MidlandRed.net

Buses Magazine for April 2026 states the following information about Worcester garage in paragraph four of an article headed 'First reorganises for franchising'.

(Quote) Simon Mathieson becomes Regional Director East & Midlands, adding Leicester, Potteries and Worcester to his existing portfolio of Eastern Counties and Essex. (Unquote)

Not sure if this is of immediate effect, as no actual date of changes given in the article.

Thanks Tim for passing-on that info.

Simon Mathieson is a great hands on manager with previous roles with Arriva and National Express West Midlands before First and should put Worcester depot in good safe hands

Reddibus wrote: ↑

15:56 Tuesday 24th March 2026

Simon Mathieson is a great hands on manager with previous roles with Arriva and National Express West Midlands before First and should put Worcester depot in good safe hands

Agree, worked for him when he was at NXWM.

Although it is a very large geographical area to cover with different issues, and they'll probably be another reorganisation within a year knowing First!

Some will depend on whether First are successful in winning some of the bus franchises that will be offered by the various Combined Authority areas like the West Midlands or in South or West Yorkshire

Ridercross wrote: ↑

11:34 Thursday 26th March 2026

Reddibus wrote: ↑

15:56 Tuesday 24th March 2026

Simon Mathieson is a great hands on manager with previous roles with Arriva and National Express West Midlands before First and should put Worcester depot in good safe hands

...Although it is a very large geographical area to cover with different issues, and they'll probably be another reorganisation within a year knowing First!

What on earth do they think they are going to achieve by reorganising the structure every couple of years? Do they think the senior management will perform any better if they never know if their job is safe?