Cyprus and Malta Buses http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/ 9 rows en-gb 60 Northern Cyprus minibuses and minicoaches http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c664374.html Minibuses provided high frequency shuttle services in and out of Kyrenia (Girne) to places such as Nicosia (Lefkosa) and Lapithos (Lapta). They also provide shuttles, taxis and workmen's buses for hotels, employers and builders, who are rapidly destroying the coastal scenery with specualtive house building. The finest of the minis is undoubtedly GN 710, The Tree of Loneliness Restaurant's free shuttle bus, based on a Mitsubishi Rosa, used to ferry passengers to and from dinner at the Bellapais restaurant linked with the local author, Lawrence Durrell. Friday 24 September 2004: Minibuses provided high frequency shuttle services in and out of Kyrenia (Girne) to places such as Nicosia (Lefkosa) and Lapithos (Lapta). They also provide shuttles, taxis and workmen's buses for hotels, employers and builders, who are rapidly destroying the coastal scenery with specualtive house building. The finest of the minis is undoubtedly GN 710, The Tree of Loneliness Restaurant's free shuttle bus, based on a Mitsubishi Rosa, used to ferry passengers to and from dinner at the Bellapais restaurant linked with the local author, Lawrence Durrell.

Battered lhd Isuzu TGD 447 pictured in its home base at Tatlisu Battered lhd Isuzu TGD 447 pictured in its home base at Tatlisu TGD 447 is an elderly Isuzu, pictured in its home base at Tatlisu BV 658 has clearly reached the end of the road. It was an Isuzu owned by the Palm Beach Hotel in Famagusta EK 283 is the Palm Beach Hotel, Famagusta's back-up minibus, based on a Toyota Liteace chassis BV 658 (Isuzu) awaiting the blowtorch in the car park at the Palm Beach Hotel in Famagusta TAT 206, an Isuzu pictured in a Northern nicosia back street Ship Inn, Kyrenia taxi, FR 594 (Ford Transit) TFK 142, another Ford Transit TFT 572, a Toyota minicoach TDK 396, a Ford Transit FV 263, another Ford Transit CV 074 was a Nissan minibus TDJ 034 (Ford Transit) DS 714 TDB 416 is a Nissan operating from Kyrneia (Girne) to Karsiyaka. TET 486 GY 166, another Mitsubishi Tree of Loneliness, Bellapais Mitsubishi taxibus, GN 710 Ship Inn, Kyrenia taxi, FR 594, a Ford Transit EY 758, a BMC Levend TEZ 352 - a Ford Transit TDB 370, on an early evening run into Kyrenia, was a Ford Transit Kyrenia (Girne) bus terminus with Ford Transits everywhere! The one identifiable bus is TDJ 164. TCD 356, a Mitsubishi Girne American University, Northern Cyprus operate DR 516, one of a small fleet of Otoyols. This is an Otoyol-Iveco M24 type GF 357, a Nissan used by Girne International University FK 196, a Nissan pictured at the Ship Inn in Kyrenia

