Brief History of Yellow Buses, Bournemouth
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Matthew Duynisveld
3/8/20232 min read


Yellow Buses was a well-known bus company based in Bournemouth, Dorset on the south coast of England. The company had a long and interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. Throughout its history, Yellow Busses had undergone many changes, but had always remained a vital part of the transportation system in the area.
Yellow Buses was founded in 1893 as the Bournemouth and Poole Traction Company. The company operated a fleet of horse-drawn buses, which were replaced by motor buses in 1903. Yellow Buses expanded its operations in the early 20th century, and by the 1930s it was the largest bus operator in Dorset.
Origins of Yellow Buses
Yellow Buses was originally founded in 1902 as Bournemouth and Poole Transport Company. At that time, the company operated a small fleet of horse-drawn trams. However, in 1906, the company switched to using motorbuses instead. In the years that followed, the company expanded rapidly, adding new routes and acquiring more vehicles.
Routes
Yellow Buses operated over 50 routes throughout Bournemouth, Poole, and the surrounding areas. These routes covered a wide range of destinations, including local neighbourhoods, tourist attractions, and transportation hubs. Some of the company's most popular routes included the 1a, which ran from Poole to Christchurch, and the 24, which connected Bournemouth with the Castlepoint shopping center.
Memorable Events
Over the years, Yellow Buses had been involved in many memorable events. One of the most notable of these events took place in 1935, when the company was one of the first in the UK to introduce double-decker buses. This move was seen as a major innovation at the time, and it helped to solidify the company's reputation as a leader in the industry.
Another memorable event in the company's history occurred in 2005, when it was acquired by the Go-Ahead Group, a major transportation company based in the UK. This acquisition allowed Yellow Buses to benefit from Go-Ahead's resources and expertise, and it helped to ensure the company's continued success for many years to come.
Different Owners
Over the years, Yellow Buses has had several different owners. In addition to the Go-Ahead Group, the company had also been owned by other major transportation companies, including FirstGroup and Transdev. However, no matter who had owned the company, Yellow Buses had always remained a vital part of the transportation system in the area.
Administration
In recent years, Yellow Buses faced a number of challenges, including the rising cost of fuel and the decline in passenger numbers. The company also faced stiff competition from other bus operators, including National Express and FirstGroup.
In July 2022, Yellow Buses fell into administration. Yellow Buses was the trading name for Bournemouth Transport Ltd. The company ceased operations on 4th August 2022. The majority of Yellow Buses' routes were taken over by Morebus while the maintenance and mechanical engineering transferred to National Express.
Conclusion
Yellow Buses had a long and interesting history that dated back well over a century. From its origins as a small horse-drawn tram company to becoming a major transportation provider in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, the company always remained committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to its customers. Up until the end, Yellow Buses was a beloved part of the community, and played an important role in the daily lives of thousands of people in the area. The company fell into administration in July 2022 and ceased operations on 4 August 2022.
Image Credit: Kk70088