I grew up in W Yorks.
Before 1974 the bus companies had their own route numbering systems so were usually under 100. But their buses were different colours. So, for example, in Leeds, the 44 from Halton Moor to Stanningley was green(1), while the 44 leeds - Bridlington was red or blue(2). Their routes crossed on York Road by the Shaftesbury Cinema.
Then the PTE did a renumbering exercise so route numbers were not duplicated across the county.
Leeds got away with leaving it municipal number the same, but Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield with large route numbers, and also the National bus Company services.
Similar happened in Greater Manchester where they also ended up with very large route numbers.
Many of these large numbers survive to this day
Do passengers prefer a low route number, or are they not bothered about going to catch a 642? Are low numbers more memorable.
(1) This was a Leeds Coty Transport service.
(2) 44 Leeds - Bridlington was a joint West Yorkshire Road Car service (red) / East Yorkshire Motor Services (Blue)
Before 1974 the bus companies had their own route numbering systems so were usually under 100. But their buses were different colours. So, for example, in Leeds, the 44 from Halton Moor to Stanningley was green(1), while the 44 leeds - Bridlington was red or blue(2). Their routes crossed on York Road by the Shaftesbury Cinema.
Then the PTE did a renumbering exercise so route numbers were not duplicated across the county.
Leeds got away with leaving it municipal number the same, but Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield with large route numbers, and also the National bus Company services.
Similar happened in Greater Manchester where they also ended up with very large route numbers.
Many of these large numbers survive to this day
Do passengers prefer a low route number, or are they not bothered about going to catch a 642? Are low numbers more memorable.
(1) This was a Leeds Coty Transport service.
(2) 44 Leeds - Bridlington was a joint West Yorkshire Road Car service (red) / East Yorkshire Motor Services (Blue)