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Preston Buses Before and After Deregulation: A Comprehensive Exploration

Aubrey Blair

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The deregulation of the bus industry in the United Kingdom in 1986 was a major turning point for public transport. For decades, bus services had been operated by state-owned or regulated monopolies, but the Transport Act of 1985 opened the door for private competition. This led to a period of upheaval and change in the bus industry, as new operators entered the market and existing ones adapted to the new landscape.

Preston, a city in Lancashire, England, was one of the many areas affected by deregulation. In the years leading up to 1986, Preston's bus services were provided by a single operator, Preston Corporation Transport. However, after deregulation, the market was opened up to competition, and several new operators emerged, including Stagecoach, Ribble Buses, and Blazefield.

Preston Buses Before and After Deregulation

by Rolo Graziano

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7600 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	184 pages

The impact of deregulation on Preston's bus services was significant. Fares fell, new routes were introduced, and service frequencies were increased. However, there were also some negative consequences, such as the loss of direct services to some areas and the closure of some bus depots.

Preston Buses Before and After Deregulation is a new book that tells the story of the impact of deregulation on Preston's bus services. The book is based on extensive research, including interviews with former bus drivers and managers, and analysis of official documents. It provides a fascinating insight into a period of major change in the bus industry.

The Impact of Deregulation on Preston's Bus Services

The deregulation of the bus industry in 1986 had a profound impact on Preston's bus services. In the years leading up to deregulation, Preston's buses were operated by Preston Corporation Transport (PCT),a municipal operator that held a monopoly on bus services in the city.

Deregulation ended PCT's monopoly and allowed private operators to enter the market. This led to a period of intense competition, as new operators sought to gain market share. Fares fell, new routes were introduced, and service frequencies were increased.

However, deregulation also had some negative consequences for Preston's bus services. Some areas lost direct bus services, and some bus depots were closed. There were also concerns about the quality of service provided by some of the new operators.

Overall, the impact of deregulation on Preston's bus services was mixed. While fares fell and service frequencies increased, some areas lost direct bus services and there were concerns about the quality of service.

The New Bus Operators

The deregulation of the bus industry led to the emergence of several new bus operators in Preston. These operators included Stagecoach, Ribble Buses, and Blazefield.

Stagecoach was one of the most successful new operators in Preston. The company entered the market in 1986 and quickly gained a significant market share. Stagecoach operated a range of services in Preston, including local bus services, express services, and school services.

Ribble Buses was another major operator in Preston. The company was founded in 1919 and operated bus services in Lancashire and the Ribble Valley. Ribble Buses entered the Preston market in 1986 and quickly became a major competitor to Stagecoach.

Blazefield was a smaller operator that entered the Preston market in 1987. The company operated a range of local bus services in Preston and the surrounding area. Blazefield was eventually acquired by Stagecoach in 1996.

The new bus operators that emerged in Preston after deregulation brought about a period of intense competition. Fares fell, new routes were introduced, and service frequencies were increased. However, there were also some concerns about the quality of service provided by some of the new operators.

The Legacy of Deregulation

The deregulation of the bus industry has had a lasting impact on Preston's bus services. The city now has a more competitive bus market, with a range of operators offering a variety of services. However, there are still some concerns about the quality of service provided by some of the newer operators.

The legacy of deregulation is still being debated today. Some argue that deregulation has led to lower fares and more choice for passengers. Others argue that deregulation has led to a decline in the quality of service and a loss of direct bus services to some areas.

Preston Buses Before and After Deregulation provides a valuable insight into the impact of deregulation on Preston's bus services. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of public transport in the United Kingdom.

The deregulation of the bus industry in 1986 was a major turning point for public transport in the United Kingdom. Preston was one of the many areas affected by deregulation, and the city's bus services have been shaped by the changes that have taken place since then.

Preston Buses Before and After Deregulation is a comprehensive exploration of the impact of deregulation on Preston's bus services. The book is based on extensive research and provides a fascinating insight into a period of major change in the bus industry.

Whether you are a resident of Preston, a bus enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the history of public transport, Preston Buses Before and After Deregulation is a book that you will find both informative and enjoyable.

Preston Buses Before and After Deregulation

by Rolo Graziano

5 out of 5