Delivered new to Perth Depot, MRF168 was part of the last batch of Fleetlines to be delivered to Midland, and to the Scottish Bus Group. It marked a return to Alexander built double decker bodies which Midland had not specified in any great number since 1970 despite the company being based in Falkirk, home of the coachbuilder.
In 1985 Midland was split up and Perth Depot was transferred to the new Strathtay Scottish company. MRF168 became SD16 in the new concern’s fleet numbering system. After privatisation and a fierce bus war with Stagecoach on the streets of Perth in the early 1990s, Perth Depot was closed and SD16, now renumbered again to 716, was moved to Dundee Depot. 716 was then moved to Blairgowrie Depot where its last years would be spent primarily on school services.
Withdrawn in 2004, it was amongst the very last of the once common Fleetlines to be in service anywhere in Scotland.
Further photographs can be found on this Flickr page
Photographs
Do you have a memory of this vehicle?
Perhaps you travelled on it, saw it at work, or know part of its story we have not yet recorded. Use the comments section below to share what you remember – every detail helps build a richer picture of Glasgow’s transport history.
- Registration
- LMS 168W
- Chassis type
- Leyland Fleetline FE30AGR
- Chassis number
- 8001187
- Body type and seating
- Alexander AD H44/31F
- Body number
- AD20/979/17
- Date new
- September 1980
- Original operator
- W. Alexander & Sons (Midland) Ltd. (MRF168)