Dennis Dart: Difference between revisions

Dennis Dart
Dennis Dart
	Thames Travel Plaxton Pointer 2 bodied Dennis Dart MPD
Overview
Manufacturer	Dennis (1989–2001); TransBus (2001–2004); Alexander Dennis (2004–2008); Thomas Built Buses;
Production	1989–2008
Body and chassis
Doors	1 or 2
Floor type	Step-entrance (Dart); Low-floor (Dart SLF);
Powertrain
Engine	Cummins B Series; Cummins ISBe;
Capacity	23−44 seated
Transmission	Allison; Eaton; Voith;
Dimensions
Length	Dart:; 8.5 m (28 ft); 9.0 m (29.5 ft); 9.8 m (32 ft); Dart SLF:; 8.8 m (29 ft); 9.2 m (30 ft); 9.3 m (31 ft); 10.0 m (32.8 ft); 10.1 m (33 ft); 10.6 m (35 ft); 10.7 m (35 ft); 11.3 m (37 ft);
Width	2.3 m (7 ft 7 in); 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in); 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in);
Height	2.7 m (8 ft 10 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Dennis Domino; Dennis Lance;
Successor	Alexander Dennis Enviro200

Browse history interactively

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Latest revision as of 16:54, 4 November 2024

The Dennis Dart is a rear-engined single-decker midibus chassis that was introduced by Dennis of Guildford, England, in 1989, replacing the Dennis Domino. Initially built as a high-floor design, in 1996 the low-floor second generation Dennis Dart SLF was launched. In 2001, production of the Dart SLF passed to TransBus International, during which time it was sold as the TransBus Dart SLF; Alexander Dennis took over production in 2004, renaming the product as the Alexander Dennis Dart SLF.

More than 12,600 Darts were produced in total during a 19-year production run. Most were purchased by United Kingdom operators, although examples were sold in Europe, North America, Australia and Hong Kong. In the United States, the Dart SLF, with Alexander ALX200 bodywork, was built and sold by Thomas Built Buses as the Thomas SLF 200.

The first generation Dart ceased production in 1998. Production of the Dart SLF continued until 2008, when it was replaced by the Alexander Dennis Enviro200.

First generation (high-floor)

The Dennis Dart was conceived when Hestair Group (owner of Dennis and Duple) decided to produce a bus between a minibus and a full-sized single-decker.

It was launched in October 1988 at the British International Motor Show and was originally only available with Duple Dartline bodywork.^[1] It was 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) wide and was initially available in the length of 9.0 m (29.5 ft), but later available in lengths of 8.5 m (28 ft) and 9.8 m (32 ft). It was powered by a Cummins 6BT engine and coupled to the Allison AT545 gearbox.^[2]^[3]^[4]

In 1989, the Dart chassis was made available for bodying by other manufacturers.^[5] In 1990, Wadham Stringer became the next builder to body the Dart with a body called the Portsdown, but it was sold in small numbers and replaced by the UVG Urbanstar in 1995.^[6] In the same year, Wright bodied the Dart with the Handybus.^[7] In early 1991, Plaxton launched the Pointer (which was initially designated as Reeve Burgess Pointer as it was built at Reeve Burgess's plant, until later in the same year when it was transferred to Plaxton's Scarborough plant).^[8] Later in 1991, East Lancs bodied the Dart with its EL2000.^[9] In the latter half of 1991, Alexander launched the Dash.

As the low-floor single-decker buses became more popular in late 1990s, orders for standard-floor Dart dropped heavily and production ceased in 1998. Over 3,400 first generation Darts were produced.^[4]^[10]

Alternative fuels

In 1993, Southampton Citybus adapted six Dart 9SDL Carlyle bodied buses to use compressed natural gas, the cylinders being mounted in a pod on the roof. In 1996 a further 10 adapted vehicles were ordered.^[11] At the time of the delivery of the Darts, Southampton Citybus were the largest operator of gas-powered vehicles in the United Kingdom.^[12] They were fitted with an engine developed in the United States by Cummins and Westport.^[13]

First Cityline in Bristol trialled a pair of Plaxton Pointer bodied Dart MPDs in 1996, which were powered by six CNG canisters mounted on their roofs. These buses were branded by First as 'GasBus'.^[14]

Second generation (Dart SLF)

In 1996, Dennis launched a low-floor version of the Dart known as the Dart SLF, with the letters SLF standing for Super Low Floor in reference to the new low-floor design.^[4]^[10]^[15] It was 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) wide and initially offered in lengths of 10 m (33 ft) and 10.6 m (35 ft), with air suspension introduced in place of the taper leaf used in the original design.

It was initially offered with the low floor version of the Pointer bodywork (which was notable for being wider), replaced by the updated Pointer 2 in 1997. It was also offered with a wide variety of bodies, namely the East Lancs Spryte, UVG Urbanstar (later renamed as the Caetano Compass; replaced by the Nimbus in 1999), the Wright Crusader, Alexander ALX200 (discontinued in 2001 with the formation of TransBus International and being replaced by the Pointer 2), Marshall Capital (developed from the C37; later built by MCV), Caetano Nimbus and MCV Evolution (since 2005 - a further evolution of the Marshall bodywork).

With the move to Euro III emissions in October 2001, the new Cummins ISBe engine was launched, with the four-cylinder 3.9-litre (240-cubic-inch)-litre model being used in all lengths except the 11.3 m (37 ft) version, which uses the more powerful six-cylinder, 5.9 L (360 cu in) version. The Cummins ISBe Euro IV engine became available on the Dart SLF chassis since late 2006. In 2007, the Dennis Dart SLF was superseded by the Alexander Dennis Enviro200.^[16] Over 9,100 low floor Darts were built, the last entering service with Park Island Transport in March 2008.^[17]

Dart SPD

In 1997, the Dart SPD (short for Super Pointer Dart) was launched with a length of 11.3 m (about the same length as a long Leyland National), typically seating 40 to 44 passengers.^[15] The Dart SPD was launched to compete with full-size buses such as the Volvo B10BLE and Scania L94UB, while retaining the more lightweight construction of the basic Dart SLF. The Dart SPD has a more powerful engine and a more heavy duty Allison World Series B300R gearbox than the Dart SLF, but also with an option of a Voith gearbox. Originally offered only with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodywork (hence the 'P' in the name), this larger bus was later offered with other bodywork such as the East Lancs Myllennium, the Alexander ALX200 with a few bodied by Marshall.

