Scania OmniDekka

A Metrobus Scania OmniDekka in Croydon
Specifications
Width	2,535mm [1]
Length	10.2 to 11.9m
Height	4.2 to 4.3m
Passenger capacity	68 - 100 seated [2]
Options	Air conditioning, CCTV and electronic destination displays.

A long-wheelbase Scania OmniDekka operated by Brighton and Hove.

A Scania OmniDekka in Kensington

The Scania OmniDekka (introduced in 2003 as the East Lancs OmniDekka, sold as the Darwen OmniDekka between 2007 and 2008, and then sold as the Optare OmniDekka from 2009) is a double-decker bus built for sale in the UK. The model is based on Scania N94UD (with a small number based on newer Scania N230UD/N270UD) chassis, with a body by East Lancashire Coachbuilders, based on similar bodies mounted on Alexander Dennis, VDL and Volvo chassis but with a modified front, similar to the OmniCity which instantly makes the bus recognisable as a Scania product.

Scania came late to the low floor double decker bus market, having for many years offered only the single deck L94UB on a Wright body to UK operators. Despite this, the OmniDekka has sold well, especially with those who had previously operated Scania double deckers but had since ordered other products. Large operators include Go-Ahead Group companies Brighton and Hove, Metrobus as well as council owned Reading Buses, and Nottingham City Transport. High profile uses of the OmniDekka include use by First Group on service X53 in Devon and Dorset which previously operated a long distance service along the Jurassic Coast between Exeter and Bournemouth and by Stagecoach on Corby Star services in Corby, Northamptonshire which have helped Stagecoach battle against taxis in the area.

In 2007, the bodywork was replaced by the East Lancs Olympus (now known as the Optare Olympus), the new East Lancs body, and was available on the newer Euro IV Scania N-series chassis. But in 2008, there were still new examples entering service with Nottingham City Transport, which has placed further order for more "Optare OmniDekka" in 2009.

[edit] See also

Competitors:

• Alexander Dennis Enviro400
• Dennis Trident 2
• VDL DB250
• Volvo B7TL

Other Scania buses sold in the UK:

• L94 (single decker)
• OmniCity
• OmniTown (single-deck midibus)

[edit] References

1. ^ Original product brochure
2. ^ Optare product information

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