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Fri Sep 24 2004 Northern Cyprus's weird and wonderful coaches http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c652099.html When Cyprus was invaded by the Turkish military forces in 1974 it was the latest move in a war that seems to have been waged with Greece since the Trojan times. And like them, they have left us with a fascinating legacy - especially on the public transport front. Cyprus - north and south - drives on the left. But Northern Cyprus is viewed as an illegal pariah state by the United Nations, so buying new right-hand drive buses and coaches is nigh-on impossible. So it's a case of make-do-and-bend with many elderly left-hand drive vehicles (mainly Mercs but increasingly with Setras) being converted by the simple expedient of using the rear offside emergency exit as the new nearside entrance. And where that's not possible, then a new doorway and stairwell can be provided a lot easier than with moving the drive lines and driver's position! My collection of Kibris buses - minibuses predominate - can be found at http://mudlark.fotopic.net/.... but one is missing, a former London Transport RT. Maybe next time. Before you get into the pictures, a word of particular thanks to David Corke, whose encyclopaedic knowledge of the international bus scene is second only to his knowledge of the Cypriot bus scene. Saturday 30 July 2005: When Cyprus was invaded by the Turkish military forces in 1974 it was the latest move in a war that seems to have been waged with Greece since the Trojan times. And like them, they have left us with a fascinating legacy - especially on the public transport front. Cyprus - north and south - drives on the left. But Northern Cyprus is viewed as an illegal pariah state by the United Nations, so buying new right-hand drive buses and coaches is nigh-on impossible. So it's a case of make-do-and-bend with many elderly left-hand drive vehicles (mainly Mercs but increasingly with Setras) being converted by the simple expedient of using the rear offside emergency exit as the new nearside entrance. And where that's not possible, then a new doorway and stairwell can be provided a lot easier than with moving the drive lines and driver's position! My collection of Kibris buses - minibuses predominate - can be found at http://mudlark.fotopic.net/.... but one is missing, a former London Transport RT. Maybe next time. Before you get into the pictures, a word of particular thanks to David Corke, whose encyclopaedic knowledge of the international bus scene is second only to his knowledge of the Cypriot bus scene.

Blue Med, Northern Cyprus, short Mercedes Benz 0303 THNP 279, a rare rhd Renault FR1, and TVE 167, a Toyota minibus, pictured inside the old town of Famagusta, with the seawall defences behind. TKEP 866 - a rhd Volvo with Irizar Century body, pictured at the main terminus in Kyrenia/Girne TEZ 961, a left-hand drive 0303 TCS 333 - an elderly Mercedes 0303, pictured at the back of Kyrenia/Girne police station and courthouse. Photographers beware! Beyond is another view of THNP 279, the rare rhd Renault FR1 THNP 279 is rare, being a rhd Renault FR1. It is seen in Girne/Kyrenia TBV 732, a left-hand drive Mercedes Benz 0302 THBB 367 - a right-hand drive Renault FR1 wearing the strikingcolours of Cyprus Paradise, and pictured in Kyrenia/Girne TBA 512 - a lhd Mercedes Benz 0302 lays over before taking another run between Lefke and Lefkosa/Nicosia TCS 333 - a lhd Mercedes 0303 converted to rear entrance bus work is seen in Kyrenia bus park TBD 483 - a lhd Mercedes 0302 FE 256 - Jack Grove has kindly advised that this is a Mercedes O302 ex-demonstrator bodied by Otomarsan. TBV 732 - a Mercedes 0302 converted to rear entrance TCA 653, a lhd Mercedes 0303 with rear entrance body conversion TEZ 479 being converted to rear entrance near Yilmazkoy An unidentified chassis being rebodied at Yilmazkoy as a centre-entrance body in Northern Cyprus. The old registration was TDB 788 TBA 077 is a right-handdrive 0303 used on the Lefkasa/Famagusta - Pasakoy service TBZ 218, showing its rear entrance positioned on the driver's side. TDB 788 - the remains of its old body lie beside the new one taking shape on its chassis DB 459 - shortly after conversion to a rear entrance body, and at the bodyworks in Yilmazkoy TDD 517 - a heavily modified lhd Mercedes 0303 has had its former nearside door blocked up

