What was public transport like in the past?
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This is a stage coach. It is one of the earliest forms of transport, introduced in the 18th century. It was pulled by horses over long distances and could carry about six people and their luggage. It was also used for carrying the mail and other valuable goods. |
| This is a horse bus. It was developed in the early 19th century for carrying up to 20 people short distances in towns. Later horse buses had upper decks so that more people could be carried. |  |
What do you think it was like to travel on a horse bus? Remember that roads were not smooth like today and horses were not fast and reliable like engine power.
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Also in the 19th century, the tram was invented. Trams have wheels that run in grooved rails buried in the ground. They could carry more people than horse buses because they ran on a smooth surface. This was one of the last horse-drawn tram to run in Birmingham in 1906. |
| The trolleybus was invented in Germany in 1881. It was powered by overhead electricity wires rather than by a horse. This bus was photographed in the 1950s in London. |  |
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In the 20th century, motor buses became popular. They were powered by petrol engines rather than horses or electricity. There are lots of people queuing to get on this bus in 1917. |
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Bus driver and conductor during the First World War |  |
Bus conductor during Word War Two |
| Before 1945, most buses and trams were operated by a driver and a conductor. Conductors took money, issued tickets, helped passengers, and told the driver when to stop and start. |
Imagine what it was like to be the bus driver or conductor of this bus? Describe who you are and what you might do during the day.
Use the 'Old or modern 2' downloadable activity sheet to help you with your ideas.
| After the Second World War, buses replaced trams and trolleybuses in most places. This was because buses were not limited by wires and rails and were easier to mend. This is a Leyland bus from the 1970s. |  |
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Today, trams are replacing buses in some places because they run on electricity and do not create fumes in towns. |
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