Kingsbridge Running Day

Mark Bailey attended the 18th Kingsbridge Vintage Bus Running Day last Saturday (20 September) organised by the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust (TV&GWOT).  The weather was miserable for most of the day until the sun came out late afternoon.  Around 40 buses participated in the event but despite the weather people there still seemed to be a good number of people keen to enjoy the rides.

Grey Cars TCR890 (890 ADV) Cottons of Saltash have owned and rallied this AEC Reliance with Willowbrook Viking coachwork for many years. It is pictured in Kingsbridge between duties heading for the Tally Ho depot. Southern National 1460 (OTA 632G) Bristol RELH6G / ECW in Royal Blue livery at Slapton Sands, returning from a tour to Blackpool Sands. Western National 1157 (AFJ 764T) Bristol VRTSL6G / ECW at Slapton Sands, returning on service 93 from Slapton Village, with Start Bay curving around to Warren Point as the backdrop. Plymouth Citybus 283 (N283 PDV) Mercedes-Benz 709D / Plaxton Beaver alongside Wright StreetDeck Electroliner 7001 (GO25 ELC), which was the feeder bus to the event from Plymouth. Both were awaiting departure on service 161A to Churchstow. Tally Ho PN05 DOU Alexander Dennis Dart / East Lancs Myllennium. Withdrawn by Tally Ho in 2024 and donated to the TV&GWOT, this was making its debut as a preserved vehicle. It is pictured departing on service 164 to Totnes, just like it used to when in daily service.

Events

Kingsbridge Event

This year’s Kingsbridge Vintage Bus Running Day returns for its 18th year on Saturday, September 20.

Visitors can choose from 43 buses, dating from 1933 to 2025, including a brand-new electric double-deck bus that entered service with Go-Ahead’s Plymouth Citybus on July 7, 2025. These will run on 24 different routes.

To plan your day, programmes are available from the Kingsbridge Information Centre, the Trust’s gazebo at the bus station on the day, or online at www.tvagwot.org.uk.

The 52-page guide has full details of routes, timetables, buses, and journeys carried out during the day. Programme sales support organisers’ costs and help fund the Trust’s charitable activities.

This Souvenir Programme also features a photographic look back at the 17 previous Running Days, leading to this 18th “coming of age” event. This Souvenir Programme, like the Trust, is about connecting people, places and the past. It is your guide to vintage buses and coaches, offering free trips so you can experience what bus journeys were like back in the day, whether you're travelling to school or work, shopping, or for leisure.

The Coleridge Community Bus is again a highlight of the Running Day. Their 16-seater EVM/Mercedes will run a special route along the coast east of the Kingsbridge Estuary. It will visit Beesands, Hallsands, Start Point, East Prawle, and East Portlemouth, with spectacular views of Start Bay and Slapton Sands. Stops allow for short walks to vantage points and photographs of the bus in these scenic surroundings. As this is the only service visiting much of the area, it is a must if you haven’t tried it before.

Luxury coach tours also run morning and afternoon to the picturesque Blackpool Sands. Courtesy of the owners, passengers can enjoy a 40-minute break to walk the beach or visit the café.

Other services revive historic motor bus routes, as well as later additions to Salcombe, Thurlestone, Soar, Hope, South Pool, Slapton, Totnes, Loddiswell, Loddiswell Station, Goveton, Modbury, Moreleigh, Blackawton, and Bigbury-on-Sea. Short circular routes will also visit Churchstow and Aveton Gifford.

Organiser Colin Billington, who lives near Loddiswell, said: “We are really pleased to be able to put on our Running Day again this year. We have attracted a record entry of 43 vehicles, several making their first visit. We are very grateful for the backing of our principal sponsor, Kingsbridge’s own Tally Ho Coaches, and to other bus companies and local businesses who have supported the event by advertising in our programme.

“All of the roads we are using are former or current bus routes, and we are grateful to other road users for respecting the age and speed of our vehicles. The event is for one day only and gives enormous pleasure to many people while benefitting local businesses. It also shows the environmental benefits to those who may not have travelled by bus before and who are encouraged to do so after their Running Day experience.”

