Metroline Volvo Olympians

This page created 15th November 2006, updated 12th February 2009 by Ian Smith

Bus histories

These histories are far from complete. They are being assembled as I gather information from a variety of sources (that don't always agree with each other).

Particularly useful have been:



London United VA

AV 1  P481 MBY  10/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D 
                11/96 AC into service on 52
       585 CLT           reregistered
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 5/05 HD transfer (Harrow Weald)
                 7/05 KX loan: used on emergency 205 extras (Kings Cross), also on 460
                 8/05 HD return for schools contracts
                 1/07 HD withdrawn 
                 2/07    sold to Ensign Bus, Purfleet
                 4/07    to Scotguide, Glasgow

AV 2  P482 MBY  10/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 2002 HR
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 4/05 HD transfer for schools contracts (Harrow Weald)
                 7/05 KX loan: used on emergency 205 extras (Kings Cross)
                 8/05 HD return for schools contracts 
                 7/07    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 

AV 3  P483 MBY  10/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 3/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 2002 HR
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 7/03 PR unusual on 460
                 2004 PR
                 4/05 HD transfer for schools contracts (Harrow Weald)
                 7/05 KX loan: used on emergency 205 extras (Kings Cross)
                 8/05 HD return for schools contracts 
                 7/07    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 
                10/07    bought by Herberts Coaches, Bedfordshire 

AV 4  P484 MBY  10/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 3/01 HR transfer, trainer, then 266 (Harlesden)
                 2002 HR
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 4/05 HD transfer for schools contracts (Harrow Weald)
                 7/05 KX loan: used on emergency 205 extras (Kings Cross)
                 8/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 
                 2/06    bought by Chambers Coaches, Bures, Suffolk

AV 5  P485 MBY  10/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 2002 HR
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 7/03 PR unusual on 460
                 2004 PR
                 4/05 HD transfer for schools contracts (Harrow Weald)
                 7/05 KX loan: used on emergency 205 extras (Kings Cross)
                 8/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 2/06    used by Ensign for rail replacement
 185             7/06    to Ensign service fleet
                 9/06    return to Ensign sales stock
                         converted to part open-top 
                 1/07    to Scotguide, Glasgow

AV 6  P486 MBY  10/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 5/05 HD transfer (Harrow Weald)
                 7/05 KX loan: used on emergency 205 extras (Kings Cross)
                 8/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 
                 7/06    bought by Dunn-Line, Nottingham

AV 7  P487 MBY  10/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                         converted to part open-top 
                 5/06    bought by Scotguide, Glasgow

AV 8  P488 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 
                 3/06    bought by Chambers Coaches, Bures, Suffolk

AV 9  P489 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                10/01 HR used on 266
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 PV loan after garage raid (Perivale)
                 8/05 HT return
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 2/06    used by Ensign for rail replacement
 189             7/06    to Ensign service fleet
                 9/06    return to Ensign sales stock 
                11/06    bought by Hedingham Omnibuses

AV10  P490 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 3/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 8/06    bought by Dunn-Line, Nottingham

AV11  P491 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 8/02 HR hit Old Oak Common Lane bridge..
                 9/02 W  transfer into store (Cricklewood) 
                12/02    to Faversham for rebuild
                11/03 PR return to service (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 HT used on emergency 205 extras
                10/05 HT used on 4
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                         converted to part open-top 
                 5/06    bought by Scotguide, Glasgow

AV12  P492 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 PV loan after garage raid (Perivale)
                 8/05 HT return
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 7/06    bought by Dunn-Line, Nottingham

AV13  P493 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 PV loan after garage raid (Perivale)
                 8/05 HT return
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 2/06    used by Ensign for rail replacement
 193             7/06    to Ensign service fleet
                 9/06    return to Ensign sales stock
                11/06    bought by Aintree Coaches, Liverpool

AV14  P494 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                10/01 HR used on 266
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
 194             7/06    to Ensign service fleet
                 8/06    bought by Hedingham Omnibus, Essex

AV15  P495 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 HT used on emergency 205 extras
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 8/06    bought by Dunn-Line, Nottingham

AV16  P476 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 3/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 PV loan after garage raid (Perivale)
                 8/05 HT return
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 
                 2/06    bought by Geldards Coaches, Leeds
             by 12/06    overall ad for Blue Rinse Vintage Clothing

AV17  P477 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D 
                11/96 AC into service on 52 
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 3/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 
                 7/06    bought by Dunn-Line, Nottingham

AV18  P478 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 5/01 HR unusual on 95
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 PV loan after garage raid (Perivale)
                 8/05 HT return
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 3/06    bought by Geldards Coaches, Leeds
                12/06    in dark blue with silver lettering

AV19  P479 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 PV loan after garage raid (Perivale)
                 8/05 HT return
                12/05 HT withdrawn
                12/05    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                         converted to part open-top 
                 6/06    bought by Scotguide, Glasgow

AV20  P480 MBY  11/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D 
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                97-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 1/03 PR hit Old Oak Common Lane bridge: into store 
                 2/03 W  change store (Cricklewood)
                 9/03 PR return to service
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn from TfL work
                 1/06    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                         converted to part open-top 
                 1/07    to Scotguide, Glasgow

AV21  P474 MBY  12/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                 3/97 AC used on 52
                98-00 AC used on 52/N52
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                12/05 HT withdrawn from TfL work
                 1/06    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 7/06    bought by Dunn-Line, Nottingham

