Photographs by Reddibus http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/ 41 rows en-gb 60 Rail Replacement Vehicles at Evesham http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1740461.html With the project to double the rail line over most of the Worcester to Oxford railway the summer of 2009 has seen a number of bus rail replacement services. On 14th September 5 vehicles are captured between duties at Evesham railway station. Friday 14 August 2009: With the project to double the rail line over most of the Worcester to Oxford railway the summer of 2009 has seen a number of bus rail replacement services. On 14th September 5 vehicles are captured between duties at Evesham railway station.

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]]> Fri Aug 14 2009 Caves Bus Services http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1574386.html Caves Bus Services was formed in 1956 and started operating with one Strachan bodied Trojan minibus. The fleet grew to around five vehicles in the 1960’s with the company operating both private hires and excursions and the fleet became dominated by Bedford based vehicles. By the early 1980’s the company had become a bus operator and was running a Redditch to Solihull service number 5 as a replacement to the withdrawn Midland Red West R19. At bus de-regulation on 26th October 1986 the service number 5 became 175 and was cut back to run Wythall to Solihull only. Caves built a small network of bus services in an around the Solihull area mainly based around school services. The company also provided a number of the weekend Birmingham night services. In the early 1990’s the company replaced the Bedford vehicles with Leyland Nationals. The original founder of the company Edward Cave died and the company was left in the hands of his children George Cave and Ann Lewis. Unfortunately in June 1999 George Cave died very suddenly and within days the company unfortunately had to stop trading. The last bus operated by the Caves was HHA126L, George’s favourite National, which was used to transport all the company staff to and from his funeral. Saturday 6 September 2008: Caves Bus Services was formed in 1956 and started operating with one Strachan bodied Trojan minibus. The fleet grew to around five vehicles in the 1960_s with the company operating both private hires and excursions and the fleet became dominated by Bedford based vehicles. By the early 1980_s the company had become a bus operator and was running a Redditch to Solihull service number 5 as a replacement to the withdrawn Midland Red West R19. At bus de-regulation on 26th October 1986 the service number 5 became 175 and was cut back to run Wythall to Solihull only. Caves built a small network of bus services in an around the Solihull area mainly based around school services. The company also provided a number of the weekend Birmingham night services. In the early 1990_s the company replaced the Bedford vehicles with Leyland Nationals. The original founder of the company Edward Cave died and the company was left in the hands of his children George Cave and Ann Lewis. Unfortunately in June 1999 George Cave died very suddenly and within days the company unfortunately had to stop trading. The last bus operated by the Caves was HHA126L, George_s favourite National, which was used to transport all the company staff to and from his funeral.

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]]> Sat Sep 6 2008 Midland Red West in Chesterfield http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1574337.html Following the introduction of the Leyland Lynx vehicles in April 1990 Midland Red West sold a number of surplus buses to Chesterfield Transport in July 1990. They were Leyland Nationals 398 (GOL398N), 365 (GFJ665N), 420 (GOL420N), 436 (GOL436N) and Leyland Leopards 336 (PHA336M), 341 (GJW41N), 352 (GOH352N) and 356 (GOH356N). 352 was only used for spares. The vehicles were used by Chesterfield Transport until the Company was taken over by Stagecoach in the mid-1990’s. All the pictures were taken in Chesterfield on a cold January Saturday morning in 1992. Saturday 6 September 2008: Following the introduction of the Leyland Lynx vehicles in April 1990 Midland Red West sold a number of surplus buses to Chesterfield Transport in July 1990. They were Leyland Nationals 398 (GOL398N), 365 (GFJ665N), 420 (GOL420N), 436 (GOL436N) and Leyland Leopards 336 (PHA336M), 341 (GJW41N), 352 (GOH352N) and 356 (GOH356N). 352 was only used for spares. The vehicles were used by Chesterfield Transport until the Company was taken over by Stagecoach in the mid-1990_s. All the pictures were taken in Chesterfield on a cold January Saturday morning in 1992.

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]]> Sat Sep 6 2008 Redditch - August 2008 http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1558896.html A few buses in Redditch during August 2008 Saturday 9 August 2008: A few buses in Redditch during August 2008

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]]> Sat Aug 9 2008 Red Diamond http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1553186.html A few of the new Red Diamond vehicles at Redditch Sunday 9 November 2008: A few of the new Red Diamond vehicles at Redditch

503 - T71TBA

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]]> Sun Nov 9 2008 A few Whittle vehicles http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1539544.html A few Whittle vehicles parked in Kidderminster Bus Station Saturday 5 July 2008: A few Whittle vehicles parked in Kidderminster Bus Station

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]]> Sat Jul 5 2008 Buses in Coventry City Centre http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1440155.html Views of a few buses on a cold Saturday morning in February 2003 Saturday 12 January 2008: Views of a few buses on a cold Saturday morning in February 2003

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]]> Sat Jan 12 2008 Midland Red Day at Wythall Museum http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1434120.html 2005 marks the 100th Anniversary since the first bus service was operated by the Midland Red. To mark this event the Bus Museum at Wythall staged a special open day on Sunday 31st July 2005 Wednesday 2 January 2008: 2005 marks the 100th Anniversary since the first bus service was operated by the Midland Red. To mark this event the Bus Museum at Wythall staged a special open day on Sunday 31st July 2005

