Ulsterbus Fleet News 2012

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23/12/12 - More Scania/Irizar returned to use are 1685 (Derry) and 1687 (Antrim) returned to service as school buses (1685 as 53 seater, 1687 as 69 seater). 1610 is the latest Mark IV Goldliner to go to Lough Swilly.

16/12/12 - i6 2051 should be going to the Driving School next week to allow training of Derry and GVS drivers to start. 2051-6 should be Belfast based and 2057-9 in Derry. More Irizars returning to use are 1672 - Magherafelt (3/12 - not reseated), 1661 - Ards (11/12 - reseated ) and 1683 - Downpatrick (11/12 - reseated). Also returned to service is Tiger 1499 at Antrim, whilst B10M 1626 has been transferred from Downptrick - Criagavon.

15/12/12 - 12 former Mk IV Goldliners have been sold to the Swilly. The first ones to go will be 1606/8/9/24/30 with the other seven to be selected from the 'best' ones left.

26/11/12 - 4 more Scania/Irizare have returned to service following repaint and reseated as 69 seaters: 1686 (Newry), 1666 (Omagh), 1699 (Larne) and 1703 (Magherafelt). Similar 1689 (Antrim) has been detaxed to Reserva again for school bus conversion, along with Tigers 1494 (Downpatrick), 1499 (Derry), B10Ms 1526/1606 (Larne), 1609 (Magherafelt), 1624 (Newry), Mercedes 1814 (Downpatrick) and community minibuses 18/9 (Ballymena). Also detaxed for repairs is Solo 1933 (Newcastle). On the move are 1535 (Omagh - Larne), 1438 (Newry - Craigavon - Newcastle), 718 (Lisburn - Derry), 1875 (Derry - Lisburn), 1494 (Derry - Downpatrick). Ballymena based towbus 1060 has been renumbered 4060 to make way for a new Irizar i4. Some news of former vehicles is:

515 (PXI 5515) to Shuttle Bus, Kilwinning by 9/12 for spare parts, ex Dodds, Ayr.
531 (OXI 531, now 89-DL-6683) to Fleming, Clara 1/10, ex McGonagle, Buncrana. 
919 (JAZ 3919) to Hamill, Ahoghill 11/12 for scrap, ex Allens Tour's, Belfast.
1398 (WXI 4398, now 92-TS-2974) to Geraghty Travel, Castlerea by 11/12, ex Kelleher, Tipperary.
1486 (YXI 5486), 1487 (YXI 5487, now 93-MH-15003) to Arthur, Limivady by 10/12, ex Carolan, Nobber. (Note 1487 has regained its former registration).
2619 (NXI 4619) to Blowfield, Forrest Hill by 9/12, ex Elliot & Richman, Rode Heath.

26/11/12 - An unexpected but nonetheless pleasant surprise today was the use of Tiger 1494 on 2 return trips on service 15A between Downpatrick and Belfast. Paul Savage caught up with the 13.30 departure from Belfast, which is normally operated by a B10M.

25/11/12 - Derry based Irizar 1706 is the first to return to service in the new livery but without reseating. It seems 1672/85/97 are to get the same treatment and it is possible others might follow. B10M/Plaxton 1620 went to Hamill's last week for scrap whilst Tigers 1435/6 sold to Marbill, Beith for further service.

07/11/12 - New vehicles due imminently are 30 more Irizar i4's, 1049-1078 (LFZ 9049-78, excepting LFZ 9150, LFZ 9160, LFZ 9170) and 9 tri-axle Irizar i6's taking numbers 2051-2059 (LFZ 8051-8059). Delivery of the i4's should be between November and January, and the i6's between December and February. Scania/Irizar 1664 has returned to use at Newcastle following repairs and school bus conversion, whilst similar 1667/89 have temporarily returned to use at Coleraine and Antrim to cover for vehicle shortages. Also back in service at Craigavon are Tiger 1489 and B10BLE 2777 at Newcastle following completion of repairs. Detaxed at the end of Ocotober are B10Ms 1582/1628 (Armagh), 1603 (Omagh), 1614 (Ballymena) and 3 more Irizars for school bus conversions: 1668 (Enniskillen) and 1678/1705 (Newcastle). Iveco 42 has moved from Newcastle - Downpatrick, with other moves being 1527 (Magherafelt - Dungannon), 1623 (Newcastle - Omagh), 1908 (Newtownabbey - Newcastle), 786 (GVS - Driving School), 1645 (Metro - GVS Active Reserve), 2765/8 (Craigavon Active Reserve - Metro), 2784 (Coleraine Active Reserve - Metro) and 2820 (GVS Active Reserve - Metro).

