The traditional use of paint and sign writing on buses and coaches has been replaced over the years with more and more detail being applied to vehicles by pre-printed vinyls. This varies from essential information for passengers, such as route branding or adverts, to elements of a company’s actual livery. It is also a cheaper option when replacing damaged panels and can negate the need to take a bus or coach off the road for a full repaint. Vinyls also mean that fleet names and information about contactless payments, WiFi and attractions along key routes can be bold, prominent and eye-catching. In this book, Richard Walter’s photographs illustrate the growth in the use of vinyls over the last few years and feature examples of applications for special events as well as everyday use.

'With plenty of variety and advert styles to be seen, this is a book that will in the future provide many reminders and memories of those are today familiar sights on our streets, but will in time be forgotten.' * Bus Fayre, Summer 2024 *
'A colourful library addition for students of the current bus scene.' * Bus and Coach Buyer, October 2024 *

Edinburgh-born Richard Walter has been a contributor of bus-related photos and articles to a range of transport books and magazines over the last 40 years, as well as being involved with other publications and publicity for the industry. He is a freelance journalist for Coach and Bus Week.