Joint Train and Bus Advertising

[AdamH]

It's a bit of a tenuous link between trains and buses, but GWR are currently running an advertising campaign in Cheltenham to promote train travel to the town, and highlighting the tourist attractions. The advertising also includes bus links to and from Cheltenham Railway Station. They have paid for a bus to show their advertising on the back and route branding along the side above the windows, and last week this bus was loaned to them for the morning to appear in a short film they were making. The filming was over two days and the bus was only needed for two hours so it's not going to be a staring role!

Photos show the bus behind Cheltenham depot waiting for the film crew to arrive, and at the station parked just out of shot while the actors film a bit to camera.

Note, Cheltenham is currently home to the reserve fleet while building work is taking place at Bristol depot... There are also about 6 old Megabus coaches hidden back there somewhere among the Darts and Tridents!

[TimBrown]

Good that GWR are doing some promotions visible to motorists and the general public, but somewhat ironic that a First Group company should choose a a town with Stagecoach as the main operator and even go so far as to pay for adverts on what is basically the opposition's vehicle! Sad that GWR didn't choose Worcester, and a First Bus Worcester vehicle for their vinyls but I get the impression that there isn't much liaising between First Bus Worcester and First Great Western Railway, but that seems to apply between the local Councils and First Bus Worcester as well. I wish all local public transport was much more co-ordinated and joined up - then everyone would benefit.

[Julie]

Hi Adam,

Are you able to tell us which old Megabuses are stored there please?

Thanks,

Julie

https://www.flickr.com/photos/135481234 ... 6/sizes/l/

[AdamH]

The following are listed as "Disposal"... 50301/2/3/4, & 50306/7/8

But, other than wandering over to get the photo below I didn't look to see which of these are at Cheltenham. Some of them may still be at Bristol, and I'm sure I saw one at Stroud last time I was there (before Christmas).

[Julie]

Such a shame. Less than 10 years old, they must surely have some life left in them.

Thanks Adam

[AdamH]

I was at Stroud depot this morning and there are a few withdrawn buses at the back of the yard but no coaches.

[AdamH]

Hi Adam,

Are you able to tell us which old Megabuses are stored there please?

Thanks,

Julie

https://www.flickr.com/photos/135481234 ... 6/sizes/l/

With the Cheltenham Festival in full swing, some of the Reserve fleet stored at Cheltenham depot have been out on the road giving a much clearer view for the Megabus Coaches parked at the back.

[Julie]

Thanks Adam.

These are strange times. Stagecoach is now a "contractor" to Megabus now that it is managed by Comfort DelGro. There are loads of new "private operators" on the network and many of the "more experienced" vehicles are being de-commissioned.

Railway Terrace is no longer the centre of the world....

Julie