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Sat Jul 30 2005 Northern Cyprus - 2005 http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c652091.html There is a cross between North Africa and Britain's seaside resorts in the Fifties when you see the buses of Northern (Turkish) Cyprus (aka Kibris). Most are secondhand, though new Japanese vehicles are appearing with Mitsubishi apparently being favoured by the hoteliers and smaller operators looking for class. Full-sized vehicles, mainly elderly left-hand drive Mercs that have been heavily altered to cope with driving on the left, are operated, but they are carried on the sister site, http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/. Most of the operations are carried out by minibuses, where the Ford Transit reigns supreme. Frequencies (especially between Lapta and Girne/Kyrenia) are every couple of minutes. Most villages, no matter how remote, appear to have their bus operator, and to find a way of keeping their vehicles operating long after they would have reached the end of the road elsewhere. Fascinating - and likely to change in the next few years as more and more Brits, Saudis, Russians and Bulgarians buy up the properties that are being put up seemingly with little or no regard for the environmental impact, or the need for basic infrastructure - like roads.... Wednesday 29 September 2004: There is a cross between North Africa and Britain's seaside resorts in the Fifties when you see the buses of Northern (Turkish) Cyprus (aka Kibris). Most are secondhand, though new Japanese vehicles are appearing with Mitsubishi apparently being favoured by the hoteliers and smaller operators looking for class. Full-sized vehicles, mainly elderly left-hand drive Mercs that have been heavily altered to cope with driving on the left, are operated, but they are carried on the sister site, http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/. Most of the operations are carried out by minibuses, where the Ford Transit reigns supreme. Frequencies (especially between Lapta and Girne/Kyrenia) are every couple of minutes. Most villages, no matter how remote, appear to have their bus operator, and to find a way of keeping their vehicles operating long after they would have reached the end of the road elsewhere. Fascinating - and likely to change in the next few years as more and more Brits, Saudis, Russians and Bulgarians buy up the properties that are being put up seemingly with little or no regard for the environmental impact, or the need for basic infrastructure - like roads....

TGD 447, the battered Isuzu midibus that provides Tatlisu's bus link with Nicosia/Lefkosa. pictured in the village TGD 447, Tatlisu's Isuzu midibus, with the former Christian church behind Spare motor? - BV 658 was the hotel bus at Famagusta's only hotel on the seafront, the Palm beach, but now its days are clearly over - though it still resides in the hotel car park at the Palm Beach Hotel. EK 283 - a diminutive Toyota which provides a back-up to the hotel bus at the Palm Beach Hotel in Famagusta BV 658 - another view of the former Palm Beach Hotel Nissan shuttle FR 594 - The Ship Inn at Kyrenia/Girne uses this Ford Transit as a taxi for larger groups going into the harbour town for dinner THNP 128, pictured on the busy road between Girne/Kyrenia and Lapta TFK 142 - one of the Ford Transits used on the Girne/Kyrenia - Lapta bus route was unusual in retaining its old colour scheme TFT 572 - a Toyota Coaster FB 251 - clearly on its way west to the beach TDK 396 - the recent explosion in building along the North Cyprus coastline has clearly not been linked to improved roads. The traffic congestion is considerable. FV 263 - in the colours of the Denizkizi Casino, is a modern Ford Transit CV 074 - a Nissan TCV 083 - the paint doesn't hide the wear and tear TDJ 034 - one the Girne - Karsiyaka service DS 714 - Guvenance Ford Transit on the road to Lapta TDB 416 - on the long haul (relatively speaking) from Nicosia/Lefkosa via Kyrenia/Girne to Karsiyaka TET 486 - Ford Transit bound for Lapta Arsenal Football Club AFC 3 as Northern Cyprus TFA 239. The Bedford YMP with Plaxton bodywork is now in Northern Cyprus - but boasting on its boot: GY 166 - an older Mitsubishi GN 710 - a recently-delivered Mitsubishi operating for the Tree of Idleness restaurant at Bellapais, a venue and a location made famous by the author Lawrence Durrell. FR 594 - The Ship Inn at Kyrenia/Girne owns this Ford Transit EY 758 - a Turkish-built BMC with central entrance body TEZ 352 - complete with religious message for unbelievers TDB 370 - on a late run from Lapta to Girne/Kyrenia TDJ 164 leads a group of Ford Transit buses and vans at the Kyrenia terminus of the Lapta service TCD 356 DR 516 - a lhd University shuttle midibus based on the Otoyol chassis GF 357 - a Nissan used for University shuttle work and seen in Kyrenia/Girne FK 196 - a Nissan pictured at the Ship Inn, Kyrenia/Girne

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Wed Sep 29 2004 Maltese coaches http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c263622.html Most of the coach fleets around Malta have a distinctively British look to them: the Volvos, Dennis Javelins, Plaxtons come from British fleets after all. But occasionally there is a surprise - like a Unicar-bodied ERF, for example. Thursday 19 August 2004: Most of the coach fleets around Malta have a distinctively British look to them: the Volvos, Dennis Javelins, Plaxtons come from British fleets after all. But occasionally there is a surprise - like a Unicar-bodied ERF, for example.