AV22  P475 MBY  12/96    new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian, Alexander RH H43/25D  
                11/96 AC into service on 52
                 97-9 AC used on 52/N52
                 9/00    unusual on 297
                 4/01 HR transfer for 266 (Harlesden)
                 1/03 PR (Park Royal)
                 2004 PR
                 5/05 HT transfer (Holloway)
                 7/05 PV loan after garage raid (Perivale)
                 8/05 HT return
                12/05 HT withdrawn from TfL work
                 1/06    sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet)
                 4/06    bought by Chambers Coaches, Bures, Suffolk


AV23 S233 RLH 8/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/02 HR transfer (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 2004 PR 5/05 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 1/06 PB used on 84 9/06 PV transfer (Perivale) 7/07 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 7/07 bought by Chambers, Bures, Suffolk AV24 S124 RLE 8/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 1999 W on 16 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 8/00 unusual on 297 7/02 HR transfer (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 2004 PR 5/05 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 1/06 PB used on 84 9/06 PV transfer (Perivale) 8/07 HD transfer (Harrow Weald) 7/08 HD withdrawn 7/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 124 10/08 to Ensignbus operational fleet: converted to single doorway (H43/27F), repainted blue/silver AV25 S125 RLE 8/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 10/02 HR transfer (Harlesden) 2004 PR 5/05 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 9/06 PV transfer (Perivale) 8/07 HD transfer (Harrow Weald) 7/08 HD withdrawn 7/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 125 10/08 to Ensignbus operational fleet: converted to single doorway (H43/27F), repainted blue/silver AV26 S126 RLE 8/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 2004 PR 5/05 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 7/05 PB used on emergency 205 9/06 PV transfer (Perivale) 8/07 PB transfer 6/08 HD transfer, then withdrawn (Harrow Weald) 7/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 156 10/08 to Ensignbus operational fleet: converted to single doorway (H43/27F), repainted blue/silver AV27 S127 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 3/04 PR transfer 5/05 PB transfer 9/06 PV transfer (Perivale) 7/07 PB transfer 8/07 PB transfer 6/08 HD transfer, then withdrawn from 242 (Harrow Weald) 6/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 7/08 bought by Hedingham Omnibuses AV28 S128 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 3/04 PR transfer 5/05 PB transfer 7/05 PB used on emergency 205 1/07 HD transfer (Harrow Weald) 7/08 HD withdrawn 7/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) WJY 759 reregistered 159 10/08 to Ensignbus operational fleet: converted to single doorway (H43/27F), repainted blue/silver AV29 S129 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 8/07 PB withdrawn 8/07 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 10/07 bought by Aintree Coaches AV30 S130 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 7/03 AC transfer (Willesden).. 7/03 PB ..transfer (Potters Bar) 11/07 PB withdrawn 11/07 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 1/08 bought by ATBus, Ashford, Middlesex AV31 S131 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 4/04 PB unusual on 217 11/07 PB withdrawn 11/07 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 2/08 bought by Chambers, Bures AV32 S132 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 3/04 PB unusual on 231 8/05 HD transfer (Harrow Weald) 2/08 NW transfer into store (North Wembley) 4/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 132 to Ensignbus operational fleet: converted to single doorway (H43/27F), repainted blue/silver 7/08 PT used on DLR replacement AV33 S133 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 8/07 W transfer, trainer 7/08 W iBus trainer AV34 S134 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 4/07 W transfer, iBUS trainer (Cricklewood) 7/08 W iBus trainer AV35 S135 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 4/03 PB transfer, trainer, then into service (84, 242) 8/07 PB withdrawn 8/07 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 8/07 bought by Herberts Coaches, Shefford, Bedfordshire AV36 S136 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 1999 W contract services 9/00 AC transfer (Willesden) 7/03 HD transfer: used on 186 (Harrow Weald) 9/03 HD used on 182 10/03 HD used on 140 7/04 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 8/05 HD transfer (Harrow Weald) 2/08 NW transfer into store (North Wembley) 7/08 HD transfer into store, withdrawn 7/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 136 10/08 to Ensignbus operational fleet: converted to single doorway (H43/27F), repainted blue/silver AV37 S137 RLE 9/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 1999 W contract services 9/00 AC transfer (Willesden) 7/03 HD transfer (Harrow Weald) 9/03 HD used on 182 10/03 HD used on 140 5/04 HD unusual on H14 9/04 EW transfer for St.Vincent's School contract (Edgware) 7/08 EW withdrawn 7/08 transfer to Westbus, Hounslow AV38 S138 RLE 10/98 new to Metroline: Volvo Olympian OLY-4953, Alexander RH H43/25D 9/98 W into service on 16 (Cricklewood) 9/99 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 10/02 HR transfer for 260 (Harlesden) 1/03 PR still 260 (Park Royal) 6/03 AC transfer for 260 (Willesden) 7/03 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 3/04 PB unusual on 263 1/06 PB used on 84 6/08 HD transfer, then withdrawn from 84 (Harrow Weald) 6/08 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 138 10/08 to Ensignbus operational fleet: converted to single doorway (H43/27F), repainted blue/silver
AV39 SBS7251Y 12/94 new to Delgro, Singapore: Volvo Olympian YN2RV18V3, Alexander Royale H42/26D 8/00 W transferred to Metroline, repainted red/blue 8/00 to Grayson Quality Products, Tyseley: fitted with UK doors/windows 10/00 AC in store (Willesden) M650 ELA 11/00 AC reregistered 1/01 AC into service on 260, 52 5/01 AC unusual on 6 10/02 HR transfer (Harlesden) 1/03 PR (Park Royal) 2004 PR 5/05 HD transfer (Harrow Weald) 7/05 PV loaned for 460 9/05 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 2/06 to Herberts Travel, Shefford, Bedfordshire 2/06 return to Ensign Bus 12/06 bought by Dunn Line, Nottingham
Bus Stop Volvo Olympians AV(Met) bus histories photo refs NV