Making Connections: The Long-Distance Bus Industry in the USA

Making Connections examines the varied paths of the American intercity bus industry from its origins in the second decade of the twentieth century to deregulation in 1982. This sector of transport has been much neglected by historians and this book uncovers a range of useful and pertinent information to those who are interested in understanding entrepreneurial endeavours, patterns of mobility and consumer attitudes. It analyses the development of the national industry, probes the growth of particular companies and investigates specific aspects of business behaviour. The book is presented as a series of focused essays which offer insights into such topics as regulation, marketing, gender patterns and intermodal competition. It draws on diverse archival materials, government surveys and findings, trade publications, interviews and photographs. A wide-ranging bibliographical essay offers a guide to available sources. Making Connections is a valuable contribution to filling one of the gaps in American economic and social history.

Margaret Walsh is Reader in American Economic and Social History at the University of Nottingham.