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Manabus was Brian Souter's version of Megabus for New Zealand and a fleet of 79 seat Kiwi boided Volvo B11RT doubledeck coaches took to the country's roads in 2014. With further deliveries of similar doubledeck coaches, the first three 1-3 (HRW821, HTL289, HTL315) were transferred to the Waiheke Bus Company and given this colurful wrap for the island's Explorer "hop on hop off" tour. Renumbered 301-303 in order, this is 303 waiting at the Ferry Terminal in November 2017.
Picture ref B8741 |
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Passengers boarded, 301 sets off on its tour. When first introduced to the island some locals mounted protests against the size of the buses and damage to overhanging trees, but that opposition has faded away.
Picture ref B8747 |
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A rear view of 303 as it heads away from the Ferry Terminal to the west.
Picture ref B8760 |
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Supplementing the giant Volvos was a pair of Designline bodied Isuzu FRD500 also new in 2014 and transferred from Manabus. This is 131 (HQZ164) arriving at the Ferry Terminal, its partner being 132 (HQZ165), ex Manabus 502 and 501 respectvely.
Picture ref B8750 |
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