Barton Buses - The Intensive Care Years

Barton Transport plc had been one of the largest independent bus and coach operators in the country in a similar league to Lancashire United. Deregulation in 1986 was not kind to Bartons and by 1989 it was suffering from severe competition from other operators on many of its core routes. Once profitable it was by now losing money heavily. Economies had been made by the closure of Stamford and South Shields depots plus pulling back from Corby and Coalville. The once extensive express coach operations between the Midlands and the North East and Scotland were by now reduced to just one route. It could not last, and a sale to the neighbouring Wellglade Group which incorporated Trent Buses took place in 1989. ‘The Intensive Care Years’ looks how the new company, Barton Buses Limited, took decisive action over the next three years to restore profitability and pride. Written from an insider’s view, it charts the life-saving surgery taken. The book ends in 1992 at which point the company was back to good health.