Last updated: 28 February 2021

The venerable Scania Omnicity single decks continue in daily service across the network, providing service on a number of the core Solent routes. Entering service late in 2004 at Hilsea for the A3 Bus Priority corridor, operating routes 40 (Southsea to Wecock Farm) and 41 (The Hard to Clanfield), there are now nine examples left in service from Hoeford, with a further seven in service at Weymouth.

The buses are usually in service from Monday to Saturday, usually in service on the busy route 3 connecting Fareham with the QA Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth and Southsea, which requires full-size single decks. It is unable to take double decks due to a low railway bridge at Portchester. There are also usually at least a couple in use on their old haunt, the X4 and X5 Solent Ranger routes from Southampton to Gosport and Portsmouth, deputising for Wright Streetlites. Due to reduced vehicle requirements, and more fuel efficient Streetlites being available, these buses do not often get out in to revenue-making service on a Sunday.

65018 (YN54NZR) was one of three that I pictured in Fareham on Saturday 6^th February while popping into the town for essential supplies. What I was most taken by was the presentation of the vehicles – age doesn’t necessarily mean that they have poor presentation, but these buses were last repainted approximately eight years ago and they still represent the fleet admirably. 65018 has just set off from Fareham bus station in this view; sister 65017 replacing it on stand in the rear of the shot.

Here’s hoping for sunnier days and more opportunities for photography in the future. Everyone in the Society sends their sincere best wishes for health and happiness for all visitors.

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