Dart MPD

In 1998, the Dart MPD (short for Mini Pointer Dart) was launched. At 8.8 m (29 ft) long, the Dart MPD was a model reminiscent of the original 8.5 m (28 ft) Darts; it was launched to compete with newly emerging shorter midibuses such as the Optare Solo. The Dart MPD typically seated 23 to 29 passengers, and was available in both provincial and London specifications. As with the Dart SPD, the MPD was launched initially with only the Plaxton Pointer 2 bodywork, although other bodies became available later on.

Narrow width Dart SLF

In 2002, TransBus launched a narrower-width variant of the Dart SLF at the request of bus operators in the Channel Islands of Guernsey and then Jersey, who replaced the majority of their fleets with slightly narrower Darts designed to comply with the islands' vehicle size restrictions, sporting adapted versions of existing East Lancs Myllennium and Caetano Nimbus bodies respectively. Further examples have since joined them and small numbers of similar buses have entered service with other operators around the UK. Gibraltar also has a fleet of these narrower buses. The last ones entered service in summer 2007 in Gibraltar.

Thomas SLF 200

In 1998, a joint venture was formed between Dennis and Thomas Built Buses to build the Dennis Dart SLF with Alexander ALX200 bodywork for the North American market. Initially sold as the Thomas SLF 200, following a restructure by parent company Daimler Truck North America, it was sold as the DaimlerChrysler SLF 200.^[13]^[18]^[19]

It was launched at the American Public Transportation Association Expo 1999. Initially built with a Cummins engine, it was later sold with a Mercedes-Benz engine. After sales failed to line up to expectations, the joint venture was dissolved in 2003.^[13]

Exports

Although primarily sold in the United Kingdom, some were sold overseas:

Australia

In Australia, ACTION of Canberra took delivery of 25 Wright Crusader bodied Dennis Dart SLFs in 1997,^[20]^[21]^[22] Brisbane Bus Lines (3),^[23] Invicta Bus Services (27),^[24]^[25] TransAdelaide (2)^[26] and Transperth (2)^[27] purchased Darts.

Canada

In British Columbia, BC Transit took delivery of 90 Dart SLFs with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies from 1999 to 2001 for services in the resort municipality of Whistler and its other transit system companies in the province.^[13]

Hong Kong & Macau

In Hong Kong, Citybus, Kowloon Motor Bus, New Lantao Bus, New World First Bus and Park Island Transport purchased Darts. Some of Citybus vehicles were repatriated back to England by parent Stagecoach Group for use at its Devon and Hampshire subsidiaries.^[28]^[29]

In Macau, Transmac took delivery of ten dual-door and air-conditioned Pointer-bodied Darts in January 1996.^[30]

Malta

Four Dennis Dart SLFs with Eaton six-speed manual transmissions were delivered to Paramount Garage of Malta in 1997. The first two Darts were delivered with a 10.6 metres (35 ft) East Lancs Spryte body equipped with large hopper windows and electronically-operated sun visors, while the remaining two were later delivered with Plaxton Pointer bodies.^[31]^[32]

A Transbus Dart SLF built with Neobus bodywork was delivered to Malta in 2002 by Gasan Transport Systems Ltd and presented to members of the Maltese Public Transport Association.^[33] A second demonstrator was built by Transbus but was not exported to Malta, later entering service in the United Kingdom with Flimwell independent operator Hams Travel.

Netherlands

Arriva Netherlands purchased 50 Darts with Alexander ALX200 bodies.^[10]

Portugal

Stagecoach Group had 10 Dart SLFs bodied locally in 1999 for its Portuguese subsidiary in Lisbon.^[17]

Singapore

In Singapore, Singapore Bus Service purchased 10 Duple Metsec bodied Darts in 1994 for smaller routes (M1, M2, M4 and 183).^{[citation needed]}

