Weathering the storm
Britain’s municipal bus operators had to weather some unaccustomed competitive and financial storms in the wake of deregulation post-1985, and they could no longer draw on council tax subsidies. Many fell by the wayside through insolvency or else accepted being taken over by one oligopolistic major groups. Rossendale Transport coped remarkably well in the circumstance, preserving its independent status through careful fiscal management, refreshing the fleet with judicious second-hand purchases. One such buy was JKW293W, a Leyland AN68 Atlantean/Alexander that began life with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive. It was seen in Rawtenstall on the 464 service to Bacup.
In 2013, Rossendale Transport rebranded itself as Rosso, finally selling out in December 2017 to Transdev Blazefield, which already enjoyed a strong East Lancashire presence. The new owners have retained the Rosso identity.
March 1998
Rollei 35 camera
Fujichrome 100 film.
Weathering the storm
Britain’s municipal bus operators had to weather some unaccustomed competitive and financial storms in the wake of deregulation post-1985, and they could no longer draw on council tax subsidies. Many fell by the wayside through insolvency or else accepted being taken over by one oligopolistic major groups. Rossendale Transport coped remarkably well in the circumstance, preserving its independent status through careful fiscal management, refreshing the fleet with judicious second-hand purchases. One such buy was JKW293W, a Leyland AN68 Atlantean/Alexander that began life with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive. It was seen in Rawtenstall on the 464 service to Bacup.
In 2013, Rossendale Transport rebranded itself as Rosso, finally selling out in December 2017 to Transdev Blazefield, which already enjoyed a strong East Lancashire presence. The new owners have retained the Rosso identity.
March 1998
Rollei 35 camera
Fujichrome 100 film.