbey - Antrim), 1847 (Bangor - Newtownabbey), 1856 (Newtownards - Bangor), 694 (Glengall St - Enniskillen), 1728 (Antrim - Dungannon), 1011 (Newtownabbey - Londonderry), 1669 (Armagh - Downpatrick), 1671 (Dungannon - Downpatrick), 1599 (Gt Victoria Street - Ballymena), 1843 (Larne - Derry City), 1861 (Derry City - Newry), 433 (Larne - Ballymena), 1868 (Lisburn - Newtownards), 1870 (Newtownards - Lisburn) and 506 (Londonderry - Armagh). Tigers 372/3/4/8/84/97/414/17 have been sold to Hamill for scrap; better news is that former Express example 363 (DXI 3363) has gone to Shannon, Newtownards for preservation and 344/405/6 have gone to Dodds of Troon in Scotland.
22/02/07 - An order has recently been placed for another 80 double deckers, of an as yet unknown chassis/body combination. More Mk4 Goldliners converted to 69 seaters and repainted are 1615 (JAZ 1615) in January and 1582/99 (EAZ 2582/99), 1604/14 (JAZ 1604/14) in February. 1599 has replaced similar 1569 at Ballymena, which is the latest of this flammable type to self-combust. Only 1551 of the DAZ batch of Mark4's now remains in use. Another notable vehicle with a doubtful future is Tiger 1339, the last N-type, which as been badly damaged in an accident. Of Mk 4's sold recently, 1568 (DAZ 1568) and 1590 (EAZ 2590) are with Highland Country with fleet numbers 682 and 686; a further 3 with the associated Orkney Coaches fleet are 1566 (DAZ 1566) - 685, 1571 (DAZ 1571) - 681 and 1587 (EAZ 2587) - 683. Another former vehicle a long way from home is 903 (JAZ 3903) which was recently sold at Carryduff Auctions is now with Farrell School of Motoring, Kilkenny. Leopard 326 (BXI 326) has now been re-registered MEZ 1493, while 294 (IEZ 3179, ex AXI 294) has passed from Hamill, Ahoghill to Harkin and Lockhart, Londonderry for preservation with 249 (WOI 2249) going the other direction.
04/02/07 - Scania's 2478/80 entered service at Newtownabbey on 10th, 15th and 29th January respectively, with Ayats 2018/26 doing so on the 24th and the Volvo B7RLE demonstrator on the 22nd. Surprisingly, Ayats 2019 has been temporarily taken out of service at Dungannon, along with Tigers 393/408/42 (Newtownabbey), 411 (Newcastle) and 423 (Larne); similar 419 has gone to Hamill for scrap, with 356 returning to service at Downpatrick and 1216 at Larne after accident repair. Also finally back in service is B10M 1582 (Armagh) after nearly 20 months under repair. Recent moves comprise the following: 1013 (Omagh - Antrim),1766 (Newtownabbey - Antrim), 1628 (Downpatrick - Magherafelt and then on to Armagh), 1603 (Downpatrick - Omagh), 1617 (Armagh - Magherafelt), 383 (Antrim - Driving School), 1862/2846 (Derry City - Londonderry).
02/02/07 - 1565 (DAZ 1565) is the latest Mark IV Goldliner to resurface, this time with Scottish operator Easter Ross, Tain.
31/01/07 - Further Tigers dispatched to Hamills for scrapping are 342/7/8/52 (DXI 3342/7/8/52), 380 (FXI 380) and 418 (JEZ 9338, ex FXI 418). Mark IV Goldliner 1572 (DAZ 1572) has turned up in North Yorkshire with Stephenson, Tholthorpe. For some pictures of former 1562 now with Wootens, look here .
29/01/07 - Former Ulsterbus Merc/Alex 904 (JAZ 3904) is now 96-DL-6099 with McGonagle, Buncrana.
