Traditional colours return in tribute to Halifax bus innovator

The bus, named after Geoffrey Hilditch, was officially unveiled by the Mayor of Calderdale Coun Pat Allen in Halifax town centre.

First has painted the modern double decker bus into the green, orange and cream colour scheme used by its ancestor, Halifax Corporation Transport from 1930 to 1974.

Oliver Howarth, business manager for Halifax, said the switch back to the old colours was proving very popular.

“We have already been asked if we are changing the colours back,” he said.

Mr Howarth also explained how Graham Pickard helped to get the colours identical to the ones used in the Geoffrey Hilditch era.

“Mr Pickard obtained paint samples from Mr Hilditch in 1969 and donated them to ensure the colours used in this modern bus were spot on.”

Mr Hilditch, who died in July this year, was the last surviving Halifax Passenger Transport general manager.

He played a major role in the town’s passenger transport scene after becoming manager in 1963.

Mr Hilditch’s technical skills enabled him to develop the Dennis Dominator bus and helped pioneer bus services for the disabled - which saw him being rewarded with an OBE for services to the bus industry.

The new bus will serve routes throughout Calderdale.