West and East Yorkshire Buses and Trolleybuses in 1962

In 1962, Philip Wallis captured on film a sector of the bus industry that was about to be lost forever. The areas two largest independents, Samuel Ledgard and West Riding, would be sold to the nationalised Transport Holding Company within five years. British Electric Traction group companies would be merged with the Transport Holding Company to form the National Bus Company in 1969.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

In 1962, Philip Wallis embarked on a photographic journey to explore West and East Yorkshire with his camera. Little did he know that his encounter would preserve a segment of the bus industry that was soon to vanish forever. The two largest independents in the region, Samuel Ledgard and West Riding, were destined to be sold to the nationalised Transport Holding Company within a mere five years. In 1969, these companies merged with British Electric Traction group companies to form the National Bus Company. As part of government directives aimed at creating larger operating units, most of the municipal operators in the area were absorbed into massive Passenger Transport Executives in 1974. This marked the beginning of a period of rigid standardisation that would shape the industry for years to come.

This captivating book offers a visual and descriptive account of the diverse range of municipal, company, and independent operators that thrived in West and East Yorkshire sixty years ago. The 180 images in the book showcase a remarkable variety of bus, trolleybus, and coach models, highlighting the vehicle diversity of that era. The text provides a detailed account of the changes that occurred in the bus industry during this period, including the mergers, acquisitions, and government directives that shaped its trajectory.

The book serves as a valuable historical record, capturing a glimpse of the transportation landscape and the operators that played a crucial role in connecting communities. It also sheds light on the social and economic implications of these changes, as the bus industry played a vital role in providing affordable and accessible transportation to millions of people. Whether you are a bus enthusiast, a historian, or simply interested in the evolution of transportation, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the rich history and significance of the bus industry in West and East Yorkshire.

Dimension: 234 x 165 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398109124