References

^ "Plenty to see at NEC". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 27 October 1988. pp. 30–38. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ "Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 22 September 1988. p. 5. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ "Dennis launches darts". Commercial Motor. 13 July 1989. p. 20. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "25 Years Ago: The birth of the Dennis Dart". Buses. No. 714. Stamford: Key Publishing. September 2014. p. 22.
^ "Dart dialogue". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 14 December 1989. p. 18. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ "Wadham low-floor midi". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 19 April 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
^ "Wright midi boosts jobs". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 1 November 1990. p. 20. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
^ "RB Dart body on target". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 16 August 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
^ "East Lancs set to build on Dart chassis". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 16 May 1991. p. 20. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Britain's Buses (6 ed.). Key Publishing. 2021. pp. 17, 90, 108. ISBN 978-1-802820-096.
^ Jenkins, David (18 January 2023). "A long slow battle". Buses. No. 815. Stamford: Key Publishing. pp. 30–34. Retrieved 18 June 2023. Citybus became a pioneer of gas bus operation, in an EU-funded joint project with local councils. Branded as Ecobus, it launched in 1994 with the conversion of six existing Dennis Darts in the fleet. Joined by 10 new ones delivered in 1996, it made Citybus the largest operator of gas buses at that time. They lasted for around 10 years.
^ Harrison, Michael (29 January 1997). "Southampton busmen set to cash in". The Independent. London. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Goundry, Andy (23 March 2020). Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles. London: Crowood Press. pp. 134, 146. ISBN 978-1-78500-708-8. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
^ Morgan, Mike (13 January 1996). "UK gets first purpose-built gas bus". Coach & Bus Week. No. 200. Peterborough: Emap. p. 8.
^ ^a ^b "The History of Alexander Dennis". Larbert: Alexander Dennis. Archived from the original on 29 December 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ "Alexander Dennis reveals Enviro200 Dart". Bus & Coach Professional. 20 March 2006. Archived from the original on 24 March 2006. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ ^a ^b Newton, Chris (10 March 2021). "Darting around Lancashire". Buses. No. 793. Stamford: Key Publishing. pp. 40–41. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
^ "Thomas SLF 200". High Point: Thomas Built Buses. Archived from the original on 23 February 2001. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ "DaimlerChrysler SLF 200". High Point: Thomas Built Buses. Archived from the original on 3 June 2003. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
^ "Low-Floor Buses". Fleetline. No. 247. Sydney. July 1997. p. 132.
^ "Crusaders for Australia". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 402. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. 28 March 1997.
^ "Wright Buses for Canberra". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 403. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. 4 April 1997. p. 2. Further to last week's story about the order from Action Bus of Canberra, Australia for Wright Crusader low floor midibuses on Dennis Dart SLF chassis, Wright's has informed us that the current order is for 25 buses worth £1.5 million.
^ "A Friendly Dart". Truck & Bus Transportation. Sydney. July 1997. p. 150.
^ "Invicta Sells to Grenda". Australian Bus Panorama. Vol. 24, no. 5. Sydney. March 2009. p. 12.
^ "Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services". Australian Bus. No. 98. Melbourne. March 2020. p. 20.
^ "Dennis Buses in Adelaide". Transit Australia. Sydney. June 1997. p. 138.
^ "Transperth News". Rattler. No. 399. Whiteman Park. January 2006. p. 6.
^ "Dart regains its Hong Kong look". Buses. No. 775. Stamford: Key Publishing. 19 September 2019. p. 67. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
^ "Far East Pointer Darts". Buses. No. 784. Stamford: Key Publishing. 18 June 2020. pp. 44–45. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
^ "On target for Macao". Coach & Bus Week. No. 215. Peterborough: Emap. 27 April 1996. p. 32.
^ "First manual Darts for Malta". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 394. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. 31 January 1997. p. 9.
^ Jones, Stuart (7 March 1997). "UK built low floor buses for overseas markets". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 399. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. p. 17.
^ "Bus made for Malta launched". Times of Malta. 9 August 2002. Retrieved 12 September 2023.

External links

Media related to Dennis Dart at Wikimedia Commons

Dennis Dart SLF Alexander Dennis

[1] "Plenty to see at NEC". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 27 October 1988. pp. 30–38. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[2] "Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 22 September 1988. p. 5. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[3] "Dennis launches darts". Commercial Motor. 13 July 1989. p. 20. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[Buses714-4] "25 Years Ago: The birth of the Dennis Dart". Buses. No. 714. Stamford: Key Publishing. September 2014. p. 22.

[5] "Dart dialogue". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 14 December 1989. p. 18. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[6] "Wadham low-floor midi". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 19 April 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.

[7] "Wright midi boosts jobs". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 1 November 1990. p. 20. Retrieved 28 May 2023.

[8] "RB Dart body on target". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 16 August 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.

[9] "East Lancs set to build on Dart chassis". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 16 May 1991. p. 20. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[BritainsBuses-10] Britain's Buses (6 ed.). Key Publishing. 2021. pp. 17, 90, 108. ISBN 978-1-802820-096.

[11] Jenkins, David (18 January 2023). "A long slow battle". Buses. No. 815. Stamford: Key Publishing. pp. 30–34. Retrieved 18 June 2023. Citybus became a pioneer of gas bus operation, in an EU-funded joint project with local councils. Branded as Ecobus, it launched in 1994 with the conversion of six existing Dennis Darts in the fleet. Joined by 10 new ones delivered in 1996, it made Citybus the largest operator of gas buses at that time. They lasted for around 10 years.

[12] Harrison, Michael (29 January 1997). "Southampton busmen set to cash in". The Independent. London. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[Goundry-13] Goundry, Andy (23 March 2020). Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles. London: Crowood Press. pp. 134, 146. ISBN 978-1-78500-708-8. Retrieved 3 January 2023.

[14] Morgan, Mike (13 January 1996). "UK gets first purpose-built gas bus". Coach & Bus Week. No. 200. Peterborough: Emap. p. 8.

[History-15] "The History of Alexander Dennis". Larbert: Alexander Dennis. Archived from the original on 29 December 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[16] "Alexander Dennis reveals Enviro200 Dart". Bus & Coach Professional. 20 March 2006. Archived from the original on 24 March 2006. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[Buses793-17] Newton, Chris (10 March 2021). "Darting around Lancashire". Buses. No. 793. Stamford: Key Publishing. pp. 40–41. Retrieved 29 July 2024.

[18] "Thomas SLF 200". High Point: Thomas Built Buses. Archived from the original on 23 February 2001. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[19] "DaimlerChrysler SLF 200". High Point: Thomas Built Buses. Archived from the original on 3 June 2003. Retrieved 3 June 2023.

[20] "Low-Floor Buses". Fleetline. No. 247. Sydney. July 1997. p. 132.

[21] "Crusaders for Australia". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 402. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. 28 March 1997.

[22] "Wright Buses for Canberra". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 403. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. 4 April 1997. p. 2. Further to last week's story about the order from Action Bus of Canberra, Australia for Wright Crusader low floor midibuses on Dennis Dart SLF chassis, Wright's has informed us that the current order is for 25 buses worth £1.5 million.

[23] "A Friendly Dart". Truck & Bus Transportation. Sydney. July 1997. p. 150.

[24] "Invicta Sells to Grenda". Australian Bus Panorama. Vol. 24, no. 5. Sydney. March 2009. p. 12.

[25] "Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services". Australian Bus. No. 98. Melbourne. March 2020. p. 20.

[26] "Dennis Buses in Adelaide". Transit Australia. Sydney. June 1997. p. 138.

[27] "Transperth News". Rattler. No. 399. Whiteman Park. January 2006. p. 6.

[28] "Dart regains its Hong Kong look". Buses. No. 775. Stamford: Key Publishing. 19 September 2019. p. 67. Retrieved 29 July 2024.

[29] "Far East Pointer Darts". Buses. No. 784. Stamford: Key Publishing. 18 June 2020. pp. 44–45. Retrieved 29 July 2024.