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]]> Wed Jan 2 2008 Refurbished Travel West Midlands vehicles http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1433228.html Two refurbished Travel West Midlands vehicles in Sutton Coldfield Lower Parade Tuesday 1 January 2008: Two refurbished Travel West Midlands vehicles in Sutton Coldfield Lower Parade

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]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 Former Midland Red West Leyland Leopards http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1433219.html In September 1990 Midland Red West acquired former Midland Red Leyland Leopard 5212 (5212HA) from the West Midlands Sea Angling Club who part exchanged it for Leyland Leopard 319 (PHA319M). The angling use the former bus as a caravan for it’s members. Midland Red West already owned former 5242HA, which had been converted to a tow truck in November 1975 following an accident in February 1975. The tow truck had been based at Bromsgrove Garage but on closure of that garage it moved to Redditch. The vehicle was taken out of service in the late 1980’s with severe chassis rot. The tow bar and some parts were savaged when JHA230L was converted as its replacement at Redditch. Both 5212HA and 5242HA were store at Redditch until they were transferred to Digbeth Garage (where they are photographed). 5212HA was saved for preservation and is now at the Wythall bus museum whilst 5242HA was striped of spares by the preservationists before being sold for scrap. Tuesday 1 January 2008: In September 1990 Midland Red West acquired former Midland Red Leyland Leopard 5212 (5212HA) from the West Midlands Sea Angling Club who part exchanged it for Leyland Leopard 319 (PHA319M). The angling use the former bus as a caravan for it_s members. Midland Red West already owned former 5242HA, which had been converted to a tow truck in November 1975 following an accident in February 1975. The tow truck had been based at Bromsgrove Garage but on closure of that garage it moved to Redditch. The vehicle was taken out of service in the late 1980_s with severe chassis rot. The tow bar and some parts were savaged when JHA230L was converted as its replacement at Redditch. Both 5212HA and 5242HA were store at Redditch until they were transferred to Digbeth Garage (where they are photographed). 5212HA was saved for preservation and is now at the Wythall bus museum whilst 5242HA was striped of spares by the preservationists before being sold for scrap.

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]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 Wythall Bus Museum http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c1433201.html A few recent pictures from the Bus Museum at Wythall Tuesday 1 January 2008: A few recent pictures from the Bus Museum at Wythall

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]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 Pete's Travel http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c946019.html Pete's Travel began operating bus services on Tuesday 4th May 1993 when they introduced two Dodge minibuses on the 404 route between Walsall and West Browmich. With the adding of journeys on the service 79 the fleet had grown to six vehicles by the end of that year. The vehicles were painted in all over white with red Pete’s Travel lettering. In May 1994 the company acquired Lionspeed an Erdington based minibus operator who was running a mixture of commercial and Centro sponsored services in North Birmingham. The Purchase of Lionspeed Pete’s adopted the latter company’s green and yellow livery for the whole fleet. From Monday 28th March 2005 the trading name for the bus operations of the company changed from Pete's Travel to People's Express. Following a number of weeks of negotiations the Go-Ahead Group agreed to purchase the assets of Probus Management Ltd (the company behind People's Express) on Wednesday 22nd February 2006. The deal was finalised on Tuesday 21st March 2006 Go-Ahead plan to consolidate their West Midlands operations on one License as the The Birmingham Coach Company trading as either Birmingham Coach Company or Diamond Bus. Wednesday 3 May 2006: Pete's Travel began operating bus services on Tuesday 4th May 1993 when they introduced two Dodge minibuses on the 404 route between Walsall and West Browmich. With the adding of journeys on the service 79 the fleet had grown to six vehicles by the end of that year. The vehicles were painted in all over white with red Pete_s Travel lettering. In May 1994 the company acquired Lionspeed an Erdington based minibus operator who was running a mixture of commercial and Centro sponsored services in North Birmingham. The Purchase of Lionspeed Pete_s adopted the latter company_s green and yellow livery for the whole fleet. From Monday 28th March 2005 the trading name for the bus operations of the company changed from Pete's Travel to People's Express. Following a number of weeks of negotiations the Go-Ahead Group agreed to purchase the assets of Probus Management Ltd (the company behind People's Express) on Wednesday 22nd February 2006. The deal was finalised on Tuesday 21st March 2006 Go-Ahead plan to consolidate their West Midlands operations on one License as the The Birmingham Coach Company trading as either Birmingham Coach Company or Diamond Bus.

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]]> Wed May 3 2006 Your Bus http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c944746.html Your Bus was a trading name of Smiths Coaches (Shenington) Ltd who were also known as Smiths of Tysoe. The Company was based on the Arden Forest Industrial Estate in Alcester in Warwickshire. The Your Bus network of bus services started on 30th November 1987. As a Company Your Bus continued to develop services in south Birmingham and Solihull over the next few years and invested heavily in new single deck vehicles. During 1993 the Company was taken over by West Midlands Travel’s parent Company National Express who continued to run it as a separate subsidiary. The operating Centre was soon moved to Miller Street in Birmingham where the coaching interests of West Midlands Travel under the Central Coachways trading name were absorbed. Following a group restructuring that was introduced on 4th February 2001 the Your Bus services were absorbed into the main Company which by now was trading as Travel West Midlands. Tuesday 2 May 2006: Your Bus was a trading name of Smiths Coaches (Shenington) Ltd who were also known as Smiths of Tysoe. The Company was based on the Arden Forest Industrial Estate in Alcester in Warwickshire. The Your Bus network of bus services started on 30th November 1987. As a Company Your Bus continued to develop services in south Birmingham and Solihull over the next few years and invested heavily in new single deck vehicles. During 1993 the Company was taken over by West Midlands Travel_s parent Company National Express who continued to run it as a separate subsidiary. The operating Centre was soon moved to Miller Street in Birmingham where the coaching interests of West Midlands Travel under the Central Coachways trading name were absorbed. Following a group restructuring that was introduced on 4th February 2001 the Your Bus services were absorbed into the main Company which by now was trading as Travel West Midlands.

