THEY have got passengers from A to B for the last 40 years.

But Thamesdown Trans-port is set to retire the last of its three Fleetline double decker buses.

And the bus company is allowing the public to pay tribute to the buses by providing free journeys for any customers travelling on them today.

There will be special journeys across Swindon on Service 12 between Haydon Wick and Eldene.

No fares will be charged but, for a cash donation, a special souvenir ticket will be issued.

All proceeds will be donated to the Prospect Hospice, in Wroughton.

Thamesdown Transport's managing director Paul Jenkins thinks they are nostalgia on wheels.

"We're marking the end of our Fleetline buses in regular service as it is the end of an era," he said.

"Fleetlines have been a feature of Swindon since 1968 when the first Daimler Fleetlines entered service.

"This is the last real chance for people to travel on these buses in service.

"Many people in Swindon would have used the buses growing up.

"I hope it brings back some good memories for them.

"There has been a lot of interest from bus enthusiasts in this up and down the land.

"Although the buses are still reliable they have reached the end of the road."

The buses have been on school contracts for the last eight years.

As they are more than 15 years old they are now not fit for the purpose.

One of the buses will be kept by the company as part of its heritage collection.

The 1978 Leyland Fleetline will be salvaged as part of the small historic fleet.

The other two buses will be open to offers.

For their final journeys they will run from Asda Walmart, in Haydon Wick, from 9.50am to 4pm, every 30 minutes, via Fleming Way to Eldene.

For a comprehensive timetable visit www.thamesdown-transport.co.uk.