Arriva
Arriva Midlands, together with the Thurmaston branch of the Royal British Legion, has officially unveiled its Poppy Bus, a Wrightbus-bodied VDL DB250 for this year’s appeal.
Linsey Frostick, General Manager for Arriva Thurmaston, said: “It’s important that at this time of year we reflect on the sacrifice that service people from across Leicestershire have made over the years for the benefit of our country.
“As proud employers of a number of ex-military personnel, it is especially important for us to show our respect to both them and our many valued customers who have also served us, and say ‘thank you’ for everything they have done.
“This bus is our way of showcasing that gratitude, and inviting people across our community to join us as we remember all those who have been affected by war.”
Brighton & Hove Buses
Local residents in Brighton & Hove are to gather on Thursday 15 November to share family memories and memorabilia from World War One (WW1) onboard the operator’s heritage bus.
The Brighton & Hove Soiree Rotary Club has invited locals for a chat and a sing song, while The Loose Cannons choir will sing First World War songs next to the bus, which will be parked outside the Hove Club.
Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director Martin Harris said: “We’re proud to help Rotary host this event so locals can share their memories and honour the service men and women and civilians involved in past and present conflicts, while looking towards a more peaceful future.”
Lothian
Lothian’s 2018 Poppy Bus, a Wrightbus-bodied Volvo B5LH was unveiled on 1 November. The operator says: “This year’s design is high impact, featuring a modern pattern of bright red poppies set against an all-white background.”
As well as the specially-created ‘Poppy Bus’, the company will fundraise internally by making poppies and remembrance garden crosses available to its staff.
Lothian has also introduced a specially-designed veteran tie which drivers with military backgrounds can wear as a mark of respect on
Armistice Day and Armed Forces Day.
Stagecoach South Wales
Stagecoach South Wales is offering free travel to armed forces personnel carrying an ID card on Sunday.
The operator has also contributed to the Royal British Legion, enabling all drivers who choose to wear a poppy to do so.
There will be also be posters installed onboard buses, encouraging text donations.
Transdev Blazefield
Transdev has announced that 139 of its vehicles are to wear large poppies this month, reminding passengers of the sacrifice made by those who fought in the First World War.
Buses covering routes in the North of England – from Preston and Manchester to the Yorkshire coast – will prominently display the poppies, the purchase of which has raised £1,459 for the Royal British Legion. As in previous years, serving members of the armed forces will be able to travel free on any Transdev Blazefield bus on Sunday 11th.
Transdev Blazefield CEO Alex Hornby said: “All the teams at our seven depots across Lancashire and Yorkshire are fully behind this – we all feel it’s vitally important to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom, particularly a century on from the end of the First World War.”
Yellow Buses
Yellow Buses has also unveiled its Poppy Bus, encouraging residents and staff to get behind the Royal British Legion’s appeal.
“Yellow Buses was operating through that war and we lost staff in the conflict,” said David Squire, Managing Director of Yellow Buses.
“We’ve also had veterans working for us ever since and we will be remembering all those killed in the line of duty in all conflicts.”
