Bus & Coach Station celebrates 50 years

Stagecoach South West and The Devon General Omnibus Trust are marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of Exeter bus and coach station on Saturday (5 July) with a one off celebration at the city centre site.

The event will run between 10am and 4pm and will showcase over 40 vehicles – many of them vintage - which have all used the city centre site across the years.

As well as being a one off opportunity to see such an historic gathering, visitors will also be able to enjoy free rides around the city on a selection of heritage buses – not to mention the rare chance to ride through the transport operator’s bus wash – also for free! The heritage bus rides will depart from Stand 2 approximately every 10 minutes between 10.30am and 3pm and visitors should allow around 45 minutes for the round trip. Bus wash rides will depart from the lower level exit nearest to Paris Street and will run as often as possible.

Also on site will be stands selling a selection of bus related memorabilia, Radio Exe will be broadcasting between 11 and 1pm and the Express & Echo will be handing out goody bags for visitors. Plus, for those interested in discovering more about the site’s history, there will be also be a display of photographs across the years.

Although all activities on the day are completely free, visitors will have the opportunity to donate to two charities: The Devon General Omnibus Trust – the event’s main organisers – will be selling souvenir programmes for just £3 and local charity Dream-a-Way - who provide holidays for people with physical and learning difficulties – will be on hand for anyone wishing to make a donation.

Michael Watson, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, commented “I'm delighted that we are hosting this event and it seems fitting it’s taking place at such a significant crossroads for the site. I hope visitors will join me in celebrating the bus and coach station’s past and also in looking forward to its bright and exciting future."

Phil Platt, Secretary of The Devon General Omnibus Trust, said “This heritage event is a once in a lifetime opportunity to look back at the history of such an important city site. On behalf of our charity I’d like to thank Stagecoach for all their help and support in making the site available and I hope everyone has a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

Jeff Merrett, Chairman of Dream-a-Way, added “We are so pleased to have been invited to join the 50th anniversary celebrations of Exeter bus and coach station. We are extremely proud of our lasting and strong links with the City of Exeter and, as a local charity proudly run entirely by volunteers, we would like to thank in advance for helping us continue to make the impossible possible for so many local families.”