First Midland Red 33401, 33402
During late 2004 First received a batch of 5 Dennis Tridents with the popular Alexander ALX400 bodywork for use on local Redditch services 57 and 58, their capacity would be a welcome sight on the circular services, which could easily get overcrowded in the peak times and school trips. Although they were ordered for Redditch, due to problems with trees on the 57 and 58 routes, they were sent on loan to Leicester and then Northampton before entering service at Redditch in November 2005, almost a year after delivery.
Although 33405 was the first one to enter service as a Redditch bus, 33402 took the honour of being the first one to operate a service into Redditch covering the 247 from Evesham depot while operating out of their before moving to Redditch. 33404 also saw service from Kidderminster depot on services contracted from The Green Bus.
The Tridents went on to get branding for the 57 and 58 services, however after just three years two were sent away (33401/5), followed closely by another 2 (33402/4) for use from Worcester on schools and the 144 service.
Now all allocated to Worcester depot, they are expected to depart for First Essex soon enough, which will be a real shame as these vehicles have served the area well for many years, and have operated from all depots that were open since 2005 (Evesham, Redditch, Kidderminster, Hereford and Worcester)
Here we see 33401 and 33402 at rest in Worcester depot before taking up afternoon school duties.
First Midland Red 33401, 33402
During late 2004 First received a batch of 5 Dennis Tridents with the popular Alexander ALX400 bodywork for use on local Redditch services 57 and 58, their capacity would be a welcome sight on the circular services, which could easily get overcrowded in the peak times and school trips. Although they were ordered for Redditch, due to problems with trees on the 57 and 58 routes, they were sent on loan to Leicester and then Northampton before entering service at Redditch in November 2005, almost a year after delivery.
Although 33405 was the first one to enter service as a Redditch bus, 33402 took the honour of being the first one to operate a service into Redditch covering the 247 from Evesham depot while operating out of their before moving to Redditch. 33404 also saw service from Kidderminster depot on services contracted from The Green Bus.
The Tridents went on to get branding for the 57 and 58 services, however after just three years two were sent away (33401/5), followed closely by another 2 (33402/4) for use from Worcester on schools and the 144 service.
Now all allocated to Worcester depot, they are expected to depart for First Essex soon enough, which will be a real shame as these vehicles have served the area well for many years, and have operated from all depots that were open since 2005 (Evesham, Redditch, Kidderminster, Hereford and Worcester)
Here we see 33401 and 33402 at rest in Worcester depot before taking up afternoon school duties.