Brighton & Hove Say Goodbye to Last Bendy Bus
This morning, Brighton & Hove buses waved farewell to the final bendy bus in their fleet. The iconic articulated vehicles, once a staple on the city’s roads, made their last official run today.
Special Charity Farewell Trip on Route 25
The final journey was a special round trip from Portable to Sussex University on the 25 service, featuring bus number 111. Passengers were invited to chip in donations for charity during the nostalgic ride.
Bendy Bus Legacy: A Decade on Route 25
For over ten years, the bendy buses have served the university route 25. Brighton & Hove acquired them back in 2009 after Boris Johnson ordered their removal from London streets. Since then, they have become a familiar sight in the city.
Where Did All the Bendy Buses Go?
- Many withdrawn bendies found new homes across the UK.
- Some went to Arriva Midlands in Leicester and Arriva North West in Liverpool.
- Go-Ahead Group shifted several to its Brighton & Hove, Go North East, and Go South Coast operations.
- Others were sold to CT Plus in Bristol and McGill’s Bus Services in Glasgow.
- Remarkably, Arriva exported 81 bendy buses to Malta in 2011 for Arriva Malta.
One special articulated red arrow bus, MAL15, is preserved by the Bromley Bus Preservation Group, keeping the bendy bus legacy alive.
Double Deckers Take Over – Greener and More Efficient
The bendy buses are now being replaced by double-decker buses, which are touted as greener and more fuel-efficient alternatives, signalling a new era for Brighton’s public transport.
Final Ride Memories
Reece Pateman, who braved a wet Monday morning to take the historic last journey to Portslade, said: “There we have it, the final bendy bus journey! Big thank you to B&H for putting this on, and all the great staff that attended.”
