Leeds Bradford Airport buses

[MT]

I went on holiday last week, it was the first time I've ever flown from Leeds Bradford airport. I noticed a few interesting buses about round the runway whilst boarding, I wondered if these buses have any previous history. All the buses where single deck in the blue and white LBIA livery, and most had about 3 or four doors (doors on both sides), presumably converted for airport use.

The first I saw was a Optare Excel, which was standing room only except for about 10 seats. I found this out when the LBIA staff decided to cram a plane load of people onto it to take them the short distance to the plane! This really made me think about the security and safety precautions in Leeds, as when we landed abroad we just walked around planes and moving airport vehicles to get to the terminal.

Another Optare bus I saw was a Tempo, looked fairly new. I also saw a couple of Van Hool buses about, which surprised me because I didn't know Van Hool made buses as well as coaches. One of these was registered B41. I have a photo of the type of Van Hool bus, I will post it if anybody dosen't know what I mean.

There was also a 4th type of bus, Which looked american styled from what I could tell.
One more thing is there is a Optare Solo which drives around the parking area, '07 plate. I can't remember its reg, does anybody know it?

I would be grateful if anybody knows anything about these vehicles, as I am curious now I have seen them.

Matthew

[jackh]

Some more on the Optare Tempo:

www.optare.com/pr_12_03_07.htm

[kendall17]

Van Hool buses are huge in belgium, everywhere on a bus route i can almost garuntee you'll see a van hool bus although it is a rarity around this parts of europe

[eby543]

the solo on car the park is a slimline YJ07EHS

[Burnside]

The van hool is an A300 i beleive and if i recall correctly, Rhodes Coaches of Yeadon used to have one when they still operated bus services.