BCY 981 on the airport pick-up run ACY 863 with Garden of Eden is a Leyland Tiger/Plaxton LCY 885 of Zarb Coaches ACY 917 ACY 981 of Zarb Coaches is ERF E10 / Unicar ACY 981 of Zarb Coaches is ERF E10 / Unicar ACY 863 with Garden of Eden, Malta ACY 980 is a Volvo B10M with Irizar Century bodywork LCY 967 is a Ghabbour-bodied Scania K93, possibly Egyptian in origin, that belongs to Paramount Garages in Malta ACY 964 of Cancu Supreme LCY 961 is a Scania K93 with a Ghabbour body, believed to have originated in Egypt KCY 941 is a Dennis Javelin with Plaxton Premiere bodywork KCY 941, a Dennis Javelin with Plaxton Premiere bodywork Volvo/Plaxton IVY 371, a Toyota belonging to Avis, but used on public service KopTaCo LCY 935 LCY 885 of Zarb Coaches LCY 949 of Zarb, Malta is (apparently) an ERF E10 with Unicar coach body.

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Thu Aug 19 2004 Malta - Underfloor-engined buses http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c263599.html The variety of underfloor-engined buses these days include Bedfords and Bristol LHs. But despite the Government's lowfloor modernisation programme, there's still the possibility of finding a Maltese version of a prewar front-engined vehicle that has been converted into something wierd and wonderful. Or even - with luck - an AEC-badged Leyland TEC (much rebodied).... Sunday 19 September 2004: The variety of underfloor-engined buses these days include Bedfords and Bristol LHs. But despite the Government's lowfloor modernisation programme, there's still the possibility of finding a Maltese version of a prewar front-engined vehicle that has been converted into something wierd and wonderful. Or even - with luck - an AEC-badged Leyland TEC (much rebodied)....

