The rise of public transport
| It is hard to imagine the world of the past without engines and only horses for transport. |  |
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During the Industrial Revolution towns attracted workers from rural areas with higher wages and work all year round. This caused an immediate demand for transport that working people could afford. |
| The nineteenth century saw the start of the first scheduled horse bus service by George Shillibeer. It was expensive to use but cheaper than a rented carriage. |  |
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Later in the century, fares were reduced as buses gained top decks and bus companies became better organised and more competitive. |
| By the 1930s, bus services in the UK became increasingly owned and regulated by local government. Advantages to the public included integrated transport networks and subsidised fares. |  |
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This trend culminated in the Labour government Transport Act in 1968 which nationalised most bus services. Government-owned Leyland designed and built this state-of-the-art bus specifically for the newly formed National Bus Company. |
| Bus companies were deregulated by a Conservative government in 1985. National Bus Company divisions such as National Express were sold to private owners. Economics led to some rural services being reduced and fare rises. |  |
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Bus services have improved where government introduced well coordinated transport policies and invested in bus lanes, free travel for older people, and subsidised services in rural areas. |
| Public transport has received a boost in some cities in recent years where new tram systems have been introduced providing more comfortable and convenient travel. |
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Do you use public transport? What affect does it have on your daily life? Has the service changed over time – is it better or worse? Has your daily life changed in the things you need or choose to do? Check out what is happening locally. Most local councils have a transport policy or initiative but is it effective?
