Devon General Remembered

 ‘Devon General Remembered’ running day at Newton Abbot

Preserved Devon General buses will take to the roads in and around Newton Abbot on Sunday 6^th September 2026, recreating the routes of the 1960s.

Services will run from Highweek Way between 10am and 4pm, giving free round trips around the town and out to local destinations such as Chudleigh, Teignmouth and Torquay. Open-top bus trips will also be available, weather permitting.

The event is organised by the Devon General Society, whose two hundred members celebrate the fascinating history of a bus company that many local people recall with fondness.

A souvenir programme giving details of the routes and the buses running on them will be available on the day, or in advance by post from the Devon General Society.

Further information can be found at devongeneral.org.uk/category/events/

© Richard Nardi via the Devon General Society

Rame Buses Part Two

I sadly missed the Rame Beers & Buses event over the weekend due to illness but Mark Bailey was there and has sent his usual selection of photos.

I couldn't choose between them all so I have split them across two posts so you get to see them all!

Stagecoach Devon 18395 (KX55 TLO) Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 (new to Thames Transit) arriving in Torpoint on circular service A

First South West T471 JCV Dennis Dart SLF / Alexander ALX200 arriving in Millbrook on circular service A and about to disgorge thirsty passengers into Bar Tusker (the yellowish building behind)

Devon General SN839 (XTA 839) Albion Nimbus / Willowbrook leaving Torpoint on service B with a standing load. Unfortunately a few minutes later the bus struggled to get up a hill on Trevol Road, ended up rolling backwards, and was taken out of service.

Dartline 76021 (N600 DLC) Scania N94UD / East Lancs OmniDekka (new to London Sovereign) leaving Millbrook on circular service C. The young ladies on the top deck are clearly having a good time!

Dart Pleasure Craft 1 (Y827 TGH) Volvo B7TL / Plaxton President (new to London Central) on circular service O in Millbrook. New into preservation following the decision to sub-contract their remaining Paignton - Totnes service to Stagecoach for 2026.

All photos © Mark Bailey.

Rame Buses Part One

Unfortunately, I missed the Rame Beers & Buses event over the weekend due to illness, but Mark Bailey was there and sent along his usual great selection of photos. I couldn’t pick just a few, so I’ve split them into two posts so you can enjoy them all!

Western National 1557 (FDV 787V) Bristol LHS6L / ECW pulling out of the St John Inn on service B from Torpoint to Millbrook.

Western National 1254 (VOD 124K) Bristol LHS6L / Marshall arriving in St John on service B from Torpoint to Millbrook.

Western National 357 (L357 VCV) Mercedes-Benz 811D / Plaxton Beaver arriving in Torpoint on feeder service X from St Germans railway station.

Truronian TT03 TRU TransBus Dart SLF / TransBus Pointer leaving Millbrook on circular service A.

All photos © Mark Bailey - with thanks!

The Big Green Trail

Families across Plymouth are invited to enjoy a free, feel-good day out as The Big Green Trail returns to Central Park on Saturday 20 June, from 10am to 3pm.

Led by Climate Connections, a Plymouth City Council project, and a wide range of local organisations and groups, the Big Green Trail brings together nature, creativity, games and community for a relaxed and welcoming fun day in the heart of the city.

The trail will feature a lively mix of free activities, giving families and residents the chance to get hands-on with nature, creativity and everyday climate action

To help everyone get to Central Park easily, Plymouth Citybus will be running a free hop-on, hop-off trail bus on the day, with pick-up points at Royal Parade, George Park and Ride and Milehouse Park and Ride. For those travelling by bike, Beryl will be offering one free ride (20 minutes of riding plus free unlock) per person with no code required

https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/news/big-green-trail-returns-free-family-friendly-activities 

I cant promise that Citybus will be running a bus like that one on the shuttle! I cant see a timetable for this bus yet

Plymouth Bus Day!

Join us at Plymouth’s Bus Day accessibility event!

Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Plymouth City Centre Piazza (outside Costa/House of Fraser) on Armada Way

Plymouth Bus Day 2026 will take place during Better Transport Week (running 15 to 21 June) and the theme for the week is celebrating how better transport connects people and places. We want bus travel to be accessible for everyone!

Come and join us in the city centre for a fun packed day where you can:

• chat about bus travel and meet representatives from Plymouth Bus Partnership
• explore a range of buses whilst they are stationary
• try driving your own or a borrowed mobility scooter or wheelchair on and off a stationary bus
• get a wheelchair or accessibility assessment provided by a bus operator
• meet the Guide Dogs Team or bring your own guide dog to explore the buses
• talk to drivers, bus operators, the Council and other local experts to ask questions and find out what support is available to you, including Bus Pass advice
• pick up Help Me cards, Destination cards, printed timetables, bus network maps and other resources and goodies
• take pictures with fun photo props and in the driver’s seat of a bus
• write your name in braille
• learn to sign your name and other useful words in British Sign Language (BSL)
• get your face painted
• play games
• and more!

This event is open to everyone so we hope to see as many people there as possible, help us spread the word about the Bus Day event. If you have any questions email: buspartnership@plymouth.gov.uk

 

Reminder - this Sunday

PCTPG Running Day Sunday 22nd March

Our Plymouth Transport of Yesterday Event is on course and is scheduled to have buses departing every 20 Minutes. 

Buses will depart using Bus Stop A8 , outside the Theatre Royal.

With much appreciation to various Private Owners as well as the Thames Great Western Omnibus Trust . This year we will have representation of buses from Western National, Eastern National and Plymouth Citybus era. 

Routes will include the well known 80, 81 to Torpoint Ferry as well as the 54 Plymouth Hoe Circular. various other known routes will be undertaken on the day.

It’s True ! , there is a badger coming to town ! And in some cases it has been 20 years since one of the entries last performed the regular daily route of the 80/81 service,

Running Day

Notice for an event coming up later in March...

Rame Beer & Buses 2023

On July 1st between 11am and 9pm, we shall be operating a network of routes across the Rame Peninsula. These will radiate from Torpoint and Millbrook to take in many of the peninsula's pubs and bars, with the service being provided by classic buses from the 1960s to the 2000s. You dont have to visit any pubs, you are more than welcome to join us for a ride! All buses are FREE.

Following on from the success of last year, this years event will also serve Wilcove, Hessenford, Downderry and Seaton as well as Torpoint, Antony, Crafthole, Polbathic, St Germans, Millbrook, Creymll, Kingsand, Cawsand, Whitsand Bay and St John.

While all buses are free, a souvenir programme will be on offer for a small sum, which will give you details of the timetables, pubs you can visit on route, and vehicles you can use to reach them, as well as other interesting items, and acting as a way of your thanks to the owners of these expensive machine

https://www.facebook.com/events/721030672834579

Kingsbridge IS ON…

Its easier just to post their Facebook announcement.

more details: http://www.tvagwot.org.uk/

Kingsbridge 2020 Cancelled

It was perhaps inevitable really but the official announcement has been made:

With regret, we've taken the very difficult decision to cancel our ever-popular Kingsbridge Vintage Bus Running Day, planned for 19 September 2020. We know how much the event is valued and loved by the town and the many thousands of visitors who come along each year; however, we feel sure you'll support our view that, in the midst of the current pandemic, it would not be appropriate to plan for an event that brings us so closely together. In place of the physical gathering, an alternative form of event is being planned for 19 September, which we hope you can enjoy from wherever you are. TV&GWOT Supporters can read a bit more in our latest 'Service 19' newsletter, scheduled to arrive this morning. Please also keep an eye on www.tvagwot.org.uk for more info over the coming weeks.

Its hard to see any bus events running this year.

