Swindon’s the big name as Thamesdown rebrands

Go South Coast has offered a first clue that it may phase out the Thamesdown name on its recently acquired former municipal bus operation in Swindon.

A new fleetname — to accompany a new green, blue and red livery from the Best Impressions design and image consultancy — makes Swindon the biggest word, with Thamesdown appearing in much smaller type. The new identity was expected to appear first in May on eight Euro5 Alexander Dennis Enviro200s bought to help meet new competition in the town from Stagecoach.

Thamesdown, which Go South Coast acquired from Swindon Borough Council in February, is launching a new Swindon-Royal Wootton Bassett service in direct competition with Stagecoach.

The Thamesdown name was a creation of local government reorganisation in 1974. Until then, the local authority — and municipal bus operator — was Swindon Corporation.