WMPTE Daimler Fleetine JOV 613P

1970s WEST MIDLANDS DOUBLE-DECKER

The new West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive took over the local Corporation bus fleets in 1969, plus Coventry in 1974. It soon developed its own standard bus, suitable for driver only operation.

Around 1200 buses of this type were received between 1971 and 1979.
Most were Daimler Fleetlines - later models had Leyland badges - although 200 were on Bristol VRT chassis. Most had Gardner engines and Park Royal or MCW built most of the bodies. This bus, no. 4613, spent its early life from Yardley Wood, being transferred to Dudley in April 1980.

Intended to run for 12 years, the last Fleetlines ran until 1997 for Travel West Midlands, the privatised successor to West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive. However, following deregulation of bus operators, many had second lives with new owners.

Preservation

Many buses became redundant when bus industry deregulation was introduced in October 1986. 4613 was stored until sale in 1988 to Roger Hodson for preservation. The bus received a thorough mechanical and interior overhaul, and was repainted. Preserved buses run low mileages and are rarely involved in accidents but, in September 2014, 4613 was struck by a van that wandered across the road. Fortunately damage was not terminal and 4613 was back in 2015.