All services are free, with no limit on the number of journeys you can take.

KUO972 Western National Bristol K6B, KUO972-959 at Slapton Sands © William BJ Spencer 2016

Exmouth Event

Eleven vintage buses brought nostalgic travel to the roads in and around Exmouth on Sunday, August 31 st 2025 as the Devon General Society recreated local bus routes of the 1960s.
Free bus services ran from Imperial Road around the town, and out to Budleigh Salterton, Littleham, Lympstone, and Woodbury, whilst an open-top bus provided a local tour. Altogether, 1,977 passenger trips were made during the day. Paul Jenkins, Secretary of the Devon General Society, said “We were delighted with the turnout for our event, with many buses departing with full loads. We would like to thank everyone who travelled on our buses, the bus owners, and our great team of volunteers who made it all happen. We also appreciate the support we received from Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council, and Stagecoach South West. We hope everyone had an enjoyable day experiencing bus travel as it used to be.

Devon General Remembered Exmouth

Another date for your diaries:

Preserved Devon General buses will take to the roads in and around Exmouth on Sunday August 31, recreating the routes of the 1960s.

Services will run from Imperial Road in Exmouth between 10am and 4pm, giving free round trips around the town and out to local destinations such as Budleigh Salterton. 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/ourevents

Rame Beer & Buses

Sadly I was unable to attend this year but Mark Bailey has once again stepped in with some great photos he has been kind enough to share with us…

The Rame Beer & Buses annual event, now in its fourth year, seems to be growing in popularity, as despite the gloomy drizzly weather on Saturday many hundreds of people were out enjoying a pub crawl around the Rame peninsula, with around 20 buses providing the transport.  The participating pubs appeared to be doing a brisk trade with food and drinks, and many buses (including double-deckers) were fully laden and with standing passengers.

Devon General 942 (VDV 142S)  Bristol VRTSL6G / ECW convertible open-top loading in Crafthole on route C.

Plymouth 201 (DDR 201C)  Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 / Metro-Cammell arriving in Millbrook on route C.

Tamar Coaches T500 TCL Volvo B8RLE / MCV eVoRa loading in Millbrook on route A.   This was the only non-preserved bus to participate in the event.

Western National 1254 (VOD 124K) Bristol LHS6L / Marshall arriving in St John on route B.

Western National 1557 (FDV 787V) Bristol LHS6L / ECW loading in St John on route B.

There has been a follow up post on Facebook from David Jory which I am sure he wont mind me posting here in case people miss it on Facebook (or more likely its weird algorithms lead to people not seeing it…)

A big thank you to everyone who attended and supported our event yesterday. The day was a great success and reading the posts/comments I am glad to hear that so many people enjoyed it, it certainly makes it worthwhile. Please do share your photos, they are great to see! Additionally a big thank you to all the volunteers, bus crews and vehicle owners, who without them we could not put on this event. We operated a record number of buses with a route plan/timetable based on the feedback and lessons of previous years. We feel 'on the whole' we got it right this year and we will stick to this years route format with a few minor adjustments. The overwhelming feedback was that the day was smoother than previous years which is great to hear.

A big thank you from myself to Laurence Mayhew who did the majority of the planning and organising and was the overall lead for the days event. The credit must foremost go to him.

A big thank you to everyone who bought a program or otherwise made a donation in some way. The proceeds of which helps us with the fuel and other associated costs. We are sorry to those who wanted a program but were not able to get one, a lesson for next year is for us to also sell programs at Polbathic so people on that end of the network can purchase a program. Now that we're happier with the overall plan, we hope we can get programs out earlier next year for pre-order.

We thank you all for your understanding when we did have issues. We had a bus breakdown at Millbrook which meant we missed a journey. We had a tow truck on standby which enabled us to get the bus on the move quickly which was good for passengers, crews and other road users. We appreciate some people were home later than expected, but we did our very best to get everyone moving as quickly as possible and ensuring no one was left standed at the end of the day.

