Veteran open-top convertible returns home to Welsh capital for special summer service
Cardiff Bus has teamed up with the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group (CTPG) to return one of its former vehicles to scheduled service – 1978-built Alexander-bodied Bristol VRT ‘WTG360T.’ The convertible open-topper is operating on selected weekend dates between St Mary Street, Wyndham Arcade, and the Wales Millennium Centre.
Subject to weather and vehicle availability, the veteran will operate on July 29 and 30; and August 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. The restored bus will run to the bay from Wyndham Arcade from 1020hrs, and then every 55 and 20 minutes past the hour until 1820hrs. It will also run from the Wales Millennium Centre to the city centre from 1033hrs, then at eight minutes past and 33 minutes past the hour until 1833hrs.
Describing it as “an exciting opportunity not to be missed,” Cardiff Bus Commercial Manager, Gareth Stevens, said: “At Cardiff Bus we are extremely proud of the role we have played in the city. For us, this was an ideal way to remember our own heritage while also thanking our loyal customers for all their support.
“Normal fares apply, including iff cards and All Wales Concessionary Travel Cards. Additionally, as we know the Bay is a great place to visit for visitors, all Baycar journeys and the vintage open-top bus will accept contact bank cards as payment.”
The bus was acquired by CTPG in December 2013 from Classic Bus North West. The volunteer-run group is based at the former National Welsh depot in Barry.
Along with a sister bus, the vehicle (360) was withdrawn following the ending of Cardiff Bus’ previous open-top operation at the end of the 1998 season. 360 passed to the Bath Bus Company for use on Bath Sightseeing tours for a number of years. Bus 360 later passed to Solent Blueline (as no.902), who used it for a special service in the New Forest. It was then deployed on the Southampton Docks sightseeing tour, before crossing the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Its roof is believed to have been scrapped by June 2007.
By 2008, 360 passed to Classic Southdown Omnibuses and was sent to Blackpool for renovation. It was due to be used on a new open-top bus service in Bournemouth in 2008. However, this only lasted one season and the bus eventually turned up in Weston-Super-Mare for the 2012 season with Crosville Motor Services, and was found to be in immaculate order. It returned to Classic Bus North West by 2013, prior to joining the CTPG collection.
More details of the open-topper can be found at www.cardiffbus.com or call 029 2066 6444.