[30] "On target for Macao". Coach & Bus Week. No. 215. Peterborough: Emap. 27 April 1996. p. 32.

[31] "First manual Darts for Malta". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 394. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. 31 January 1997. p. 9.

[32] Jones, Stuart (7 March 1997). "UK built low floor buses for overseas markets". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 399. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. p. 17.

[33] "Bus made for Malta launched". Times of Malta. 9 August 2002. Retrieved 12 September 2023.

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@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 {{Use British English|date=February 2018}}
 {{Infobox automobile
-|name         = Dennis Dart
+| name = Dennis Dart
-|image        = Thames Travel KU52 RXF front (Cropped).jpg
+| image = Thames Travel KU52 RXF front (Cropped).jpg
-|caption      = [[Thames Travel]] [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodied Dennis Dart MPD
+| caption = [[Thames Travel]] [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodied Dennis Dart MPD
-|manufacturer = {{ubl|[[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] (1989–2001)|TransBus International (2001–2004)|[[Alexander Dennis]] (2004–2008)|[[Thomas Built Buses]]}}
+| manufacturer = {{ubl|[[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] (1989–2001)|[[Dennis Specialist Vehicles#TransBus International|TransBus]] (2001–2004)|[[Alexander Dennis]] (2004–2008)|[[Thomas Built Buses]]}}
-|factory      = [[Guildford]], England
+| factory = [[Guildford]], England
-|production   = 1989–2008
+| production = 1989–2008
-|predecessor  = {{ubl|[[Dennis Domino]]|[[Dennis Lance]]}}
+| predecessor = {{ubl|[[Dennis Domino]]|[[Dennis Lance]]}}
-|successor    = [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]]
+| successor = [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]]
-|capacity     = 23−44 seated
+| capacity = 23−44 seated
-|length       = {{ubl|'''Dart:''' {{cvt|8.5|m}}, {{cvt|9.0|m}}, {{cvt|9.8|m}}|'''Dart SLF:'''{{cvt|8.8|m}},{{cvt|9.2|m}}, {{cvt|9.3|m}}, {{cvt|10.0|m}}, {{cvt|10.1|m}}, {{cvt|10.6|m}}, {{cvt|10.7|m}}, {{cvt|11.3|m}}}}
+| length = {{ubl|'''Dart:'''|{{cvt|8.5|m}}| {{cvt|9.0|m}}| {{cvt|9.8|m}}|'''Dart SLF:'''|{{cvt|8.8|m}}|{{cvt|9.2|m}}| {{cvt|9.3|m}}| {{cvt|10.0|m}}| {{cvt|10.1|m}}| {{cvt|10.6|m}}| {{cvt|10.7|m}}| {{cvt|11.3|m}}}}
-|width        = {{cvt|2.3|m}}, {{cvt|2.4|m}} or {{cvt|2.5|m}}
+| width = {{ubl|{{cvt|2.3|m}}| {{cvt|2.4|m}}| {{cvt|2.5|m}}}}
-|floortype    = {{ubl|[[High-floor|Step-entrance]] (Dart)|[[Low-floor bus|Low-floor]] (Dart SLF)}}
+| floortype = {{ubl|[[High-floor|Step-entrance]] (Dart)|[[Low-floor bus|Low-floor]] (Dart SLF)}}
-|doors        = 1 or 2
+| doors = 1 or 2
-|engine       = {{ubl|[[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins B Series]]|[[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins ISBe]]}}
+| engine = {{ubl|[[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins B Series]]|[[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins ISBe]]}}
-|powerout     =
+| powerout =
-|transmission = {{ubl|[[Allison Transmission|Allison]]|[[Eaton Corporation|Eaton]]|[[Voith]]}}
+| transmission = {{ubl|[[Allison Transmission|Allison]]|[[Eaton Corporation|Eaton]]|[[Voith]]}}
+| height = {{cvt|2.7|m}}
-|options      =
 }}
-The '''Dennis Dart''' is a [[Rear-engine design|rear-engined]] [[single-decker bus|single-decker]] [[midibus]] chassis that was introduced by [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] of [[Guildford]], England in 1989, replacing the [[Dennis Domino]]. Initially built as a high-floor design, in 1996 the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] second generation '''Dennis Dart SLF''' was launched. In 2001, production of the Dart SLF passed to TransBus International, during which time it was sold as the TransBus Dart SLF; [[Alexander Dennis]] took over production in 2004, renaming the product as the '''Alexander Dennis Dart SLF'''.
+The '''Dennis Dart''' is a [[Rear-engine design|rear-engined]] [[single-decker bus|single-decker]] [[midibus]] chassis that was introduced by [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] of [[Guildford]], England, in 1989, replacing the [[Dennis Domino]]. Initially built as a high-floor design, in 1996 the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] second generation '''Dennis Dart SLF''' was launched. In 2001, production of the Dart SLF passed to TransBus International, during which time it was sold as the TransBus Dart SLF; [[Alexander Dennis]] took over production in 2004, renaming the product as the '''Alexander Dennis Dart SLF'''.
 More than 12,600{{nbsp}}Darts were produced in total during a 19-year production run. Most were purchased by United Kingdom operators, although examples were sold in Europe, North America, Australia and Hong Kong. In the United States, the Dart SLF, with [[Alexander ALX200]] bodywork, was built and sold by [[Thomas Built Buses]] as the Thomas SLF 200.
@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 The Dennis Dart was conceived when [[Hestair Group]] (owner of [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] and [[Duple Coachbuilders|Duple]]) decided to produce a bus between a [[minibus]] and a [[rigid bus|full-sized]] [[single-decker bus|single-decker]].
-It was launched in October 1988 at the [[British International Motor Show]] and was originally only available with [[Duple Dartline]] bodywork.<ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/27th-october-1988/37/motor-show-88-report Major Show 88] ''[[Commercial Motor]]'' 27 October 1988</ref> It was {{cvt|2.3|m}} wide and was initially available in the length of {{cvt|9.0|m}}, but later available in lengths of {{cvt|8.5|m}} and {{cvt|9.8|m}}. It was powered by a [[Cummins UK|Cummins]] 6BT engine and coupled to the [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] AT545 gearbox.<ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-september-1988/5/-hestair-duple-and-dennis-specialist-vehicles-have Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart] ''Commercial Motor'' 22 September 1988</ref><ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/13th-july-1989/20/dennis-launches-darts Dennis launches darts] ''Commercial Motor'' 13 July 1989</ref><ref name=Buses714>25 Years Ago: The birth of the Dennis Dart ''[[Buses (magazine)|Buses]]'' issue 714 September 2014 page 22</ref>
