Queen cuts bus fares

In 1937, Yellow Buses’ Sunbeam MS2 trolleybus was extensively decorated for the Coronation of King George VI. Almost 1,200 red, white and blue bulbs along with illuminated symbols were added. Large spotlights at the front illuminated the borough coat of arms, framed by a pair of Union flags. The crown at the front of the roof carried a rotating flashing device, which gave a variety of changing effects. Double fares were charged for riding on this special vehicle, in normal service.

Bournemouth Coastal BID and Yellow Buses have formed a partnership that will see all-day network mobile app tickets cut from £8.20 to just 70p during the four-day Platinum Jubilee weekend.

To celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, the BID will also decorate a Yellow Buses’ double-decker, which will be revealed before the first bank holiday on Thursday.

The partnership will help drive people to the Coastal BID’s three major trading areas of Westbourne, Boscombe and Southbourne, and help take cars off the road.

Yellow Buses, which marks its 120th anniversary this year, has celebrated every one of the Queen’s landmark occasions from her Coronation in 1953.

It also made huge statements for other major events including the Coronation of her Father George VI in 1937.

David Squire, managing director of the company, said: “We have a long tradition of marking national occasions.

David Squire, managing director of Yellow Buses

“This Jubilee is a huge event and partnering with the Coastal BID makes total sense as our areas overlap.

“We want everyone to get out over the weekend and cutting network ticket prices to just 70p – 1p for every year her Majesty has been Queen – seemed fitting.

“There are codes available to claim the massive discount and these can be found across the Coastal BID’s social media platforms.

“The codes are limited to the first 70 people who use them each day, and there is only one per person. The offer is only available via the Yellow Buses app.”

Fiona McArthur from the Coastal BID said: “This partnership will be ongoing and we want to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto the bus.

Fiona McArthur – manager of Bournemouth Coastal BID

“For every full double-decker bus an estimated 75 cars are taken off the roads.

“The 70p tickets will enable people to travel around the network, explore what is on their doorstep and enjoy all the entertainment and activities that are being put on.

“With the cost-of-living crisis it is increasingly hard for people to get out, but we hope this offer will help.

“We’re also excited about seeing the decorated bus and would encourage anyone who sees it to take a pic, put it on social media and tag us and Yellow Buses.”

The ticketing reduction is all part of the Coastal BID’s campaign, which encourages people to #LoveWestbourne, #LoveBoscombe and #LoveSouthbourne.

Its area stretches from Pokesdown through to Westbourne and includes West Cliff, East Cliff and Pier Approach.

 

Full caption for vintage photo: In 1937, Yellow Buses’ Sunbeam MS2 trolleybus was extensively decorated for the Coronation of King George VI. Almost 1,200 red, white and blue bulbs along with illuminated symbols were added. Large spotlights at the front illuminated the borough coat of arms, framed by a pair of Union flags. The crown at the front of the roof carried a rotating flashing device, which gave a variety of changing effects. Double fares were charged for riding on this special vehicle, in normal service.

 

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