Scarborough Buses, 1940s–1960s

Scarborough of the 1940s to 1960s was a fascinating place for a young bus enthusiast. Travelling from Hull to visit relatives at Newby, outside Scarborough, whether for a day or longer, provided an opportunity not only to observe and ride on United’s buses, but also to travel by East Yorkshire buses.

The main attraction was United’s buses which were often in a state of transformation, from 1930s Leyland Titans to the forward-entrance Lodekkas of the 1960s. They were always well turned out in smart red-and-cream livery. Especially fascinating were the three variants of the centre-entrance single-deckers which worked the seafront service. In summer, frequencies were intensive to serve crowds of holidaymakers at the attractions, especially near the Corner Café and on the seafront.

East Yorkshire used 1930s Titans (some with new bodies), post-war Titans with ‘Beverley Bar’ bodywork, Bridgemasters and Renowns, while the West Yorkshire fleet had standard Bristol double-deckers and saloons, some with ‘Bible-style’ destination indicators.

This selection of evocative photographs provides a flavour of a long-departed but not forgotten time on Scarborough’s buses.