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]]> Tue May 2 2006 MRW/FMR - Dennis Darts http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c610102.html Since becoming a late convert to the use of Dennis Darts in September 1995 the company has operated a number of vehicles which are both new and second hand to the fleet Sunday 10 July 2005: Since becoming a late convert to the use of Dennis Darts in September 1995 the company has operated a number of vehicles which are both new and second hand to the fleet

304 (now47004) N304XAB in Church Green Redditch

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]]> Sun Jul 10 2005 MRW/FMR - Dennis Lance vehicles http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c601495.html Dennis Lance vehicles first entered service with Midland Red West in April 1993 and have now operated from all of the company garages Tuesday 9 May 2006: Dennis Lance vehicles first entered service with Midland Red West in April 1993 and have now operated from all of the company garages

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]]> Tue May 9 2006 An hour in Bromsgrove http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c584621.html All the pictures in this gallery were taken over one hour in Bromsgrove Bus Station on the afternoon of Saturday 18th June 2005 Sunday 19 June 2005: All the pictures in this gallery were taken over one hour in Bromsgrove Bus Station on the afternoon of Saturday 18th June 2005

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]]> Sun Jun 19 2005 FMR - The latest Enviro 300 vehicles http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c461308.html As part of a Firstgroup order First Wyvern are to receive a total of 46 new vehicles which include thirty five Enviro 300 single deck vehicles. On 14th December 2004 First Wyvern started to take delivery of their second batch of production Enviro vehicles this time built by Alexander Dennis rather than the now defunct Transbus. The vehicles are built as 44-seaters with space for both one wheelchair and for pushchairs. Numerically the first 67631 has been delivered in all over red livery as this vehicle now carries a version of the old Midland Red livery to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Midland Red company in 2004. Sunday 13 March 2005: As part of a Firstgroup order First Wyvern are to receive a total of 46 new vehicles which include thirty five Enviro 300 single deck vehicles. On 14th December 2004 First Wyvern started to take delivery of their second batch of production Enviro vehicles this time built by Alexander Dennis rather than the now defunct Transbus. The vehicles are built as 44-seaters with space for both one wheelchair and for pushchairs. Numerically the first 67631 has been delivered in all over red livery as this vehicle now carries a version of the old Midland Red livery to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Midland Red company in 2004.

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]]> Sun Mar 13 2005 Metrowest - A former Black Country bus operator http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c385597.html Metrowest was founded by Keith Danks in the late 1980’s as an independent bus operator in the Dudley area. Keith Danks is a railway enthusiast so he adopted a livery made up of GWR locomotive green and GWR coach cream and the company ran a network of bus service, many of which competed with West Midlands Travel. The most hotly contested of which was the Dudley to Wolverhampton section of the service 126 where Metrowest reintroduced the old service number 125 for the short workings on the route. The company was finally taken over by West Midlands Travel in the early 1990’s who created a new company called Black Country Buses Ltd trading as Metrowest. It acted as their low cost subsidiary in the Dudley area after the company closed their garage there in 1993. Many Leyland Nationals were added to the fleet with examples coming from both the WMT fleet and the former Tame Valley Travel fleet which WMT had purchased a few years earlier. The company finally stopped operating in the late 1990’s when the operation was absorbed back into the main WMT/TWM fleet. Sunday 2 January 2005: Metrowest was founded by Keith Danks in the late 1980_s as an independent bus operator in the Dudley area. Keith Danks is a railway enthusiast so he adopted a livery made up of GWR locomotive green and GWR coach cream and the company ran a network of bus service, many of which competed with West Midlands Travel. The most hotly contested of which was the Dudley to Wolverhampton section of the service 126 where Metrowest reintroduced the old service number 125 for the short workings on the route. The company was finally taken over by West Midlands Travel in the early 1990_s who created a new company called Black Country Buses Ltd trading as Metrowest. It acted as their low cost subsidiary in the Dudley area after the company closed their garage there in 1993. Many Leyland Nationals were added to the fleet with examples coming from both the WMT fleet and the former Tame Valley Travel fleet which WMT had purchased a few years earlier. The company finally stopped operating in the late 1990_s when the operation was absorbed back into the main WMT/TWM fleet.

