Rhondda Bus History

Stagecoach in South Wales is about to turn back the clock 100 years as it repaints one of its single decker buses in the original maroon and yellow livery of The Rhondda Tramways Co. The repaint has been commissioned to commence the centenary celebrations of Rhondda Transport; and large interior coving vinyls on the bus will remind passengers of vintage vehicles that once served the valleys.

I joined Stagecoach officials and Mayor Cllr Emlyn Jenkins (pictured in a Rhondda Transport cap) at the Heritage Park in Trehafod last week to unveil the bus, before it returned to public service throughout the Rhondda and as far south as Cardiff.

The highlight of the centenary celebrations will be a three-day event at the Rhondda Heritage Park in Trehafod, 29 April – 1 May.

This will include a mini bus rally, showcasing up to 15 vintage South Wales vehicles, an extensive selection of bus industry memorabilia, bus model layouts and recorded interviews with former and long-standing employees.

Pride of place at this event will be given to a former Rhondda Buses double-decker, owned by the Park which will be refurbished by Stagecoach over the next few weeks.