National Bus Company: 1972–1986

The National Bus Company of England and Wales operated from 1972 to 1986, serving the country's roads with a corporate livery and bringing together thirty-six companies. It was the largest bus company in the world at the time and was known for its vehicle fleets and changes to operating areas and fleet amalgamations. In the 1970s, most towns had bus stations and garages, and the constituent companies retained individuality despite painted buses. Mike Hitchen's book looks back to a time when variety was the norm, with red, green, and blue buses connecting communities across the country.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2025
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Between 1972 and 1986, the roads of England and Wales were served by the country's own National Bus Company, carrying a corporate livery introduced to bring the thirty-six or so companies together and help the public see that it owned its bus services. At the time, it was the largest bus company in the world, and there was much interest in its vehicle fleets, along with the changes to operating areas and fleet amalgamations. In the 1970s, most towns had a bus station and garage, and the constituent companies still retained much individuality even if the buses were painted in a similar fashion. Information was not as readily available as today, so there was plenty of interest to be discovered. In this book, Mike Hitchen takes a look back to a time when variety was the norm; red or green (and occasionally blue) buses connected communities across the country from Cornwall to Kent, Hampshire to Northumberland, and most places in between.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 232 x 165 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398118850