04/11/12 - Some news of former Citybus/Ulsterbus vehicles:

351 (DXI 3351):  reseated to C53F ex DP53F with McCormick (Tiger Coaches), Dromara; to Connolly (East Coast Coaches), Newry.
693 (ACZ 6693):  Kirkby Lonsdale (Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire/KL Coach Hire), Carnforth ex Ken County Council, Aylesford via Ventura, Lingfield (dealer).
697 (ICZ 6697):  Reynolds, Caister ex Kent County Council, Aylesford via Ventura, Lingfield (dealer).
698 (ICZ 6698):  Lord, Bilston ex Kent County Council, Aylesford via Ventura, Lingfield (dealer).
917 (JAZ 3917):  Henry (JMB Coaches), Cookstown via Wilsons Auctions, Mallusk.
1119 (LXI 1119):  reseated to C53F, ex B53F with McCormick (Tiger Coaches), Dromara; to Connolly (East Coast Coaches), Newry.
1319 (PXI 1319, ex AXI 319, PXI 1319):  reregistered G776 PWT with York Pullman, York.
1558 (DAZ 1558):  Neighbour (Cliffs Coaches), High Wycome ex Olympus/SM Coaches, Harlow via Ensign, Purfleet (dealer).
1576 (EAZ 2576):  Thomas, West Ewell, ex Olympus/SM Coaches, Harlow via Ensign, Purfleet (dealer).
1835 (OCZ 8835), 1837 (OCZ 8837):  re-registered NA 52 NJV/X with Glen Valley Tours, Wooler.
2644 (SXI 2644):  County Coaches, Donaghmore ex Leonard, Strabane.

21/10/12 - Scania 1681 returned to use at Ballymena on the 16th and has been reseated to B69F; similar 1666 is now also repainted but not yet upseated. Also returned use are Mercedes 1814 (surprisingly at Downpatrick) and B10BLE 2766 to Newcastle after completion of repairs. B10M 1527 has moved from Magherafelt to Dungannon, whilst short B10M/Caetano 2511 has gone to Metro. More buses sold to hamill for scrap are Tigers 1434/43, B10M 1617 and Ultras 2733/42/56.

16/10/12 - Mercedes 2100 has (finally) had it's defunct dot matrix desplay replaced with an LED one, in this case retrieved from an Ultra. Thanks to Allister McBride for some pictures of Scania 1681 which has recently been converted to a school bus.

11/10/12 - Tiger 1438 has returned to use at Newry, whilst 1440 has finally appeared at GVS.

10/10/12 - Tigers 1435 (Magherafelt), 1438/9 (Derry) and B10Ms 1644 (Derry), 1660 (Lisburn) have been detaxed at the end of September, along with the unique Mercedes /Wright 1814 (Coleraine) and former Citybus Ayats 2001 (Derry). Also detaxed for conversion to schoolbuses are Scania/Irizars 1661 (Ards), 1667/74/88/9/90/9 (Coleraine), 1669 (Downpatrick), 1670/3/80 (Armagh), 1672/84/5/96/1706 (Derry), 1687 (Enniskillen) and 1702 (Lisburn). A number of these were also reallocated: 1667/89 (Coleraine - Antrim), 1674 (Coleraine - Magherafelt), 1684 (Derry - Omagh), 1688/99 (Coleraine - Larne), 1696 (Derry - Lisburn).

25/09/12 - The final Scania/ Irizar i4 of the current batch, 1048 entered service at Armagh on 7th September. Another 39 Goldliners are on order for next year which should comprise more i4s along with some i6s. A number of vehicles returned to service in September, including a number of Tigers: 1438/9/94/9, 1684/96 - (Derry), 1702 - (Lisburn), 2457 - ( Ards - after repairs ), 1614 - Ballymena, 2003 - (Derry - after repairs) and 1440 - (GVS). Also returned to use are the Sunsuns which were hired to Stagecoach: 1772-4/6-86. Scanias 788/9 have returned to GVS from Metro, with B10M/Plaxtons 1645/9/50 going the other way. One withdrawal is B10M 1617 at Ballymena which suffered a mechanical failure. On the move are 1772 (Downpatrick - GVS), 1776/7 (Omagh - Newcastle), 1784/6 (Enniskillen - Magherafelt), 1638 (GVS - Driving School), 1715 (Magherafelt - Derry), 1723 (Downpatrick - Lisburn), 1747 (Newcastle - Bangor) and 1748 (Newcastle - Ards). Tigers 1441/7/82, B10M 1625 and Ultra 2741 have gone to Hamill for scrap.

