Stagecoach has donated its first low-floor bus delivered outside London to the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester, reports Nick Larkin
Stagecoach’s first low-floor double-decker delivered to a division outside London, T612 MNF, which was also the first Dennis Trident delivered to Stagecoach, has been donated to the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester.
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This is not the first time that the Alexander-bodied double-decker has been on display at the museum however, though the last was under rather different circumstances. Back in 1999 an ‘Accessible Transport’ event was held, with special help on hand to enable less-mobile visitors to sample the relatively inaccessible joys of preserved vehicles with their high floors and steep steps.
To show the way forward Stagecoach Manchester brought along T612 MNF, then fleet number 612, brand new and yet to enter service. Now 22 years old and latterly used as a driver trainer, the bus is to be returned to its original Stagecoach stripes livery by its new owners.
Museum Chairman Dennis Talbot said the Museum was delighted with its new acquisition: “We’re very grateful to our friends at Stagecoach for donating such a historic vehicle. The fact that it was displayed in the museum when it was brand new just brings everything full circle.”
Added Dennis: “Bus preservation doesn’t stop in 1969 or 1986 – each generation has its own memories and we must move along with that. This is our second 1990s acquisition and we can really say we cover over a century of bus transport, from an 1890 horse bus to a 1999 Stagecoach bus. We’re really looking forward again to opening our doors and welcoming visitors to share in the amazing collection we have here.”
Stagecoach Manchester’s Engineering Director Tony Cockroft told CBW: “It’s really important that the heritage of the bus industry is kept alive and kicking.
“The donation came about as Dennis had enquired a couple of years ago as to the future of 17612. This vehicle was of particular interest to the museum as it was the first low-floor double-deck introduced into Manchester. We have a strong affiliation with the Museum, a number of our staff are members and spend a lot of their spare time bringing older vehicles back to former glory.
“At Stagecoach we are very supportive of vehicle preservation, we have a strong heritage within the industry and whilst we aim to provide innovative future passenger transport solutions, we are proud to have been part of the history that has transformed bus services over the last 40 years.”
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