WMT Metrorider 626, Park Lane Garage - awaiting disposal, 1996
10-years after their introduction, West Midlands Travel 'MCW Metrorider' fleet had fallen from favour and what remained, were fast being taken out of use.
Once seen as the savour of the company at 'de-regulation' in 1986, these buses were now beset with corrosion issues and were becoming increasing unreliable. By the mid '90s WMT were in the throes of dispersing and disposing of these unwanted buses.
626 is pictured on the garage apron at Park Lane bus garage awaiting collection. With the mechanical units out, and the front axle removed, there's not a lot left for the scrap man to salvage.
The last example of these buses used by WMT was 620, which was retained as a 'battery jump-start' vehicle for use within the confines of Park Lane bus garage. 620 was broken up on site in early 2000s.
The only WMT example saved for posterity is 685 (F685YOG), which is to found at the Aston Manor Transport Museum, Aldridge. After an extensive rebuild by the Museum, 685 currently wears the colours of Metrowest, a company that became part of the then WMT Group in 1993.
Photo - Wednesday 14th August 1996.
WMT Metrorider 626, Park Lane Garage - awaiting disposal, 1996
10-years after their introduction, West Midlands Travel 'MCW Metrorider' fleet had fallen from favour and what remained, were fast being taken out of use.
Once seen as the savour of the company at 'de-regulation' in 1986, these buses were now beset with corrosion issues and were becoming increasing unreliable. By the mid '90s WMT were in the throes of dispersing and disposing of these unwanted buses.
626 is pictured on the garage apron at Park Lane bus garage awaiting collection. With the mechanical units out, and the front axle removed, there's not a lot left for the scrap man to salvage.
The last example of these buses used by WMT was 620, which was retained as a 'battery jump-start' vehicle for use within the confines of Park Lane bus garage. 620 was broken up on site in early 2000s.
The only WMT example saved for posterity is 685 (F685YOG), which is to found at the Aston Manor Transport Museum, Aldridge. After an extensive rebuild by the Museum, 685 currently wears the colours of Metrowest, a company that became part of the then WMT Group in 1993.
Photo - Wednesday 14th August 1996.