TODAY a chapter of Southampton’s history comes to an end as its 144-year story of City Red buses reaches a conclusion.
City Red can trace its roots back to 1879 when a horse tram service began operating in the town.
In 1898, Southampton Corporation Transport was formed to cater for the town’s public transportation needs and took over control of the horse-drawn trams and buses.
READ MORE: Southampton prepares to say goodbye to iconic red buses
They even operated a ferry across the River Itchen until 1977 when the bridge was officially opened.
Southampton Corporation Transport became Southampton Citybus in 1986 and remained council owned until 1993 when it was purchased by employees for around £3 million.
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At the time the fleet had around 150 vehicles and a small coaching department named Red Ensign.
Four years later the company was acquired by First Bus for around £11 million and in 2014 they rebranded their buses to City Red.
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But now, after years of operating in Southampton, City Red have withdrawn from Southampton.
These pictures feature Southampton buses through the years.
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