National Bus Company: 1972 to 1986

Between 1972 and 1986 the roads of England and Wales were served by the country’s own National Bus Company, carrying a corporate livery introduced to bring the thirty-six or so companies together and help the public see it owned its bus services.

At the time, it was the largest bus company in the world, and there was much interest in its vehicle fleets, along with the changes to operating areas and fleet amalgamations. In the 1970s, most towns had a bus station and garage, and the constituent companies still retained much individuality even if the buses were painted in a similar fashion.