+It was launched in October 1988 at the [[British International Motor Show]] and was originally only available with [[Duple Dartline]] bodywork.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/27th-october-1988/37/motor-show-88-report |title=Plenty to see at NEC |work=[[Commercial Motor]] |pages=30-38 |publisher=Temple Press |date=27 October 1988 |access-date=3 June 2023}}</ref> It was {{cvt|2.3|m}} wide and was initially available in the length of {{cvt|9.0|m}}, but later available in lengths of {{cvt|8.5|m}} and {{cvt|9.8|m}}. It was powered by a [[Cummins UK|Cummins]] 6BT engine and coupled to the [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] AT545 gearbox.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-september-1988/5/-hestair-duple-and-dennis-specialist-vehicles-have |title=Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart |work=Commercial Motor |page=5 |publisher=Temple Press |date=22 September 1988 |access-date=3 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/13th-july-1989/20/dennis-launches-darts |title=Dennis launches darts |work=Commercial Motor |page=20 |date=13 July 1989 |access-date=3 June 2023}}</ref><ref name=Buses714>{{cite magazine |title=25 Years Ago: The birth of the Dennis Dart |date=September 2014 |magazine=[[Buses (magazine)|Buses]] |issue=714 |page=22 |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing}}</ref>
-In 1989 the Dart chassis was made available for bodying by other manufacturers.<ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/14th-december-1989/18/dart-dialogue Dart dialogue] ''Commercial Motor'' 14 December 1989</ref> In 1990, [[Wadham Stringer]] became the next builder to body the Dart with a body called the Portsdown, but it was sold in small numbers and replaced by the [[Caetano Compass|UVG Urbanstar]] in 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=19 April 1990 |title=Wadham low-floor midi |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/19th-april-1990/19/wadham-low-floor-midi |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In the same year, [[Wrightbus|Wright]] bodied the Dart with the [[Wright Handybus|Handybus]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1 November 1990 |title=Wright midi boosts jobs |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/1st-november-1990/20/wright-midi-boosts-jobs |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=20 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In early 1991, Plaxton launched the [[Plaxton Pointer|Pointer]] (which was initially designated as [[Reeve Burgess]] Pointer as it was built at Reeve Burgess's plant, until later in the same year when it was transferred to Plaxton's [[Scarborough, North Yorkshire|Scarborough]] plant).<ref>{{cite magazine|date=16 August 1990 |title=RB Dart body on target |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-august-1990/19/rb-dart-body-on-target |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> Later in 1991, [[East Lancashire Coachbuilders|East Lancs]] bodied the Dart with its [[East Lancs EL2000|EL2000]].<ref>[http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-may-1991/20/east-lams-to-build-two-on-dad-chassis East Lancs set to build on Dart chassis] ''Commercial Motor'' 16 May 1991</ref> In the latter half of 1991, [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] launched the [[Alexander Dash|Dash]].
+In 1989, the Dart chassis was made available for bodying by other manufacturers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/14th-december-1989/18/dart-dialogue |title=Dart dialogue |work=Commercial Motor |page=18 |publisher=Temple Press |date=14 December 1989 |access-date=3 June 2023}}</ref> In 1990, [[Wadham Stringer]] became the next builder to body the Dart with a body called the Portsdown, but it was sold in small numbers and replaced by the [[Caetano Compass|UVG Urbanstar]] in 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=19 April 1990 |title=Wadham low-floor midi |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/19th-april-1990/19/wadham-low-floor-midi |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In the same year, [[Wrightbus|Wright]] bodied the Dart with the [[Wright Handybus|Handybus]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1 November 1990 |title=Wright midi boosts jobs |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/1st-november-1990/20/wright-midi-boosts-jobs |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=20 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In early 1991, Plaxton launched the [[Plaxton Pointer|Pointer]] (which was initially designated as [[Reeve Burgess]] Pointer as it was built at Reeve Burgess's plant, until later in the same year when it was transferred to Plaxton's [[Scarborough, North Yorkshire|Scarborough]] plant).<ref>{{cite magazine|date=16 August 1990 |title=RB Dart body on target |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-august-1990/19/rb-dart-body-on-target |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> Later in 1991, [[East Lancashire Coachbuilders|East Lancs]] bodied the Dart with its [[East Lancs EL2000|EL2000]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-may-1991/20/east-lams-to-build-two-on-dad-chassis |title=East Lancs set to build on Dart chassis |work=Commercial Motor |page=20 |publisher=Temple Press |date=16 May 1991 |access-date=3 June 2023}}</ref> In the latter half of 1991, [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] launched the [[Alexander Dash|Dash]].
-As the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] [[single-decker bus]]es became more popular in late 1990s, orders for [[High-floor|standard-floor]] Dart dropped heavily and production ceased in 1998. Over 3,400 first generation Darts were produced.<ref name=Buses714/><ref>The Model Page ''[[Bus & Coach Preservation]]'' May 2017 page 58</ref><ref name=BritainsBuses>{{cite book|title=Britain's Buses|date=2021|publisher=[[Key Publishing]]|isbn=978 1 802820 096|pages=17, 90, 108|edition=6}}</ref>
+As the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] [[single-decker bus]]es became more popular in late 1990s, orders for [[High-floor|standard-floor]] Dart dropped heavily and production ceased in 1998. Over 3,400 first generation Darts were produced.<ref name=Buses714/><ref name=BritainsBuses>{{cite book|title=Britain's Buses|date=2021|publisher=[[Key Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-802820-096|pages=17, 90, 108|edition=6}}</ref>
