Thanet Open Top returns in time for Easter Weekend

Thanet’s open-top bus is set to return this Easter weekend.  

Bus operator Stagecoach has confirmed the number 69 service will resume operating on Good Friday, 7 April 2023.

The hugely popular service made its return to full capacity last year, after not running at all in 2020 and having a reduced capacity in 2021 due to the lockdowns.

In 2022, the service carried over 26,000 passengers from April to September, giving a huge boost to the local economy. 

Last year, the open top bus featured on local radio celebrating Kent Day, showcasing some of the tourist spots along the route including the Dickens Museum, Ramsgate Tunnels and Ramsgate Harbour.

The cream and maroon double decker bus also featured in a TV advert for Visit Kent, promoting the county’s top tourist attractions. 

The service will run initially at weekends and bank holidays before it begins running everyday during school holidays from May.

Operating hourly between Ramsgate and Broadstairs, passengers will be able to hop on and off at bus stops all along the seaside route, with single fare journeys costing £2 and up to four children can travel for as little as £1 each with any adult ticket holder.

Chris Webber, Operations Manager at the company’s Thanet depot, said: “We’re so excited for the return of route 69 this Easter. 

“We’re proud to run a service that helps boost the local economy and holds fondness for people of all ages in Thanet.”

Further information, including the full timetables, can be found here:  

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/thanetopentop