Buses and Coaches in Wales: 1980 to 2001

The National Bus Company reorganisation in the early 1980s saw the Welsh operations of Crosville become Crosville Wales, South Wales Transport be acquired by Badgerline, and National Welsh be split to create new Rhondda Buses and Red & White companies. In 1986, the remaining council-owned fleets were forced into being run as 'arms-length companies, with some later selling to larger companies and others closing down. In 2001, only Cardiff Buses, Islwyn Borough Transport, and Newport Transport remained.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The bus and coach industry in Great Britain experienced significant transformations during the final two decades of the twentieth century. In the early 1980s, a major reorganisation took place, leading to the formation of Crosville Wales, Badgerline, First Bus, Rhondda Buses, and Red & White companies, all eventually becoming part of Stagecoach. Meanwhile, the remaining part of National Welsh underwent a management buyout that failed spectacularly in 1992.

By 1986, the remaining council-owned fleets were compelled to operate as 'arms-length companies,' initially under the control of their respective councils. However, some of these fleets later sold to larger companies, while others were closed down. In 2001, only Cardiff Buses, Islwyn Borough Transport (controlled by Caerphilly Borough Council), and Newport Transport remained as independent operators. Some of these independent operators expanded, but they either faced acquisition by other operators or overextended themselves, resulting in failure.

Thus, the landscape in 2001 differed significantly from that of 1980. This volume aims to document some of the significant changes that occurred during these decades.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398101593