In late August, the Swanley depot of Go-Coach will be open for a special celebration event
On Saturday 23 August 2025 between 1000 and 1600hrs, Kent operator Go Bus, previously better known as Go-Coach, is holding a free to enter open day at its depot in Swanley, as well as a classic car and bus show in West Kingsdown, to celebrate the 100th anniversary year of the opening of the bus garage.
With the surviving number of former London Transport Country garages dropping in recent years, Swanley garage remains a remarkable location, says the operator, with its original art deco office block and 1925 workshop building. Whilst the garage had new cladding fitted, the original building is still visible from the inside, and the open day will give a rare opportunity to see within the classic transport building. Swanley Garage will be the main location for the open day and will feature a number of vehicle displays. Three very special vehicles are promised, as well as an engineering display including pit walks so that visitors can see under a bus. As well as vintage buses, there will be a display of buses of the future featuring electric and hydrogen types, and rides through the bus wash as well as a display of vehicles from the fleet.
There will be a historical display of three classic vehicles, comprising a 1919 London General Omnibus Company K-type, which was based at Swanley when the garage opened. There will also be a T-type single-deck AEC Regal Green Line coach from 1931 and a 1929 Leyland fire engine. Alongside the garage open day, the vintage and classic bus and car show will be held at Gamecock Meadow in West Kingsdown, and plans to feature over 50 buses and cars, with transport-related sales stands located nearby in the village hall. A regular vintage bus service will operate between the two as well as to Swanley railway station using preserved buses. Managing Director at Go Bus Alastair Willis said: “We are really excited to host this wonderful open day and invite people behind the scenes of our classic bus garage to see an iconic building, preserved buses and classic cars and travel on the special buses in service.
