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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{short description|Double-decker bus chassis from Volvo}}
{{for|Volvo's low floor double-decker bus once known as Volvo Olympian|Volvo B9TL}}
{{Short description|Step-entrance double-decker bus chassis}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2017}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2017}}
{{Infobox UK Bus
{{Infobox UK Bus
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|interiorcaption =
|interiorcaption =
|manufacturer = [[Volvo Buses|Volvo]]
|manufacturer = [[Volvo Buses|Volvo]]
|production = 1992–2000
|production = 1993–2000
|assembly = [[Irvine, North Ayrshire|Irvine]]
|assembly = [[Irvine, North Ayrshire|Irvine]]
|operator =
|operator =
|floortype = [[High-floor|Step entrance]]
|floortype = [[High-floor|Step entrance]]
|doors = 1, 2, or 3
|doors = 1, 2, or 3

|engine = [[Cummins]] L10<br>[[Volvo Buses|Volvo]] TD102KF<br>Volvo D10A
|engine = [[Cummins]] [[Cummins L-series engine|L10]]<br>Cummins [[Cummins M-series engine|M11]]<br>[[Volvo Buses|Volvo]] TD102KF<br>Volvo D10A-245
|capacity =
|capacity =
|powerout = 245 hp (Volvo)<br>215/252 hp (Cummins)
|powerout = {{convert|245|hp|kW|abbr=on}} (Volvo)<br>{{convert|215|/|252|hp|kW|abbr=on}} (Cummins)
|transmission = [[Voith]] DIWA<br>[[ZF Ecomat]]
|transmission = [[Voith]] [[Voith DIWA|DIWA]]<br>[[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] [[ZF Ecomat|Ecomat]]
|length = '''2-axle:'''<br>9.6 m, 10.3 m<br>'''3-axle:'''<br>10.4 m, 11.3 m, 12 m
|length = '''2-axle:'''<br>{{convert|9.6|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}<br>{{convert|10.3|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}<br>'''3-axle:'''<br>{{convert|10.4|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}<br>{{convert|11.3|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}<br>{{convert|12|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}
|width =
|width =
|height =
|height =
|weight =
|weight =
|predecessor = [[Leyland Olympian]]
|predecessor = [[Leyland Olympian]]
|successor = [[Volvo B7TL]] (2-Axle)<br>[[Volvo B10TL Super Olympian]] (3-Axle)}}
|successor = [[Volvo B7TL]] (2-Axle)<br>[[Volvo Super Olympian]] (3-Axle)}}


The '''Volvo Olympian''' was a rear-engined 2-axle and 3-axle [[double decker bus]] chassis manufactured by [[Volvo Buses|Volvo]] at its [[Irvine, North Ayrshire|Irvine]], [[Scotland]] factory. The first was built in 1992 and entered production in March 1993, replacing the [[Leyland Olympian]].
The '''Volvo Olympian''' was a rear-engined 2-axle and 3-axle [[double decker bus]] chassis manufactured by [[Volvo Buses|Volvo]] at its [[Irvine, North Ayrshire|Irvine]], [[Scotland]] factory. The first was built in 1993 and entered production in March 1993, replacing the [[Leyland Olympian]].


==History==
==History==
The design was based on its predecessor, the [[Leyland Olympian]], but the chassis was modified such that only the chassis design and layout remained, with even the grade of steel for the chassis members being changed, Volvo's standard electrical system was used, as well as standard Volvo steering/"Z cam" braking systems. The early Volvo Olympians were offered with [[Cummins]] [[Cummins L Series engine|L10]] or Volvo TD102KF engine, coupled to [[Voith]] DIWA or [[ZF Ecomat]] gearbox.<ref>[http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/27th-february-1992/18/volvo-power-for-olympian Volvo power for Olympian] ''[[Commercial Motor]]'' 27 February 1992</ref><ref>[http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/1st-april-1993/10/volvo-opens-bus-lines-in-irvine Volvo opens bus lines in Irvine] ''Commercial Motor'' 1 April 1993</ref> From late 1996, only the 9.6-litre Volvo D10A-245 [[European emission standards|Euro II engine]] with [[Common rail|electronic diesel control]] was offered.
The design was based on its predecessor, the [[Leyland Olympian]], but the chassis was modified such that only the chassis design and layout remained, with even the grade of steel for the chassis members being changed, Volvo's standard electrical system was used, as well as standard Volvo steering/"Z cam" braking systems. The early Volvo Olympians were offered with [[Cummins]] [[Cummins L Series engine|L10]] or Volvo TD102KF engine, coupled to [[Voith]] DIWA or [[ZF Ecomat]] gearbox.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/27th-february-1992/18/volvo-power-for-olympian |title=Volvo power for Olympian |work=[[Commercial Motor]] |page=18 |publisher=Temple Press |date=27 February 1992 |access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/1st-april-1993/10/volvo-opens-bus-lines-in-irvine |title=Volvo opens bus lines in Irvine |work=Commercial Motor |page=10 |publisher=Temple Press |date=1 April 1993 |access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref> From late 1996, only the 9.6-litre Volvo D10A-245 [[European emission standards|Euro II engine]] with [[Common rail|electronic diesel control]] was offered.


