A classic bus helped mark the end of a modern service, reports Nick Larkin
An official farewell to park & ride services in Maidstone, Kent became a National occasion. Preservationist Carl Underwood provided his preserved 1997 Maidstone & District Leyland National, VKE 566S, presented in the post privatisation green and cream livery that would have been a familiar sight when the park & ride began in November 1989.
More recently, Arriva said that it needed another £200,000 annually for the services, from Willington Street and London Road, to break even. This was on top of the current £160,000 council subsidy.
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Said Carl: “Initially, I was meant to be joined by six vehicles of a Maidstone connection for a road run along the two remaining routes plus a visit to the three former sites around the town. However in the days leading up to the run, two owners had to isolate and storm Eunice battered England, which led to the remaining owners withdrawing, not wanting to risk any damage with fallen trees etc.”
He added: “I was incredibly proud with how the National performed in the pouring rain and horrendous traffic in Maidstone, with 34 people including residents and current staff coming along for a ride as well as David Hall, the manager of the park & ride from its inception in November 1989, who saw it through from Boro’line to M&D until Arriva.”