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]]> Sun Jan 2 2005 First Wyvern - Dennis Tridents http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c382231.html First Wyvern took delivery of its first new double deck vehicles on Friday 26th November 2004. Double deck vehicles have never figured very much in the fleet but to allow both the conversion of normal bus routes in Redditch to low floor operation and the flexibility of higher capacities on one vehicle for school services a number of these Alexander Dennis have joined the fleet. Initially the vehicles were put into store at Worcester Garage awaiting preparation for service together with staff training for both drivers and engineers. Currently the Redditch Union will not allow type training to start on the vehicles because they are not fitted with periscopes and FMR policy on the alternative CCTV equipment is not to switched on. The company would rather to wait until there are problems and then use the CCTV equipment. As the vehicles to be used on school services such as S57 and S58 the union are understandably not happy! To cover a need for extra vehicles at First Leicester 33401-5 were placed on loan from 8th December 2004 pending their introduction at Redditch and they are being used mainly on their services 14 and 14A. The pictures show a number of the Tridents in service in Leicester Wednesday 29 December 2004: First Wyvern took delivery of its first new double deck vehicles on Friday 26th November 2004. Double deck vehicles have never figured very much in the fleet but to allow both the conversion of normal bus routes in Redditch to low floor operation and the flexibility of higher capacities on one vehicle for school services a number of these Alexander Dennis have joined the fleet. Initially the vehicles were put into store at Worcester Garage awaiting preparation for service together with staff training for both drivers and engineers. Currently the Redditch Union will not allow type training to start on the vehicles because they are not fitted with periscopes and FMR policy on the alternative CCTV equipment is not to switched on. The company would rather to wait until there are problems and then use the CCTV equipment. As the vehicles to be used on school services such as S57 and S58 the union are understandably not happy! To cover a need for extra vehicles at First Leicester 33401-5 were placed on loan from 8th December 2004 pending their introduction at Redditch and they are being used mainly on their services 14 and 14A. The pictures show a number of the Tridents in service in Leicester

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]]> Wed Dec 29 2004 New owners for Midland Red West vehicles http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c257093.html A few Midland Red West vehicles have seen service with new owners after withdrawal Thursday 12 August 2004: A few Midland Red West vehicles have seen service with new owners after withdrawal

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]]> Thu Aug 12 2004 New Old Dennis Darts for First Midland Red http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c183909.html Over the weekend of the 15th and 16th May 2004 First Midland Red acquired a number of surplus Dennis Dart vehicles from First PMT. In recent months First PMT has had problems with maintenance following which the company has been forced to withdraw bus services in the Stoke on Trent area by the Traffic Commissioner when he reduced the number of vehicles that they could operate. The vehicles acquired by First Midland Red belong to a batch of 29 purchased new by PMT (901-29) J901-18SHE, K919-29XRF in 1991/2. All the vehicles are fitted with 35 full coach seats and have Plaxton 9-metre long bodies. The intial five vehicles were joined by a sixth J901SHE early in June 2004. During early July 2004 these vehicles were joined by four further vehicles from First Berkshire They are N829-32FLW. Saturday 31 July 2004: Over the weekend of the 15th and 16th May 2004 First Midland Red acquired a number of surplus Dennis Dart vehicles from First PMT. In recent months First PMT has had problems with maintenance following which the company has been forced to withdraw bus services in the Stoke on Trent area by the Traffic Commissioner when he reduced the number of vehicles that they could operate. The vehicles acquired by First Midland Red belong to a batch of 29 purchased new by PMT (901-29) J901-18SHE, K919-29XRF in 1991/2. All the vehicles are fitted with 35 full coach seats and have Plaxton 9-metre long bodies. The intial five vehicles were joined by a sixth J901SHE early in June 2004. During early July 2004 these vehicles were joined by four further vehicles from First Berkshire They are N829-32FLW.

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]]> Sat Jul 31 2004 FMR - Transbus Enviro 300 http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c108416.html In partnership with Hereford Council First Midland Red has continued the investment in new vehicles for their Hereford Garage by the purchase of a number of Transbus Enviro 300 vehicles. They are primarily for use on the services 419/420 between Hereford and Worcester. The first two vehicles VX53VKA/B (fleet numbers 422/3 - now renumbered 67603/4 respectively) were delivered to Worcester Garage on 24th January 2004 for preparation for service at Hereford Garage. The vehicles together with two sister vehicles entered service on 30th January 2004 at Hereford Garage. As part of the Firstgroup renumbering scheme the vehicles have been renumbered from 420-3 to 67601-4 inclusive Saturday 7 August 2004: In partnership with Hereford Council First Midland Red has continued the investment in new vehicles for their Hereford Garage by the purchase of a number of Transbus Enviro 300 vehicles. They are primarily for use on the services 419/420 between Hereford and Worcester. The first two vehicles VX53VKA/B (fleet numbers 422/3 - now renumbered 67603/4 respectively) were delivered to Worcester Garage on 24th January 2004 for preparation for service at Hereford Garage. The vehicles together with two sister vehicles entered service on 30th January 2004 at Hereford Garage. As part of the Firstgroup renumbering scheme the vehicles have been renumbered from 420-3 to 67601-4 inclusive

