By Ed Bonner
There’s more than ever to do at Bridgeton Bus Garage events. Now you can see, touch, ride … and drive.
Four exciting, very special attractions have been added – SIM 1, a high-tech, fully immersive bus driving experience for big kids and adults – Your Wee Happy Bus, guaranteed fun for enthusiasts of all ages, and two PlayStation 5 driving simulators complete with bucket seats, steering wheels and pedals.
SIM 1 is a three-screen, ride-on driving simulator with sound mounted on a moving platform. Climb on, select motorway, town or country roads, weather and time of day. Pick up your passengers and mind how you go – brake hard and rock forward, strike a kerb and feel the bump. Drive well and you’re king of the road.
The super simulator, specially imported from Australia, was purchased by Sir Brian Souter, co-founder of the global Stagecoach transport empire, and loaned long-term to Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust.
With its eye-catching Stagecoach bus front and video screen, find SIM 1 in the Clippies Cafe area next to Your Wee Happy Shop. The two PlayStation 5s, loaded with bus simulator games, are alongside.
Your Wee Happy Bus is by the ticket desk. Big, bold and packing fun, it was created by GVVT members and Back on the Road participants from the front of a former First Glasgow Dennis Dart and boasts driver’s cab and ticket machine. It offers safe access for all ages and with space and seats for the family, it’s perfect for snapping pictures.
There’s more to do at Bridgeton Bus Garage … and none of it costs extra. All new attractions are included in the admission price of events. Experience them and a host other special features at Family and Community Day on July 28.
Look out for our new selfie frames where everyone, young and old, is welcome to take a pic and share with your friends!
Steven Booth, chairman of GVVT, said: “We are delighted to be rolling out these new features which involved a big collaborative effort. I extend my sincere thanks to all who contributed to making the projects a reality. The results are fantastic.
“A special thank-you to Sir Brian Souter for the very generous loan of the simulator and PlayStations. Sir Brian and GVVT share a common view that heritage organisations and the bus industry must continue to grab the interest of kids to have a long-term future.”
• GVVT thanks the following for their assistance: Sir Brian Souter, Ewan Gray, Paul McKenna, Peter Grant, Kenneth Hay, Davy Scott, Mark Loughlan, Gordon Kerr, Stephen Templeman, Vince Ho, Martin Walker, John Kennedy, Duncan Hearsum, Dingbro, John Lawson, CKAS, Purdie Worldwide, Abbey Hodgson, Back on the Road.
• Details of events and admission prices at gvvt.org/events