The Early Growth of Long-Distance Bus Transport in the United States

Bus transport in the United States started in the second decade of this century when numerous entrepreneurs in all parts of the country operated local services between near-by communities using automobile sedans. Encouraged by their early success, ambitious pioneers built up longer networks by connecting their routes to those of like-minded venturers and by acquiring more reliable and comfortable vehicles. For those who could meet the requirements of state government regulations and withstand the competition from both railroads and other bus operators, prospects looked good. By the late 1920s the possibility of national lines suggested increased business; but the onset of the Great Depression forced reorganisation in the burgeoning and highly competitive industry. Many small carriers went out of business when passengers and revenue declined, while the larger companies had to restructure their operations to reduce costs at the same time as improving services. Federal regulation of motor carriers in the mid-1930s strengthened the position of surviving and larger companies who were able to retain their trade. By the end of the decade long-distance bus travel was established as a permanent and important part of the nation’s economy.