This November commemorates 75 years of continuous service from The Hard to Eastney in Portsmouth of circular routes 17/18.
Route 17/18 currently operates from Portsea, The Hard (also known as Dockyard) via Portsmouth City Centre and then via two circuit loops.
Route 17 operates anticlockwise via Victoria Road, Albert Road, Eastney, Milton, Goldsmith Avenue, Fratton and return to The Hard via the
City Centre. Route 18 operates in the reverse. This route is one of the oldest established routes in Portsmouth and it is the only one
to remain virtually unchanged in its career.
On 1 November 1931 tram route 17/18 was diverted to run from Point Old Portsmouth to run
from the Dockyard (The Hard) and then via the Guildhall Square and on to the current loop. On 10 November 1936 trolleybuses replaced
trams on route 17/18. The last trolleybus, B.U.T. number 313 (ERV 938) ran into Eastney depot on 27 July 1963. 313 is now preserved.
Motor buses took over full time operation on route 17/18. Initially double deck crew operated vehicles were used but were eventually
replaced by OMO Leyland Panther Cubs. Eventually double deck Atlanteans were used. De-regulation took place in 1986.
Portsmouth Corporation's successor Portsmouth City Transport took over but due to staff shortages Southdown took over Sunday services
numbered as route 517/518. The next few years would see numerous changes in operators. Portsmouth Citybus (owned by Southampton City
Transport) took over in 1988 with Stagecoach Portsmouth taking over a year later.
In 1991 due to an investigation by the Mergers and Monopolies Commission, Stagecoach sold most of its Portsmouth area operations to
Transit Holdings Ltd who quickly replaced larger buses with their preferred minibus operation. Route 17/18 thus became a minibus route.
On 25 May 1991 Eastney bus depot closed with Portsmouth Corporation Atlantean number 287 (XTP 287L) which had been retained by Transit
Holdings became the last bus to run into the depot. On 3 June 1991 People's Provincial commenced operation on routes 17/18. During their
period of competition with what had become Blue Admiral, People's Provincial operated as route numbers 27/28 and finally 117/118 to avoid
duplication.
In 1995 and 1996 Firstbus purchased both companies and started to replace some minibuses, Leyland Nationals and VRs with Dennis Dart SLFs
and Volvo B10BLEs. The route is now 100% low floor operated.
On Saturday 4 November 2006 a display of up to 15 Portsmouth related buses took place in the Guildhall Square Portsmouth, with the
main focus being on route 17/18. Free historic bus services ran in operation. Also in attendance will be preserved Portsmouth Corporation
vehicles including Atlantean 287 (XTP 287L). Buses from the de-regulation era are also due to attend along with more modern buses from
local operators. Representatives from local bus companies and preservation groups will also be in attendance.
First have repainted a current member of their fleet into traditional Portsmouth Corporation white and maroon livery. Volvo B10BLE/Wright
Renown number 66161 (S361 XCR) has been repainted at Hoeford depot, Fareham and is First Hampshire and Dorset’s contribution towards the
celebrations.
A book detailing the history of the route from its early days until now is due for release shortly. The book titled 'From Overhead to
Overground' is currently being written by me with valuable support from members of the City of Portsmouth Preserved Transport Depot and
the Provincial Society. All profit from the sale of the book will go to both groups.
For updates please visit www.firstgroup.com
The event is kindly supported by First Hampshire and Dorset, The City of Portsmouth Preserved Transport Depot and the Provincial Society.