It was available with [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander R-type]], [[Northern Counties Palatine|Northern Counties Palatine/Palatine 2]] and [[East Lancs E Type]]/[[East Lancs Pyoneer|Pyoneer]] bodywork. The Volvo Olympian is likely to be built as either closed top or [[open-top bus|open top]].
It was available with [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander R-type]], [[Northern Counties Palatine|Northern Counties Palatine/Palatine 2]] and [[East Lancs E Type]]/[[East Lancs Pyoneer|Pyoneer]] bodywork.


The Volvo Olympian remained as popular as the [[Leyland Olympian]] in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Ireland]]. A large number of Olympians were exported to [[Hong Kong]] and [[Singapore]]; most of them being [[Automobile air conditioning|air-conditioned]].
The Volvo Olympian remained as popular as the [[Leyland Olympian]] in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Ireland]]. A large number of Olympians were exported to [[Hong Kong]] and [[Singapore]]; most of them being [[Automobile air conditioning|air-conditioned]].
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==Orders==
==Orders==
===United Kingdom===
===United Kingdom===
{{missing information|section|significant operators of Volvo Olympians outside London|date=December 2021}}
⚫
The buses were very popular in the [[United Kingdom]]; most of the UK versions had two rather than three axles.
⚫
[[File:Go North East bus 3812 Volvo Olympian N Counties Palatine II S812 FVK Yellow Bus livery in Newcastle 9 May 2009 1.jpg|thumb|[[Go North East]] [[Northern Counties Palatine II]] bodied Volvo Olympian in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] in May 2009]]
⚫
The Volvo Olympian, like its Leyland predecessor, was very popular in the [[United Kingdom]]. Most Olympians delivered to UK operators had two axles as opposed to three axles.


[[London United Busways|London United]], [[Metroline]], [[Stagecoach London]], [[London Central]], [[London General]], [[Capital Citybus]], [[MTL (transport company)#MTL London|MTL London]], [[Harris Bus]] and [[First London|First CentreWest]] had received 687 Volvo Olympians between 1994 and 1999. Because of a low-floor rule that had to be complied with by 2006, these buses were not in service for long.
[[London United Busways|London United]], [[Metroline]], [[Stagecoach London]], [[London Central]], [[London General]], [[Capital Citybus]], [[MTL (transport company)#MTL London|MTL London]], [[Harris Bus]] and [[First London|First CentreWest]] had received 687 Volvo Olympians between 1994 and 1999.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}


⚫
In April 2000, two former [[Singapore Bus Services]] Volvo Olympians were exported to the United Kingdom, with one delivered to Nottingham and the other to Metroline. Metroline replaced the Singapore-specification windows and doors with British standard products before putting it into revenue-earning service in London.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}
Only two buses from [[London United Busways|London United]] survived for rail replacement services.


In 2008, the Low Emission Zone puts a final class of the Volvo Olympians in London. Metroline quit Volvo Olympians service in June 2008, displaced by Alexander Dennis Enviro200Darts. Some of them went to [[Ensignbus]] for rail replacement work.
In 2008, London's [[London low emission zone|Low Emission Zone]], as well as regulations demanding all buses in London be [[low-floor bus|low-floor]] by 2006, finally ousted the remaining Volvo Olympians in London. Metroline's Volvo Olympians were the last to be withdrawn in 2008, being displaced by new [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]]s.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}


