The Ribble Bus company a Lancashire pioneer.

The Ribble bus company was a Lancashire pioneer in bus transport. The company was founded in 1919 just after WW I, in a small Lancashire village near Preston. Notably, the depot in Gregson lane contained four double decker and one single decker bus. Services ran to Preston, Longridge and Bamber bridge.

Ribble started operating from Lancaster in 1926 and were fairly aggressive in absorbing other local companies, in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

The Lancashire and Westmoreland Motor service Company amalgamates with Ribble

The Lancashire and Westmoreland Motor service Company was acquired by Ribble in 1927. Interestingly, this merger gave Ribble access to the Lake District as well as Liverpool. The trunk route ran from Preston to Keswick and 80 vehicles were in use. There were depots at Lancaster, Kendal and Ambleside.

Ribble buses and Leyland made buses

The Ribble bus company operated buses made by Leyland, Lion, A.D.C, Thornycroft and Daimler. Moreover, Leyland buses were made just down the road in the town with the same name. Ribble had a long association with Leyland. Additionally Leyland chassis were often used with bodies from other manufacturers such as Burlingham.

The Leyland Cheetah

The Leyland Cheetah was an attractive coach that was in used in the 1930’s. Unusually it had a petrol engine and was used for shorter express routes. Additionally, It was also used for day trips and private hires. Notably, the vehicle below is in preservation and owned by the The Ribble vehicle preservation Trust. Consequently, they own a number of historic Ribble vehicles.

Ribble bus models

Ribble bus models have been produced BY EFE, Oxford Diecast and Corgi. Britbus have also released Ribble bus models. Some of the available bus models are listed below, they are all 1:76 scale.

Buy Ribble bus models