1983 MAN SG220
#2009
This vehicle started life in 1983 as one of 20 articulated "bendy buses" purchased by the ARA to increase capacity. In no time, the bendy buses became a well recognised part of the Auckland Streetscape.
2009 served the streets of Auckland faithfully until her retirement in 2013, where she was due to meet her fate with Metalman. Due to the hard work of many, including the members of the Vintage Omnibus Preservation Group, #2009 had an 11th hour reprieve and was sent back to Swanson for her next stage of life.
Dave Marsden of Coachways put a lot of money, time and care into bringing #2009 back to the road, where she ferried kids, rugby supporters, enthusiasts, punters and just about anyone who boarded her from 2018 right through until her unfortunately forced hibernation in late 2024.
Unfortunately #2009s retirement became permanent in 2026, so the Coachways board made a bold decision and entrusted ARA Heritage Buses as #2009s custodians for her next chapter. For this, we are extremely thankful.
We are humbled to be chosento keep this bus alive. We understand that we have big shoes that need filling to see this out. But, keep the faith. We will get there.