06/09/12 - Scania/ Irizar i4's entering service on 3rd September were 1036/7 (JFZ 9036, GVS), 1038 (JFZ 9038, Newry), 1039-43 (JFZ 9039, 9140, 9041/2, Ballymena), 1043/4 (JFZ 9043, Downpatrick), 1045/6 (JFZ 9045, Larne) and 1047 (JFZ 9047, Armagh). 1029/30/4 helped out at Glengall Street for a few days after returning from London and then moved on to their correct depots. Scania Coaches 101-4/6 returned from Stagecoach on 24th August, but the 16 Sunsuns remain on hire until the end of the Paralympics. Solo 1890 has returned to service at Dungannon following repairs, as has Ayats 2024 at Omagh and B10M 1511 at Larne. Detaxed at the end of August were B10Ms 690/1613/4/21 (Derry), 1642 (Lisburn),1591 (Craigavon), 1608 (Ballymena), 1610/20 (Enniskillen),1625 (Newry), Tigers 1436 (Omagh), 1438 (Enniskillen), 1440 (Magherafelt), 1439 (Derry), 1489 (Dungannon), 1494 (Craigavon), 1499 (Derry), Scania 2457 (Ards - with accident damage), B10BLE 2766 (Newcastle - needing a replacement engine) and Ultras 2752/3/5/8/60 (Derry). A number of the first batch of Scania/Irizar were also detaxed pending conversion to school buses, in most cases these have also moved depots: 1664 (Newcastle, with accident damage), 1665 (Omagh), 1666/84 (Enniskillen), 1679/82/6 (Craigavon), 1683 (Downpatrick), 1696/1702 (Lisburn), 1703 (Magherafelt) and 1705 (Larne). A number of buses have been received from Metro at the start of September: loan Scanias 705/6 returned to GVS, Mercedes 405's 2100-5 (Derry) along with the other 2 Mercedes artics 3100/2, B10BLE 2815 (Derry, Active Reserve), B7TLs 2875-7 (Derry), 2878 (Ards), 2879 (Craigavon), 2880 (Magherafelt), 2881-3 (Newtownabbey) and 2976-8 (Enniskillen). A large number of buses have also been on the move: 1660 ( Glengall St. - Lisburn ), 1270 (Engineering First Response Vehicle Larne - Coleraine ), 1617 ( Magherafelt - Ballymena ), 2018 ( Londonderry - Omagh ), 2024 ( Omagh - Londonderry ),185 ( Driving School - Larne ), 436 ( GVS - Newcastle ), 1527 ( Magherafelt - Active Reserve-Magherafelt ), 1633 ( Enniskillen - Magherafelt ), 1659 ( Glengall St. - Lisburn ), 1661 ( Londonderry - Newtownards ), 1663 ( Dungannon - Magherafelt ), 1664 ( GVS - Newcastle ), 1665 ( GVS - Omagh ), 1666 ( GVS - Enniskillen ), 1675 ( Londonderry - Newtownards ), 1676 ( Londonderry - Newtownards ), 1677 ( Omagh - Newtownards ), 1678 ( Armagh - Newcastle ), 1679 ( Armagh - Craigavon ), 1682 ( Omagh - Craigavon ), 1683 ( Omagh - Downpatrick ), 1684 ( Londonderry - Enniskillen ), 1686 ( Newry - Craigavon ), 1694 ( Enniskillen - Magherafelt ), 1696 ( Londonderry - Lisburn ), 1701 ( Newry - Newcastle ), 1702 ( Newry - Lisburn ), 1703 ( Newry - Magherafelt ), 1705 ( Armagh - Larne ), 1710 ( Newry - GVS ), 1713 ( Omagh - Londonderry ), 1717 ( Dungannon - Armagh ), 1728 ( Dungannon - Armagh ), 1730 ( Enniskillen - Craigavon ), 1731 ( Newry - Newcastle ), 1735 ( Newry - Newcastle ), 1739 ( Coleraine - Magherafelt ), 1741 ( Omagh - Londonderry ), 1748 ( Downpatrick - Newcastle ), 1860 ( Coleraine - Larne ), 1878 ( Newcastle - Londonderry ), 2229 ( Newcastle - GVS ), 2248 ( Newtownabbey - Ballymena ), 2316 ( Newcastle - Dungannon ), 2317 ( Newcastle - Dungannon ), 2318 ( Newcastle - Craigavon ), 2319 ( Newcastle - Craigavon ), 2320 ( Newcastle - Dungannon ), 2321 ( Newcastle - Dungannon ), 2768 ( Craigavon - Active Reserve-Craigavon ), 2787 ( Active Reserve-Newtownabbey - Newtownabbey ), 2807 ( Londonderry - Active Reserve-Derry ), 2814 ( Ballymena ( Active Reserve-Ballymena ).

