Subject: Taff-Ely BC 44 (E44 RDW)
Chassis: Volkswagen LT55
Body: Optare CityPacer DP25F
Location: Pontypridd bus station
Date: 15-Jul-1988

This photograph symbolises the pressure on Taff-Ely’s operation in the final year or two, with Optare CityPacer 44 sandwiched between two vehicles which were working for Shamrock at the time, despite the lack of evidence of the fact.

The notice in the windscreen of 44 says “Talbot Green”, a corridor on which it was taking on the long-established operation of Bebb’s.

On the left is Shamrock D341 KVA, which was a Freight Rover Sherpa new to Cambus, ironically where 44 would shortly move to. To the right E807 FRY was a Reeve Burgess-bodied Mercedes-Benz 709D that originated as a demonstrator. As can be seen from the destinations visible on the blind, it was being used to target Taff-Ely’s routes.

Photograph by courtesy of John Jones