Thanet’s open top bus is back in action next month.
The Route 69 will run on weekends and bank holidays from May 1 and then daily from 26 July until 5 September.
The route is between Ramsgate Boating Pool and Broadstairs Stone Bay.
Youngsters (aged up to 15) cannot travel on the top-deck without being accompanied by a responsible adult.
The hugely popular service carried more than 13,000 passengers in 2019, but was cancelled last year due to lockdown and travel restrictions.
Locals and visitors will once again be able to enjoy the nostalgic thrill of the seaside ride along a stunning stretch of coastline, initially at weekends and bank holidays.
Operating every hour between Ramsgate and Broadstairs, passengers will be able to hop on and off at bus stops all along the seaside route.
From 26 July to 5 September, the open-top services will run daily for families to enjoy during the summer break.
The Maritime Museum, Ramsgate Tunnels and Lillyputt Mini Golf are among some of the attractions dotted along the route – which stretches from West Cliff Boating Pool and Stone Bay.
The cream and maroon double-decker bus has been designed to replicate the open-top services that were once a popular part of the summer scene in Thanet during the 1960s and 70s.
Customers can travel on the service all day long for £4.50 or £4.20 on the Stagecoach App. Up to four children can travel for as little as £1 each with any adult ticket holder.
Government capacity restrictions are currently in place on all public services buses in England, including open-top services. Passenger numbers will remain limited and customers will be advised to avoid sitting immediately behind or in front of another passenger – even on the top deck. Face coverings are also required to be worn at all times, unless exempt.
Danny Millis, Operations Manager at the company’s Thanet depot, said: “We had to cancel our popular open-top service last year due to the pandemic, but we are really excited for its return to the coast this weekend.
“This service helps boost the local economy, while offering a fun activity for people of all ages and we are proud to play a part in this.”