28/01/07 - Ayats 2018 (AXI 318) and 2026 (BXI 326) have entered service at Derry and Dungannon respectively leaving only 2023 (BXI 323) to appear in service, despite having been at RK Trucks since last August. Also delivered is the final example of the group of 110 Scanias, 2480 (KEZ 7480). Former mark IV Goldliner 1562 (DAZ 1562) has surfaced with Woottens, Chesham and has now been reseated to C70F+seatbelts and reregistered L553 NUD.
22/01/07 - Disposals to Hamill have started again with Leopards 294 (IEZ 3179, ex AXI 294) and 330 (LEZ 1827, ex BXI 325, GEZ 5605, BXI 330) being dispatched along with the first of the Tigers, 355 (DXI 3355) and 419 (JEZ 9339, ex FXI 419). In addition Tiger 432 (KEZ 1840, ex GXI 432) has gone to Bell, Ballymena as a non psv. Minibus 856 (NXI 6856) has gone to McLaughlin, Convoy. Flexibus 2 (OCZ 8002) has returned to Ireland and is now with McGonagle, Buncrana. 871 (TXI 7871), which was sold some time ago to Gibbons, Ballyshannon, has now been reregistered 91-DL-5002. Another subsequent disposal is 874 (TXI 7874) which has passed from Wealdon to Alder & Ward, Clacton on Sea. Further Mark IV Goldliners converted to 69 seat school buses are 1603/12/17/28 (1/07), all of which are now in the new livery. Other Ulsterbus vehicles to receive the new livery are Scanias 729/32. B7RLE/Wright demonstator 2034 (LEZ 3034) is now expected at Newtownabbey depot, not for Metro as previously thought.
17/01/07 - 19th February sees the implementation of the latest phase of the Strategic Review, this time in Armagh, Newry, Craigavon and Banbridge. As usual, town services will be enhanced with simplified networks, regular clockface departures and low floor vehicles; surprisingly the Banbridge network will see a sunday service for the first time. Key country & interurban routes are also being enhanced or having their timetables regularised, in particular Newry - Rathfriland, Armagh - Portadown and Portadown - Lurgan.
08/01/07 - New vehicles during December and early January were Scania/Wright 2469/70 (KEZ 7469 - Coleraine - 8/12), 2471/2 (Coleraine, Larne- 11/12), 2473/4 (Larne - 13/12), 2475/6 (Larne - 20/12) and 2477 (Newtownabbey - 02/01/07). Ayats 2019/20 (AXI 319, BXI 320) also entered service at Dungannon and Omagh on 16th and 15th December respectively. Tigers 381/90 have returned to service at Armagh and Downpatrick, whilst sisters placed in Reserve are: 372/91/404/5/6/34 (Coleraine), 384/426 (Larne), 385 (Driving School), 392 (Downpatrick) and 437 (Magherafelt). Buses on the move are: 399 (Driving School - Gt. Victoria St.), 529 (Gt. Victoria St - Driving School), 2835 (Bangor - Newtownards), 1610 (Bangor - Newtownards), 1737 (Craigavon - Downpatrick), 1764 (Newtownabbey - Craigavon), 1243 (Bangor - Magherafelt), 369 (Antrim - Londonderry), 1644 (Londonderry - Antrim), 1644/87 (Antrim - Dungannon), 1687 (Antrim - Dungannon), 1696/1728 (Dungannon - Antrim), 1244/1320 (Bangor - Coleraine), 1763 (Newtownabbey - Londonderry), 1293 (Bangor - Londonderry), 485 (Craigavon - Coleraine), and finally 3110 (Gt Victoria St - Larne). Tiger 401 has been sold to Coulter, Ballymoney.
01/01/07 - Seasons Greetings and a Merry New Year from the Irish Transport Trust. 2006 proved to be a very interesting year and 2007 is already shaping up to be equally so. Notably, they Leyland Atlantean continues in use (just) and has now achieved 47 years continuous service in Northern Ireland, starting with the delivery of 551 (5540 XI) to Belfast Corporation in 1960, eclipsing even the much missed Leopard in terms of service given!
