A passion that grew into a heritage association

Every historic bus tells a story. A story of daily journeys, drivers and passengers, and of towns and villages that were connected. From this conviction, NostalBus was born: an association of people with a passion for historic buses and the history of public transport. Not only the vehicles themselves are central, but also the memories, stories and technical knowledge associated with them.

The first steps

Even before the official establishment of NostalBus, there was already an active group around historic buses. Since 2007, some bus enthusiasts have been committed to the preservation and restoration of historic route buses. What began as a shared passion grew into a commitment where knowledge was gathered, contacts were made, and the first vehicles were maintained and restored. The need for a clear and sustainable structure increased. In 2010, the non-profit organisation NostalBus was established to professionally preserve the historic bus heritage.

Four founders, one passion

At the foundation of NostalBus were four founders: Sven De Boeck, Koen Goossens, Jan Huylebroeck and Yves Serlet. They formed an association where passion for historic buses, technical knowledge and heritage care come together. Their goal was clear: to preserve, restore and make historic route buses roadworthy so that future generations can experience what public transport used to look and feel like.

A special period in Belgian bus transport

The collection of NostalBus focuses on Belgian line buses from the period 1977 to 1991. This was an important period in the history of public transport in Belgium. During these years, the public transport landscape changed significantly. The buses of the National Company of Local Railways (NMVB) and its private operators made way for a new structure, which ultimately led to the establishment of De Lijn and TEC. Many of these vehicles quickly disappeared from the streets after their active service. Thanks to associations like NostalBus, some examples today receive a second life.

From collection to moving heritage

NostalBus consciously chooses moving heritage. A historic bus only truly comes to life when it can hit the road again. Volunteers work together on maintenance and technical repairs, restorations, historical research, organising tours and events, and sharing knowledge with visitors and enthusiasts. The collection consists of various historical line buses, mainly from Belgian manufacturers such as Van Hool and Jonckheere.

Today and tomorrow

More than fifteen years after the first activities, the same passion continues to drive the association. Thanks to the commitment of volunteers, members, and supporters, historical buses are preserved and can once again tell a piece of history. For a bus that stands still preserves a memory. A bus that drives brings that memory back to life. NostalBus gets the past back on the road.