The Mayne Way

For many years this much-admired family business was Manchester's oldest and only independent bus operator. They had a loyal following and were something special to those who worked or regularly travelled on their distinctive vehicles. Formed to deliver furniture in 1920, the firm went on to introduce the first regular coach service from East Manchester to Blackpool in 1926. Realising the potential, Mayne continued running buses along Ashton New Road, much to the annoyance of Manchester Corporation, who tried to put an end to their activities. Having fought hard to win licences in the 1930's, taking over several coach firms, including Barry Cooper Coaches of Warrington in 1982. Their bus operation outlasted the municipal trams and trolleybuses and continued through the era of Greater Manchester Transport. They grew and thrived until rising costs and car ownership caught up with them in 2008. Mayne Coaches continued, however, to reach its centenary in 2020.