Post Nine

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It seems that those visiting the Black Country tomorrow will be treated to their last chance en masse to capture on film and ride upon one of the defining buses of the late 20th century. Leyland Nationals, some of which are 25 years old, will exit stage left as Chase Bus Services finally end, following their full absorption into Arriva Midlands.

Should we be bothered that this sees the end of the Leyland National? Life has moved on to vehicles of superior quality and style. So, in spite of the overall good condition of Chase’s vehicles, it’s time to say goodbye to the National. And, after all, the National was hardly in the same classic class as the Routemaster, Titan TD1, Lodekka or even the Atlantean.

The National *is*, however, an icon of sorts. Sceptical is how the industry felt about it 35 years ago, when the first production models arrived. Yet, through product development it managed to transform itself into a vehicle that was welcomed into almost every major bus fleet in the country. After some 7,000 Nationals, the sceptics were proven wrong. Never before (and possibly never again) will such a highly standardised vehicle be so successful in Britain.

As for Chase, Arriva acquired it on 26 February 2007, two months ago. Chase operated commercial services in the West Midlands and Staffordshire. It adds a £2mil turnover (2005) to Arriva’s and increases Arriva’s presence in the midlands, especially in the Staffordshire area, due to see considerable population growth in coming years.

All but a handful of Chase’s 27 vehicles were Leyland Nationals and it is understood (though not confirmed) that a small selection of all-over advertisement Nationals will remain for a while, presumably pending the termination of contracts and agreements.

Details of the National day here

Omnibuses’ view of what passengers may expect to see and hear