The last guy in town - a photo on Flickriver

            Lancashire United Transport was once the biggest independent bus operator in the UK. Its red buses served a stretch of south Lancashire in a diamond-shaped area between St Helens, Bolton, Warrington and Manchester. At various times it ran trams, trolleybuses and motor buses and the company only disappeared after being bought by Greater Manchester Transport in 1976.

As an independent company, LUT was used to looking after the pennies. During the second world war it was allocated buses made by Guy Motors of Wolverhampton - and the company found that Guy buses were rugged, reliable and cheap to run. So Guy became a regular supplier to Lancashire United, usually with its 'Arab' double decker model and equipped with a Gardner engine made locally in Patricroft.

Guy supplied Arabs to LUT all through the years from the 1940s up to the late 1960s: but by then the model was obsolete, being replaced by more modern rear-engined vehicles. The newer types were easier to drive and more convenient for crews and passengers.

Even so, when the very last one came off the road in 1982, it was a sad day at the LUT garage in Swinton. This photo was taken to mark the occasion as number 232 was withdrawn from service. Newer buses were simply better, but the Guy was characterful and fondly remembered by those who worked on them. That said, it's very pleasing to note that 232 survives to this day in private preservation.

It's pleasing to note that 232 survives to this day in private preservation. Meanwhile another Lancashire United Guy Arab, number 27 built in 1959, is restored and on display at the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester. you'd like to know more about the Museum of Transport  and its collection of vintage buses, go to motgm.uk.

© Greater Manchester Transport Society. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction is strictly prohibited and may result in action being taken to protect the intellectual property interests of the Society.

Taken in: UK / England / Swinton (show map)

Taken on: January 1, 1982

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