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]]> Sat Aug 7 2004 First Midland Red in Leicester http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c89937.html In October 2003 five barbie2 liveried First Midland Red Leyland Lynx vehicles were transferred to First Leicester for use on their services 25 and 70. The vehicles transferred were 1107 G107HNP, 1133 G133HNP, 1161 F601RTC, 1162 F602RTC and 1163 F603RTC which have taken the First Leicester fleet numbers 550, 554, 551,552 and 553 respectively. They have since been renumbered 62707, 62733, 62601-3 respectively They are used on the following two routes. The pink line service 25 from South Wigston to Mowmacre Hill via Leicester City Centre runs every 15 minutes and requires eight vehicles and the Claret line service 70 runs from Blackmore Drive to Windmill Avenue via Leicester City Centre runs every 20 minutes and requires six vehicles. F601/2RTC are branded for the service 25 whist the remainder retain standard barbie2 livery. However G133HNP retains her rear advert for the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and F603RTC retains her contra-vision side advert for paper recycling. The former five FMR vehicles currently work alongside various other single deck vehicles on services 25 and 70 to make up the required 14 buses for the two routes. During April and May 2004 the intial five vehicles were joined by 62716 (G116HNP), 62731 (G131HNP), 62744 (G144HNP) and 62750 (G150HNP) from First Midland Red. These were joined latter in the year by 62735 and 62736. Thursday 30 December 2004: In October 2003 five barbie2 liveried First Midland Red Leyland Lynx vehicles were transferred to First Leicester for use on their services 25 and 70. The vehicles transferred were 1107 G107HNP, 1133 G133HNP, 1161 F601RTC, 1162 F602RTC and 1163 F603RTC which have taken the First Leicester fleet numbers 550, 554, 551,552 and 553 respectively. They have since been renumbered 62707, 62733, 62601-3 respectively They are used on the following two routes. The pink line service 25 from South Wigston to Mowmacre Hill via Leicester City Centre runs every 15 minutes and requires eight vehicles and the Claret line service 70 runs from Blackmore Drive to Windmill Avenue via Leicester City Centre runs every 20 minutes and requires six vehicles. F601/2RTC are branded for the service 25 whist the remainder retain standard barbie2 livery. However G133HNP retains her rear advert for the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and F603RTC retains her contra-vision side advert for paper recycling. The former five FMR vehicles currently work alongside various other single deck vehicles on services 25 and 70 to make up the required 14 buses for the two routes. During April and May 2004 the intial five vehicles were joined by 62716 (G116HNP), 62731 (G131HNP), 62744 (G144HNP) and 62750 (G150HNP) from First Midland Red. These were joined latter in the year by 62735 and 62736.

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]]> Thu Dec 30 2004 The life and times of bus service 145 since 1990 http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c82698.html On 1st September 1990 the service was taken over by Tame Valley Travel from Midland Red West following re-tendering. From day one Tame Valley Travel had problems operating the service mainly due to the very cheap tender price they had given the County Council. To get out of the contract they paid Careline to take the service over on a "commercial basis" from 15th July 1991. Careline's operation lasted just enough time for the County Council to terminate the Tame Valley Travel contract. An emergency contract was let to Stevenson's of Uttoxeter from 14th September 1991. Following re-tendering the service got its longest period of stability when West Midlands Travel won the contract from 4th January 1992. This operation by West Midlands Travel ended on 28th June 2003 when they asked the County to terminate their Contract due to driver shortages. Zak's Bus & Coach Services took the service over from Monday 30th June 2003 on an emergency contract basis with Worcestershire County Council. Tuesday 24 February 2004: On 1st September 1990 the service was taken over by Tame Valley Travel from Midland Red West following re-tendering. From day one Tame Valley Travel had problems operating the service mainly due to the very cheap tender price they had given the County Council. To get out of the contract they paid Careline to take the service over on a "commercial basis" from 15th July 1991. Careline's operation lasted just enough time for the County Council to terminate the Tame Valley Travel contract. An emergency contract was let to Stevenson's of Uttoxeter from 14th September 1991. Following re-tendering the service got its longest period of stability when West Midlands Travel won the contract from 4th January 1992. This operation by West Midlands Travel ended on 28th June 2003 when they asked the County to terminate their Contract due to driver shortages. Zak's Bus & Coach Services took the service over from Monday 30th June 2003 on an emergency contract basis with Worcestershire County Council.

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]]> Tue Feb 24 2004 FMR - Renault Master Vehicles http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c70735.html Two Renault Master vehicles are operated by First Midland Red which are owned by the Passenger Fleet Transport Unit of Worcestershire County Council. The buses are part of a batch of vehicles that were purchased following a successful Rural Bus Challenge bid to the Department for Transport in 2001. As part of the County Council's strategy to improve public transport a network of low floor bus services are being introduced under the brand name of easyLink. To compliment these services a number of feeder services are also being introduced using the brand name of easyLink Flexi. The easyLink Flexi routes will all be operated by a fleet of 15-seat Rohill Harrier bodied Renault Master vehicles on a demand responsive basis. On 18th September 2003 First Midland Red starting operating the new services 954 and 955 routes between Evesham and Pebworth using the two vehicles. Tuesday 11 November 2003: Two Renault Master vehicles are operated by First Midland Red which are owned by the Passenger Fleet Transport Unit of Worcestershire County Council. The buses are part of a batch of vehicles that were purchased following a successful Rural Bus Challenge bid to the Department for Transport in 2001. As part of the County Council's strategy to improve public transport a network of low floor bus services are being introduced under the brand name of easyLink. To compliment these services a number of feeder services are also being introduced using the brand name of easyLink Flexi. The easyLink Flexi routes will all be operated by a fleet of 15-seat Rohill Harrier bodied Renault Master vehicles on a demand responsive basis. On 18th September 2003 First Midland Red starting operating the new services 954 and 955 routes between Evesham and Pebworth using the two vehicles.

