Arriva has honoured murdered Southend West MP Sir David Amess and the announcement that Southend has achieved city status on an Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-decker. The bus has been transformed into a rolling celebration of both Sir David and Southend.
The operator says that the special livery principally marks the work put in by Sir David to help Southend be recognised as a city before his death in October 2021. The design includes Sir David’s Parliamentary portrait on the side of the vehicle and utilises a silhouetted Southend city skyline.
Arriva launched the Enviro400 into service on 14 July. MP Anna Firth – who succeeded Sir David – and Mayor Cllr Kevin Robinson were in attendance to cut a ceremonial ribbon on what the operator says was an “emotional but beautiful day.”
Adds Arriva General Manager Southend Depot Scott Hayward: “We are incredibly proud to be able to celebrate the city status in this way, as well as honour the life of Sir David, who campaigned for all of his political career to make this happen.”
