GHA Group (Bryn Melyn, Vale Travel + Others)

[DLG817]

RE: GHA Group (GHA Coaches, Bryn Melyn and Vale Travel)
GHA Group News

A new arrival for spares is F231YTJ - Leyland Olympian / Alexander - it is still in the livery of Ace Travel, Liverpool - I believe it was new in March 1989 to Merseyside PTE (231), and has seen service with Bullock Cheadle and Stagecoach Manchester.

R276CBU - [MB19] Merc-Benz O814D / Plaxton Beaver 2 B31F left the fleet in April

The ex Helm Solo YM52TPU is still being prepared for service and is receiving the alternative 'into the Port' orange based livery. A further vehicle has yet to be be given this livery – this may be a new acquisition.

Of the three ex Swansea City DAF / Cadets – YJ04BVD has received the Llangollen Express livery and has entered service on this route which also extends to Corwen, Ruthin and Denbigh. YJ04BVB has received GHA low floor livery and has yet to enter service. YJ04BVC has not yet started to be prepared for service.

Ex Arriva Midlands Volvo Olympian S644KJU has been given 'GHA decker' livery and is still being prepared for service.

Former Hammers G410YAY [CA21] a Dennis Javelin / Plaxton Paramount 35 has lost its Hammer livery in favour of the GHA silver livery. This is the last vehicle transferred from the former Hanmer's company to lose the livery. TIL7583 [MB26] (MB / RB) still retains Hammer livery but this vehicle was painted into the livery when it was obtained from Arriva Cymru some time after the acquisition of Hanmer.

I have been reliably informed that one of the latest Solos acquired - namely S903DUB - is the first production Solo. It has chassis number 6002 (6000 and 6001 being only development chassis). S903DUB was first a demonstration vehicle before it went to Arriva Milton Keynes. It is now working from the Ruthin depot and carries the new Denbighshire GHA livery.

Due to a number of factors there are a few GHA Coaches liveried vehicles working out of the Bryn Melyn garage. These factors include the withdrawal of Optare Vecta TIL9872, also that T164AUA (DAF SB220 / Ikarus) is curently off the road, the new service 502 and a new contract in the Shropshire area. Vehicles currently undertaking Bryn Melyn duties include EAZ2584 (Vo / Pn Premier), R636RSE (Vo / Pn) and R397XDA (DAF / NC Prestige).

I have been reliably informed that a used Solo will shortly arrive (possibly earmarked for the 'into the port' service) and also some Darts are expected. More information when available.

Ron