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]]> Tue Nov 11 2003 MRW/FMR - Hereford Minibus Variety http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c54358.html The Hereford Minibus network was launched on 23rd April 1989 and was branded “Hereford Hopper”. For the start of the new network Midland Red West put new Mercedes 609D vehicles 1412-37 (E412-37KUY) into service. Within months 1410/1/38/9 joined these. In 1992 a number of the Mercedes 609D were swapped with the Ford Iveco minibuses that were being operated from the Digbeth Garage. By late 1993 these Iveco minibuses had been swapped with C reg Mercedes 608D minibuses from Bristol OC. Over the next nine years the garage operated a variety of Mercedes 608D vehicles. In late 1990 early 1991 a number of L/M and N registered Mercedes 609D vehicles were acquired from First Eastern Counties to replace the remaining C reg minibuses. The use of these buses was short lived as Mercedes 709D and Mercedes Vario vehicles transferred from other garages replaced them. Hereford Garage also operates a number of Mercedes 811D midibus and Optare Solo vehicles. Monday 15 December 2003: The Hereford Minibus network was launched on 23rd April 1989 and was branded _Hereford Hopper_. For the start of the new network Midland Red West put new Mercedes 609D vehicles 1412-37 (E412-37KUY) into service. Within months 1410/1/38/9 joined these. In 1992 a number of the Mercedes 609D were swapped with the Ford Iveco minibuses that were being operated from the Digbeth Garage. By late 1993 these Iveco minibuses had been swapped with C reg Mercedes 608D minibuses from Bristol OC. Over the next nine years the garage operated a variety of Mercedes 608D vehicles. In late 1990 early 1991 a number of L/M and N registered Mercedes 609D vehicles were acquired from First Eastern Counties to replace the remaining C reg minibuses. The use of these buses was short lived as Mercedes 709D and Mercedes Vario vehicles transferred from other garages replaced them. Hereford Garage also operates a number of Mercedes 811D midibus and Optare Solo vehicles.

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]]> Mon Dec 15 2003 FMR/MRW - Mercedes 608D - The Redditch Collection http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c53513.html A selection of pictures of Mercedes 608D minibuses operating from the Redditch Garage on the network of minibus services which was originally launched in April 1986 and branded as Reddilink. From 1990 the network used the brand name Reddibus Friday 19 September 2003: A selection of pictures of Mercedes 608D minibuses operating from the Redditch Garage on the network of minibus services which was originally launched in April 1986 and branded as Reddilink. From 1990 the network used the brand name Reddibus

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]]> Fri Sep 19 2003 Midland Red Coaches http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c53269.html Midland Red (Express) Ltd was formed on 6th September 1981 when the Midland Red was split into six separate companies. Midland Red (Express) Ltd took over virtually all of the Midland Red coaching interests and was based at Digbeth Coach Station in Birmingham. The Company was a major operator of National Express and National Holiday services. The company was renamed Midland Red Coaches Ltd in May 1985. The staff and management of Midland Red Coaches and Midland Red West successfully made joint bid to to purchase the two companies from National Bus on 22nd December 1986. During the early 1990’s Midland Red Coaches stopped operating National Express services and concentrated on private hire, contract, excursions and holiday work and the whole fleet was painted in a new red livery. The Coaching unit was finally closed on 25th January 1997. Some of the coaches are still in the fleet of First Midland Red and are now used mainly on bus work. Thursday 18 September 2003: Midland Red (Express) Ltd was formed on 6th September 1981 when the Midland Red was split into six separate companies. Midland Red (Express) Ltd took over virtually all of the Midland Red coaching interests and was based at Digbeth Coach Station in Birmingham. The Company was a major operator of National Express and National Holiday services. The company was renamed Midland Red Coaches Ltd in May 1985. The staff and management of Midland Red Coaches and Midland Red West successfully made joint bid to to purchase the two companies from National Bus on 22nd December 1986. During the early 1990_s Midland Red Coaches stopped operating National Express services and concentrated on private hire, contract, excursions and holiday work and the whole fleet was painted in a new red livery. The Coaching unit was finally closed on 25th January 1997. Some of the coaches are still in the fleet of First Midland Red and are now used mainly on bus work.

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]]> Thu Sep 18 2003 MRW - Leyland Leopards http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c52335.html Midland Red West operated a large number of Leyland Leopard based vehicles. Midland Red standardised on the chassis in the early 1970’s and it continued to purchase vehicles right up until production ended in the early 1980’s. From 1976 Midland Red used coach-bodied vehicles on limited stop services which had been built to a dual-purpose specification. On formation of Midland Red West in 1981 the new company re-seated these vehicles as full coaches. Midland Red West also cascaded many of the vehicles from it’s Midland Red Coaches fleet for bus use. Today the only Leyland Leopard vehicles in the First Midland Red fleet are either used as driver trainers or tow trucks. Monday 15 September 2003: Midland Red West operated a large number of Leyland Leopard based vehicles. Midland Red standardised on the chassis in the early 1970_s and it continued to purchase vehicles right up until production ended in the early 1980_s. From 1976 Midland Red used coach-bodied vehicles on limited stop services which had been built to a dual-purpose specification. On formation of Midland Red West in 1981 the new company re-seated these vehicles as full coaches. Midland Red West also cascaded many of the vehicles from it_s Midland Red Coaches fleet for bus use. Today the only Leyland Leopard vehicles in the First Midland Red fleet are either used as driver trainers or tow trucks.

