Devon & Cornwall

First look back at the past, as vintage coaches stop in Plymouth

Bus users and bus workers in Plymouth will be able to reminisce about the old days this week when six vintage Royal Blue coaches, many of which operated in the region in the 1960s and 70s, pass through the area as part of a 770 mile national centenary run from Penzance to Aberdeen that is being sponsored by First UK Bus.

The national centenary run is being held to celebrate the history of the Western and Southern National companies which owned the Royal Blue coach fleet, and which are now all part of First UK Bus. The journey from Penzance to Aberdeen recreates what was the longest route operated by Royal Blue vehicles, taking them from Firsts most south westerly point in Penzance to its global headquarters in Aberdeen.

The six Royal Blue coaches are very distinctive. They have each been lovingly restored and maintained by industry enthusiasts meaning their retro blue and cream liveries are still in pristine condition. On Wednesday (12 August) they will pass through Plymouth, en route to Aberdeen, at around 9.30am, stopping briefly at the bus station in the town.

Marc Reddy, Managing Director for First in Devon & Cornwall, spoke about the Royal Blue Centenary Run saying: "Its great to be able to celebrate the history of our organisation in this way. Weve come along way as an industry in the past 40 years, with bigger, better more accessible buses now, with increased luggage space amongst other things, but its lovely to see all the old vehicles on the regions roads again.'