03/09/12 - Good news is that Leyland Tiger 1435 has survived the cull of buses at the end of August; however all the remaining Tigers apart from it are now off service.

31/08/12 - Leyland Tiger 1481 has gone to the Swilly to provide a replacement engine and will not be given a fleet number. 1332 (RXI 3332), 1437 (XXI 1437), 1445 (XXI 1445), 1446 (XXI 1446) have gone to Movie Go, Carrowdore, whilst Volvo B10M 1519 (DAZ 1519) has gone to Hamill for scrap.To commemorate the last few Tigers in the fleet, 1435/6 provided all journeys on serice 403 (Magherafelt - Omagh) today - photo report here.

26/08/12 - The Irizar i4s which have returned from London have had their fleetnames and logos applied now, and a few are starting to creep in to service. Allocations should be 1001-8 (Newry), 1009-15 (Derry), 1016-9 (Dungannon), 1020-5 (Omagh), 1026-30 (Enniskillen), 1031-5 (Coleraine), 1036-8 (GVS), 1039-42 (Ballymena), 1043/4 (Downpatrick), 1045/6 (Larne), 1047/8 (Armagh). Leyland Tiger 1481 (YXI 1481) has been sold to Lough Swilly and will presumably be numbered 555.

15/08/12 - Scania/Irizar i4's 1002-35 were all taxed from 9th July and should now be on their way back to Northern Ireland. The majority of the second group (1036-48) have been delivered also. Solos returning to service are 1889 (Dungannon), 1878 (Newcastle), 1891 (Newtownabbey) along with Scanias 716 (Newtownabbey), 705/6/88/9 (on loan to Metro). A few more vehicles detaxed at the end of July for the remainder of the School Holidays are 186 (Larne),355/6/7 (Creigavon), 1890 (Dungannon) and 2225/6 (GVS). B10M 1502 (Downpatrick) was withdrawn at the end of July with chassis defects. On the move are 439/40/59/80/721/50/1/3 (all Ards - Bangor), 1633 (Omagh - Enniskillen), 1878 (Derry - Newcastle) and 709 (Craigavon - Downpatrick). Ultra 2751 has gone to Hamill for scrap. Some news of former vehicles is Scania/Irizar 108 (SCZ 7108) passed to Alexcars, Cirencester 6/12, ex Lainton, Gorton; Tiger/Alexander 1347 (TXI 1347), 1349 (TXI 1349) passed to Elite, Stockport 5/12, ex Hulme Hall, Cheadle Hulme; Tiger/Wright 1413 (WXI 4413, now J930 UNC, was YHT 988) passed to Black & White, Penton Mewsey 6/12 ex James (Heartlands/Invinvible), Tamworth 129 whilst Solo 1821 (DCZ 4821) is now registered 00-D-11324 with McGonagle, Buncrana.

30/07/12 - Of the 667 Tigers delivered new to Ulsterbus, just six remained in service in July, including 1438 seen at Enniskillen at the weekend. For anyone interested in pictures of vehicles in use as transport at the Olympic sites the following flickr groups are good source of information: Ulsterbus group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1924438@N21/ , Citybus group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1876726@N25/.

25/07/12 - Further news of former vehicles is:

Dart / Wright 601 (CAZ 6641) and 619 (CAZ 6619) to Gill, Ilkeston 4/12 ex Gill, Trowell.

Tiger / Wright 1427 (WXI 4427, now SSU 837) re-registered LUI 9693 5/12 by James (Heartlands), Tamworth 132; to Auty & Nobbs (Diamond), Wymington 5/12.

Tiger / Alexander 1451 (WXI 4451) to Morton, Little London 12/11, ex Nash, Ockley (dealer).

B10M/Plaxton 1562 (DAZ 1562, was L553 NUD, now BIG 7048) to Lloyd, Hixon (dealer) by 5/11 following accident damage ex Opperman, Lye Green W49.