Many other operators outside [[London]] received Volvo Olympians, the main operator being [[FirstGroup]]. [[Lothian Buses|Lothian Regional Transport]] were among major operators in [[Scotland]], ordering with Alexander R-type bodies, 68 of these being Alexander Royales,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/cbw-issue285/page/29/mode/1up |date=4 September 1997 |title=Royale delivery |magazine=[[Coach & Bus Week]] |issue=285 |page=29 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=28 July 2024}}</ref> while [[Kelvin Central Buses]] and [[Strathclyde Buses]] also took on Olympians with Royale bodies.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=8 June 1996 |title=First of 120 'green' Alexander/Volvos for SBH |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |issue=221 |page=8 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap}}</ref>
⚫
In April 2000, [[Singapore Bus Services]] had sent two Volvo Olympians, one to Nottingham and one to Metroline. Metroline replaced the tropical windows and the doors with British standard products and reregistered it. It was the first to be sent to [[Ensignbus]] in September 2005.

Many other operators outside [[London]] did receive Volvo Olympians, the main operator being [[FirstGroup]].


===Ireland===
===Ireland===
[[File:Bus111DunLaoghaire 2019w (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|[[Dublin Bus]] RA-class [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] bodied Volvo Olympian in [[Dún Laoghaire]] in May 2005]]
[[File:Bus111DunLaoghaire 2019w (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Dublin Bus]] RA-class [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] bodied Volvo Olympian in [[Dún Laoghaire]] in May 2005]]
⚫
[[File:Go North East bus 3812 Volvo Olympian N Counties Palatine II S812 FVK Yellow Bus livery in Newcastle 9 May 2009 1.jpg|thumb|[[Northern Counties Palatine]] II bodied Volvo Olympian in ''Yellow Buses'' livery in May 2009]]


[[Dublin Bus]] had continued their orders with the RA batch being ordered first (RA176 - RA325), 150 buses in 1994. In January 1997, Dublin Bus ordered further 315 Volvo Olympians, which is RV. During the period, new liveries had been introduced, of which it is CitySwift and the changing of the livery from two-tone green/orange to white/blue/orange. All buses were withdrawn by 2012.
[[Dublin Bus]] had continued their Olympian orders with the RA batch on the Leyland chassis being ordered first (RA176 - RA325), with 150 buses being ordered between 1994 and 1996. From January 1997, Dublin Bus ordered a further 315 Volvo Olympians, which were designated as RV. During that period, new liveries were introduced, such as CitySwift and the switch of the core livery from two-tone green and orange to white, blue and orange. All Volvo Olympians were withdrawn by the end of 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hall |first=Darren |date=March 2013 |issue=696 |page=52-55 |title=The Dublin Olympian |magazine=[[Buses (magazine)|Buses]] |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing}}</ref>


===Hong Kong===
===Hong Kong===
{{unsourced section|date=December 2021}}
[[File:CTBRoute671.JPG|thumb|[[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]] Volvo Olympian in Hong Kong in May 2009]]
[[File:CTBRoute671.JPG|thumb|[[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]] Volvo Olympian in Hong Kong in May 2009]]
[[Kowloon Motor Bus]] had ordered 531 Volvo Olympian 11m, 338 Volvo Olympian 12m and 30 Volvo Olympian non-aircon buses between 1994 and 1999. Long Win sold 10 12-metre Volvo Olympians to KMB in 1999. Due to the modernisation of the fleet, all Volvo Olympians have been withdrawn or converted to training buses, but they were withdrawn in November 2017.
[[Kowloon Motor Bus]] had ordered 531 Volvo Olympian 11m, 338 Volvo Olympian 12m and 30 Volvo Olympian non-airconditioned buses between 1994 and 1999. Long Win sold 10 12-metre Volvo Olympians to KMB in 1999. The last Volvo Olympian in the fleet was retired on 6 September 2016 due to the modernisation of the fleet. Some KMB Volvo Olympians were converted to training buses, however these were withdrawn in November 2017.


