Wigan Album
PAY AS YOU ENTER BUS
7 CommentsPhoto: Frank Orrell
Item #: 31837
I had completely forgotten about these buses with 2 doors, although there were less seats because of the exit door.
Like Veronica, I had forgotten those buses with both an entrance and an exit door.
This Wigan Corporation bus is a Massey bodied Leyland Panther Cub, 20 DJP468E, one of two new in 1967, the other was 22 EEK1F. In 1970 there were 12 larger Northern Counties bodied Leyland Panthers, 80-91 HJP950-961H. The single deckers had to be used on routes that went under low bridges such as Gathurst and Mill Lane, Appley Bridge, but were found almost everywhere in Wigan. And then there were the 32 double deck Leyland Atlanteans FJP566G, GJP2-10G, KJP20-31J, NEK1-10K that were also dual door that could be driver only buses but nearly always had a conductor until the 1980s long after the buses were repainted in GMT orange and white.
I bet the The 'Leyland Panther' badge on the front of the bus, is worth a few bob these days.
This Leyland Panther Cub bus, fleet number 20 was new in 1967
It is seen here at Melverley Street depot on delivery from
Massey Bros, Enfield Street, Pemberton. The chap sat at the
wheel is Inspector Tom Taylor, who was also the PSV driving
instructor for Wigan Corporation.
The gentleman in the driving seat looks like Mr.McKay,
the nemesis of Norman Stanley Fletcher in " Porridge ".
I agree Ray.....He does look like Mr McKay! You could imagine his neck stiffening if a passenger handed a pound note for a 1s 3d fare !