Transdev’s Tem Pennine make-over of its former Yorkshire Tiger operations is continuing, this time with the launch of newly-branded buses for an upgraded route between Keighley and Halifax. The firm’s newly-renamed ‘Great Northern Line’ route 502 route has been rebranded to reflect the heritage of the old railway which began making the same journey in October 1880 – but which carried its final passengers before closure 67 years ago in May 1955. The revitalised bus route runs alongside the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway between Ingrow and Keighley.
On the outside, the buses feature Team Pennine’s two-tone pink livery with new branding featuring a steam engine in the centre, whilst inside there’s familiar seating in the form of the firm’s own ‘All The Colours of Transdev’ moquette design, plus WiFi and USB at-seat device charging points.
Team Pennine General Manager Joy Devine said: “We wanted to pay our own tribute to the great days of steam with our new Great Northern Line branded bus route, as we deliver an exciting upgrade to our buses which follow much of the old railway’s course.
“We’re already getting a great reaction to our upgraded Great Northern Line – and we think it’s bright new image will attract more people to choo-choo-choose the bus!”
Information panels on each bus also highlight key landmarks along the route, some with a railway heritage theme – such as Hewenden Viaduct in Cullingworth, open to the public as part of the Great Northern Railway Trail which follows much of the old rail route through glorious Yorkshire scenery.
