Alan Thomas. Published 2007. 160 pages. Buses The Evolution of Passenger Road Transport... Buses are a vital part of modern life. The only truly flexible means of transporting large groups of people, their importance has grown in the face of strong competition from cars, railways and even aircraft. This book examines the evolution of passanger road transport, from the earliest horse-drawn buses through the age of steam to long distance coaches and massive double deck buses. The author describes the technical development of these vehicles, including the many diffeent forms of motive power - electricity, petrol, diesel, even gas turbines - and the wide range of chassis and bodywork stylesadopted around the world. There are fascinating chapters on the people involved in bus travel - drivers, mechanics and passengers - as well as on the organizational minutiae such as timetables, tickets, fares and liveries. The author also deals with buses used off the public roads, looks at the widely-varying uses made of buses around the world and considers their future. The illustrations have been carefully selected to show the diversity of buses. Many of them are rare photographs from the earliest days of engine-powered buses, and all show the practical design features and obvious enthusiastic appeal which these vehicles combine.
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