[[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]] had ordered 10 Volvo Olympian 10.4m, 2 Volvo Olympian 12m (second hand from China Light & Power), 310 Volvo Olympian 12m and 142 Volvo Olympian 11m (two second-hand from China Motor Bus) between 1994 and 1998. Due to the modernisation of the fleet, most of the buses were either withdrawn, sold or converted to training buses. These were withdrawn in March 2019.
[[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]] had ordered 10 Volvo Olympian 10.4m, 2 Volvo Olympian 12m (second hand from China Light & Power), 310 Volvo Olympian 12m and 142 Volvo Olympian 11m (two second-hand from China Motor Bus) between 1994 and 1998. Due to the modernisation of the fleet, most of the buses were either withdrawn, sold or converted to training buses. These were withdrawn in March 2019.
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===Singapore===
===Singapore===
{{unsourced section|date=December 2021}}
[[File:Volvo Olympian sbs9276m 88.jpg|thumb|left|[[SBS Transit]] [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] bodied Volvo Olympian in [[Singapore]] in April 2006]]
[[File:Volvo Olympian sbs9276m 88.jpg|thumb|left|[[SBS Transit]] [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] bodied Volvo Olympian in [[Singapore]] in April 2006]]
In 1993, [[Singapore Bus Services]] had ordered 100 Volvo Olympian 2-Axle and 201 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle to replace the then retiring earlier batches of [[Leyland Atlantean]]s with Walter Alexander Royale bodywork. These Volvo Olympians were delivered between June 1994 and June 1995.
In 1993, [[Singapore Bus Services]] had ordered 100 Volvo Olympian 2-Axle and 201 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle to replace the then retiring earlier batches of [[Leyland Atlantean]]s with Walter Alexander Royale bodywork. These Volvo Olympians were delivered between June 1994 and June 1995.


The Volvo Olympian 2-Axle are the last ever non-air conditioned buses to be brought in by [[Singapore Bus Services]] and also the last non air-conditioned buses in Singapore. Due to the additional weight of the air-compressor which necessitated a third axle, they were unable to be retrofitted with air-conditoning. In late 2003, most of these buses were redeployed to industrial routes to replace the then outgoing Leyland Olympian 2-Axles. Half of this batch had their lifespan extended by 2 years due to insufficient deliveries of new buses. All units were retired between June 2011 and November 2013, and the non-airconditioned bus fare structure was abolished shortly after.
The Volvo Olympian 2-Axle are the last non-air conditioned buses to be brought in by [[Singapore Bus Services]] and also the last non air-conditioned buses in Singapore. Due to the additional weight of the air-compressor which necessitated a third axle, they were unable to be retrofitted with air-conditioning. Buses were repainted between 11 August 2002 and 23 November 2003 into SBS Transit livery. In late 2003, most of these buses were redeployed to industrial routes to replace the then outgoing Leyland Olympian 2-Axles. Half of this batch had their lifespan extended by 2 years due to insufficient deliveries of new buses. All units were retired between June 2011 and September 2013, and the non-airconditioned bus fare structure was abolished shortly after.


The first batch of Volvo Olympian 3-Axle were largely similar in appearance to the Leyland Olympian 3-Axle, except for some minor technical differences. To maximise capacity, all buses except one were retrofitted with a standee area on the offside by removing 4 pairs of seats in the early 2000s. In 2011, most of these buses were given a 2 year lifespan extension, with some units receiving an additional six months to 1 year extension owing to insufficient deliveries of replacements. All units of this batch were retired between April 2012 and June 2015.
The first batch of Volvo Olympian 3-Axle were largely similar in appearance to the Leyland Olympian 3-Axle, except for some minor technical differences. To maximise capacity, all buses except one were retrofitted with a standee area on the offside by removing 4 pairs of seats in the early 2000s. In 2011, most of these buses were given a 2 year lifespan extension, with some units receiving an additional six months to 1 year extension owing to insufficient deliveries of replacements. All units of this batch were retired between March 2012 and June 2015.


In 1996, SBS ordered a second batch of 200 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle to replace some of the then-retiring [[Mercedes-Benz O305]] and [[Leyland Atlantean]]. These buses were delivered between August 1996 and February 1998. To maximise capacity, all buses had 4 pairs of seats removed on the offside to create a standee area in the early 2000s. In 2014, most of these buses in this batch were given a lifespan extension of 2 years due to insufficient deliveries of new buses. All units were retired between August 2013 and October 2016. These buses were also the last double deck buses in Singapore to use plastic destination signages.
In 1996, SBS ordered a second batch of 200 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle to replace some of the then-retiring [[Mercedes-Benz O305]] and [[Leyland Atlantean]]. These buses were delivered between August 1996 and February 1998. To maximise capacity, all buses had 4 pairs of seats removed on the offside to create a standee area in the early 2000s. In 2014, most of these buses in this batch were given a lifespan extension of 2 years due to insufficient deliveries of new buses. All units were retired between August 2013 and October 2016. These buses were also the last double deck buses in Singapore to use plastic destination signages.


