Of today's bus groups, Stagecoach stands out for the way it encourages its regional subsidiaries to acknowledge their heritage by nominating older vehicles worthy of retention in active preservation. Today, there are 50 plus a couple on loan from private owners, as well as a recovery lorry and the 10 Routemasters leased from Transport for London for the heritage service on part of route 15 between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill, and that collection continues to grow. This effort by a major operator builds on some of its predecessors' pioneering work in setting a few vehicles aside for future generations to enjoy. Some municipals restored a vintage bus to provide a showcase for their operations; a case of civic pride that could also be used for the training of apprentices. A few National Bus Company subsidiaries had historic vehicles in their fleet, but there was not always the political or operational will to retain, let alone maintain these assets.
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