24/07/12 - Some news of former vehicles is:

B10M / Plaxton 505 (DAZ 5505, now 82 HBC) to Pygall, Hutton Henry 4/12 ex Heartlands, Tamworth 143; re-registered K7 PYG 4/12.

DAF / Plaxton 673 (UXI 1673) to Aplenty, Shepherds Bush 1/08 ex K & J Logistics, Rufforth 32.

B10M / Caetano 695 (ICZ 6695) to Smith, Couper Angus 3/12 ex Kent County Council, Aylesford.

Tiger / Wright 1414 (WXI 4414, was PCK 335, now K461 CBU) to Plumley (Primrose Coaches), Humshaugh 3/12, ex Heartlands, Tamworth 130.

B10M / Plaxton 1557 (DAZ 1557, now BIG 2625) to Sandia, Tockwith 6/12, ex Opperman, Chesham W51.

13/07/12 - Scanias 1663/71 are the latest Goldline coaches to be taken into Duncrue Street for conversion to school buses. Thanks to Paul Haughey for the picture of new Scania/Irizar i4 1009 in use at the Olympics.

13/07/12 - Scania 2427 has been destroyed during rioting in Craigavon.

12/07/12 - Stagecoach fleetnumbers for the hired Ulsterbus vehicles are 80101-4/6 for the Irizars and 81772-4/6-86 for the Sunsuns.

10/07/12 - The list of Ulsterbus vehicles making the trip to the UK for the Olympic period is as follows:

On hire to FirstGroup: Volvo B9TL 2232/59/60/8/9/70/2/3/4/5/90/3/4 
On Hire to Stagecoach: Scania K114 101-4/6, Volvo B12B 1772/3/4/6-86 
On hire for LOCOG contract: Volvo B9TL 2223/4/39/44/5/6/8/9/50/1/3/4/6/7/61-7/71/6/7/8/9/80-9/91/95-300, Scania K320 1001-35

05/07/12 - Volvo B7TL 2301 has gained an overall advertisement for the Digital TV switchover. Tigers 1445 (Larne) and 1476 (Coleraine) are now in Reserve, 1476 going back to Metro. Also in reserve are B10M 1511 (Newtownabbey) and Ultra 2746 (Derry). Two other B10Ms are withdrawn, Ballymena based 1519 with chassis defects and 1539 (Newtownabbey) with engine failure. As usual, a large number of buses has been detaxed for the duration of the school holidays, althought this is less than previous years to allow for the Olympic commitment:

Gt. Victoria St.: 324/3/93/4/705/6/39/88/9/1537/8/2222/2325/2991/2/7
Lisburn: 203/17/8/39/40/62/3/4/426/718/25/6/7/8/38/56/7/82/1501/83/1615
Newtownards:201/2/65/6/310/721/52/4/1627/2979/88/9
Bangor: 198/9/200/1528/62/2403/4/60/1
Craigavon: 251/2/3/74/5/305/6/33/4/5/6/708/66/7/8/76/7/1589/91/2/1630
Downpatrick: 210/1/37/8/93/4/314/1626/9
Armagh: 224/5/6/76/7/8/92/317/67/783/4/1582/1628/2417/68
Newcastle: 234/5/6/95/6/353/4/1603/23/2777
Newry: 232/3/57/8/9/67/8/9/90/1/318/28/32/46/7/8/9/80/707/12/59/60/74/5/1549/50/1624/5/71/1910
Dungannon: 216/22/3/83/358/9/502/18/9/815/6/1489/1514/5/6/1663/1889
Londonderry: 208//9/44/5/6/7/98/300/9/48/9/1614/21/1878/2001/2752/3/5/8/60
Omagh: 214/5/301/2/3/1603/2442/3/4/2511/2987
Enniskillen: 212/3/48/9/50/307/8/1610/9/20/2
Coleraine: 204/5/21/72/3/84/5/6/316/20/4/5/61/2/3/75/536/710/1/61/2/3/4/78/813/4/1504/2420/38/9/2981/2/3
Ballymena: 188/227/8/9/87/8/9/97/9/313/22/37/8/70/1/84/516/45/1608/2437/2814/49
Larne: 187/230/1/312/23/39/730/71/1523/6/36/1611
Magherafelt: 219/20/41/2/70/1/82/350/1/2/506/11/1609/17/1704/2313/5
Antrim: 206/7/43/54/5/6/60/1/79/80/1/769/836/40/1604/5/7
Derry City: 1880/1917
Newtownabbey: 376/99/400/93/713/6/1512/40/7/8/1891
Active Reserve: 1440 (Magherafelt), 2820 (GVS)

