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The National Bus Company: The Middle Years - A Journey Through Time

Gerald Bell

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The National Bus Company (NBC) was formed in 1969 as a result of the Transport Act 1968. The Act nationalized the bus operations of a number of private companies, and the NBC was created to oversee these operations.

The National Bus Company: The Middle Years

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5856 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages

The NBC's early years were marked by a period of rapid expansion. The company acquired a number of new bus companies, and it also introduced a number of new services. By the mid-1970s, the NBC was operating over 10,000 buses and serving over 1,000 destinations.

However, the NBC's fortunes began to decline in the late 1970s. The company was hit by a number of factors, including rising fuel costs, competition from private bus companies, and a decline in passenger numbers.

In 1988, the NBC was privatized. The company was sold to a consortium of private investors, and it was renamed Stagecoach.

The NBC's Fleet

The NBC's fleet of buses was one of the largest and most diverse in the world. The company operated a wide variety of buses, from small single-deckers to large double-deckers.

One of the most iconic NBC buses was the Leyland National. This bus was introduced in 1972, and it quickly became one of the most popular buses in the NBC fleet. The Leyland National was a single-decker bus with a distinctive curved roof.

Another popular NBC bus was the Bristol VR. This bus was introduced in 1966, and it was used on a variety of services, from local routes to long-distance express services.

The NBC also operated a number of other types of buses, including coaches, minibuses, and school buses.

The NBC's Services

The NBC operated a wide range of services, from local routes to long-distance express services. The company also operated a number of special services, such as school buses and airport coaches.

One of the NBC's most important services was the National Express network. This network of express coach services connected major towns and cities across the UK.

The NBC also operated a number of local bus services. These services were typically operated by smaller buses, and they served local communities.

The NBC's services were generally reliable and affordable. The company's buses were also clean and comfortable.

The NBC's Staff

The NBC employed a large number of staff. The company's staff were responsible for a wide range of tasks, from driving buses to maintaining the company's fleet.

The NBC's staff were generally dedicated and hardworking. The company's drivers were known for their skill and experience.

The NBC also employed a number of other staff, such as mechanics, engineers, and administrative staff. These staff were responsible for keeping the company's buses running and for providing a range of other services.

The NBC's Legacy

The NBC played a major role in the history of public transport in the UK. The company's buses were a familiar sight on the roads of the UK for over 20 years.

The NBC's privatization in 1988 marked the end of an era. However, the company's legacy lives on. Many of the buses that were operated by the NBC are still in use today.

The NBC's history is a story of innovation, expansion, and decline. The company's buses were once a symbol of public transport in the UK. Today, they are a reminder of a bygone era.

The National Bus Company: The Middle Years is a comprehensive and engaging account of the history of the NBC. The book is full of fascinating detail and insights. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of public transport in the UK.

The National Bus Company: The Middle Years

4.5 out of 5