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The Rise and Fall of Bus Companies in South West England: A Comprehensive Journey from 1990 to 2005

Hank Mitchell

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The bus industry in South West England underwent a period of significant transformation from 1990 to 2005. During this time, the region's bus companies faced various challenges and opportunities, resulting in a dynamic and competitive landscape. This article provides a detailed account of the key events and developments that shaped the South West England bus industry during this period.

The Deregulation of the Bus Industry

In 1986, the Transport Act was passed, leading to the deregulation of the bus industry in England and Wales. This legislation allowed private companies to compete with established operators, resulting in increased competition and innovation.

South West England Buses: 1990 to 2005

by Sandy Walker

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	150 pages

Initially, deregulation led to a surge in new bus companies entering the market. However, many of these smaller operators struggled to compete with larger, established companies, and a period of consolidation followed.

Key Bus Companies

Over time, several major bus companies emerged as key players in the South West England region. These included:

* Western National: Based in Bristol, Western National was one of the largest bus companies in the region. It operated services throughout Avon, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. * Wilts & Dorset: Headquartered in Salisbury, Wilts & Dorset operated buses in Wiltshire, Dorset, and Hampshire. It was known for its distinctive green and cream livery. * Devon General: Based in Exeter, Devon General operated services across Devon and parts of Cornwall. It was renowned for its high-quality buses and customer service. * FirstGroup: One of the largest bus operators in the UK, FirstGroup expanded into the South West England region in the late 1990s. It eventually acquired several smaller bus companies in the area.

Expansion and Mergers

The 1990s saw a period of expansion and mergers for the major bus companies in the South West. Western National acquired several smaller operators in the region, including Avon Buses and Bath Bus Company.

Wilts & Dorset expanded its network by purchasing Southern National and Yellow Buses, and Devon General acquired several smaller companies in the Exeter area.

Competition and Innovation

The competitive landscape in the South West England bus industry led to a surge in innovation. Bus companies introduced new services and technologies to attract passengers.

Western National pioneered the use of low-floor buses, making it easier for passengers with disabilities to board and alight. Wilts & Dorset launched a park-and-ride service in Salisbury to reduce congestion in the city center.

Devon General introduced a new bus station in Exeter, providing a modern and efficient interchange for passengers.

Challenges and Consolidation

Despite the expansion and innovation, the bus industry in South West England also faced challenges. Rising fuel costs and increased competition from other modes of transport put pressure on profitability.

Around the turn of the millennium, a period of consolidation began. FirstGroup acquired Western National and Devon General, and it eventually became the dominant bus operator in the region.

Other smaller bus companies merged or were acquired by larger operators, leading to a reduction in the number of independent operators.

The Impact of Tendering

In the early 2000s, the government introduced a system of competitive tendering for bus services in the South West England region. This system required bus companies to bid for contracts to operate specific routes.

The of tendering led to further consolidation in the industry, as smaller operators struggled to compete with larger, established companies.

The Role of Passenger Transport Executives

Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) were established in the South West England region to coordinate and plan public transport services. The Avon and Somerset TravelWest PTE and the Cornwall Passenger Transport Authority played a significant role in shaping the bus industry.

PTEs worked with bus companies to develop new services and improve coordination between different modes of transport. They also set fares and introduced concessionary fares for older people and people with disabilities.

The period from 1990 to 2005 was a transformative time for the bus industry in South West England. Deregulation, competition, and innovation led to a dynamic and competitive landscape. However, the industry also faced challenges, including rising fuel costs and increased competition from other modes of transport.

The consolidation of the industry resulted in a reduction in the number of independent bus companies. However, the of tendering and the role of Passenger Transport Executives ensured that bus services continued to play a vital role in the region's transport system.

A timeline of key events and developments in the South West England bus industry from 1990 to 2005, featuring major bus companies, expansion, mergers, competition, and the impact of deregulation, tendering, and Passenger Transport Executives.

South West England Buses: 1990 to 2005

by Sandy Walker

4.8 out of 5