'Scene' in a sunny Edinburgh 2013 Part 1

 

My son Andrew and his wife Joy recently had a short holiday in Edinburgh. Knowing of my weakness for buses they kindly brought me back a variety of images. Joy quite got into it. Nipping in and out of the traffic whilst Andrew was more laid back settling himself on Princess Street with a couple of cans of I’rn Bru. Their combined efforts are pictured herewith, the words are mine.

 

The main operator in Edinburgh is Lothian Buses plc (LB). LB has its origins in the Edinburgh Street Tramways Company of 1871. Edinburgh City Council took over the operation in1919 becoming Edinburgh Corporation Tramways Department (ECTD). The first buses joined the fleet in 1919 and the things continued much as before until the tramway was finally abandoned in 1956 when ECTD became Edinburgh Corporation Transport (ECT). 

 

In 1975, following local government re-organization in Scotland. The ownership of ECT passed to Lothian Regional Council Department of Public Transport and so Lothian Regional Transport came into being (LRT).

 

In 1996 the Lothian Council was abolished and after some political manoeuvring LRT became LB in January 2000. 

 

For as long as I can remember, the fleet livery has been based on Madder (a deep red)

and White applied traditionally in bands of block colours. I have also seen this described as Plum and Spilt Milk but as is the case these days nothing stays the same for long.

 

In 1999, LB introduced the ’Harlequin’ livery which still used Madder and white. This was to advise intending passengers that  buses so painted were low floor and could accept mobility limited passengers. An earlier version that used smaller diamonds was replaced with this simplified version.

 

 SN04 ABK

A Transbus Trident with Plaxton’s President bodywork threads its way through roadworks which are part of the building work taking place to provide Edinburgh with a tramway system.

SN04 ABX

Another Trident/Plaxton President combination shows the offside livery to good effect.

 

SN08 BWO

A Volvo B9TL carries Wright’s Gemini bodywork in the same livery. This combination of chassis and body has been LB’s ‘standard’ choice since 2007.