Nick Larkin reports on the marking of a well-known name from 1980s bus deregulation that’s being marked by Arriva
Arriva Midlands celebrated 35 years since the formation of its predecessor Midland Fox by inviting major players in the company’s history to the official launch of a vehicle painted in the former operator’s livery. [wlm_nonmember][…]
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Midland Fox was formed as Midland Red East following the splitting up of the original Midland Red in 1981. The brand, and its distinctive yellow and red livery, first appeared in 1984.
The newly painted commemorative bus, FJ06ZSX, a 2006 Wright-Gemini-bodied VDL DB300, was officially unveiled at an event at which Managing Director for Arriva Midlands, Mark Bowd, met with past colleagues David Martin, Trevor Petty, Sam Chapman and Peter Lutman. It will be used on local service for the rest of 2019 as well as attending rallies.
Said Mark: “At Arriva, we strive to deliver modern, efficient bus travel fit for future use. But in order to understand where we want to take our business now, we have to acknowledge where we’ve come from.
“Midland Fox was an important part of our history, and it’s a brand that is still held in great affection locally. Creating this heritage livery is our way of recognising this part of our past, celebrating our legacy, and having hope for the future.”
Midland Fox was sold by the National Bus Company under a management buyout in 1987, and later became part of the Cowie Group which was renamed Arriva in 1997.
Arriva also owns the operator previously known as Midland Red North, First has the latterly named Midland Red West and Midland Red (South) Limited is part of Stagecoach.
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