Beloved illustrator named on Brighton & Hove bus

To commemorate Raymond Briggs CBE, beloved author and illustrator of 'The Snowman', Brighton & Hove Buses have named one of their brand-new Coaster buses after him. The bus is one of the 44 new Enviro400 MMC buses that joined the fleet this year. 

Raymond Briggs was an exceptional storyteller and illustrator best known for his pioneering illustrated children’s books ‘Father Christmas’, ‘Fungus the Bogeyman’ and of course ‘The Snowman’. 

His books have become classics and sold over 8.5 million copies worldwide in 24 languages, many of which have gone on to live beyond the page, and been adapted into highly acclaimed films, plays and television animations.

Back in 2017, Brighton and Hove Buses worked with Briggs to create the Snowman Bus which ‘flew’ across the city, much-like Briggs’s original illustration of the Snowman and James flying over Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.

Now, for 2024, the brand-New Raymond Briggs Coaster bus joined the fleet, having made its first journey to Ditchling in April for the opening of Bloomin Brilliant: The Life and Work of Raymond Briggs exhibition. His books and over 100 original artworks are being showcased at Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft until 22 December 2024. His friends and family were among those to see the bus for the first time.

Brighton and Hove Buses are committed to accessible travel for all, as everyone has the right to travel with ease and comfort. In keeping with the company’s commitment, all the brand-new Coaster buses have two wheelchair bays, dementia-friendly seating and flooring, and if a wheelchair user is unable to board for any reason the company offer a free accessible taxi. The bus also has next stop audio and visual announcements and an onboard hearing loop system.

All drivers have disability awareness training, and in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society and Guide Dogs they are all Dementia Friends and ‘My Sighted Guides’.

Briggs himself has a legacy of advocating for mental health and accessibility. Throughout his life he worked closely with multiple charities including locally Chestnut Tree Hospice. The three national charities benefiting from Raymond’s legacy are Parkinson’s UK, Blood Cancer UK and Rethink Mental Illness. As this month is Bus Users UK’s ‘Catch the Bus Month’ and the theme is accessible bus travel, it is very fitting that Raymond Briggs is named on board one of the UK’s most accessible buses.

Raymond Briggs’s family said:

 “Raymond would have been thrilled to know that a bus named after him would be travelling around the Sussex countryside he loved, a landscape depicted in so many of his wonderful books. He would also be delighted that this bus was offering fully accessible travel.  It is such an honour, and in tune with Raymond’s commitment to supporting amazing charities making a real difference to so many people’s lives.”

Ed Wills, Managing Director at Brighton & Hove Buses, said:

“We are thrilled to name one of our new Coaster Buses after Raymond Briggs. Through his exceptional writing and illustrative skills, his works continue to delight millions of readers of all ages around the world. Some local residents may also remember 'The Snowman Bus,' adapted from his book The Snowman, that once served the streets of Brighton & Hove. Raymond was also a champion of accessibility, working with and supporting multiple charities and organisations throughout his lifetime. So, it makes perfect sense to honour him on our most accessible buses, especially during Catch the Bus Month, which this year is dedicated to accessible travel for all."

For more information on accessibility, click here.