Delaine Buses‘ latest 23-plate bus shared space with 1950s vehicles at a highly successful Delaine Heritage Trust Running Day last Saturday.
The annual event brought together its new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC and a 1956 Leyland Titan PD2/20 Willowbrook at the depot in Bourne of the operator, which set up in 1890.
Hundreds attended, with Delaine Managing Director Anthony Delaine-Smith describing it as their “most successful yet”. Locals and enthusiasts had opportunity to look around the Delaine Bus Museum, which is normally open once a month throughout the summer, and take rides on the heritage vehicles.
As well as Delaine’s six own legacy vehicles, also on display were guest entries from Dews of Somersham, Hedingham, and Great Yarmouth Transport, among others.
Mr Delaine-Smith adds: “It was a very busy day and it was well supported by locals and those further afield and the weather was kind to us.”
Delaine debuted its newest bus last month – the final one of a batch of a six Enviro 200s over recent years. Sporting the cherished registration mark that incorporates the letters DBL, the bus will primarily serve the 201 Peterborough-Stamford-Bourne route.
Mr Delaine-Smith says: “We’re very pleased with the Enviro 200s. They’ve been very reliable and economical, we’re getting 11.8mpg. The passengers like them and they give good ride quality.”
Delaine, which has an Alexander Dennis E400 City on order due for delivery this summer, is enjoying returning patronage following the pandemic-hit years.
“Business is good,” says Mr Delaine-Smith. “We’re still a few commuters and concessionary users short. But the mainstream passengers have pretty much come back.”
