The Corporate Thing.
Derby City Transport ceased to be owned by the local Council on 26th October 1986 - Deregulation Day, a most scandalous event for the British bus industry. Since then bus companies have been private concerns operating purely for profit, genuine public service is far from their prority.
As for DCT the operation was purchased by its employees. Many route and fleet changes took place. Perfectly serviceable Fleetlines were simply withdrawn and scrapped, replaced by minibuses, the first time these wretched vans had seen action in Derby. Not a good ploy when the height of the rush hour service turns up with a 16 seat object instead of a double decker!!
As time progressed Derby City Transport Limited (as it was known) was sold to the British Bus Group. This was the beginning of the end for the true local identity of Derby's buses as the strange title of 'City Rider' complete with a rather awful yellow based livery was adopted. Not too long after this British Bus were swallowed up by the Cowie Group, better known for their motor car leasing and dealing. This group were then renamed 'Arriva' (goodness knows why!). The corporate Arriva livery is now widespread all over Britain, the only local connection appears after the word 'serving'. Derby City Transport Ltd soon became Arriva (Derby) Limited.
313 displays the 'City Rider' livery.
All bar one of the then final few surviving Fleetlines carried Arriva livery. 311 retains the blue/yellow scheme as shown above on 313 although all lettering has been removed. 304 displays the Arriva scheme at Derby Bus Station in October 1998. This vehicle was withdrawn during 2002 following an accident in which the vehicle left the road and ran into a field. Fortunately it remained upright and there were only very minor injuries to the occupants.