In 1998, SBS ordered the last batch of 70 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle with Walter Alexander Royale bodywork, which were delivered with the standee area pre-installed. Registered between March 1999 and December 2000, all units were retrofitted with LECIP electronic destination signages (EDS) in the late 2000s. Unlike the earlier batches, none of these buses receive a lifespan extension of 2 years owing to a large influx of new replacements. All units of this batch were retired between March 2016 and December 2017.
In 1998, SBS ordered the last batch of 70 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle with Walter Alexander Royale bodywork, which were delivered with the standee area pre-installed and first batch of buses to be installed with seat counter. Registered between March 1999 and December 2000, all units were retrofitted with LECIP electronic destination signages (EDS) in the early 2010s. Unlike the earlier batches, none of these buses received a lifespan extension of 2 years owing to a large influx of replacements. All units of this batch were retired between March 2016 and December 2017.

After the rebranding from Singapore Bus Services to SBS Transit in December 2001 and the launch of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone movie in 2001, SBS Transit only repainted Volvo Olympians, Volvo B10Ms (with the exception of APAD-registered buses and Volvo B10M Mark II), Leyland Olympians, Mercedes-Benz O405 and demonstrator buses into SBS Transit livery until December 2003. The first bus to be repainted is SBS9661J, SBS9669M and SBS9670H in 14 December 2001 and the last bus to be repainted is SBS9387B in 14 November 2006 after the expiry of SBS e-ideas advertisement.


==End of production==
==End of production==
Production of Volvo Olympian ended in 2000 and concluded a run of over 10,000 Leyland/Volvo Olympian chassis. The last built were for [[Yorkshire Coastliner]] and had [[Alexander Royale]] bodies. The chassis had two [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] successors: the 2-axle [[Volvo B7TL]] and the 3-axle [[Volvo Super Olympian]]. It was intended that the [[Volvo B7L]] replace the Olympian,<ref name =B7L_PR>{{cite news |last1=Borg |first1=Michael |title=The new Volvo B7L -- a new double deck bus |work=M2 Presswire |date=1 September 1998|id={{Factiva|mtpw000020011206du9100v1j}} }}</ref> however, very few Dual Axle, Double deck B7Ls were produced,<ref>{{cite web |title=B7L (00001-01681) |url=http://www.buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=818&Type=Chassis |website=Bus lists on the web |accessdate=27 February 2019}}</ref> with the B7TL chassis carrying out the B7Ls intended role.
Production of Volvo Olympian ended in 2000 and concluded a run of over 10,000 Leyland/Volvo Olympian chassis. The last built were for [[Yorkshire Coastliner]] and had [[Alexander Royale]] bodies.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} The chassis had two [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] successors: the 2-axle [[Volvo B7TL]] and the 3-axle [[Volvo Super Olympian]]. It was intended that the new [[Volvo B7L]] chassis would replace the Olympian,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/buses-issue524/page/18/mode/2up |title=Volvo's new low-floor range |magazine=Buses |location=Hersham |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |pages=18–20 |date=November 1998 |access-date=29 July 2024 |lang=en-GB}}</ref> however very few two-axle double-deck B7Ls were produced; the [[Volvo B7TL]], launched in 2000, instead carried out the B7L's intended role, remaining in production until 2007.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}
{{commons category-inline}}
*[https://www.flickr.com/groups/volvo_olympian/ Flickr gallery]


{{Volvo Buses|state=collapsed}}
{{Volvo Buses|state=collapsed}}

Latest revision as of 12:17, 1 January 2025

Volvo Olympian
Metrobus Northern Counties Palatine bodied Volvo Olympian at Crawley bus station in March 2009
Overview
ManufacturerVolvo
Production1993–2000
AssemblyIrvine
Body and chassis
Doors1, 2, or 3
Floor typeStep entrance
Powertrain
EngineCummins L10
Cummins M11
Volvo TD102KF
Volvo D10A-245
Power output245 hp (183 kW) (Volvo)
215 / 252 hp (160 / 188 kW) (Cummins)
TransmissionVoith DIWA
ZF Ecomat
Dimensions
Length2-axle:
9.6 m (31 ft 6 in)
10.3 m (33 ft 9+1⁄2 in)
3-axle:
10.4 m (34 ft 1+1⁄2 in)
11.3 m (37 ft 7⁄8 in)
12 m (39 ft 4+1⁄2 in)
Chronology
PredecessorLeyland Olympian
SuccessorVolvo B7TL (2-Axle)
Volvo Super Olympian (3-Axle)

The Volvo Olympian was a rear-engined 2-axle and 3-axle double decker bus chassis manufactured by Volvo at its Irvine, Scotland factory. The first was built in 1993 and entered production in March 1993, replacing the Leyland Olympian.

