Metrobus farewell

The final farewell to our much loved Travel West Midland Metrobuses was recently made at our Acocks Green garage, with a number of the much loved vehicles making their last ever journeys on our West Midlands bus network. Hundreds of local people, as well as bus enthusiasts from all over the UK, attended the event to offer their own personal farewell.

"The Metrobus has always been a popular bus for customers here in the West Midlands" said Andy Walcott, a Driver Trainer based at Acocks Green, who even has own preserved Metrobus, "that's probably because it was built right here in Birmingham by local bus builders. It will be sadly missed."

The very last buses were driven back to the depot by driver Eddie Maggs and Andy Walcott, Driver Training Officer who were cheered into the depot by the crowds. The final operating day was supported with fund raising activities and a depot display of many vintage buses.

"It was an excellent, well planned and organised day" said Area Manager Mark Kipling. "Many thanks to Chris, Andy and all the marshals for all the work you put in to it. The people who came really appreciated that the company put the event together - it will have done wonders for our reputation locally and nationally and was the sort of event we should (and will) do more of. We donated all the fares bought on the final journeys of the Metrobuses to Cancer Research UK. The three heavy cash vaults raised a total of £560 - well done everyone!"

Published 13th August 2010