Unfortunately we did experience damage to C412HJN, owned by Laurence Mayhew. I would like to thank everyone for their support. The person/party responsible has got in contact and it was an accident but was by their own admission preventable. I would like to publically thank them for getting in touch. We all make mistakes. The emergency window is there for just that, emergencies, and is designed as an exit point for persons only. We are on the hunt for a replacement window and have spread the word around the vintage bus community.

I drove the replacement vehicle which had to finish it's journey before I could carry on with the last C service. Thank you to those who did bare with us. Apologies to those who arranged alternative transport, we hope it hasn't put you off next year. We did call in each of the pubs on that route to make sure everyone who needed a bus was on one so hopefully no one was left behind.

We will be having a meeting shortly and will discuss our plans for next year, however our intention at this stage is to hold the event next year. We will publish a date shortly.

Better Transport Week

If you cant wait till July to see the new electric buses up close then next week you have a chance..

There will be a chance to look around one of Plymouth’s new electric buses on Tuesday 17 June as part of an information event celebrating Better Transport Week.

The annual national celebration of sustainable travel is organised by Campaign for Better Transport and this year’s theme is connecting communities and bringing people together.

In support of the week the Council, Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach South West (as representatives of the enhanced bus partnership) will be joined by organisations including Access Plymouth, Bikespace, British Cycling, Plymouth Active and Sustrans for an all-day event in the city centre showcasing some of the many sustainable transport options in Plymouth.

The event, being held on the Armada Way piazza from 9.45am to 4pm will feature a ribbon-cutting on one of the new Plymouth Citybus zero-emission electric double-deckers at 10am before members of the public get the chance to hop aboard and look around.

The buses, which will enter service this summer, are the result of a partnership project led by Plymouth Citybus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, with the support of Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council, and the Department for Transport. The project will replace almost half of the Plymouth Citybus fleet with brand new electric vehicles.

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, will cut the ribbon with Councillor John Stephens, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport. They will be joined by representatives from Campaign for Better Transport.

Councillor Stephens said: “Better Transport Week is a great opportunity to find out more about the many greener travel options in Plymouth and try some out. With a full week’s programme of activities there really is something for everyone – whether you prefer walking, cycling, buses, ferries or trains. Come along on the 17th to see what’s on offer and take a look around the new electric buses.”

Richard Stevens added: "Better Transport Week is a valuable moment to shine a light on the importance of sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking travel for our communities. As someone deeply committed to the future of our city, I believe better, cleaner transport is essential to Plymouth’s continued growth and wellbeing.

"We’re proud to serve a city that values clean air, access to green spaces, and a strong sense of community. The introduction of our new electric buses is just one part of our ongoing commitment to delivering quieter, cleaner, and more accessible journeys. It’s about protecting what makes Plymouth special and connecting people to the lives they lead every day.”

Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Good public transport networks, shared travel, walking, wheeling and cycling help connect us to the people we love, the things we need and the places that matter. That’s why we are delighted that Plymouth CityBus, Plymouth City Council and the Plymouth and South East Cornwall Zero Emission Bus Regional Area partners are using the week to launch Plymouth’s new electric bus fleet, which will help improve public transport journeys across the city and beyond.”

There will be various stands at the event, where people can get travel planning advice, find out more about The Big Green Trail (which returns on Saturday 21 June), learn about led walks, bike rides and cycle maintenance, pick up walking and cycling maps and much more.

Other events and activities will be taking place around Plymouth throughout the week. To view the full programme see our Better Transport Week page.

The Better Transport Week

The annual national celebration of sustainable travel is organised by the Campaign for Better Transport. The theme this year is connecting communities and bringing people together.

Upcoming Plymouth Better Transport Week 2025 events:

Monday 16 June – Train Day

Time: 9am to 3.30pm
Location: Starting at Plymouth station, Plymouth  PL4 6AB

Pop along and see the Council’s Plymotion team in the Plymouth Station concourse where the team will be providing information on local rail services and, if you have time, join the team for a trip along the Tamar Valley branch line to Bere Ferrers where you can take part in a 3 mile circular walk and picnic before heading back into Plymouth by train.

