British Buses and Coaches in the 1960s: A Panoramic View

This book provides an overview of the bus and coach scene in Britain in the 1960s, featuring a collection of photographs from Jim Blake's extensive collection.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

British Buses and Coaches in the 1960s is a comprehensive overview of the bus and coach scene during a decade of profound social and economic transformation in Britain's history. This volume delves into the fascinating and diverse array of bus and coach operators that thrived before and shortly after the establishment of the National Bus Company in 1968. Jim Blake has assembled an intriguing collection of material from his extensive collection of negatives, capturing a glimpse of the prevailing atmosphere during that period of significant change.

The 1960s witnessed a significant shift in the British transportation landscape, marked by the introduction of new bus and coach operators. This era was characterized by a period of great social and economic change, with the nation emerging from the aftermath of World War II and experiencing a surge in industrialization and urbanization. The demand for transportation increased, leading to the formation of various bus and coach companies to meet the growing needs of the public.

One of the notable operators during this period was the National Bus Company (NBC). Established in 1968, NBC was a government-owned corporation tasked with overseeing the bus and coach industry in Britain. The company aimed to improve the quality of service, reduce fares, and increase accessibility to transportation for all citizens. NBC's formation marked a significant milestone in the history of British transportation, as it brought together a diverse range of bus and coach operators under one umbrella.

Before the formation of NBC, the bus and coach industry in Britain was characterized by a fragmented and competitive landscape. There were numerous small-scale operators, each with their own fleet of vehicles and routes. These operators competed fiercely for passengers, offering a range of services and fares to attract customers. However, the quality of service and safety standards were often inconsistent, leading to concerns among the public.

With the establishment of NBC, the industry underwent a major transformation. The company introduced new standards for safety, quality, and efficiency, which were enforced across all operators. NBC also worked to rationalize the bus and coach network, consolidating routes and reducing duplication to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This led to a more streamlined and reliable transportation system, which was welcomed by the public.

One of the key achievements of NBC was the introduction of the iconic Routemaster bus. These buses were designed with a modern and sleek appearance, and were equipped with advanced technology to improve passenger comfort and safety. The Routemaster was a symbol of the new era of bus and coach transportation in Britain, and it quickly became a popular choice among passengers.

In addition to the Routemaster, NBC also introduced a range of other innovative services and initiatives. The company introduced low-cost fares for students and the elderly, as well as special services for disabled passengers. NBC also worked to improve the accessibility of transportation for people living in rural areas, by introducing new routes and services that served these communities.

Despite the many achievements of NBC, the 1960s were also a period of challenges and controversies. The company faced criticism for its perceived lack of innovation and its tendency to prioritize profits over customer service. There were also concerns about the impact of NBC on the smaller-scale operators, who were forced to compete with the larger and more efficient company.

Despite these challenges, NBC continued to play a vital role in shaping the bus and coach industry in Britain. The company's commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency led to a more reliable and accessible transportation system, which benefited millions of passengers every day. NBC's legacy continues to be felt today, as the bus and coach industry in Britain continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the public.

In conclusion, British Buses and Coaches in the 1960s provides a fascinating insight into the bus and coach scene during a decade of great social and economic change in Britain's history. The volume explores the diverse array of bus and coach operators that existed before and shortly after the formation of the National Bus Company in 1968. Jim Blake's collection of negatives captures a glimpse of the prevailing atmosphere during that period, highlighting the significant challenges and controversies that the industry faced. Despite these challenges, NBC's commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency led to a more reliable and accessible transportation system, which benefited millions of passengers every day. The legacy of NBC continues to be felt today, as the bus and coach industry in Britain continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the public.

Weight: 1088g
Dimension: 225 x 287 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473867819