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]]> Mon Sep 15 2003 FMR - The delivery of the Mercedes Vario Minibuses http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c50926.html In the 1998 First Midland Red ordered 64 Mercedes Vario Minibuses (501-564 R501-7CNP, S508-54,955,556-64SWP) with Plaxton bodies. All of the buses officially entered service in Worcester on Sunday 1st August 1998. All except one view show the vehicles being prepared for service in the week leading up to their entry into service. The last view shows the old order – the Mercedes 608D minibus stored after their withdrawal following the introduction of the new vehicles. Wednesday 10 September 2003: In the 1998 First Midland Red ordered 64 Mercedes Vario Minibuses (501-564 R501-7CNP, S508-54,955,556-64SWP) with Plaxton bodies. All of the buses officially entered service in Worcester on Sunday 1st August 1998. All except one view show the vehicles being prepared for service in the week leading up to their entry into service. The last view shows the old order _ the Mercedes 608D minibus stored after their withdrawal following the introduction of the new vehicles.

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]]> Wed Sep 10 2003 MRW/FMR - Leyland Lynx vehicles http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c47465.html Views over the years of all 50 production Leyland Lynx vehicles (1101-50 G101-50HNP) which entered service in April 1990 with Midland Red West Saturday 30 August 2003: Views over the years of all 50 production Leyland Lynx vehicles (1101-50 G101-50HNP) which entered service in April 1990 with Midland Red West

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]]> Sat Aug 30 2003 West Midlands Travel - the first 10 years http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c46984.html These views are of West Midlands Travel in the first seven years after de-regulation in October 1986. At the time the new Company was finding its feet in the new operating environment. This included extending the operating area to such places as Redditch and Hereford as well as using first generation minibuses. Since privatisation in the mid 1990’s the Company now know as Travel West Midlands has gone from strength to strength though it now largely concentrates operation within the old West Midland County area. Tuesday 10 August 2004: These views are of West Midlands Travel in the first seven years after de-regulation in October 1986. At the time the new Company was finding its feet in the new operating environment. This included extending the operating area to such places as Redditch and Hereford as well as using first generation minibuses. Since privatisation in the mid 1990_s the Company now know as Travel West Midlands has gone from strength to strength though it now largely concentrates operation within the old West Midland County area.

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]]> Tue Aug 10 2004 Midland Red West Minibuses at Digbeth Garage http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c44784.html Midland Red West operated minibuses from their Digbeth garage between the August 1988 and April 1995. During that time the Company allocated either Iveco, Mercedes 609D or Talbot tri-axle minibuses to the Garage. It is not to say as the pictures show that other minibus types were not used! On the closure of Digbeth Garage to minibuses in April 1995 the Company did however continue to operate minibuses in the Black Country but these buses were all allocated to their Kidderminster Garage. Thursday 21 August 2003: Midland Red West operated minibuses from their Digbeth garage between the August 1988 and April 1995. During that time the Company allocated either Iveco, Mercedes 609D or Talbot tri-axle minibuses to the Garage. It is not to say as the pictures show that other minibus types were not used! On the closure of Digbeth Garage to minibuses in April 1995 the Company did however continue to operate minibuses in the Black Country but these buses were all allocated to their Kidderminster Garage.

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]]> Thu Aug 21 2003 The Kingfisher Bus Collection http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c44075.html The Kingfisher Bus and Coach Company came about in October 1989 following the break up of the original Redline partnership between Stan Pemberton and Mick Elkins. Mick Elkins formed the new Kingfisher and took over all of the Redline operations using a fleet of 7 former West Midlands Travel R-registered Leyland Fleetlines. The vehicles entered service in the white livery they arrived in. During 1992 the Company had problems with vehicle maintenance which led to both a temporary suspension of service and a reduction in service frequency. During this time a number of former West Midland Travel Volvo Ailsa vehicles were hired in to cover the services. To improve the vehicle appearance all seven Fleetlines had blue added to the lower deck area of each vehicle. The end of Kingfisher bus operation finally came on 30 January 1993. The company continued to run coaches until April 2002 when the remaining operation was sold to Dudley’s Coaches. Monday 18 August 2003: The Kingfisher Bus and Coach Company came about in October 1989 following the break up of the original Redline partnership between Stan Pemberton and Mick Elkins. Mick Elkins formed the new Kingfisher and took over all of the Redline operations using a fleet of 7 former West Midlands Travel R-registered Leyland Fleetlines. The vehicles entered service in the white livery they arrived in. During 1992 the Company had problems with vehicle maintenance which led to both a temporary suspension of service and a reduction in service frequency. During this time a number of former West Midland Travel Volvo Ailsa vehicles were hired in to cover the services. To improve the vehicle appearance all seven Fleetlines had blue added to the lower deck area of each vehicle. The end of Kingfisher bus operation finally came on 30 January 1993. The company continued to run coaches until April 2002 when the remaining operation was sold to Dudley_s Coaches.

