There was quite a resurgence of interest in buses, transportation, auto shops and all things motorized at the Trail archives a few years ago.
Renewed interest gave archivist Addison Oberg an opportunity to research one of the many buses that played a part in transit lines that went from Trail to Salmo, Fruitvale, Rossland, Castlegar and even Nelson.
Oberg provided a photo of the “White Bus #20,” circa 1941.
This particular bus was used primarily for the Salmo run, but it also did trips up to Rossland, the smelter hill and across town.
“This was the ‘oddball’ bus,” Oberg explained. “It had very little power and drivers loathed driving it up the Rossland hill at approximately 15 kilometres an hour.”
The bus also had a tendency to lean.
According to reports, if it was coming down the Rossland hill, it leaned to the left when it was put away in the garage.
But if it came from the bus depot in Trail?
In that case, it leaned to the right.
Shown in this picture are Tommy Vassey, the man in front is driver Frank Abar and there are two unidentified women with them.
Does anyone remember this or other buses?
Read more: Making the best of the ‘48 Flood
Read more: Former Trail family gifts beloved wetland to nature conservancy