Leicester looks back on local bus history

Arriva has marked the 35th anniversary of the formation of Midland Fox by launching a bus adorned with the iconic yellow and red colours which made the brand famous back in the 1980’s.

Past members of the leadership team who each played pivotal roles during the bus company’s journey following the break-up of Midland Red, joined together to officially mark the Fox’s milestone Birthday by unveiling Arriva’s heritage vehicle, which is due to serve routes across Leicester throughout the rest of 2019.

Current Managing Director for Arriva Midlands, Mark Bowd, met with past colleagues David Martin, Trevor Petty, Sam Chapman and Peter Lutman to reminisce about the evolution of much loved local brand, and reflect on how the lessons learned from the past are now strengthening Arriva’s current business.

“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 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”.

The Midland Fox brand was born in 1984 after changing its title from Midland Red East. It was sold under a management buyout in 1987, and later became part of the Cowie Group which was renamed Arriva in 1997.