This service terminates.

This is as far as this ride goes for 2009.

There have been plenty of passengers and plenty of stops this year ending - but now the time has come to switch off the signs and shut the doors; to bring this vehicle back to the depot and back under cover - off the road, out of service and out of sight.

Now is the time to turn the key and stop this engine which has served so well these past months; the time for this space to be filled not by exhaust and the rattle of motors but by peace, quiet. Now is the time to hear a pin drop above the slow ticking of this cooling engine, the time to reflect upon this journey now concluded. It has been eventful, memorable - and improved beyond measure by your presence; by your support, friendship and company.

Normal service will return after the festivities have run their course - and I will return in January to unlock this building again, prepare this vehicle for service once more. Floors will be mopped and seats cleaned, patched where required. Covers will be lifted and workings exposed; leads and connections scrutinised. Levels will be replenished and tyres checked; inflated to endure and to carry the weight of the journey ahead. Finally, paintwork will be cleaned, waxed and chrome will polished until it shines. Preparations concluded, I will climb aboard once more, bring these doors hissing shut behind me, locking me into this safe, secure place once more.

And with one turn of a key, this engine will explode to life and I will glide out of this depot and into a new time; into a world I recognise as it prepares to welcomes the uncertain, face the unknown. I hope to travel new routes and existing routes; to welcome back familiar and friendly faces, bid hello to new passengers and new faces over the days and months ahead.

Hail me if you see me approach, if you wish to climb aboard - and I will slow to a halt, open my doors and welcome you in. Because wherever fate takes me these coming months, whichever routes I travel there is one thing of which I am certain - it is better to travel in the company of friends than it is to travel alone.