On the move are: Ayats 2013 (Ballymena - Coleraine), Schoolrun 185 (Larne - Driving School), Scania 436 (Newcastle - GVS) and 2434 (Ballymena - Antrim), B10Ms 1659/60 (Lisburn - Glengall Street) and 1633 (Driving School - Omagh), Solo 1860 (Larne - Coleraine), B9TL 2229 (GVS - Newcastle), B7TLs 2316/7/20/1 (Dungannon - Newcastle) and 2318/9 (Craigavon - Newcastle). Also repositioned at the start of July are Irizars 1661 (Ards - Derry), 1669 (Newcastle - Downpatrick), 1678 (Newcastle - Armagh), 1694 (Magherafelt - Enniskillen), 1699 (Larne - Coleraine), 1766 (Antrim - Ballymena), 1705 (Larne - Armagh), 1730 (Craigavon - Enniskillen) 1739 (Magherafelt - Coleraine), 1748 (Newcastle - Downpatrick). This is to release 16 of the B12B/Sunsun's to be loaned to Stagecoach over the Olympics period.

 

26/06/12 - Tigers 1407/80 have been dispatched to Hamills for scrap. Also sold to Dodds, Ayr for further use are Tigers 1464/92 and Volvo B10M/Plaxton 1643.

04/06/12 - Mercedes artic 3101 has returned to use at Derry, previously having been in the Metro Reserve fleet. Also returing to use at Derry is Tiger 1292 which is now an engineering support vehicle, replacing Leopard 4199. Tiger 1492 has been detaxed to reserve from Newcastle depot, and Ultra 2759 from Derry. Also detaxed is Scania / Irizar 1692 from Ballymena, which is yet another fire damage victim. Ayats 2013 has transferred from Coleraine to Ballymena, replacing fire damage withdrawn 2012. B10BLE 2851 has gone to Hamill for scrap.

24/05/12 - Work has started on a second batch of thirteen Scania/Irizar i4 Goldliners which will become 1036 - 48 (JFZ 9036 - 9, 9140, 9041 - 8). It is possible that these may well be delivered and in service before the first batch. As expected Ayats 2012 has been written off following its fire. Volvo/Plaxton 1616 and Optare Solos 1828/61 have gone to Hamill, Ahogill for scrap in the last few days.

16/05/12 - Some news of former vehicles:

Dart SLF / Wright 641 (LAZ 7641) passed to West Midlands Special Care Transport, Aston in 11/11, ex Edwards, Llantwit Fardre. It is now 103 in their fleet. The three others previously reported, 644 (YAZ 8644), 645 (YAZ 8645) and 647 (YAZ 8647) are now 102, 101 and 104 in this fleet.

Mercedes / Wright 856 (NXI 6856): gone by4/10, ex McLaughlin, Convoy.
861 (NXI 6861, now 89-DL-6719): gone by10/11, ex Marley, Cloughan.
888 (GEZ 4686, was AAZ 8888, now 93-DL-5237): O'Donnell, Manorcunningham by9/09, ex McGonagle, Buncrana.

Mercedes / Alexander 895 (JAZ 3895) to Gallagher, Kinlough 10/07 via Seawright, Carryduff (dealer); re-registered 96-LM-1249 10/07.

Tiger / Alexander 1372 (UXI 1372), 1375 (UXI 1375), 1376 (UXI 1376), 1377 (UXI 1377) and 1384 (WXI 4384) to McCree, Shepshed (dealer) 1/12, ex Opperman, Lye Green W65-69.
1403 (WXI 1403) to Thomas, Porth 3/12, via Ripley, Carlton.
1406 (WXI 1406), 1459 (YXI 1459) being used for spare parts by Rosa {Globe}, Barnsley.

Tiger / Wright 1408 (WXI 4408, now JSK 957): registered K984 JNV 2/12 with James {Heartlands}, Tamworth 127; Rochester/Brown {Charlie Brown Buses}, Boscombe 2/12.
1409 (WXI 4409, now JSK 958): registered K985 JNV 2/12 with James {Heartlands}, Tamworth 128; Pride of the Clyde, Port Glasgow 2/12.
1413 (WXI 4413, now YHT 988): registered J830 UNC 4/12 with James {Heartlands}, Tamworth 129.
1414 (WXI 4414, now PCK 355): registered K461 CBU 4/12 with James {Heartlands}, Tamworth 130; Plumley, Humshaugh 3/12.
1425 (WXI 4425, now 520 MWX): registered K460 CBU 4/12 with James {Heartlands}, Tamworth 131.

