Buckinghamshire Buses

Buckinghamshire Buses explores the history of the omnibus in the county, from stagecoach travel to the present day, with the London General Omnibus Company and pirate bus companies competing. Nationalization in 1933 formed Greenline, and Tillings Eastern National and United Counties were important players. Post-war London overspill led to the development of Milton Keynes, but bus operators face challenges today. Schools have provided a new source of revenue, but car travel has expanded, reducing the age of coach excursions. Arriva is now the dominant operator.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The history of buses in Buckinghamshire is a fascinating tale that spans from the days of stagecoach travel to the present day. The county's proximity to London played a significant role in the early development of the omnibus industry, with the London General Omnibus Company gaining access to Buckinghamshire in the early twentieth century. However, rival pirate bus companies such as Red Rover also competed for passengers.

As the demand for bus travel increased, the London Transport Act of 1933 brought about a significant change. All express coach services radiating from London into towns like Aylesbury and the ever-expanding suburbs were nationalised, forming Greenline. Tillings Eastern National also played a crucial role in the county's bus industry, jointly operating a new route from Aylesbury to Buckingham in 1927, followed by United Counties.

Private coach companies continued to operate works buses and seaside outings, catering to the needs of local communities. Buckinghamshire became a massive target for post-war London overspill, reaching its peak with the development of Milton Keynes in the 1970s.

However, the 21st century has brought about significant challenges for bus operators in the area. With the rise of car travel and reduced subsidies, many bus companies have disappeared, leaving a void in the county's transportation network. Schools have provided a new source of revenue for bus operators, but car travel has expanded, leading to a decline in the popularity of coach excursions.

Arriva is now the dominant operator in Buckinghamshire, offering a wide range of bus services to passengers throughout the county. Despite the challenges faced by bus operators, there is still a demand for public transportation, and efforts are being made to improve the infrastructure and services in the area.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398114371