London's Buses, 1979-1994: The Capital's Bus Network in Transition

The Conservative government began formulating plans to deregulate bus services and privatise the companies operating them in England, Scotland, and Wales in 1979. London Buses was broken up into several areas and a tendering system was introduced in 1985, but promises of deregulation were not met. The privatisation timetable was set in late 1992 and completed at the end of 1994. This is the story of London Buses over those sixteen tumultuous years, with over 270 photographs published for the first time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Conservative government, buoyed by its recent general election victory, set into motion ambitious plans to deregulate bus services and privatize the companies operating them across England, Scotland, and Wales. Notably, London was not to be excluded from this transformation, and thus, London Buses underwent a significant restructuring. From the outset, the city was divided into various areas, and in 1985, a tendering system was introduced, allowing other operators to bid for the routes. However, the Labour group at the Greater London Council posed a formidable opposition, which necessitated a protracted and ultimately successful effort to abolish it in 1986. Despite these challenges, the government persisted in its commitment to deregulation, and as each passing year unfolded, promises of its arrival seemed to fade. It was not until late 1992 that a definitive privatization timetable was established, and it was successfully concluded at the end of 1994. The issue of deregulation, once resolved, seemed to fade into the background, leaving behind a captivating story of London Buses during its tumultuous sixteen-year period.

To provide a broader context to the narrative, annual vehicle acquisition listings are included, showcasing how purchasing policy evolved over time. Additionally, important route changes, tendering gains and losses, and a comprehensive fleet list for the entire duration are presented, offering a comprehensive view of the bus industry's transformation.

This meticulously researched and extensively illustrated book, featuring over 270 photographs, many of which are being published for the first time, captures the essence of London Buses during this pivotal period. It serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the transportation system, as well as the significant impact it had on the lives of Londoners and commuters alike.

Weight: 1308g
Dimension: 224 x 292 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526755469