History

[edit]

The design was based on its predecessor, the Leyland Olympian, but the chassis was modified such that only the chassis design and layout remained, with even the grade of steel for the chassis members being changed, Volvo's standard electrical system was used, as well as standard Volvo steering/"Z cam" braking systems. The early Volvo Olympians were offered with Cummins L10 or Volvo TD102KF engine, coupled to Voith DIWA or ZF Ecomat gearbox.[1][2] From late 1996, only the 9.6-litre Volvo D10A-245 Euro II engine with electronic diesel control was offered.

It was available with Alexander R-type, Northern Counties Palatine/Palatine 2 and East Lancs E Type/Pyoneer bodywork.

The Volvo Olympian remained as popular as the Leyland Olympian in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A large number of Olympians were exported to Hong Kong and Singapore; most of them being air-conditioned.

Orders

[edit]

United Kingdom

[edit]
Go North East Northern Counties Palatine II bodied Volvo Olympian in Newcastle upon Tyne in May 2009

The Volvo Olympian, like its Leyland predecessor, was very popular in the United Kingdom. Most Olympians delivered to UK operators had two axles as opposed to three axles.

London United, Metroline, Stagecoach London, London Central, London General, Capital Citybus, MTL London, Harris Bus and First CentreWest had received 687 Volvo Olympians between 1994 and 1999.[citation needed]

In April 2000, two former Singapore Bus Services Volvo Olympians were exported to the United Kingdom, with one delivered to Nottingham and the other to Metroline. Metroline replaced the Singapore-specification windows and doors with British standard products before putting it into revenue-earning service in London.[citation needed]

In 2008, London's Low Emission Zone, as well as regulations demanding all buses in London be low-floor by 2006, finally ousted the remaining Volvo Olympians in London. Metroline's Volvo Olympians were the last to be withdrawn in 2008, being displaced by new Alexander Dennis Enviro200s.[citation needed]

Many other operators outside London received Volvo Olympians, the main operator being FirstGroup. Lothian Regional Transport were among major operators in Scotland, ordering with Alexander R-type bodies, 68 of these being Alexander Royales,[3] while Kelvin Central Buses and Strathclyde Buses also took on Olympians with Royale bodies.[4]

Ireland

[edit]
Dublin Bus RA-class Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian in Dún Laoghaire in May 2005

Dublin Bus had continued their Olympian orders with the RA batch on the Leyland chassis being ordered first (RA176 - RA325), with 150 buses being ordered between 1994 and 1996. From January 1997, Dublin Bus ordered a further 315 Volvo Olympians, which were designated as RV. During that period, new liveries were introduced, such as CitySwift and the switch of the core livery from two-tone green and orange to white, blue and orange. All Volvo Olympians were withdrawn by the end of 2012.[5]

Hong Kong

[edit]
Citybus Volvo Olympian in Hong Kong in May 2009

Kowloon Motor Bus had ordered 531 Volvo Olympian 11m, 338 Volvo Olympian 12m and 30 Volvo Olympian non-airconditioned buses between 1994 and 1999. Long Win sold 10 12-metre Volvo Olympians to KMB in 1999. The last Volvo Olympian in the fleet was retired on 6 September 2016 due to the modernisation of the fleet. Some KMB Volvo Olympians were converted to training buses, however these were withdrawn in November 2017.

Citybus had ordered 10 Volvo Olympian 10.4m, 2 Volvo Olympian 12m (second hand from China Light & Power), 310 Volvo Olympian 12m and 142 Volvo Olympian 11m (two second-hand from China Motor Bus) between 1994 and 1998. Due to the modernisation of the fleet, most of the buses were either withdrawn, sold or converted to training buses. These were withdrawn in March 2019.

China Motor Bus ordered 64 Volvo Olympians between 1996 and 1998. 62 were sold to New World First Bus in 1998 and 5 of them were converted to open-top for Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus. New World First Bus received 2 12-metre Volvo Olympians from HACTL in 1999 and 10 from Citybus in 2014. All buses were withdrawn as they aged 16 – 17 years and the last batch of buses were withdrawn in October 2015. NWFB transferred two second-hand buses to Citybus for private hire fleet, these were withdrawn again by March 2019.

