Alperton Bus Garage in north west London is opening its doors to members of the public on Saturday 7 June 2014 in celebration of the Year of the Bus.
This is the second in a series of open days across the capital and follows a successful first event at Catford which attracted around 3,000 visitors.
Transport for London says visitors to the garage, which is operated by Metroline and celebrates its 75th birthday this year, will get the chance to:
· Take a free non-stop ride on vintage and other interesting buses from the garage, via either Harrow-on-the-Hill or to view Metroline’s Central Engineering and Logistics Facility at West Perivale. There will be regular departures from 10:45 until 15:30;
· View the Year of the Bus mobile exhibition which tells the story of the London Bus and looks to its future;
· View old preserved vehicles;
· See behind the scenes in the maintenance area;
· Take part in family activities about how to use the transport system safely and responsibly with the Transport for London (TfL) Safety and Citizenship team and pick up your free bus-themed family activity pack;
· Get up close and personal with objects from the London Transport Museum collection and find out more about the stories behind them with the Tickets Please! handling collection;
· Browse the London Transport Museum pop-up shop selling exclusive Year of the Bus gifts, and stalls selling centenary merchandise and bus-related memorabilia.
The open days are part of celebrations to mark the Year of the Bus which marks the 60th anniversary of the original Routemaster and the 75th anniversary of its predecessor, the RT-Type.
It’s also 100 years since scores of B-Type buses were commandeered for service on the Western Front during the First World War for use as troop carriers and ambulances.
TfL is working in partnership with London Transport Museum and bus operators to stage a number of public events, including symposiums and a bus cavalcade.
Buses will also take part in the Pride London, Notting Hill Carnival and Remembrance Sunday parades.
Other London bus garages opening their doors on Saturdays this summer are Stockwell Bus Garage (21 June), Fulwell Bus Garage (28 June), Potters Bar Bus Garage (5 July) and Walworth Bus Garage (19 July). There will also be an open day at Dartford Bus Garage on Sunday 7 September.
Further information about Year of the Bus events can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk/yearofthebus and www.ltmuseum.co.uk.
