The first completed low-floor Spectra was received by National Express in January 1998, R1 NEG, body Number 8620. However, the first low floor example of the Optare Spectra to enter service was with Peters, Bristol, more commonly known as Abus, at 0650 on Wednesday 4 February 1998. This saw R222 AJP becoming the first low floor fully accessible double deck bus to enter service in Great Britain. It was only by chance that Peters found out that West Midlands were planning to launch their Spectra at midday the following day, when he went to pick up the Spectra from Arriva Bus & Coach, allowing it to be prepared and be ready for service the following morning. The bus was destroyed by fire in 2015.