2004 marks the centenary of municipal transport in Maidstone, the first tram running between the High Street and Barming in 1904.
There were a number of events to celebrate the centenary, the first of which was held on Sunday 6th June 2004 at the Town Square, Lockmeadow, Maidstone.
A centenary cavalcade was held on Wednesday 14th July and a bus rally and running day took place on Sunday 18th July.
A history of municipal transport in Maidstone can be found on Southbus.
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Maidstone Corporation Titan 26 and Trolleybus 72 with Nu Venture Olympian 100 at Lockmeadow, Maidstone on 6th June 2004. |
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Maidstone's last trolleybus, number 72 (HKR11) a 1946 Sunbeam W with Northern Coachbuilders body. This vehicle is still owned by Maidstone Borough Council and can usually be found at Sandtoft. |
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Maidstone Corporation 26, a Leyland PD2 with Massey bodywork. This bus is owned by A.J. & N.M. Carr of Pluckley and had the distinction of being one of the last double deckers operated by Boro'line Maidstone. |
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An offside view of Maidstone 72 |
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The upper deck of trolleybus 72 looking forward. The 'spitting prohibited' notice on the nearside was the subject of frequent alteration. |
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An offside view of Maidstone 26 |
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The upper deck of Titan 26 looking forward. The no smoking notice at the front is not an original feature! |
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The lower deck of Titan 26. |
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Arriva painted Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton 3176 in Maidstone Corporation colours (albeit to Arriva style) to celebrate the centenary. |
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A rear view of Arriva 3176, showing a somewhat faded Maidstone Corporation crest. Perhaps they should get some tips from Nu Venture? |
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Nu Venture painted former Dublin Olympian (given fleetnumber 100) in Maidstone Corporation livery. The bus has Alexander H47/33F bodywork. |
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Not content with just one bus, New Venture Leyland Titan T857 (A857SUL) received Maidstone Corporation's fiesta blue and cream livery (used from 1967 until 1978), complete with crests and fleetnames. |
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A rear view of Nu Venture Titan T857. |
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Maidstone & District 2816, a Leyland Leopard PSU3 with Willowbrook bodywork makes regular appearances at rallies. |
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Preserved Maidstone & District 5138 (WKO138S) is a Bristol VRT series 3 with ECW highbridge bodywork. |
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Preserved Maidstone & District Volvo Ailsa 5385 (LKP385P). This bus was one of a number which took part in evaluation trials for the National Bus Company in the Medway Towns. |
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Stagecoach East Kent 246 (L246SDY), a Leyland Olympian/Northern Counties in traditional livery. |
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Stagecoach East Kent 1125 was the last Titan ever built and is based at Herne Bay garage. |