Tiger / Alexander 1487 (WXI 5487): register 93-MH-15003 with Carolan, Nobber.

Optare Metrorider 1816 (JAZ 1816) gone by4/10, ex McLaughlin, Convoy.

B10M / Plaxton 1612 (JAZ 1612, now 96-C-23185): Dualway, Dublin by4/12, ex Kearney, Cork.

RELL / Alexander 2205 (ROI 2205, now 78-G-962): gone by10/11, probably for scrap, ex Lally, Spiddal.
2316 (TOI 2316) passed to Graham, Kesh in 3/12, ex Stewart, Shenfield for continued preservation.

B10MA / Van Hool 3110 (DAZ 3000) allocated fleet number 171 with James {Heartlands}, Tamworth; not operated; to Carson {WJC Buses}, Chapelhall 2/12.
3111 (DAZ 3001) Morton, Little London 4/12 via Nash, Ockley (dealer); re-registered H15 BUS 4/12.

13/05/12 - Ayats 2012 is the another vehicle to catch fire, this time on the M2. As can be seen in Tommy Duffy's photo of the aftermath, damage is substantial.

09/05/12 - Significant news is the withdrawal on 30th April of the final Leyland Leopard in the fleet, this being Derry based towcar 4199 (KCZ 4583, VOI 199). New Scania K320 / Irizar i4 C51F 1001 (JFZ 7001) was taxed from 1st May, initially allocated to the Driving School. Coleraine based B10BLE 2851 was withdrawn at the end of April, with fire damage, and was replaced by Tiger 1476 which was transferred from Metro Reserve. Also off the road at the end of April was Omagh based Ayats 2021, which has sudffered accident damage.

09/04/12 - B10Ms 1632/8 have returned to use at GVS, ex Reserve. Tigers 1465/8 and Ultra 2761 have gone to Hamill for scrap, Tiger 1497 to Lough Swilly and 1486/7 to Carolan Coaches, Spiddal, Nobber, Co. Meath.

08/04/12 - i4s 1001-35 will be registered JFZ 7001-35, with the exception of 1010/20/30 which will be JFZ 7110/20/30.

01/04/12 - The first new arrival of 2012 is this initial vehicle of a batch of 35 Irizar i4 for Goldline use. These will be fleetnumber 1001-35 and as can be seen above carry an unusual new variant of the Goldline livery. These will also be the first buses in the regular fleet to be fitted with wifi and leather seats.

14/03/12 - Some news of former vehicles sees Dart/Wrightbus 644 (YAZ 8644), 645 (YAZ 8645) and 647 (YAZ 8647) move to West Midlands Special Care Transport, Aston in 2/12 ex Edwards, Llantwit Fardre, whilst Tigers 1406 (WXI 1406), 1459 (YXI 1459) havew gone to Rosa {Globe}, Barnsley by 2/12, via Ripley, Carlton, 1408 (JSK 957, WXI 4408) to Charlie Brown’s Buses, Bournemouth ex James {Invincible/Heartlands}, Tamworth. ALexander bodied Tigers 1345 (TXI 1345) and 1379 (UXI 1379) noted in a yard at Moorends between Goole and Thorne in 1/12 (owner unknown). 

06/03/12 - Tiger 1492 returned to use at Newcastle in early February, as has B7RLE 512 at Dungannon following accident repair. Unfortunately the remaining Tiger fleet has been depleted by two with 1487 (Dungannon) going to Reserve and 1468 (Ballymena) being withdrawn after engine failure. Also withdrawn is Iveco community minibus 17, after accident damage. Scania 1705 has moved from Newcastle to Larne, with Solos 1854 moving from Lisburn to Coleraine and 1876 from Coleraine to Newcastle. Further buses sold to Hamill for scrap are Tiger 1341 and Ultras 2700/37/44/48. Tiger 1498 is another to go to Lough Swilly, whilst the second of the former CityExpress VanHool bendis, 3111, has passed to Mike Nash.

