London Transport Bus Operations 1933-2000

A fascinating look at the history of London Transport buses in the twentieth century.

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From 1933, the world's biggest single transport system was in London. It ran buses, trolleybuses and trams as well as trains. Since then hundreds of books have been written about the vehicles, the trains, the stations, and even the bus garages, but there are very few books about how this vast bus system actually operated. Here, Grant Mackenzie looks behind the scenes and explores how the complex operation all fitted together.

Who drew up the timetables, on what basis, and how did they make sure that each day, a driver (and at that time a conductor) was available to operate the bus at the time it was advertised? Who made sure that bus was available, who made sure it was clean, safe, sand showed the right destinations on the front and sides? Who counted the money and completed all the hundreds of administrative tasks necessary for such a huge operation? What was it like to work as a bus crew, in the garage, and at all the many offices and locations involved, and what was it like to be a passenger? Waiting, and hoping that the next one would be on time.

Utilising a hundred images and a lifelong passion, Mackenzie offers an interesting and easy to read guide to how this iconic organization operated.