Barry Heritage Bus Group alongside Newport Transport, and the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group showcased its Autumn Running Day event. The jamboree of vintage buses were available for the public to marvel at and experience a step back in time. The event also marked 100 years of Newport motor buses.

The buses showcased dated from 1961-1988. The heritage collection included four former Newport buses, two unrestored and two which were operating on the day.

The group were also supported by Newport Transport who showcased a 1958 Leyland Titan and a modern 2024 Battery Electric bus – which highlighted the collision of past and present.

Leyland Titan bus Leyland Titan bus (Image: Mike Taylor)

The star attraction for many was the opportunity to take a free ride in the 1958 Newport Titan PD2 which is often used for special hires like weddings. Another star of the day was the first operation by a 1971 Western Welsh bus which last had passengers on it 39 years ago!

Running Day by Richard Sanders Running Day by Richard Sanders (Image: Richard Sanders)

Mike Taylor, chairman of the heritage bus group said, “Considering the rain last week and the forecast we were pleased some took the effort to visit us on Sunday.”

“A lot were enthusiasts were coming from Aberdare, Reading, Stoke-on-Trent and Pembrokeshire, and a number came from Newport and locally here in Barry and Cardiff too.”

“I am especially grateful to Newport Transport, and we hope we can support things they arrange in Newport in the future”.

The heritage bus group will be holding their second Twilight Event on Saturday afternoon 2nd November 2024, when heritage buses will be running free trips again at Barry, this time marking 50 years since the end of Urban District Councils who ran their own buses until 1974.

Visitors Marking 100 years of Newport Buses Visitors Marking 100 years of Newport Buses (Image: Mike Taylor)