Citybus
Volvo Olympian with Plaxton Body
Since the first Volvo Olympian arrived Hong Kong in 1993, all buses of this kind were fitted with Alexander 'R' body. In 1996, Citybus approached to Northern Counties for an order of 20 bodies for their 12-metre air-conditioned Volvo Olympians. This is the first time that Northern Counties supplied bodies for Hong Kong double-deckers (except second-handed buses). The design of the new bodies was modified from the Northern Counties Palatine I, but the front of the bus was similar to the Alexander 'R' one as requested by Citybus for standardization.
Though the bodies were designed and manufactured by Northern Counties, they were badged as 'Plaxton' by the common holding company of the two companies. The first of these 20 buses, 485, entered service in August 1996.
All 20 buses (485-504) from the first batch were put into service in 1996. Citybus ordered a further 20 bodies (586-605) of the same kind and all of them joint the Citybus fleet in 1997.
Besides Citybus, Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation Bus Division also ordered 15 Volvo Olympians (225-239) with this 'Plaxton' body. In addition, New World First Bus also owns 2 Volvo Olympians (VA65 and 66) with this kind of body which were acquired from Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal Limited.
| Above: | 503 (GX 3886) came from one of the first batch of Plaxton Olympians. After a few months since the bus started service, Citybus installed the Hong Kong's first Anglo-Chinese bilingual electronic route display system for trial. (1996/11/09) |
Below: |
The rear view of this 485 (GW 1926) gives us some ideas that the body was modified from Northern Counties Palatine I. The bus is the first Plaxon Olympian for Hong Kong, which is seen here on Route 70 on the very first days of service. (1996/08/05) |
| Above: | 494 (GW 4321) was allocated on Route 681 on the New Year's Day of 1997. (1997/01/01) |
Below: |
503 again, seen here participating a public activity. (1997/02/02) |
| Above: |
Two new Plaxton Olympians from the second batch before registration at Citybus Ap Lei chau Depot. (1997/08/16) |
Below: |
594 (HJ 5024) serving Route 969 under the sunset. (1997/11/28) |
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