The scourge of corporate liveries

Having previously bemoaned the dominance of Routemasters on the classic bus scene, here I explain why my interest in modern-day operations is also at a very low ebb. The 'big three' of Stagecoach, Arriva and First between them now seem to operate the vast majority of buses in the UK and with their corporate liveries and relentless standardisation, wherever you go these days the buses all seem to look the same. Ever more difficult operating conditions are causing more and more independent operators to either close down or sell out, and the big groups seem determined to wipe out all of the tradition and local identities they inherited in the pursuit of a nationwide corporate brand to satisfy their shareholders. The variety that once characterised the industry is long gone and I think the country is much poorer for it, not just for enthusiasts but also from the passenger's point of view.