Excel-ling - 3
Optare built over 600 examples of the Excel between 1995 and 2004 (inc), sandwiched between the Sigma on 'step entrance' Dennis Lance chassis and the Tempo.
Reading Buses was a major customer, taking 48 (numbered 901-45 & 961-3) between 1997 and 2000, split over several batches. The first 45 were 11.5m examples, whilst the final three were 11.8m. When the batch of seven delivered in Autumn 1998 (925-31) came up for withdrawal and sale in late 2009, five found their way to South Wales operators. New Adventure Travel purchased S925/9/31 LBL and South Wales Transport received S926/30 LBL.
Those with New Adventure Travel entered service in early 2010 at Pontypridd depot on Service 102 (Glyncoch-Pontypridd-Rhydyfelin), for which they received branding, though lasted for less than two years.
S929 LBL was one of several vehicles in the fleet to carry registration H2 KFJ over time, as illustrated in this November 2010 shot taken on Bridge Street in the town centre when heading for Rhydyfelin. It would seem that she ended her days with the company.
Excel-ling - 3
Optare built over 600 examples of the Excel between 1995 and 2004 (inc), sandwiched between the Sigma on 'step entrance' Dennis Lance chassis and the Tempo.
Reading Buses was a major customer, taking 48 (numbered 901-45 & 961-3) between 1997 and 2000, split over several batches. The first 45 were 11.5m examples, whilst the final three were 11.8m. When the batch of seven delivered in Autumn 1998 (925-31) came up for withdrawal and sale in late 2009, five found their way to South Wales operators. New Adventure Travel purchased S925/9/31 LBL and South Wales Transport received S926/30 LBL.
Those with New Adventure Travel entered service in early 2010 at Pontypridd depot on Service 102 (Glyncoch-Pontypridd-Rhydyfelin), for which they received branding, though lasted for less than two years.
S929 LBL was one of several vehicles in the fleet to carry registration H2 KFJ over time, as illustrated in this November 2010 shot taken on Bridge Street in the town centre when heading for Rhydyfelin. It would seem that she ended her days with the company.