Singapore

[edit]
SBS Transit Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian in Singapore in April 2006

In 1993, Singapore Bus Services had ordered 100 Volvo Olympian 2-Axle and 201 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle to replace the then retiring earlier batches of Leyland Atlanteans with Walter Alexander Royale bodywork. These Volvo Olympians were delivered between June 1994 and June 1995.

The Volvo Olympian 2-Axle are the last non-air conditioned buses to be brought in by Singapore Bus Services and also the last non air-conditioned buses in Singapore. Due to the additional weight of the air-compressor which necessitated a third axle, they were unable to be retrofitted with air-conditioning. Buses were repainted between 11 August 2002 and 23 November 2003 into SBS Transit livery. In late 2003, most of these buses were redeployed to industrial routes to replace the then outgoing Leyland Olympian 2-Axles. Half of this batch had their lifespan extended by 2 years due to insufficient deliveries of new buses. All units were retired between June 2011 and September 2013, and the non-airconditioned bus fare structure was abolished shortly after.

The first batch of Volvo Olympian 3-Axle were largely similar in appearance to the Leyland Olympian 3-Axle, except for some minor technical differences. To maximise capacity, all buses except one were retrofitted with a standee area on the offside by removing 4 pairs of seats in the early 2000s. In 2011, most of these buses were given a 2 year lifespan extension, with some units receiving an additional six months to 1 year extension owing to insufficient deliveries of replacements. All units of this batch were retired between March 2012 and June 2015.

In 1996, SBS ordered a second batch of 200 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle to replace some of the then-retiring Mercedes-Benz O305 and Leyland Atlantean. These buses were delivered between August 1996 and February 1998. To maximise capacity, all buses had 4 pairs of seats removed on the offside to create a standee area in the early 2000s. In 2014, most of these buses in this batch were given a lifespan extension of 2 years due to insufficient deliveries of new buses. All units were retired between August 2013 and October 2016. These buses were also the last double deck buses in Singapore to use plastic destination signages.

In 1998, SBS ordered the last batch of 70 Volvo Olympian 3-Axle with Walter Alexander Royale bodywork, which were delivered with the standee area pre-installed and first batch of buses to be installed with seat counter. Registered between March 1999 and December 2000, all units were retrofitted with LECIP electronic destination signages (EDS) in the early 2010s. Unlike the earlier batches, none of these buses received a lifespan extension of 2 years owing to a large influx of replacements. All units of this batch were retired between March 2016 and December 2017.

After the rebranding from Singapore Bus Services to SBS Transit in December 2001 and the launch of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone movie in 2001, SBS Transit only repainted Volvo Olympians, Volvo B10Ms (with the exception of APAD-registered buses and Volvo B10M Mark II), Leyland Olympians, Mercedes-Benz O405 and demonstrator buses into SBS Transit livery until December 2003. The first bus to be repainted is SBS9661J, SBS9669M and SBS9670H in 14 December 2001 and the last bus to be repainted is SBS9387B in 14 November 2006 after the expiry of SBS e-ideas advertisement.

End of production

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Production of Volvo Olympian ended in 2000 and concluded a run of over 10,000 Leyland/Volvo Olympian chassis. The last built were for Yorkshire Coastliner and had Alexander Royale bodies.[citation needed] The chassis had two low-floor successors: the 2-axle Volvo B7TL and the 3-axle Volvo Super Olympian. It was intended that the new Volvo B7L chassis would replace the Olympian,[6] however very few two-axle double-deck B7Ls were produced; the Volvo B7TL, launched in 2000, instead carried out the B7L's intended role, remaining in production until 2007.

References

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  1. ^ "Volvo power for Olympian". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 27 February 1992. p. 18. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  2. ^ "Volvo opens bus lines in Irvine". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 1 April 1993. p. 10. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  3. ^ "Royale delivery". Coach & Bus Week. No. 285. Peterborough: Emap. 4 September 1997. p. 29. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  4. ^ "First of 120 'green' Alexander/Volvos for SBH". Coach & Bus Week. No. 221. Peterborough: Emap. 8 June 1996. p. 8.
  5. ^ Hall, Darren (March 2013). "The Dublin Olympian". Buses. No. 696. Stamford: Key Publishing. p. 52-55.
  6. ^ "Volvo's new low-floor range". Buses. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing. November 1998. pp. 18–20. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
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