Nancy Astor Bus

The new Nancy Astor bus was revealed officially today as brand new 576 WA69CYZ

Thanks to Brian for the photos from Milehouse:

And thanks to John Kowalski for the photos from the official launch event on The Hoe where the statue was officially unveiled by former PM Theresa May.

The Nancy Astor @plymouthbus has arrived at Elliot Terrace #astor100 pic.twitter.com/z2NwcRLgJD

— Lady Astor Statue (@ladyastorstatue) November 28, 2019

Also of note is the reappearance of 565 as the illuminated bus:

Enjoy the illuminate festival details of additional services on our website https://t.co/HnF5ZXtkuE Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/RAQ43bIDbB

— Plymouth Citybus (@plymouthbus) November 28, 2019

Finally just in case anyone is in any doubt, I can confirm that the gas bus currently on loan to Citybus, is indeed just that - a loan. Its is due to return to Nottingham very shortly. It has NOT been purchased by Citybus.

Stagecoach Open Day

Its a shame it isn't the Plymouth depot but I am sure many of you will be interested in this one at Exeter

We’re opening our doors to the public! We will be offering guided tours, games and giveaways as well as an array of old and new vehicles.

On Sunday 6th October we’re opening our doors to the public! You are invited to our fun filled Open Day between 10am and 4pm. We’ll have a selection of old and new vehicles on display, including a range of buses from our own fleet plus a number of vintage vehicles exhibited by the Devon General Society.
There will be guided tours throughout the day, giving you the opportunity to see behind the scenes in our Garage and Control Office. You will also be treated to the opportunity to ride through our Bus Wash on a Gold Bus. Alongside the exhibitions we’ll have a number of vintage games and promotional stalls with giveaways and information. Plus the Devon General Centenary Exhibition bus will be on display, featuring memories of life on the buses over the last 100 years.
There will be no parking available at Matford; we’ll be running a special shuttle services on the day. Vintage buses will run a direct, frequent service between Sowton Park and Ride and Matford. You will also be able to connect from the City Centre to Matford on our second shuttle service.

Full details and the timetable for the shuttle buses and. more importantly the link to book tickets HERE

Atlanteans at Milehouse…

©Jos Van Hemert July 1987

Amazing to think that this great photo was taken over 32 years ago!

Back in the day when Milehouse was where you could see Atlanteans living in their natural habitat.

Of course if you want to see Atlanteans back at Milehouse then pop along on Sunday… There is bound to be a few there!

Social Media Highlights

⚠️ Reminder, this starts tonight: Diversions in place between the hours of 19:00 and 07:00 on Charles Street towards North Hill. The following services are affected: 8/9, 20/20A, 27B/28A, 35/35A, 40/41, 42/42A/42B/42C, 44/44A, 61/62 and 81. https://t.co/ylE3BPO5RV pic.twitter.com/QVZgH1JuFe

— Plymouth Citybus (@plymouthbus) August 19, 2019

Service 24 and 25. It's Fowey Festival all week. Therefore, the last bus able to serve Safe Harbour will be the 15:45 service 24. All subsequent buses will use the stop on Hanson drive. This alteration will be for each night this week. Enjoy the festivities

— Cornwall by Kernow (@by_Kernow) August 19, 2019

Read the ‘100 Years of Buses in Devon’ review Sea Dogs to Falcon-the #Devon General story in the current issue of @BusesMagazine - out now!
Get this special Centenary #DG100 book from @StagecoachSW Travelshops at #Exeter & #Paignton, or email exeter@stagecoachbus.com pic.twitter.com/irtGNYBbm9

— Pat Avery (@SeaFunnelBooks) August 18, 2019

Plymouth Bus Rally

Sunday 25th August 2019, 10am – 5pm

Plymouth Citybus Depot, Milehouse, Plymouth

Brought to you by the

Plymouth City Transport Preservation Group

Sponsored and Hosted by Plymouth Citybus Ltd.

