London Transport Buses in the 1960s: A Decade of Change and Transition

During the 1960s, London Transport replaced its trolleybuses with motorbuses, resulting in the Reshaping Plan. Traffic congestion and staff shortages plagued the buses, leading to the introduction of new O.M.O. bus types in 1965. However, the new MB-types were a disaster, and Routemaster production ended in 1968, forcing LT to buy off-the-peg vehicles. Photographer Jim Blake began photographing London's buses in 1961 and continued dealing with the changing scene throughout the decade, featuring rare and unusual scenes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

As the 1960s unfolded, a significant transformation occurred in Britain, and London Transport's buses and operations underwent a remarkable shift. The most striking change was the abandonment of London's iconic trolleybuses, once the largest system in the world, and their replacement by motorbuses. This transition commenced in 1959 with the utilization of surplus RT-types and concluded by May 1962 with the introduction of new Routemasters, specifically designed to replace the trolleybuses. The replacement process continued, even after the Routemasters took over, as they gradually phased out older RT types.

During the 1960s, London Transport faced several challenges that impacted its bus services and Green Line coaches. Traffic congestion and staff shortages posed significant difficulties, leading to operational disruptions. One solution to address staff shortages was the implementation of one-man operation, which involved shortening routes in the Central Area and introducing new O.M.O. bus types. This initiative resulted in the birth of the ill-fated Reshaping Plan, which aimed to introduce new bus types into trial service in 1965. However, the plan faced significant delays, and it was not until September 1968 that it was fully implemented.

Unfortunately, the introduction of new MB-types in the Country Area soon proved to be a disaster. This decision was influenced by a government diktat, which resulted in the termination of Routemaster production at the start of 1968. As a result, London Transport was forced to purchase off-the-peg vehicles that were not well-suited for their operations in London and had to undergo in-house overhaul procedures. This situation further compounded the challenges faced by the organization.

The decade concluded with the loss of LT's Country Area buses and Green Line coaches to the National Bus Company. This transition marked a significant shift in the landscape of London's bus services, and it left a lasting impact on the city's transportation system.

Photographer Jim Blake began documenting London's buses towards the end of the trolleybus conversion program in 1961 and continued to capture the evolving scene throughout the decade. Blake's photographs provide a unique insight into the changes that occurred during this period, showcasing rare and unusual scenes that have never been published before. His thorough coverage of the Reshaping changes and his dedication to capturing the essence of London's bus scene have made his photographs an invaluable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, the 1960s were a transformative decade for London Transport's buses and operations. The abandonment of trolleybuses and the introduction of motorbuses marked a significant shift in the city's transportation landscape. Traffic congestion and staff shortages posed challenges, leading to the implementation of innovative solutions such as one-man operation and the Reshaping Plan. However, the introduction of new MB-types in the Country Area proved to be a disaster, resulting in the loss of LT's Country Area buses and Green Line coaches to the National Bus Company. Photographer Jim Blake's photographs provide a valuable record of these changes, capturing the unique scenes and experiences of London's bus passengers during this period.

Weight: 1020g
Dimension: 223 x 288 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473867857