For more information contact plymotion@plymouth.gov.uk

Tuesday 17 June – Bus Day

Launch of Plymouth’s electric buses

Time: 9.45am to 4pm
Location: Plymouth City Centre piazza, PL1 1DU

Join us on the piazza to see the new Plymouth Citybus zero-emission electric double deckers, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am involving Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus and Councillor John Stephens, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport,before members of the public have the opportunity to hop on board the new buses before they enter service this summer.

At the event there will also be a sustainable transport marketplace involving Access Plymouth, Bikespace, British Cycling, Plymouth Active Leisure, Plymouth Bike Hire, Plymouth Citybus, Plymotion, Stagecoach South West and Sustrans, showcasing some of the many exciting sustainable transport opportunities in Plymouth.

Wednesday 18 June – Bike Day

Breeze ride – females only

Time: 10am
Location: Coypool Park and Ride, PL7 4TB

Coypool to Longash. Sign up at www.letsride.co.uk

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E-recumbent led ride

Time: 12pm to 2pm
Location: Adapted E-Cycle Hub, Coypool Park and Ride, PL7 4TB

Sign up at www.letsride.co.uk

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Thursday 19 June – Active Travel Day

Adaptive wheeling session

Time: 10.30am
Location: Foulston Park Athletics Track (formally known as Brickfields), PL1 4NE.

Sign up at www.letsride.co.uk

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Skipper ticket exploration day

Time: 10am
Location: Royal Parade (stop A20), Plymouth PL1 1DS

Join members of the Plymotion Team and catch the Stagecoach South West service 1 up to Roborough footbridge, then walk down through Widewell Woods onto Coombe Lane into Tamerton Foliot. Here we will have a picnic in the park and catch the Plymouth Citybus 42a back to Royal Parade.

For more information contact plymotion@plymouth.gov.uk

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Wellbeing walk

Time: 6pm
Location: Plymouth Life Centre, PL2 3DG

A 30 to 60 minute walk suitable for all abilities, aiming to give women the confidence to exercise in a group at night.

No need to book, just turn up!

Friday 20 June – Business Day

Dr Bike

Time: 9am to 4pm
Location: Royal William Yard, Plymouth PL1 3RP

Join Bikespace and the Council’s Plymotion Team at the Royal William Yard for a chat about how to travel around our city and a free basic bike check.

No need to book, just turn up!

Saturday 21 June – Community Day

Big Green Trails

Time: 10am to 4pm

Get stuck into a day of free, fun and eco-friendly activities as The Big Green Trail returns on Saturday 21 June, from 10am to 4pm — packed with things to do for all ages across six locations in Plymouth.

For more information visit Free activities on tour at The Big Green Trail

The Big Green Trail

Get stuck into a day of free, fun and eco-friendly activities as The Big Green Trail returns on Saturday 21 June, from 10am to 4pm — packed with things to do for all ages across six locations in Plymouth.

From sock puppetry, wildflower planting, and bookmark making, to foraging walks, scrap sculpture crafting, and 360° camera nature filming, there’s plenty on offer to entertain, inspire and connect people with nature and local green projects.

Here’s a snippet of some of the activities visitors can get involved in:

• Try out adapted e-cycles or join led rides
• Have your bike serviced for free
• Join a crochet or felt-making workshop using recycled materials
• Take part in bug hunting, plant walks or even fossil digging
• Enjoy games, performances, and art sessions
• Collect stamps at each trail stop in the trail activity pack

To help people move around the trail, Plymouth Citybus is running a free hop-on, hop-off bus along the trail route — just head to the nearest bus stop at each location. Anyone wanting to give cycling a go can enjoy 15 minutes free on a Beryl e-bike from any of the Beryl bays, minutes will be automatically applied to your account. For more details about the travel information visit the map on the event listing.

Over 40 local organisations and community groups are taking part and putting on free activities across six key locations:

- The Box
- Barbican, Mayflower Steps
- Union Street at The Plot
- Royal William Yard
- Devonport Park
- Central Park

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “There will be something for everyone at this event. We have lots of organisations on board to make the day enjoyable and full of activities.