16/02/12 - Some news of former vehicles is:
Tiger/Duple 550 (BXI 5550) had gone by 12/11, ex Jones, Gravesend.
Tiger/N-type 1338 (RXI 3338) was withdrawn by 9/11 following accident damage with York Pullman, York 278; it had been re-registered G768 PWT 9/11and was being used for spare parts by 12/11.
Tiger/Q-type 1493 (YXI 1493) was with Abbey Coaches, Neilston 8/11, ex Dodds, Ayr, whilst 2654 (SXI 2654) went to Oldham Aces Morris Troupe 8/10, ex Hardwick, Carlton.
B10M/Plaxton 1571 (DAZ 1571) was scrapped 1/12, ex Highland, Country 52201.
B7RLE/Wrightbus 2201 (WCZ 2201, now SA 04 AGT) was sold to Arriva, Gomersal (dealer) by 12/11, ex Bowman, Craignure.
RELL/Alexander 2438 (WOI 2438) had gone to Ireland, Hull (dealer) by 11/11, ex Challands, Selston, and sister 2598 (BXI 2598) was being offered for sale by South Lancs Travel, Atherton.
Former Flexibus Mercedes 12 (IXI 1112) had gone by 10/00, ex FAB Tours, Crosby.

08/02/12 - Dungannon based B7RLE 518 was detaxed at the end of January with accident damage, along with Tigers 1486 (Dungannon), 1492 (Newcastle), B10M/Plaxton 1616 (Omagh), fire damaged Ayats 2008 (Derry) and the 2nd of the 2 Larne based VanHool artics, 3111. Tiger 1487 has moved from Coleraine to Dungannon, whilst sister 1469 has gone to Lough Swilly for spares.

27/01/12 - Ex Metro Mercedes 3103 is now blue and has been reseated. It was moved to Derry today on the 14.15 212. One wonders what passengers on Ulsterbus's flagship Goldline service made of this tatty service bus fitted with hard ex Alexander Ultra seats ?

25/01/12 - Ayats Bravo 2008 is the latest bus to make the headlines, having caught fire on York Street yesterday evening. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16708470.

20/01/12 - Tiger 1492 has returned to service at Newcastle, ex Reserve, whilst B10M 1508 (Omagh) and B9TL 2266 (Magherafelt) have returned to use after fire and accident damage repair respectively. Tiger 1486, which was covering for 2266, has moved from Magherafelt to Dungannon. Former Citybus Ultra 2761 has been sold for scrap to Hamill whilst former Citybus Van Hool 3110 (DAZ 3000) is the first to be sold, to James (Heartlands), Tamworth.

18/01/12 - News of former vehicles is: Scania/Irizar 108 (SCZ 7108) reseated to C70F ex C49FT with Lainton, Gorton 12/11. Leopard 248 (WOI 2248) reported sold for preservation in 10/11 ex Scottish Borders Council. The new owner is to be confirmed. Tiger 1421 (WXI 4421) has joined 1420 (WXI 4420) with Thomas, Porth ex Ripley, Carlton. Finally Volvo/Plaxton 1563 (DAZ 1563) to Wilts & Dorset 7020 8/11, ex Belle Vue, Heaton Chapel.

08/01/12 - Solo 1954 returned to service at Lisburn on 3rd January. Tigers 1492 (Newcastle) and 1495 (Ards) were taken out of use at the end of December, along with B10M's 1632 (Enniskillen) and 1638 (Dungannon). Tiger 1473 has gone to Hamill for scrap. Some news of former vehicles sees Tiger Coaches 1 (DXI 3351) and 3 (LXI 1119) offered for sale.
530 (OXI 530, now 89-DL-6637):  gone from Reilly, Kilcogy by 11/11.
531 (OXI 531, now 89-DL-6683):  gone from McGonagle, Buncrana by 11/11.
677 (SXI 1677, now 90-TS-3666):  gone from Kelleher, Tipperary by 11/11.
678 (SXI 1678, now 90-G-8285):  gone from Naughton, Spiddal by 11/11.
679 (SXI 1679, now 90-TS-6777):  gone from Kelleher, Tipperary by 11/11.
832 (NXI 6832):  gone from Allen, Coventry 11/08.
905 (JAZ 3905, now 96-DL-6723):  gone frm McLaughlin, Convoy by 11/11.
907 (JAZ 3907, now 96-DL-6722):  Shiels, Fanavolty 3/10, ex McLaughlin, Convoy.
909 (JAZ 3909, now 96-DL-6611):  Ayton, Ballindrait 11/09, ex McLaughlin, Convoy.
922 (JAZ 3922, now 96-DL-6610):  McGeever, Downings 5/09, ex McLaughlin, Convoy.

01/01/12 - Seasons Greetings and a Merry New Year from Irish Transport Heritage. Tenders have been invited for the supply of up to 103 sets of front/rear electronic destination screens, so it seems the the remaining traditional scroll destination screens will soon disappear.

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