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]]> Mon Aug 18 2003 The Redline Bus Company in Redditch http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c43633.html The Redline Bus Company was the brain child in 1987 of Mick Elkins who at the time was Bus Station Inspector for Midland Red West at Redditch. He teamed up with fellow bus inspector Stan Pemberton to form this new bus company. Redline started operating with two double deckers GCN812G (fleet number 101) and FBL112K (fleet number 102 on Monday 12th October 1987. The two vehicles were used on a peak hours only service both running as service 7 in the morning and 8 in the afternoon. During 1988 the Company expanded and purchased more vehicles to provide all day services. In the latter part of October 1989 the partnership broken up and bus services were transferred to a new company called Kingfisher Bus Company formed by Mick Elkins. Sunday 17 August 2003: The Redline Bus Company was the brain child in 1987 of Mick Elkins who at the time was Bus Station Inspector for Midland Red West at Redditch. He teamed up with fellow bus inspector Stan Pemberton to form this new bus company. Redline started operating with two double deckers GCN812G (fleet number 101) and FBL112K (fleet number 102 on Monday 12th October 1987. The two vehicles were used on a peak hours only service both running as service 7 in the morning and 8 in the afternoon. During 1988 the Company expanded and purchased more vehicles to provide all day services. In the latter part of October 1989 the partnership broken up and bus services were transferred to a new company called Kingfisher Bus Company formed by Mick Elkins.

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]]> Sun Aug 17 2003 Leyland Nationals in the days of Midland Red West http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c42825.html Views of Midland Red West Leyland National vehicles. During the late 1980's the Company was the largest operator of long wheel base Mark one Leyland National vehicles with over 160 in service running from all of it's six garages Thursday 21 August 2003: Views of Midland Red West Leyland National vehicles. During the late 1980's the Company was the largest operator of long wheel base Mark one Leyland National vehicles with over 160 in service running from all of it's six garages

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]]> Thu Aug 21 2003 Redline in Bromsgrove Collection http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c42359.html The Redline Bus Company was the brainchild of Mick Elkins and Stan Pemberton who were at the time both bus inspectors with Midland Red West. Redline started running double decker buses in Redditch in October 1987. However by October 1989 the partnership had broken up. From 1st September 1990 Stan Pemberton started running as Redline once again but this time in Bromsgrove using minibuses. A total fleet of 5 minibuses were acquired numbered (fleet numbers 111-5). The operation stopped abruptly on 21st February 1989 due to staff shortages. Tuesday 12 August 2003: The Redline Bus Company was the brainchild of Mick Elkins and Stan Pemberton who were at the time both bus inspectors with Midland Red West. Redline started running double decker buses in Redditch in October 1987. However by October 1989 the partnership had broken up. From 1st September 1990 Stan Pemberton started running as Redline once again but this time in Bromsgrove using minibuses. A total fleet of 5 minibuses were acquired numbered (fleet numbers 111-5). The operation stopped abruptly on 21st February 1989 due to staff shortages.

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]]> Tue Aug 12 2003 MRW/FMR - Mercedes 608D - The Kidderminster Collection http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c41597.html A selection of pictures of Mercedes 608D minibuses operating from the Kidderminster Garage on the network of minibus services which was originally launched in March 1986 and branded as Wyre Forest Shuttle. In latter years this brand name was shortened to Shuttle Sunday 10 August 2003: A selection of pictures of Mercedes 608D minibuses operating from the Kidderminster Garage on the network of minibus services which was originally launched in March 1986 and branded as Wyre Forest Shuttle. In latter years this brand name was shortened to Shuttle

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]]> Sun Aug 10 2003 MRW - Leyland Lynx vehicles - The early days http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c41522.html Early views in 1990 of Midland Red West Leyland Lynx vehicles which were part of a batch of fifty vehicles 1101-50 (G101-50HNP). The views show vehicles in store at Digbeth after delivery from the Leyland factory during February and March 1990 and at Dudley Bus Station during the first week of operation in April 1990. Sunday 10 August 2003: Early views in 1990 of Midland Red West Leyland Lynx vehicles which were part of a batch of fifty vehicles 1101-50 (G101-50HNP). The views show vehicles in store at Digbeth after delivery from the Leyland factory during February and March 1990 and at Dudley Bus Station during the first week of operation in April 1990.

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]]> Sun Aug 10 2003 MRW/FMR - Mercedes 608D - The Worcester Collection http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c41052.html A selection of pictures of Mercedes 608D minibuses operating from the Worcester Garage on the network of minibus services which was originally launched in November 1985 and branded as Citibus Friday 8 August 2003: A selection of pictures of Mercedes 608D minibuses operating from the Worcester Garage on the network of minibus services which was originally launched in November 1985 and branded as Citibus

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]]> Fri Aug 8 2003 MRW Dennis Lance Vehicles - The early years http://Reddibus.fotopic.net/c40290.html A selection of Dennis Lance buses just after the introduction of these vehicles. Midland Red West purchased a total of 56 vehicles in two batches 201-237 (L201-37AAB) and 238-256 (M238-256MRW) Monday 26 January 2004: A selection of Dennis Lance buses just after the introduction of these vehicles. Midland Red West purchased a total of 56 vehicles in two batches 201-237 (L201-37AAB) and 238-256 (M238-256MRW)

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