“The day is aimed at focusing on our green projects in the city and it’s free - all while encouraging people to move around using sustainable travel and get out and about to explore our city.”

There is a map of the free bus

but annoyingly there is no proper timetable, instead you have to click on the main bus stops on the map to get a small box with the times. Not very user friendly at all.

A Grand day out

A day later than I hoped but I can now bring a selection of my photos from Sunday:

For me number 9 was the one I was most looking forward to but 102 was also a real treat !

Reminder for Sunday

Just time for a reminder of the PCTPG running day from Royal Parade on Sunday [https://www.plymouthcitytransport.net/latest-news-2]

The weather is looking pretty good for the day too.  I’m hoping to be there this time so look forward to meeting some of you again!

©Ian Bryne. 283 Another one prepped and MOT'd ready for Sunday

Atlanteans getting ready for a day out

Ian Byrne has sent in this nice shot of a couple of the buses planned to be in use in service on Sunday 6th April on the running day mentioned few days ago:  http://www.plymothiantransit.com/2025/03/april-treat.html

I must admit I am really looking forward to seeing number 9 out and about and getting a ride. Always enjoyed these when they were around in normal service, much better than the Leyland Nationals that followed them!

© Ian Byrne

April Treat

If you can't wait until July, for a ride on a vintage bus, the Plymouth City Transport Preservation Group will be holding a running day, centred on Royal Parade on April 6th.

Full details below!

More detail including timetables:

https://www.plymouthcitytransport.net/latest-news-2

Devon General Tiverton

Ten vintage buses brought nostalgic travel to the roads in and around Tiverton on Sunday, September 1 st as the Devon General Society recreated local bus routes of the 1960s.
Free bus services ran from the bus station around the town, and out to Bampton, Thorverton and Tiverton Parkway, whilst an open-top bus provided a local tour. Altogether, 1,855 passenger trips were made during the day. Paul Jenkins, Secretary of the Devon General Society, said “We were delighted with the turnout for our event, with many buses departing with full loads. We would like to thank everyone who travelled on our buses, the bus owners, and our great team of volunteers who made it all happen. We also appreciate the support we received from Tiverton Town Council, Mid Devon District Council, and Stagecoach South West. We hope everyone had an enjoyable day experiencing bus travel as it used to be.”

DEVON GENERAL SOCIETY www.devongeneral.org.uk

© The Devon General Society

Devon General Remembered

Running day at Tiverton  1st September

Preserved Devon General buses will take to the roads in and around Tiverton on Sunday 1 st September 2024, recreating the routes of the 1960s.
The services will run from Tiverton bus station between 10am and 4pm, giving free round trips around the town and out to Bampton, Thorverton and Tiverton Parkway Station. Local open-top bus trips will also be available.
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/ourevents 

The Devon General Society held a successful  "Devon General Remembered" classic bus running day  on Sunday 5th September 2021, centred on the Mid Devon town of Tiverton. The event was supported by both Mid Devon District and Tiverton Town Councils, and Stagecoach South West. Eleven classic buses attended the event, ten being former Devon General types, including Sea-Dog Leyland Atlantean 'Admiral Blake'. A Bristol LWL in Western National colours was also present, representing the other bus company seen in the area. The vehicles operated a timetable of services to destinations in Tiverton itself and the outlying villages of Thorverton, Witheridge, Bampton and Sampford Peverell. Former bus routes were followed wherever possible. The image depicts NTT 661, (DR661). a Weymann bodied AEC Regent III, which was withdrawn from Devon General Service in 1955, passing Blundell's School, Tiverton, with a well patronised afternoon run from Sampford Peverell to Tiverton Bus Station.  NTT 661 is owned by the Devon General Omnibus Trust.

Beer & Buses

Beer and Buses This weekend!

