Powys Pointers
In 2004, Merthyr-based Sixty Sixty Coaches purchased three new Alexander Dennis Pointer-bodied Darts (S9-11 inc) for the Powys County Council contracted services between Abergavenny and Brecon, and between Brecon and Merthyr. These had been fused together as Service X43 and extended commercially to and from Cardiff via Treharris.
The Powys contracts were lost to Stagecoach in 2011, though Sixty Sixty decided to continue the Brecon to Merthyr service on a commercial basis in competition. The Merthyr to Cardiff section was retained but sped up to operate non-stop via the A470. This led to the "470" service number being adopted, and Volvo coaches eventually replacing the 54-plate Darts. They in turn passed to Reays of Carlisle (S9 and S10) or Barnsley-based Tates Travel (S11).
This shot dates from April 2011 and shows S11 entering Abergavenny Bus Station after the lengthy run from Cardiff, with the former Red & White and then National Welsh depot in the background.
Powys Pointers
In 2004, Merthyr-based Sixty Sixty Coaches purchased three new Alexander Dennis Pointer-bodied Darts (S9-11 inc) for the Powys County Council contracted services between Abergavenny and Brecon, and between Brecon and Merthyr. These had been fused together as Service X43 and extended commercially to and from Cardiff via Treharris.
The Powys contracts were lost to Stagecoach in 2011, though Sixty Sixty decided to continue the Brecon to Merthyr service on a commercial basis in competition. The Merthyr to Cardiff section was retained but sped up to operate non-stop via the A470. This led to the "470" service number being adopted, and Volvo coaches eventually replacing the 54-plate Darts. They in turn passed to Reays of Carlisle (S9 and S10) or Barnsley-based Tates Travel (S11).
This shot dates from April 2011 and shows S11 entering Abergavenny Bus Station after the lengthy run from Cardiff, with the former Red & White and then National Welsh depot in the background.