Go-Ahead has donated its former fleet of Volvo B7LA articulated buses that were used on a shuttle service at Luton Airport to Swindon Humanitarian Aid, which has dispatched them to assist with the war in Ukraine.
The charity provides vehicles to Ukraine that can be used as field hospitals, rest areas for troops, or for transporting supplies. Earlier in 2023, it received a bus from Go South Coast subsidiary Swindon Bus Company for use as a field hospital.
The former Luton Airport buses donated by Go-Ahead are being fitted with shower and toilet facilities. One is expected to become a mobile exhibition unit showing the devastation wrought by Vladimir Putin’s illegal action.
Go-Ahead had utilised the buses for many years on a short shuttle service between Luton Airport Parkway railway station and the airport. They were displaced in March by the DART people mover and have since been moved to Ukraine by a team of volunteer drivers.
Go-Ahead is one of several operators to support the people of Ukraine, with First Bus and Arriva having also donated buses to back the war effort there. Other operators have pledged support via donations, fundraising and conveying supplies to the country.
“These vehicles have done years of duty shuttling holidaymakers and suitcases. They are now retired from airport duty and we are glad that they can be put to good use – as a small contribution to Ukraine’s war effort,” says Go-Ahead.