Details taken from Facebook for anyone who is not on that platform for the Beer & Buses event on Saturday

Departure guide:

Please find below a departure guide to get you going on Saturday, from principal departure points. Buses will observe all normal bus stops also, so clearly indicate to the driver you'd like to travel with them, and they'll stop to pick you up.

Full timetables are available in the programme.

Torpoint Ferry from 11am and then the same minutes past each hour:

xx00 - Blue

xx15 - Red

xx20 Green

xx30 - Orange

xx50 - Green

Millbrook Quay

Purple to Seaton - 1153 and then at xx53 past each hour

Green to Torpoint/St John - 1205 and then at xx30 and xx00 past each hour

Blue to Torpoint/Cawsand/Whitsand - 1223 and then xx23 past each hour

Cawsand Triangle

Purple to Seaton, 1203 and then xx03 past each hour

Blue to Torpoint, 1231 and then xx31 past each hour

To Millbrook - 1133 and then at xx05 and xx33 from 1300

St Germans Rail Station:

Towards Seaton at 1142 then hourly at xx42 past the hour

Towards Torpoint at 1247 then hourly at xx47 past the hour

Seaton from 1200:

xx20 - Red to Torpoint via Hessenford and St Germans

xx20 - Purple to Millbrook via Crafthole and Cawsand

xx55 - Orange to Torpoint via Crafthole and Antony

Programmes will now only be available on the day, from the Torpoint Ferry, Millbrook Quay, Antony, Seaton and Downderry

For those of you interested in the buses being operated this weekend, please see below the vehicles booked to operate on each group of routes. Please bear in mind that this is subject to change on the day due to vehicle availability.

Blue/Purple/Orange:

Bristol VR XHK 228X

Bristol VR LFJ 847W

Bristol VR LFJ 873W

Volvo B8RLE T500 TCL

Leyland Atlantean TTT 168X

Leyland Atlantean TTT 171X

Leyland National LAG 188V

Green:

Bristol LHS VOD 124K

Bristol LHS FDV 787V

Mercedes 709D N283 PDV

Mercedes 614D MX05 CZW

Red:

Volvo B58 LUA 255V

Dennis Dart K105 SFJ

Dennis Dart L401 VCV

Volvo B6 M53 HOD

Tamar Coaches LTD have very kindly agreed to run a 'Feeder' service to and from the event, from Plymouth, on Saturday. Times are as follows:

1025 Royal Parade, Theatre Royal (Stop A8)

1030 Railway Station, Saltash Road

1032, Milehouse, Bus Depot

1035, Stoke Village

1100, arrive Torpoint

The bus will observe all stops along the way, but please indicate very clearly to the driver, Kian, that you're intending to travel with him.

The bus will also return to Plymouth, leaving at 1840 from Torpoint.

I am not sure if I will be there myself yet, but have a great time everyone. The weather isnt looking too bad either.

If you are on Facebook keep an eye on the event page for any last minute updates

Times they are a changing

There has been a smattering of new notices over the last few days. Click on the licence number for the full route history for each route with timetables and maps available for your viewing pleasure.

Recent Notices

Plymouth Citybus Ltd / Go Cornwall

• A batch of timetable changes for Cornwall from this weekend.
• One off registration of the Muse concert this week and services for Royal Cornwall Showground
• The 25 has its seasonal increase from 23 July