 ===Alternative fuels===
 [[File:Ecobus.jpg|thumb|Dennis Dart 9SDL Carlyle Ecobus]]
-In 1993, [[Southampton Citybus]] adapted six Dart 9SDL Carlyle bodied buses to use [[compressed natural gas]], the cylinders being mounted in a pod on the roof. In 1996 a further 10 adapted vehicles were ordered.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Jenkins |first=David |date=18 January 2023 |issue=815 |pages=30-34 |title=A long slow battle |url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/long-slow-battle |magazine=Buses |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing |access-date=18 June 2023 |url-access=subscription |quote=Citybus became a pioneer of gas bus operation, in an EU-funded joint project with local councils. Branded as Ecobus, it launched in 1994 with the conversion of six existing Dennis Darts in the fleet. Joined by 10 new ones delivered in 1996, it made Citybus the largest operator of gas buses at that time. They lasted for around 10 years.}}</ref> At the time of the delivery of the Darts, Southampton Citybus were the largest operator of gas-powered vehicles in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harrison |first1=Michael |date=29 January 1997 |title=Southampton busmen set to cash in |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/southampton-busmen-set-to-cash-in-1285743.html |website=[[The Independent]]|location=London |access-date=3 June 2023 |url-access=limited}}</ref> They were fitted with an engine developed in the United States by [[Cummins]] and [[Westport Innovations|Westport]].<ref name=Goundry>{{cite book|last=Goundry|first=Andy|title=Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O53SDwAAQBAJ|accessdate=3 January 2023|date=23 March 2020|publisher=[[Crowood Press]]|isbn=978-1-78500-708-8|pages=134, 146}}</ref>
+In 1993, [[Southampton Citybus]] adapted six Dart 9SDL Carlyle bodied buses to use [[compressed natural gas]], the cylinders being mounted in a pod on the roof. In 1996 a further 10 adapted vehicles were ordered.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Jenkins |first=David |date=18 January 2023 |issue=815 |pages=30–34 |title=A long slow battle |url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/long-slow-battle |magazine=Buses |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing |access-date=18 June 2023 |url-access=subscription |quote=Citybus became a pioneer of gas bus operation, in an EU-funded joint project with local councils. Branded as Ecobus, it launched in 1994 with the conversion of six existing Dennis Darts in the fleet. Joined by 10 new ones delivered in 1996, it made Citybus the largest operator of gas buses at that time. They lasted for around 10 years.}}</ref> At the time of the delivery of the Darts, Southampton Citybus were the largest operator of gas-powered vehicles in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harrison |first1=Michael |date=29 January 1997 |title=Southampton busmen set to cash in |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/southampton-busmen-set-to-cash-in-1285743.html |website=[[The Independent]]|location=London |access-date=3 June 2023 |url-access=limited}}</ref> They were fitted with an engine developed in the United States by [[Cummins]] and [[Westport Innovations|Westport]].<ref name=Goundry>{{cite book|last=Goundry|first=Andy|title=Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O53SDwAAQBAJ|accessdate=3 January 2023|date=23 March 2020|publisher=[[Crowood Press]] |location=London |isbn=978-1-78500-708-8|pages=134, 146}}</ref>
-[[First West of England|First Cityline]] in [[Bristol]] trialled a pair of Plaxton Pointer bodied Dart MPDs in 1996, which were powered by six CNG canisters mounted on their roofs. These buses were branded by First as 'GasBus'.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Morgan |first=Mike |date=13 January 1996 |issue=200 |page=8 |title=UK gets first purpose-built gas bus |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap}}</ref>
+[[First West of England|First Cityline]] in [[Bristol]] trialled a pair of Plaxton Pointer bodied Dart MPDs in 1996, which were powered by six CNG canisters mounted on their roofs. These buses were branded by First as 'GasBus'.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Morgan |first=Mike |date=13 January 1996 |issue=200 |page=8 |title=UK gets first purpose-built gas bus |magazine=[[Coach & Bus Week]] |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap}}</ref>
 ==Second generation (Dart SLF)==
 [[File:Arriva Guildford & West Surrey 3091 P291 FPK.JPG|thumb|[[Arriva Guildford & West Surrey]] [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 1]] bodied Dennis Dart SLF in 2009]]
-In 1996, Dennis launched a [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] version of the Dart known as the Dart SLF, with the letters SLF standing for Super Low Floor in reference to the new low-floor design.<ref name=Buses714/><ref name=BritainsBuses/><ref name=History>[https://web.archive.org/web/20221229175419/https://www.alexander-dennis.com/about-us/our-history/ The History of Alexander Dennis] [[Alexander Dennis]]</ref> It was {{cvt|2.4|m}} wide and initially offered in lengths of {{cvt|10|m}} and {{cvt|10.6|m}}, with air suspension introduced in place of the taper leaf used in the original design.
+In 1996, Dennis launched a [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] version of the Dart known as the Dart SLF, with the letters SLF standing for Super Low Floor in reference to the new low-floor design.<ref name=Buses714/><ref name=BritainsBuses/><ref name=History>{{cite web |url=https://www.alexander-dennis.com/about-us/our-history/ |title=The History of Alexander Dennis |publisher=[[Alexander Dennis]] |location=Larbert |access-date=3 June 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229175419/https://www.alexander-dennis.com/about-us/our-history/ |archive-date=29 December 2022}}</ref> It was {{cvt|2.4|m}} wide and initially offered in lengths of {{cvt|10|m}} and {{cvt|10.6|m}}, with air suspension introduced in place of the taper leaf used in the original design.
 [[File:S824 WYD 42824 East Lancs Spryte- Dennis Dart (8528234001).jpg|thumb|left|[[First Somerset & Avon]] [[East Lancs Spryte]] bodied Dennis Dart SLF in [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] in 2013]]
