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The first of 25 brand-new electric buses have now entered service in Somerset, marking a major shift towards zero-emission public transport in the region. The buses are part of a £14.7 million project delivered by First Bus South in partnership with Somerset Council, with funding support from the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA 2 (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme.
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A Day Out with a Dennis Dart MPD: NWVRT Running Day

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This weekend, we had the pleasure of attending the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust's (NWVRT) Running Day in Kirkby, a delightful event for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. I was invited to attend by Macauley and his Dennis Dart MPD 8.8M. The event was a nostalgic journey, offering a unique glimpse into the history and charm of these vintage buses.

Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

Our Experience

Arriving at the event, we were greeted by a bustling scene filled with beautifully restored buses from various eras. Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD stood out with its striking Blackpool Transport livery. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiasts and families alike exploring the buses, sharing stories and taking countless photographs.

The highlight was, of course, riding Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD. The bus ran smoothly, a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining these vehicles. As we toured around Kirkby, the nostalgia was palpable. The combination of the bus's distinct engine sound and brisk scenic route through the countryside to Rainford made for an unforgettable experience.

Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

A Brief History of PDL70

Now, let's take a look back at PDL70's history, with thanks to IAN's BUS STOP for the detailed timeline and additional information from Macauley and Arriva.

  • 8/02: New to Arriva London North for route W15 (Edmonton)
  • 6/05: Transferred within Edmonton
  • 10/05: Loaned for route 491 (Enfield)
  • 11/05: Returned to Edmonton
  • 6/06: Transferred for route 377
  • 3/07: Transferred for route 379 (Edmonton)
  • 9/07: One-week loan for route 192 (Lea Valley)
  • 7/08: Refurbished in Edmonton
  • 7/09: Reseated to B23F in Edmonton
  • 6/11: Transferred to Arriva Cymru (Rhyl) with fleet number 0922
  • 7/20: Sold to a private owner for preservation in Blackpool
  • 3/21: Repainted in Blackpool Transport livery, fleet number 296
  • 1/24: Sold to Blackpool Coach Hire
  • 3/24: Sold again to a private owner for preservation in Wrexham

This journey from a London workhorse to a cherished preservation piece reflects the love and dedication of the bus preservation community. Each transfer and refurbishment marks a new chapter in PDL70's life, ensuring it remains a part of our collective history.

Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

Conclusion

The NWVRT Running Day in Kirkby was more than just an event; it was a celebration of automotive history and community spirit. Macauley's bus not only showcased the beauty of more modern preserved buses, but also highlighted the passion of those who preserve these incredible machines. We left the event with a renewed appreciation for the history and craftsmanship of classic buses and a heartfelt thanks to the enthusiasts who keep this heritage alive.

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