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH0000135.332	Muse (A, B, C)	Coypool Park & Ride	Milehouse Park & Ride	27-May-2023	Operates for the Muse Festival on Saturday 27 May 2023
PH0000135.166	11	Plymouth City Centre, Royal Parade	Bodmin Parkway Station	28-May-2023	the trip currently leaving Saltash School towards Plymouth at 1501 is retimed to 1510 As a consequence the 1540 from Plymouth will run 5 minutes later To ensure students form Saltash School have a suitably timed journey to get them home
PH0000135.162	12 12A 12D	Launceston, Westgate Street	Plymouth City Centre, Royal Parade	28-May-2023	the 0801 from Hatt on will renumber 12D This is to avoid customer confusion about the trip which run through Devonport
PH0000135.246	56	Padstow, Bus Terminus	Newquay Bus Station	28-May-2023	The 0921 from St Eval (Mon - Fri), and the 0840 from Padstow will run via Mawgan Porth at 0927 towards Newquay The journey departing Newquay at 0640 will run 10 minutes earlier at 0630 To provide a journey into Newquay following customer requests. There is no journey currently available This will provide a connection to service 11 at Padstow Tesco
PH0000135.259	128	Marhamchurch	Poughill	28-May-2023	Revised timetable The timetable has been changed to provide better links to Stratton Hospital from Residential areas of Bude without the need to change buses
PH0000135.264	217	Holsworthy	Gooseham	29-May-2023	Last journey towards Bude to operate via poughill and Flexbury
PH0000135.265	218 219	Bude	Hartland	29-May-2023	0930 from Bude retimed and serves Ked Post & Grimscott. 1530 & 1730 from Bude retimed 3 mins latewr. 1630 from Bude retimed 10 mins earlier. Journeys into Bude retimed for reliability Revised route (service will operate through Flexbury and Poughill) and timetable within Bude to provide direct links to Stratton Hospital. The timetable has been changed to provide better links to Stratton Hospital from Residential areas of Bude without the need to change buses
PH0000135.331	11	Wadebridge, Royal Cornwall Show Ground	Wadebridge Bus Station	08-Jun-2023	Operates for the Royal Cornwall Show 8th - 10th June 2023 & similar in subsequent years
PH0000135.086	25	Plymouth City Centre, Royal Parade	Plymouth City Centre, Royal Parade	23-Jul-2023	To increase frequency on Sundays & Bank Holidays between 23rd July & 28th August, resuming hourly service level thereafter

AVMT Buses

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH2050218.003	885	Beer, Underleys	Axminster, Millwey Rise	08-Jul-2023	Timetable variation

Stagecoach Devon Ltd

New timetable for the 6A 4th June

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH1020951.185	6A	Okehampton	Exeter	04-Jun-2023	Timetable variation - additional trips added

Click on the licence number for the full route history for each route with timetables and maps available for your viewing pleasure.

There will be a full update of new timetables coming into force this weekend tomorrow.

Penzance Running Day

Plenty of notice for this event which I know many of you will be attending..

The Cornwall Bus Preservation Society (CBPS) and the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust (TV&GWOT) are collaborating to organise a 15^th vintage bus day in Penzance on Sunday 16 April 2023.  Vehicle entrants and passengers alike can enjoy spectacular scenery while travelling authentic service routes across the West Cornwall peninsula on a variety of preserved buses and coaches.

The Bristol VR is a favourite marque as the first ‘VR Running Day’ on 9 December 2006 coincided with withdrawal of this once omnipresent vehicle in Cornwall. Its low gearing and sympathetic profile equipped it well for the steep terrain and wooded valleys encountered daily.  There is a record entry of VRs for 2023.

The vintage bus services will operate out and back from Penzance Bus Station (adjacent to the main railway station) from 10.00 until 17.00. Free bus services** will link Penzance with Camborne, St Ives, St Just, Hayle, Helston, Marazion/Perranuthnoe, Goldsithney, Paul/Sheffield, Sennen Cove and Land’s End (and the airport), with small vehicles going into Mousehole - a highlight for many.

**Passenger rides are free and privately owned vehicles and crews are provided in accordance with national guidelines for the operation of free bus services issued by NARTM (the National Association of Road Transport Museums).

On 17 August 1903 Great Western Railway Road Motors operated the first service from Helston to The Lizard, not far up the Cornish coast.  120 years on, there is a resurgence of interest in such integrated transport and the souvenir programme explores this important heritage in terms of the changing vehicle styles and technologies, and lessons offered by past practices for operations today.

The lavishly illustrated colour programme not only explores the evolution of integrated public transport in Cornwall but also has a feature on the history of a Helston based Truronian Dart recently acquired and restored by CBPS which will make its debut back in original guise at the event on 16 April.