 It was initially offered with the [[low-floor bus|low floor]] version of the Pointer bodywork (which was notable for being wider), replaced by the updated Pointer 2 in 1997. It was also offered with a wide variety of bodies, namely the [[East Lancs Spryte]], UVG Urbanstar (later renamed as the [[Caetano Compass]]; replaced by the [[Caetano Nimbus|Nimbus]] in 1999), the [[Wright Crusader]], [[Alexander ALX200]] (discontinued in 2001 with the formation of TransBus International and being replaced by the Pointer 2), [[Marshall Capital]] (developed from the C37; later built by [[MCV Bus & Coach|MCV]]), Caetano Nimbus and [[MCV Evolution]] (since 2005 - a further evolution of the Marshall bodywork).
-With the move to [[Euro III]] emissions in October 2001, the new [[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins ISBe]] engine was launched, with the four-cylinder {{convert|3.9|L|cuin|abbr=off|adj=on}}-litre model being used in all lengths except the {{cvt|11.3|m}} version, which uses the more powerful six-cylinder, {{convert|5.9|L|cuin|abbr=on|adj=on}} version. The Cummins ISBe [[Euro IV]] engine became available on the Dart SLF chassis since late 2006. In 2007, the Dennis Dart SLF was superseded by the [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060324091514/http://www.busandcoach.com/newsStory.aspx?id=680 Alexander Dennis reveals Enviro200 Dart] ''Bus & Coach Professional'' 20 March 2006</ref> Over 9,100 low floor Darts were built, the last entering service with [[Park Island Transport]] in Match 2008.<ref name=Buses793>Darting around Lancashire ''Buses'' issue 793 April 2021</ref>
+With the move to [[Euro III]] emissions in October 2001, the new [[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins ISBe]] engine was launched, with the four-cylinder {{convert|3.9|L|cuin|abbr=off|adj=on}}-litre model being used in all lengths except the {{cvt|11.3|m}} version, which uses the more powerful six-cylinder, {{convert|5.9|L|cuin|abbr=on|adj=on}} version. The Cummins ISBe [[Euro IV]] engine became available on the Dart SLF chassis since late 2006. In 2007, the Dennis Dart SLF was superseded by the [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.busandcoach.com/newsStory.aspx?id=680 |title=Alexander Dennis reveals Enviro200 Dart |work=Bus & Coach Professional |date=20 March 2006 |access-date=3 June 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060324091514/http://www.busandcoach.com/newsStory.aspx?id=680 |archive-date=24 March 2006}}</ref> Over 9,100 low floor Darts were built, the last entering service with [[Park Island Transport]] in March 2008.<ref name=Buses793>{{cite magazine |last=Newton |first=Chris |url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/darting-around-lancashire |title=Darting around Lancashire |date=10 March 2021 |magazine=Buses |issue=793 |pages=40-41 |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing |access-date=29 July 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
 {{-}}
@@ Line 70: / Line 70: @@
 ===Thomas SLF 200===
-In 1998, a joint venture was formed between Dennis and [[Thomas Built Buses]] to build the Dennis Dart SLF with Alexander ALX200 bodywork for the North American market. Initially sold as the Thomas SLF 200, following a restructure by parent company [[Daimler Truck North America]], it was sold as the DaimlerChrysler SLF 200.<ref name=Goundry/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010223203157/http://www.thomasbus.com/products/commercial/slf200.asp Thomas SLF 200] [[Thomas Built Buses]]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030603180532/http://www.thomasbuiltbuses.com/transitshuttle.asp?busid=tslf DaimlerChrysler SLF 200] Thomas Built Buses</ref>
+In 1998, a joint venture was formed between Dennis and [[Thomas Built Buses]] to build the Dennis Dart SLF with Alexander ALX200 bodywork for the North American market. Initially sold as the Thomas SLF 200, following a restructure by parent company [[Daimler Truck North America]], it was sold as the DaimlerChrysler SLF 200.<ref name=Goundry/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thomasbus.com/products/commercial/slf200.asp |title=Thomas SLF 200 |publisher=[[Thomas Built Buses]] |location=High Point |access-date=3 June 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010223203157/http://www.thomasbus.com/products/commercial/slf200.asp |archive-date=23 February 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thomasbuiltbuses.com/transitshuttle.asp?busid=tslf |title=DaimlerChrysler SLF 200 |publisher=Thomas Built Buses |location=High Point |access-date=3 June 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030603180532/http://www.thomasbuiltbuses.com/transitshuttle.asp?busid=tslf |archive-date=3 June 2003}}</ref>
 It was launched at the [[American Public Transportation Association]] Expo 1999. Initially built with a Cummins engine, it was later sold with a [[Mercedes-Benz]] engine. After sales failed to line up to expectations, the joint venture was dissolved in 2003.<ref name=Goundry/>
@@ Line 80: / Line 80: @@
 ===Australia===
-In Australia, [[ACTION]] of [[Canberra]] took delivery of 25 [[Wright Crusader]] bodied Dennis Dart SLFs in 1997,<ref>Low-Floor Buses ''[[Fleetline (periodical)|Fleetline]]'' issue 247 July 1997 page 132</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=28 March 1997 |issue=402 |title=Crusaders for Australia |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=4 April 1997 |issue=403 |page=2 |title=Wright Buses for Canberra |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited|quote=Further to last week's story about the order from Action Bus of Canberra, Australia for Wright Crusader low floor midibuses on Dennis Dart SLF chassis, Wright's has informed us that the current order is for 25 buses worth £1.5 million.}}</ref> [[Brisbane Bus Lines]] (3),<ref>A Friendly Dart ''[[Truck & Bus Transportation]]'' July 1997 page 150</ref> [[Invicta Bus Services]] (27),<ref>Invicta Sells to Grenda ''[[Australian Bus Panorama]]'' issue 24/5 March 2009 page 12</ref><ref>Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services ''[[Australian Bus]]'' issue 98 March 2020 page 20</ref> [[TransAdelaide]] (2)<ref>Dennis Buses in Adelaide ''[[Transit Australia]]'' June 1997 page 138</ref> and [[Transperth]] (2)<ref>Transperth News ''[[Rattler (periodical)|Rattler]]'' issue 399 January 2006 page 6</ref> purchased Darts.
