It's been 15 years since the first Volvo B6LE was introduced as a low floor bus onto service 12 in Torbay. 701 (P701 BTA) was one of those, and has been withdrawn from public service since 2011.
But with the help of Stagecoach South West, the Devon & Dorset Group, who put on the Torbay Vintage Bus Running Day in September, managed to buy and restore 701 to its original livery, complete with interior signs and down to the very last detail. It really is a great restoration, and it can be seen at the rallies put on by the Devon & Dorset Group.
This week marks its 15th year since entering service in 1997, and to celebrate, she was taken out on the 12 route from Newton Abbot to Brixham and back. In addition, the original 12A route was done from Torquay Strand up to St.Marychurch and back down again.The TBR Team as well as local blogger David Banks (Bus Driving blog) and other local bus enthusiasts were all aboard the bus, and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Here are some pictures below:
Perfect, many thanks for coming along Elliot, glad you are your team enjoyed it, makes me feel old thinking I drove her when new! Even stranger feeling is knowing you own her!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it must be! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for inviting us :)
Deletenice to see 701 out and about always liked this bodwork on those chassis only one with clean lines. I read today sadly 705 has joined 710 in Merseyside but only for spares and 712 has also been sold for scrap.
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