The programme gives timetables and details of the vehicles attending, making it an invaluable resource to help you to plan your day.  There are exciting new routes for 2023 including to Helston (and Porthleven) in celebration of the Helston-The Lizard service’s 120 year anniversary later this year.

More Info HERE

672COD is just one of those listed as hoping to attend. 

Devon General Running Day Exmouth 4th September

A date for your diaries:

On Sunday 4^th September 2022 preserved Devon General buses will take to the roads in and around Exmouth, recreating the routes of the 1960s.

The services will start from Imperial Road and run between 10am and 4pm. There will be free round trips to local destinations and open-top bus rides around the town.

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 our Sales Officer from late August.

Further information can be found at devongeneral.org.uk/ourevents

Devon General Remembered

DGOT buses at Devon General Remembered event in Tiverton

Four buses from the Devon General Omnibus Trust’s collection took part in the ‘Devon General Remembered’ running day at Tiverton on Sunday 5th September 2021. The event was organised by the Devon General Society.

Making its public debut was 1957 Weymann-bodied AEC Reliance VDV 798, the restoration of which had only been completed a few days earlier. The event was also the first opportunity for the Trust’s 1953 AEC ‘Light Six’ ETT 995 to carry members of the public since its acquisition earlier in the year. Completing the DGOT’s line-up were its 1952 AEC Regent III NTT 661 and 1957 AEC Regent V VDV 817.

Peter Murnaghan, DGOT’s chairman, said “We are incredibly grateful to our volunteer Sam Merrifield for leading 798’s four-year restoration and for pulling out all the stops to get the bus ready in time. In total our buses carried over 500 passengers during the day, bringing back some great memories of the Devon General services in and around Tiverton.”

All photos © Russell Ayre used with permission

Two for Today: OCO 502

It wont be news to some but just for clarification from the PCTPG….

We originally had our Rally planned at the end of July due to the current COVID-19 situation.

It is with regret with have had to Cancel our Planned Bus Rally / Running Day at Plymouth Milehouse depot on the 26th July. Unfortunately due to the current pandemic we have not had the opportunity to meet and progress the details of the event.

Considering the Safety of all at this critical time, the committee are totally in agreement with the decision to Cancel the 2020 event.

We will be contacting our members with a posted newsletter in June with Fleet News, Updates, and suggested events for 2021.

We do hope to get the Buses on the roads around Plymouth later in the year, potentially for  photo opportunities etc.

Ian Byrne Events Co-Ordinator

So lets start the week with another Two for Today:

OCO502

May 2014 and it looked like this...

Step forwards to August 2019 and its hard to believe its the same bus...

Penzance Running Day Cancelled

Sadly its no surprise but…

Together with our friends at Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust, we have taken the very difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Penzance Running Day, scheduled for 19 April. We have been closely following developments with the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19, in particular, the UK Government's advice on mass gatherings and events, and do not feel it is appropriate to go ahead with the event given the current situation. We regret the disappointment this will cause, but feel sure you will understand our decision.
Subject to developments, we hope to be able to welcome you to Penzance later in the year.
Please continue to follow us on Facebook for updates on our other plans for 2020, along with our website at www.cornwallbuspreservation.co.uk

Event: Heritage Transport Weekend

Advance notice for an event in July…

Stagecoach Open Day Cancelled

I don't like covering accidents like this one, so I will just leave this as a matter of record. I hope that everyone makes a full recovery. Thoughts and prayers for all involved.

The open day event at Exeter for tomorrow has understandably been cancelled.

Major Incident declared at bus crash on the #A385 between #Paignton & #Totnes multiple casualties. Emergency services on scene dealing. Log 291 of 05/10 @DC_Police @DevonLiveNews @BBCDevon @BBCSpotlight @itvwestcountry @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/14jh33nImz

— Sgt Olly Tayler (@DC_PoliceBiker) October 5, 2019

In the light of the incident near Totnes on Saturday involving a Stagecoach bus we have postponed the Fun Day planned for Exeter depot on Sunday October 6. We are working hard to let everyone know to avoid unnecessary journeys

— Stagecoach SouthWest (@StagecoachSW) October 5, 2019