A veteran bus driver will be remembered thanks to a new bus.
Loyal driver Fred Krigers’ name has been emblazoned on the side of a newly re-painted double-decker in the style of a Huddersfield Corporation livery bus to honour his long-standing service to the company.
Fred who worked for First for over 40 years, is the only employee in Huddersfield to have received the honour, which was suggested by his co-workers.
Fred, who died last year aged 64, began working in the bus industry in 1974, the same year that the red and cream vehicle was last seen on local routes.
Formerly of Birkby, he retired in 2015.
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The bus was officially launched and his colleagues will run it on routes across the Huddersfield bus network.
A spokesman for First Bus, said: “It’s a very unique honour.
“He was really well-liked by his co-workers, who came to us and said that they would like to remember him by naming a bus.
“Fred was born as Uldis Krigers but changed his first name to Fred after the famous Yorkshire cricketer Fred Trueman.
“He held a number of training and managerial roles in his bus career and was highly respected by everyone who he worked with.”
Business Manager Oliver Howarth and Fred’s two sons Dan and Ben were present at the launch.
Oliver Howarth, Business Manager for First Bus in Huddersfield said: “It’s our honour to name this Huddersfield bus after Fred. He was well known by his colleagues and customers for delivering great service within the communities across Kirklees. I know his family are very proud of all he achieved, as we are at First Bus.”
FACTFILE
Huddersfield Corporation ran public transport for many decades
In 1883 Huddersfield was the first local authority in England to operate its own tramcar services
The initial services were steam hauled, with a fleet of small Wilkinson-type tram engines and four-wheeled open-top cars
Some horse trams were deployed between 1885 and 1888, but these were replaced by steam trains.
The corporation undertook a £4,617,121 project in 1900 to modernise and electrify the system.
This included the erection of a power station, car shed and offices at Longroyd Bridge.
Trolleybuses ran for many years from 1933, replacing the trams
