News Release - 9th October 2006
Back to the '70s on the Buses
Remember Wumpty? Properly known as WMPTE, the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive ran nearly all the buses in the West Midlands between 1969 and 1986. Twenty years ago Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government hived off the blue and cream buses from WMPTE to privatise them.
The Transport Museum in Chapel Lane, Wythall, just south of Birmingham, will be the meeting place for around three dozen retired WMPTE buses on Sunday, October 15th. The Transport Museum houses one of the foremost collections of buses and battery-electric vehicles in the UK and will be open from 11 am to 5 pm on the 15th. The miniature steam railway will also be operating to the delight of families.
"We will be celebrating a piece of modern history as the WMPTE only began in 1969 when it took over the Corporation buses from the local authorities. Some of the buses will date back to the half-cab, open rear platform era." said Malcolm Keeley, Collections Manager and a trustee of the museum. "There will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy a ride on these classic blue and cream buses".
Visitors will also be able to see progress on the construction of a new exhibition hall, due to open next May, thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.