DBY 318 - Malta Docks Bedford with Brincat body FBY 778 (3355) - a EBY 592 - ECW bodymakers plate (21710) identifying the bus as a Bristol LH, the former Crosville Crosville SLL635 (OCA 635P) FBY 653 (King Long) and DBY 410 (Bedford YLQ) EBY 476 - the former Hants & Dorset LH6L, 3555 (GLJ 487N) with chassis number LH-1000 EBY 615 - Bedford YRQ/Plaxton ex-Skill, Nottingham 29 (NTO 34P) EBY 619 - Ford R1014/Willowbrook, formerly a Heathrow Airport bus belonging to White, Colnbrook, and run as XKX 856S. A Bristol LH6L/ECW is behind. DBY 383 - Bedford YRQ/Plaxton, ex UK-registered AJH 128K DBY 360 - former Western National 1596 (NFJ 596M) DBY 360 - former Western National 1596 (NFJ 596M) DBY 360 - ECW body plate identifying it as former Western National 1596 (NFJ 596M), with a Wealden Omnibuses, Tunbridge Wells dealership plate beneath FBY 747 - Bedford YRQ/Plaxton, ex UK ABW 183J EBY 546 - a Leyland PSU4 made to look like a Bedford SBO, sporting a Grech body FBY 762 (Bedford YRQ/Plaxton, ex-UK LRG 65P, new to Rochester and Marshall, Great Whittington) and FBY 724 (Ford R1014/Duple, ex Marchwood, Totton's LHO 418T) FBY 714 - Ex Hants & Dorset 3553 (GLJ 485N) FBY 801, a King Long, waits time on the offside, while DBY 410 (Bedford YRQ/Duple, ex TPJ 274S) squeezes past EBY 493 (Bedford YRQ/Duple ex Reliance, Newbury UJB 725N), since replaced by a King Long) DBY 458 - heavily disguised beneath an Aquilina body showing Duple influence, this is a 1951 Royal Tiger, originally DRN 703 EBY 550 - EBY 615 - Bedford YRQ/Plaxton new as Skill, Nottingham 29 (NTO 34P) FBY 747 (fleet number 3316) - Bedford YRQ/Plaxton, new in the UK in 1971 as ABW 183J EBY 550 ( FBY 686 - EBY 592 - ex Crosville Bristol LH6l/ECW SLL 635 (OCA 635P) EBY 523 - was Hants & Dorset 3557 (GLJ 489N) DBY 470 - ex Western National 1609 (GDV 458N) FBY 685 - the former XWW 791L (Bedford YRQ/Plaxton) and EBY 560, an ancient Bedford sporting Tonna bodywork FBY 714 - ex Hants & Dorset 3553 (GLJ 485N) EBY 611 - Bristol LH6L/Plaxton, new as Silcox, Pembroke Dock 146 (RDE 298S) EBY 493 - Bedford YRQ/Duple ex Reliance, Newbury UJB 725N DBY 422 - ex Hants & Dorset 3523 (NLJ 523M) DBY 457 - Bedford YLQ/Plaxton, ex SHE 938R FBY 708 - Bedford YRQ/Marshall, ex the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston, as its HGM 614N FBY 646 - Bedford YMP/Marshall, ex A203 LCL, and still sporting its last UK road fund disc EBY 558 - DBY 304 - rebuilt Bristol LH/ECW that started life as Western National 1606 (PTT 606M) before Sammut began its transformation in 2002 FBY 676 - The former YKR 234, an AEC Reliance, now sports an Aquilina body EBY 515 (2415) - a Beford SB with Aquilina bodywork sporting a Leyland Tiger Cub flash DBY 438, a Malta Docks AEC with Famulgia bodywork, is refuelled beside FBY 646, a Bedford YMP/Marshall, that began life with Lewis, Llangeitho as A203 LCL but is ex-Benjamin, Llanrhystyd FBY 660, a Bedford YLQ that started life as Fourways, Leeds ANR743T, and EBY 592, former Crosville SLL635 (OCA 635P) EBY 592, formerly Crosville SLL635 (OCA 635P) as Malta Route Bus EBY 592 DBY 364 (a 1943 Bedford QL/Sammut) and FBY 673 (Bedford YLQ/Duple, ex ANR 743T) FBY 670, a Bedford YLQ/Duple new as Go Whittle RAW 44R, and EBY 541, formerly London Transport AEC Swift EGN 247J DBY 396 - Bedford SB/Debono DBY 412 - Bedford YRQ/Duple, formerly VNK 480M DBY 310 DBY 302 (the former YXD 11, an ex-Global AEC Reliance) and EBY 592, ex Crosville SLL 635 (OCA 635P) FBY 702 - A Leyland Hippo truck sporting Cassar bodywork FBY 683 - A Bedford YMP with Plaxton bodywork which began life as Snell, Newton Abbot STA 259R DBY 458, former DRN 703, a Leyland PSU1/15 FBY 676 - AEC Reliance/Aquilina, ex Maidstone & District SO234 (YKR 234). It originally had a Beadle bus body.

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Sun Sep 19 2004 Malta - Normal- and forward-control http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c263598.html The bonneted normal-control fleet has virtually disappeared from the streets of Malta. However, there is still plenty of interest among the vehicles including early postwar Leylands (even though they are heavily rebuilt), Dodges, Thames Traders rebuilt to forward control. Sunday 19 September 2004: The bonneted normal-control fleet has virtually disappeared from the streets of Malta. However, there is still plenty of interest among the vehicles including early postwar Leylands (even though they are heavily rebuilt), Dodges, Thames Traders rebuilt to forward control.

