THE SHOWBUS NEW ZEALAND BUS IMAGE GALLERY
Ritchies acquired Reading Buses Optares

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Ritchies Optare Excel 675
Reading Buses 950 (R205DKG) and Cardiff 205, now Ritchie 675 (CSM934) is seen parked up in Swanson depot in November 2017.
Picture ref A7870
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Ritchies Optare Excel 623 & 672 plus Versa 034
A trio of Optares parked in Swanson that day included 672, the first picture in this gallery back in April 2008. To its left is 623 (DKW680) former Reading 906 (P906EGM) and, with its back to us is Optare Versa 034 (JBJ296), which was bought new in 2008.
Picture ref A7863
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Ritchies Optare Excel 656
Forward to February 2020 and 656 (CSM926) is seen in Christchurch depot and likely confined to school services from the Lincoln High School paper in the windscreen. The AT Metro stickers on the doors suggests the bus was transferred from Auckland, it was Reading Buses 917 (R917SJH). Alongside is one of Ritchie's Plaxton Elite bodied Scania K440EB, 1119 (KWT723), in Oceania livery.
Picture ref C6955
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Ritchies Optare Excel 613
Seen earlier on the 133 to New Lynn in April 2008, 613 appears to have reached the end of its days at Christchurch, ripped of its side panels, its screen held in place by tape and its rear end amputated, not a happy ending being cannibalised.
Picture ref C6958
 
Ritchies Optare Excel 674 Delta 443
Last seen in April 2008 Excel 674 was at Swanson depot in November 2017 with a number of Optare Deltas. The only one readily identifiable is the one alongside, 443 (EFT350), former Reading 518 (N518YTF).
Picture ref A7858
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