East Kent Road Car Co 257 (K717 ASC) and 7767 (F767 EKM) - 30 June 1995 (Ref 274-34)

Friday 30 June 1995 (approx 1415) - East Kent Road Car Company 'old and new' seen in the grounds of the University of Kent, Canterbury. East Kent was National Bus Company subsidiary bought by its management when privatised, Stagecoach acquired the business from them in 1993.

This view shows 257 (K717 ASC), an Alexander RL bodied Volvo Olympian in Stagecoach corporate livery which was new to Fife Scottish in September 1992. I had just travelled from the city centre on this bus as it worked service 604.

It was passing 7767 (F767 EKM), an MCW Metrobus new in April 1989, which carries the livery introduced during the post privatisation period, working service 607.

Services 604, 605, 606 and 607 served the University by performing a double run into the University grounds from and to Whitstable Road turning at a roundabout near what is now The Venue.

They were quite lengthy circular services running from Canterbury to Whitstable, Herne Bay, Sturry and back to Canterbury with a complete circuit taking 1 hour 45 minutes. Services 604/605 worked clockwise and 606/607 worked anti-clockwise. The difference between services 604 and 605 and the difference between services 606 and 607 was a local route variation between Herne Bay and Herne.