Volvo Olympian OLY-56
The bus in 1998 in original Greater Glasgow red livery. (c) I. MacGregor.

Volvo Olympian OLY-56

R655 DUS

Buses & Coaches

VO155 (R655 DUS) was new to Strathclyde Buses (renamed First Glasgow in 1998) in October 1997 at the now-closed Larkfield Depot. There were only ten of these vehicles in the fleet. They operated mainly on the 44 route from new, in allover red with Greater Glasgow (f) lettering. Gradually they were painted into Barbie colours and eventually branded for the route 44. They stood out due to the unusual choice of bodywork, which in Glasgow could only be seen on VO3-4 and VO153-VO162. It was renumbered 31497 in First’s national scheme in 2003. It remained with First Glasgow until 2011 operating mainly at Larkfield but had stints at Scotstoun and Cumbernauld. It moved to First Midland Bluebird in 2011 and was operated initially from Larbert and then from Bannockburn depots on schools and local service work until the end of the 2015 school term.

Do you have a memory of this vehicle?

Perhaps you travelled on it, saw it at work, or know part of its story we have not yet recorded. Use the comments section below to share what you remember – every detail helps build a richer picture of Glasgow’s transport history.

Leave a Comment

Volvo Olympian OLY-56
Registration
R655 DUS
Chassis type
Volvo Olympian OLY-56
Chassis number
YV3YNA414VC028033
Body type and seating
Northern Counties Palatine II H42/29F
Body number
5961
Date new
October 1997
Original operator
Strathclyde Buses (VO155)