Stagecoach co-founder and former Chairman Sir Brian Souter (pictured, left) has loaned a one-time Megabus Gold Van Hool Astromega TDX29 double-decker coach dating from 2013 to the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust (GVVT). The coach has taken up residence at GVVT’s former Bridgeton bus garage in the city.
The 15-metre Astromega formed part of the Megabus Gold fleet offering sleeping berths for overnight journeys between London and Scotland that were convertible to seats for use during the daytime.
After Megabus Gold ceased in 2017, the coach moved onto more conventional express work before becoming a luxury sightseeing vehicle in Edinburgh under the SuperBus brand. It retains SuperBus identity at Bridgeton, where it has become both the youngest and the largest member of the 130-vehicle GVVT collection.
Sir Brian has described the coach as “a high point in vehicle development as the first custom-built sleeper coach for service in the UK.” He hopes that the new relationship with GVVT will encourage more young people to consider a career in the bus industry.
The Van Hool will be on show during Bridgeton open days and garage tours. When fully prepared, visitors will be able to board and view its interior, including part of the coach in sleeper configuration.
Adds Sir Brian: “I hope it sparks the interest of children in particular. It would be great if some go on to careers in the industry. Meanwhile, I look forward to developing a relationship with GVVT and working together more in the future.” Other buses from earlier days of Stagecoach operation present at Bridgeton include a Volvo Citybus double-decker, a B10M single-decker, a Leyland Leopard and a Dennis Trident.
Welcoming the arrival of the Astromega, GVVT Chairman Steven Booth says: “I was delighted to show Sir Brian around the garage and give him a chance to take a trip down memory lane, seeing buses that were part of his early working life.
“The arrival of the Astromega is special. It will provide a great attraction and it fits with our drive to encourage more families, especially kids. I am sure they will think it is fantastic. We are very grateful to Sir Brian for providing access to the vehicle for visitors, and we look forward to working with him on more projects.”
