Go North East (GNE) is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first motorbus between Blyth and North Shields by repainting a Volvo B9TL with Wrightbus Gemini 2 bodywork into vintage Tynemouth colours.
The scheme recognises the original company to run the service, which was a subsidiary of Northern General, including a later iteration as part of the National Bus Company through a period ‘double N’ fleet name on the nearside.
The service was eventually extended to Newcastle and formed the basis for what is today GNE’s Cobalt and Coast group of routes. As well as marking the service’s heritage, the bus promotes the positive effects on air quality and congestion that buses deliver. It will be used across GNE’s routes in North Tyneside and attend appropriate community events.
Says GNE Commercial Director Stephen King: “We are proud to have been providing bus services across the region for over 100 years, and we are delighted to be celebrating this centenary of our services in North Tyneside.
“Our local team, based from our Percy Main depot, work day in, day out to provide modern and comfortable services that help to connect communities, reduce congestion and improve air quality. This bus is also a celebration of their hard work.”