FBY 686 - DBY 381 - Malta Docks Bedford with Brincat bodywork EBY 615 - DBY 368 - REO Speedwagon with Aquilina body EBY 555 - AEC Mercury with Brincat bodywork DBY 309 - Dockyard Bedford with Barbara bodywork DBY 451 - DBY 451 - DBY 381 (badged as an AEC) and DBY 409 (apparently a Bedford Leyland Tiger Cub!) FBY 687, FBY 741 and DBY 381 FBY 728 - AEC Reliance converted to normal control with Aquilina bodywork, new as Wallace Arnold underfloor-engined TUA 17 with a Burlingham body, the whole originally built in 1954 FBY 684 - Bedford QL with Casha bodywork DBY 463 and FBY 792 DBY 463 sporting questionable Volvo identity EBY 576 and FBY 792 FBY 714 and FBY 774 DBY 463 DBY 329, a Bedford OB converted to forward control and wearing a Tonna body, with EBY 592 - a former Crosville Bristol LH - behind EBY 560 is a Bedford - not Vauxhall - but does it matter? FBY 684 - a Bedford QL with Vella bodywork FBY 720 - FBY 766 - EBY 628 - Malta Docks AEC with Barbara bodywork EBY 628, a Malta Docks AEC/Barbara, and FBY 685, at Golden Bay In Sliema 2083 (DBY 445) - Albion VT17 with Barbara bodywork despite the Leyland Panther claims. It was delivered in 1960, but not bodied in 1967. FBY 730 - AEC Mercury with Barbara bodywork FBY 681 - EBY 628 (2580) - Malta Docks AEC with Barbara bodywork FBY 680 - Dodge with Sammut bodywork EBY 502, a Bedford whose origins have been lost .... FBY 652 - Bedford YRQ with Duple Dominant bodywork, ex-UK JAP 441N DBY 364 - a 1943 vintage Bedford QL with Sammut bodywork EBY 522 - FBY 695 - Ford with Barbara bodywork FBY 672 - Malta Docks Leyland with Brincat bodywork (may be an early Tiger) FBY 736 - Bedford SB with Barbara bodywork FBY 666 - a heavily-disguised Leyland Comet with Barbara bodywork) swings past DBY 371, a more mundane Bedford SB with Debono bodywork FBY 775 - a Dodge/Xammit 896 (FBY 663) - FBY 719 DBY 451 - DBY 398 EBY 529 - Dodge with Aquilina bodywork DBY 455 A well-loaded bus DBY 397 - GMC with Tonna bodywork EBY 537 (a Ford ET7, and Brincat-bodied FBY 644 1942 (DBY 419) - A Dorian Grey psv based on a Leyland Hippo lorry chassis DBY 401, a Leyland TS4 that began life as Scottish General AG 8284, and has previously sported both Pickering and Leyland bodywork, now wears a Debono body, resting besides EBY 637, a Leyland PSUC1.13/East Lancs, new as GBV 13E

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Sun Sep 19 2004 Bristol LHs in Malta http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c252963.html These Bristols - at least one of which was decidedly garish compared to its original design - were pictured during a week-long holiday in Valetta in August 2004. For more pictures of LHs and the wierd, wonderful range of British-based buses on the island, go to http://Malta_buses.fotopic.net Sunday 4 January 2004: These Bristols - at least one of which was decidedly garish compared to its original design - were pictured during a week-long holiday in Valetta in August 2004. For more pictures of LHs and the wierd, wonderful range of British-based buses on the island, go to http://Malta_buses.fotopic.net

EBY 592 - was Crosville SLL635 (OCA 635P) EBY 592 - previously Crosville SLL635 (OCA635P) EBY 476 - currently unidentified DBY 360 was Western National 1596 (NFJ 596M) DBY 360 was Western National 1596 (NFJ 596M) DBY 360 - the body plate that confirms it was Western National 1596 (NFJ 596M) FBY 714 - ex Hants & Dorset 3553 (GLJ 485N) EBY 592 - ex Crosville SLL635 (OCA635P) EBY 523 (Malta 2437) - was Hants & Dorset 3557 (GLJ 489N) DBY 470 - was Western National 1609 (GDV 458N) FBY 714 - ex Hants & Dorset 3553 (GLJ 485N) DBY 422 - currently unidentified FBY 714 - ex Hants & Dorset 3553 (GLJ 485N) - with a veteran Bedford, FBY 757, behind DBY 303 - a Lowestoft fantasy built around former Crosville SLL630 (OCA 630P) DBY 303 - another view of ex-Crosville SLL630 (OCA 630P)

