Jumbo the bus – so called because of his V747 JPU number plate – made his last outing for Rye Community Transport ferrying visitors to and fro The Rye Show on Saturday August 16. He’s destined to become spare parts, or rest in a knacker’s yard, after 11 years on our local roads and “half a million kilometres of service,” said Pat Hughes, operations manager. A new bus is on its way. It is being sprayed white and will be the second “new” bus to do runs around the town this year. The community bus service is celebrating 20 years with a £20,000 appeal. Jumbo’s replacement costs £8,500, so the appeal money is soon eaten up.
