And the double decker failed its first MOT test this week as the club scrambled to get it ready for Saturday’s (March 29) celebrations, The Northern Echo can reveal.
Pictures of the black and white open-top bus, decked out with photos of the winning players on its side, emerged on social media on Friday (March 28).
Pictures were 'leaked' on social media on Friday (March 28) of the open top bus after being given a major spruce-up.Pictures were 'leaked' on social media on Friday (March 28) of the open top bus after being given a major spruce-up. (Image: FACEBOOK) The bus has had two MOT tests this week in preparation for Saturday’s city-wide party, and failed its first due to major defects being spotted, according to DVSA documents.
Papers list issues with its boarding ramp and parts which were leaking air or fluid, fractured, cracked, excessively damaged or corroded.
The 52-plate bus has also been given a new personalised registration plate – H22 BUS – and major paint job.
Due to its age and diesel engine, the club will have to pay a £50 clean air zone charge for the bus’s route through city. Newcastle City Council declined to comment.
The open-top bus route passes through Newcastle's Clean Air Zone, meaning the club will have to pay a £50 levy.The open-top bus route passes through Newcastle's Clean Air Zone, meaning the club will have to pay a £50 levy. The bus was formerly used in London and as a sightseeing bus in Stratford-upon-Avon having had its roof chopped off, and has racked up 82,000 miles on its clock.
Thousands of jubilant Geordies will line the streets this weekend as it parades Eddie Howe’s winning side through the city.
It will leave St James’ Park with the first team players and staff at 4.30pm on a half-hour journey to the Town Moor, where about 150,000 fans will be waiting
It will leave the stadium, travelling past Stack, east along the Gallowgate and onto Percy Street before heading past the Haymarket and onto the Great North Road.
The route of Newcastle United's open-top bus parade.The route of Newcastle United's open-top bus parade. (Image: NUFC) Eddie Howe’s side will then take to a stage on the Town Moor for a trophy lift ahead of a special light show by club sponsor Sela. Club legends and players will also host a QnA session.
A host of events are planned throughout the city, set to have a carnival like atmosphere this weekend, as it celebrates the end of the club’s 70-year trophy drought having beaten Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup a fortnight ago.
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Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour said earlier: “This will be one of the biggest events we have seen in the city, and the safety of everyone attending is paramount.
“With huge crowds expected, we want everyone to enjoy it and get there and home safely so there will be a number of road closures required, and we’re asking people to plan ahead and use public transport.
“I am sure it will be a fantastic and proud day for our city and I can’t wait to be there.”