The decade when Greater Manchester turned orange

摘要

This little publication represents exceptional value for money. Attractively illustrated mainly in colour and well written, it tells the story of a major conurbation's buses in a difficult decade, all for a sum that buys little these days, least of all a transport book. It follows the author and publisher's similar book about the 1960s (Reviews, January 2018). Stephen Morris, brought up in Manchester and editor of this magazine for 20 years from 1980, explains the social and political background to the times, the rationale behind the creation of the Selnec (later Greater Manchester) PTE whose operations dominated the region's bus services from November 1969 and whose orange and white livery swept away all the reds, greens and blues of the 11 (later 12) municipal fleets it absorbed, as well as Lancashire United and most of North Western Road Car. He relates that the PTE's original designated area, intended to embrace the communities whose residents commuted into Manchester and the towns in between, was decided by negotiation. If there was disagreement over its inclusion - as there was over New Mills and Glossop - then a town was left out.