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Sun Jan 4 2004 Malta - AEC Swifts http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c219924.html The Swifts were a non-too-popular (or successful) attempt to modernise London's singledecker fleet. New in 1970, they were gone by 1982. A sizeable fleet was exported to Malta and have trebled their operational life! After years parked up at Luqa Airport they are still providing useful service around Valetta and the rest of the island. Though what the afficionadoes would think of Leyland Group ergononomic truck can fronts gracing Park Royal bus bodies is difficult to assess. Mind, enjoy a Paramount III-fronted SMS, or the joys of an underfloor-engined (yes - it's been moved from the back). Sunday 19 September 2004: The Swifts were a non-too-popular (or successful) attempt to modernise London's singledecker fleet. New in 1970, they were gone by 1982. A sizeable fleet was exported to Malta and have trebled their operational life! After years parked up at Luqa Airport they are still providing useful service around Valetta and the rest of the island. Though what the afficionadoes would think of Leyland Group ergononomic truck can fronts gracing Park Royal bus bodies is difficult to assess. Mind, enjoy a Paramount III-fronted SMS, or the joys of an underfloor-engined (yes - it's been moved from the back).

EBY 541 - former EGN 247J DBY 305 - AEC Swift/Park Royal, new as EGN 244J 3356 (FBY 779) - former EGN 280J EBY 576 - a rear view of this former London Transport Park Royal-Swift Lineup including EBY 576 - ex London Transport SMS 60 (AML 60H) EBY 576 - ex London Transport SMS 60 (AML 60H) DBY 321 - Marshall-boded Swift that began life on London's streets as AML 13H FBY 675 - the former AML 11H DBY 321, a Marshall-boded Swift that began life on London's streets as AML 13H EBY 554 - almost in original condition EBY 554 - Marshall-bodied SMS 16 (AML 16H) just needs a coat of red paint .... 2525 (EBY 541) - the former London Transport EGN 247J FBY 776 - the former EGN 280J with extensively modified Park Royal bodywork EBY 564, an ex-London Transport Swift, and DBY 302, an AEC Reliance new as 977 BVW FBY 662 - sporting a British Leyland ergonomic cab front on its Marshall bodywork, but still the former AML 33H An unidentified Swift in Valetta bus terminus A Swift passes the entrance to the walled city of Valetta FBY 763 - was AML 34H 2709 (EBY 589) - new to the streets of London as EGN 292J

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Sun Sep 19 2004 Malta - Post-millennium buses http://kibris-maltabuses.fotopic.net/c212088.html The traditional - often quaint - route buses are being replaced by King Long rear-engined buses from China, Volvo B7s, Dennis Darts and a host of other types that suit most European roads. But as one driver said to me when I was there: "They are fine for Europe, but no good for Third World roads such as we have." Now year-old buses are breaking down with regularity... Sunday 19 September 2004: The traditional - often quaint - route buses are being replaced by King Long rear-engined buses from China, Volvo B7s, Dennis Darts and a host of other types that suit most European roads. But as one driver said to me when I was there: "They are fine for Europe, but no good for Third World roads such as we have." Now year-old buses are breaking down with regularity...

FBY 533, a King Long XMQ6113, and a BMC Falcon, FBY 686 EBY 559 - King Long XMQ6113 EBY 553 - King Long XMQ6113 FBY 742 - Dennis Dart/East Lancs Contrasts: King Long DBY 407 alongside normal control Ford ET7 EBY 537 and a flamboyant FBY 644 EBY 598 - Volvo B7RLE with Saracakis B45F bodywork FBY 759 - MAN 14.220 with Scarnif bodywork FBY 759 - MAN 14.220 with Scarnif bodywork, pictured as Golden Bay

Published in Cyprus and Malta Buses

]]> Sun Sep 19 2004