Scania OmniDekka

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 newer examples based on 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 and 2009, there were still new examples entering service with Nottingham City Transport, which has placed further order for more "Optare OmniDekka" in 2010. The Optare OmniDekka is now built to special order only; this is why it does not appear on Optare's website.