The Bus We Loved

by Travis Elborough

Travis Elborough

Genres: History, London, Nonfiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Rachel Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

One for the bus nerd in your life (in my life, that's me).

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully amiable and informative book this is.

Elborough gives his subject a humanity through the use of quotes from the people he meets during his gathering of the facts and by describing the lives of people involved in all aspects of the Routemaster development and the people who staffed and used them.

But the book isn't solely about the vehicles; there are lively descriptions of the history of public transport as it developed in Europe and how the idea spread to Britain and, despite facing many challenges, became established.

Elborough writes with a wit that doesn't ever become irritating, but which propels the reader through the pages with a feeling of warmth that you might not expect from what to some would seem a dry and niche subject.

No notes.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm old enough for Routemasters to have been a routine part of my life in the years I lived in London (1975 to 1990). I even hired one once as part of a protest against Livingstone's "Fares Fare" scheme being declared illegal. So, though transport nostalgia isn't really my thing, I decided to read this. And I did enjoy it! Normally I'm not keen on books full of knowing jokes, but somehow the humour in this one entertained me throughout. All part of Routemaster nostalgia, I guess.

[Brian Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgia, memories of the great 'big, red bus'.

[Tunji Ameh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buses Woo Hoo

[Brokenshoelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the fortune to ride a Routemaster in 2004 before they were removed from service a year later. It was a short trip through Charing Cross to Tottenham Court Road. There definitely is a quality the Routemaster has that no other bus has. This book provides great depth of historical insight to one of the most iconic of all vehicles. Truly a pleasant and informative read. One wonders if progress is indeed progress when one the great things in life is no longer around to enjoy.

[David Seligman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Routemaster, the original one that is that saw service in London from 1956 to 2005 and not the modern monstrosity of the same name introduced by the current mayor Boris Johnson. The Rolls Royce of buses with an open platform a conductor to collect the fares, it purred along London's streets, an intricate part of the landscape. Its manoeuvrability allowed it to speed along the streets and when it finally departed, people lined the streets like at a great leader's funeral

[Ipswichblade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy to read