Topic summary
Bustler
Extracted from the Wikipedia article National Welsh Omnibus Services.
History
Following deregulation and amid the breakup of the National Bus Company, in May 1987, National Welsh was sold to its management. Despite making a pre-tax profit of £341,000 (equivalent to £986,000 in 2025) during 1987, largely driven by the use of over 150 high-frequency 'Bustler' minibuses, the company struggled to make a profit thereafter, facing sustained competition in the Rhondda Valley from independent operators and district municipals Cynon Valley Transport, Inter Valley Link, owned by Rhymey Borough Council, and Taff-Ely Transport, and also finding itself in trouble with the Traffic Commissioner with allegations of poor vehicle maintenance and driving standards.