Buses of Shropshire and Mid Wales

Two large bus companies once ruled this rural part of the United Kingdom, but the independent sector has always been room for small firms. John Law has been photographing the buses of the area since the early 1970s and has built up a vast collection.

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

Once upon a time, in a picturesque rural corner of the United Kingdom, two prominent bus companies held sway over the area. Midland Red, with its territory encompassing Shrewsbury and Eastern Shropshire, and Crosville, operating from Oswestry to Aberystwyth and all the charming locales in between, were the reigning giants. Before the advent of privatisation, these companies underwent a division, resulting in Midland Red North and Crosville Wales taking over. Over time, these entities merged into British Bus and eventually found their place under the ownership of Deutsche Bahn-owned Arriva. Despite the dominance of the big boys, a niche remained for the independent sector, and even today, a multitude of small firms continue to operate bus services in the region. Some notable names among these modern operators include Minsterley Motors, Owens Coaches, Lloyds of Machynlleth, and Tanat Valley. Meanwhile, remnants of the past evoke nostalgia with the mention of Vaggs Coaches, Mid Wales Motorways, and Williamsons, among many others. John Law, a passionate bus enthusiast, has been capturing the essence of the area's bus fleet since the early 1970s. His extensive collection, featuring the finest and most captivating images, takes us on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Llanrhaedr-yn-Mochnant, Bishops Castle, Knockin Heath, and Stiperstones, as well as the major towns that grace his route.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 166 x 232 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445695693