Free bus services to the City Centre, Plymouth Station, Plymouth Hoe, Royal William Yard,

Tamar Bridge Visitor Centre and Mystery Tour

Free public parking nearby at the Plymouth Argyle Park and Ride site on Outland Road

Programmes and timetables available on the day

Stalls, Refreshments and static vehicle display

Rally entry forms for vehicle owners available on the PCTPG website

www.plymouthcitytransport.co.uk

or direct from: Events@plymouthcitytransport.co.uk

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29/07/2019 21:34 South West Falcon

Plymouth Junction 25 is closed Northbound and inaccessible from A38. Currently unable to serve Taunton Blackbrook Stop; update to follow regarding Taunton. Junction 22 sliproad closed going Southbound. On diversion through Highbridge to Junction 23. Sorry for the inconvenience.

29/07/2019 17:59 Plymouth Citybus

Roadworks this evening-Mannamead Rd is closed from Mutley Plain to Seymour Rd from 1900-0600. Mutley customers DONOT use 42/42A/42B/42C/27B/28A these will go via Alexandra Rd Efford Lane to Henders Corner 40/41/44/44A will use Weston Park Rd to Manadon Rb and will serve Mutley

29/07/2019 17:47 Plymouth Citybus

Service update : Cornwall we have some late running services #PCB11 #PCB11A #PCB12 . The 1820 service #PCB72 from Royal Parade will be departing late this evening between 1845 and 1900. The average Plymouth delay is 6mins. We apologise for any inconvenience.

29/07/2019 13:58 Cornwall by Kernow

West Street in Penryn will be closed overnight, starting tomorrow for three nights, from 1900 for BT works U1 and U2 services from Tremough Campus towards Falmouth will be diverted via Browns Hill and Commercial Road. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused

29/07/2019 13:54 Cornwall by Kernow

Service 85. Due to The driver requiring his legal break, the 13:50 Newquay to Truro will be 30 minutes late

29/07/2019 13:39 South West Falcon

#Plymouth Falcon. 1200 From Plymouth, arriving at Bristol Airport at 1443 has broken down at Exeter Services. The passengers will be transferred to the coach behind. 1540 From Bristol is not running due to this. Sorry for the inconvenience.

29/07/2019 12:05 Stagecoach Southwest

#Barnstaple Due to heavy traffic in Braunton service 21/21a are suffering delays of up to 25mins.

29/07/2019 12:03 Plymouth Citybus

Service update Cornwall: #PCB11A we are sorry but these services are being delayed by between 15-20 mins in Bodmin due to unplanned roadworks to fill pot holes on Beacon Rd. Sorry for any inconvenience

29/07/2019 11:59 Cornwall by Kernow

Service 24. Our apologies, but the 11:45 From Fowey to St Austell will not be running this morning due to a vehicle issue.

29/07/2019 11:35 Plymouth Citybus

Service update: #PCB20A we are sorry but due to a mechanical issue the 1125 service will depart late from Royal Parade as engineers are en route. Sorry for any inconvenience. Service Update #PCB20A this service is now running from Royal Parade but about 25 minutes late.

29/07/2019 08:31 Cornwall by Kernow

Good morning from Falmouth. All our services are up and running. Service 35 is back to normal route around Acacia Road and Oakfield Road.

29/07/2019 08:17 Plymouth Citybus

Good Morning the Customer Experience Team are here to help 01752 662271. The network is running well this morning with no major problems. Ebrington st towards town is closed all week #PCB23 #PCB24 are diverted via Exeter st towards town as a result similar to Saturdays

29/07/2019 07:26 Stagecoach South West

Barnstaple Due to a Breakdown the 0716 21 Bideford to Barnstaple will be delayed 15 mins. Sorry for any inconvenience

29/07/2019 05:29 South West Falcon

#PLYMOUTH the 0530 falcon service from Plymouth is currently 25 minutes late we are sorry for the delays.

29/07/2019 05:27 South West Falcon

PLYMOUTH the 0400 falcon from Plymouth is currently not running due to technical issues, we are sorry for the delays