1950s: Experiments and developments of integral construction, independent front suspension, air suspension, rubber suspension, glass fibre construction and disc brakes. 1958: Introduction of the D9, a new half-cab double deck design incorporating most of the successful features developed in the 1950s. 1959: The introduction of the CM5T, a turbocharged coach capable of almost 100 mph, for non-stop motorway services. The Birmingham-London express coach service launched on 2 November – the same day that the M1 motorway was opened. CM5T designation indicated by 'M' high speed (Motorway) capability and by 'T' fitted with passenger toilet facilities. 1960: Appearance of the first of the two experimental D10 double-deckers, with under-floor engines. 1963: One of the country's first fully enclosed city centre bus stations was opened at Birmingham's Bull Ring Shopping Centrre, from which most Midland Red services in the City Centre departed. 1960s: Larger motorway coach introduced, the CM6T between 1963–6. Midland Red becomes the first British bus company to make wide-scale use of computers in compiling bus schedules and staff rosters. 1970s: Winding down of vehicle production. Last Midland Red built-bus (S23 single-decker no. 5991) produced in 1970. Split up of the operating area – West Midlands PTE take the West Midlands Metropolitan area garages. 1980s: Midland Red forcibly split into five operating companies and an engineering company. Leading to privatisation by buy-outs and substantial reduction in services. 1990s: Take over by the current conglomerate transport groups. See also The Transport Museum, Wythall References Further reading Anderson, R.C. A History of The Midland Red. Newton Abbot: David and Charles (1984). Gray, P. Midland Red (Vol.1) – A history of the company and its vehicles up to 1940. Glossop: Transport Publishing Company (1978). Gray, P. Midland Red (Vol.2) – A history of the company and its vehicles from 1940–1970. Glossop: Transport Publishing Company (1979). Greenwood, M. The Heyday of Midland Red. Hersham: Ian Allan (2005). Keeley, M. Midland Red. London: Ian Allan (1983). Keeley, M. Midland Red – Working Days. Hersham: Ian Allan, in conjunction with the Transport Museum, Wythall (2008). Richards, S. More Room on Top – Midland Red: The BMMO D9 and D10. Steve Richards (2012). Torode, R. and Keeley, M. Midland Red Style. London: Capital Transport (2011). External links Flickr gallery MidlandRed.net Large collection of preserved Midland Red buses and coaches Transport Museum, Wythall Black Country Living Museum - owner of preserved BMMO D9 bus, fleet number 5342 Companies