+In Australia, [[ACTION]] of [[Canberra]] took delivery of 25 [[Wright Crusader]] bodied Dennis Dart SLFs in 1997,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Low-Floor Buses |magazine=[[Fleetline (periodical)|Fleetline]] |location=Sydney |issue=247 |date=July 1997 |page=132}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=28 March 1997 |issue=402 |title=Crusaders for Australia |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=4 April 1997 |issue=403 |page=2 |title=Wright Buses for Canberra |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited|quote=Further to last week's story about the order from Action Bus of Canberra, Australia for Wright Crusader low floor midibuses on Dennis Dart SLF chassis, Wright's has informed us that the current order is for 25 buses worth £1.5 million.}}</ref> [[Brisbane Bus Lines]] (3),<ref>{{cite magazine |title=A Friendly Dart |magazine=[[Truck & Bus Transportation]] |location=Sydney |date=July 1997 |page=150}}</ref> [[Invicta Bus Services]] (27),<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Invicta Sells to Grenda |magazine=[[Australian Bus Panorama]] |location=Sydney |volume=24 |issue=5 |date=March 2009 |page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services |magazine=[[Australian Bus]] |location=Melbourne |issue=98 |date=March 2020 |page=20}}</ref> [[TransAdelaide]] (2)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Dennis Buses in Adelaide |magazine=[[Transit Australia]] |location=Sydney |date=June 1997 |page=138}}</ref> and [[Transperth]] (2)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Transperth News |magazine=[[Rattler (periodical)|Rattler]] |location=Whiteman Park |issue=399 |date=January 2006 |page=6}}</ref> purchased Darts.
 ===Canada===
@@ Line 87: / Line 87: @@
 ===Hong Kong & Macau===
 [[File:LL3004 PITCL NR332 16-09-2015.jpg|thumb|[[Park Island Transport]] Plaxton Pointer 2 bodied TransBus Dart SLF in [[Kwai Fong]] in 2015]]
-In Hong Kong, [[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]], [[Kowloon Motor Bus]], [[New Lantao Bus]], [[New World First Bus]] and [[Park Island Transport]] purchased Darts. Some of Citybus vehicles were repatriated back to England by parent [[Stagecoach Group]] for use at its [[Stagecoach South West|Devon]] and [[Stagecoach South|Hampshire]] subsidiaries.<ref>Dart regains its Hong Kong look ''Buses'' issue 775 October 2019 page 67</ref><ref>Far East Pointer Darts ''Buses'' issue 784 July 2020 pages 44/45</ref>
+In Hong Kong, [[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]], [[Kowloon Motor Bus]], [[New Lantao Bus]], [[New World First Bus]] and [[Park Island Transport]] purchased Darts. Some of Citybus vehicles were repatriated back to England by parent [[Stagecoach Group]] for use at its [[Stagecoach South West|Devon]] and [[Stagecoach South|Hampshire]] subsidiaries.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/owb-plugs-gap-oxford-collection |title=Dart regains its Hong Kong look |date=19 September 2019 |magazine=Buses |issue=775 |page=67 |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing |access-date=29 July 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/far-east-pointer-darts |title=Far East Pointer Darts |date=18 June 2020 |magazine=Buses |issue=784 |pages=44-45 |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing |access-date=29 July 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
-In Macau, [[Transmac]] took delivery of ten dual-door and air-conditioned Pointer-bodied Darts in January 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Stuart |date=19 April 1996 |issue=354 |pages=13-17 |title=Plaxton |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited|quote=A short distance from Hong Kong is Macau where Transmac are operating ten conventional Darts with dual-door Pointer bodies.}}</ref>
+In Macau, [[Transmac]] took delivery of ten dual-door and air-conditioned Pointer-bodied Darts in January 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=27 April 1996 |issue=215 |page=32 |title=On target for Macao |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap}}</ref>
+===Malta===
+Four Dennis Dart SLFs with [[Eaton Corporation|Eaton]] six-speed [[manual transmission]]s were delivered to Paramount Garage of Malta in 1997. The first two Darts were delivered with a {{convert|10.6|m}} [[East Lancs Spryte]] body equipped with large hopper windows and electronically-operated sun visors, while the remaining two were later delivered with Plaxton Pointer bodies.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=31 January 1997 |issue=394 |page=9 |title=First manual Darts for Malta |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Stuart |date=7 March 1997 |issue=399 |page=17 |title=UK built low floor buses for overseas markets |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited}}</ref>
+A Transbus Dart SLF built with [[Neobus (Serbia)|Neobus]] bodywork was delivered to Malta in 2002 by Gasan Transport Systems Ltd and presented to members of the Maltese Public Transport Association.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bus made for Malta launched |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bus-made-for-malta-launched.169357 |work=Times of Malta |date=9 August 2002 |access-date=12 September 2023}}</ref> A second demonstrator was built by Transbus but was not exported to Malta, later entering service in the United Kingdom with [[Flimwell]] independent operator Hams Travel.
 ===Netherlands===
@@ Line 98: / Line 103: @@
 ===Singapore===
-In Singapore, [[SBS Transit|Singapore Bus Service]] purchased 10 [[Duple Metsec]] bodied Darts in 1994 for smaller routes (M1, M2, M4 and 183)..{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
+In Singapore, [[SBS Transit|Singapore Bus Service]] purchased 10 [[Duple Metsec]] bodied Darts in 1994 for smaller routes (M1, M2, M4 and 183).{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
 ==References==

v t e Dennis vehicles
Buses	Ace Arrow (front-engined) Arrow (rear-engined) Dart (front-engined) Dart/Dart SLF Dominant Dominator Domino Dorchester Dragon/Condor E/EV F/FS Falcon (front-engined) Falcon (rear-engined) G/GL H/HS/HV Javelin Jubilant Lance/Lance 2/Lance 3 (front-engined) Lance (rear-engined) Lancet/Lancet 2/Lancet 3/Lancet 4 (front-engined) Lancet UF Lancet (underfloor-engined) Loline Mace Pelican Pike R-Series Trident 2 Trident 3
Fire engines	D series Dagger DF series DFS series DS series F series G-Type N-Type R series Rapier RS/SS series Sabre TF series TSD series
Trucks	Ace Centaur Delta Hefty Heron Horia Jubilant Max Max Major Maxim Paravan Pax Stork
Category