The Age of the Bus
A look at the bus garages of the Aldershot & District Traction Company, and the infrastructure that shaped everyday travel across the region during the 20th century.
Architectural Drawing of Lettering Plan at Alton Bus Garage, Alton, Hampshire (1952) by Stedman, AJ & LRThe Blower Foundation
The Aldershot & District Traction Company
Formally inaugurated in July 1912, the Aldershot & District Traction Company began with a modest fleet serving a growing need for local transport. Based in a region shaped by the presence of the Army, its earliest routes connected military camps around Aldershot with nearby towns and villages.
Digital Photograph of the Front Elevation of Alton Bus Garage by Plomer, Alton, Hampshire (1950) by Aldershot & District Bus Interest GroupThe Blower Foundation
An architectural network
In the early 20th century, buses began to fill the gaps that railways left behind, carrying passengers across a network of local routes. This story examines that network through an architectural lens, focusing on the bus garages and supporting structures that kept the system running.
Architectural Drawing of Proposed Bus Garage on Woodbridge Road, Guildford, Surrey (1926) by Stedman, AJThe Blower Foundation
Growing fleets
As bus services expanded, the need for purpose-built facilities became increasingly important. This is seen at Woodbridge Road, opened in 1927 to replace earlier premises. Built to accommodate 55 vehicles, it reflected the rapid growth of operations, with the company owning 120 buses by this time.
Alongside larger garages, the company also relied on smaller structures to support operations across the area. These garages allowed buses to be stored and managed closer to the routes they served, before later consolidation into larger depots. At Ewhurst garage, inherited in 1926 and later replaced in 1928, space was provided for six buses, as seen here.
Image of Organisational Structure Chart for Aldershot & District Transport Company (1918) by Stedman, AJThe Blower Foundation
A structured company
As the network of garages and outstations expanded, so too did the company’s structure, forming an increasingly complex web of operations across the region. By the 1930s, the Aldershot & District Traction Company had become the largest civilian employer in the area.
Coloured Architectural Drawing of Proposed Bus Garage on Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey (1930) by Stedman, AJThe Blower Foundation
The early garage at Woking
Woking garage, opened on the 1st of June 1931, was designed for 33 vehicles and cost £8,738 to initially construct. This facility combined bus storage with administrative spaces in a carefully planned layout, reflecting a more formalised transport system.
Hindhead garage
These elevations at Hindhead garage show clear similarities to the Woking depot, particularly in the entrance structure, with long brick façades and pitched roofs defining the overall form.
Coloured Architectural Drawing of a Passenger Bus Shelter, Farnham, Surrey (1939) by Stedman, AJ & LRThe Blower Foundation
Aboard the buses
This drawing shows a typical bus shelter where passengers would wait along local routes. However, buses did not just carry passengers; they also transported mail, farm produce, and even animals such as dogs, which were occasionally charged a penny to travel.
Detailed Installation Drawing of Bowser Petrol Storage System (1929) by Bowser & CoThe Blower Foundation
New technologies
New technologies played a key role in shaping bus operations. Petrol pumps such as these Bowser models became a standard feature across depots, enabling efficient refuelling as fleets expanded.
Coloured Architectural Drawing of Proposed Air Raid Shelter at Hindhead Bus Garage, Hindhead, Surrey (1942) by Stedman, AJThe Blower Foundation
During the war
During the Second World War, buses became essential to the war effort, supporting both military and civilian needs. However, operations faced significant challenges, including fuel shortages and a depleted workforce.
Map of the Aldershot & District Traction Co. Ltd. Bus Routes (1955) by Holmes, PThe Blower Foundation
Expanding routes
After the war, routes expanded once again, reconnecting communities and supporting a region adjusting to post-war life. Services extended across West Surrey and Northeast Hampshire, with further reach into parts of Berkshire and Surrey.
A modernised depot
Woking garage was extended in 1952 to meet rising post-war demand and accommodate larger buses, which required updated infrastructure. The expansion increased capacity to 43 vehicles and added offices, a canteen, and recreation spaces, reflecting a more modern, multi-functional depot design.
Digital Photograph of the Interior of Woking Bus Garage by Reader & Ward, Woking, Surrey (1957) by Aldershot & District Bus Interest GroupThe Blower Foundation
This interior photograph highlights the scale of Woking garage. Numbers suspended from the roof trusses mark individual bays, reflecting the structured layout needed to accommodate a large fleet.
Mirroring developments at Woking, smaller depots were expanded to meet demand. At Alton, a 1932 garage initially for 7 buses was extended in 1950 to hold 13, with a booking office also added. The plans show how new additions were fitted around the existing structure on a constrained site.
Architectural Drawing of Kitchen Details in Proposed Woking Bus Garage Extension, Woking, Surrey (1951) by Stedman, AJ & LRThe Blower Foundation
The social side
Garages were social as well as practical spaces. The Aldershot & District Traction Company staff shared meals, from simple sandwiches and tea breaks to canteen food prepared in designated kitchens, while sports teams built a strong workplace community.
Coloured Architectural Drawing of Proposed Bus Station Ground Floor Plan, Guildford, Surrey (1942) by Stedman, AJThe Blower Foundation
Changing demand
As car ownership increased in the mid-20th century, bus use declined, reshaping demand and slowing the pace of expansion seen in the post-war period. Bus stations such as this remained unbuilt, and in 1972 the Aldershot & District Traction Company merged with Thames Valley Traction to become Alder Valley.
Digital Photograph of an Unusal Service Provided During a Flood at Onslow Street Bus Station by Wilkie, Guildford, Surrey (1968) by Aldershot & District Bus Interest GroupThe Blower Foundation
An ongoing journey
Many of the company's garages and depots have since been demolished, reflecting the reduced centrality of bus travel in everyday life. However, the memories of a once essential network endure through architectural drawings and the Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group.
With many thanks to the Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group (ADBIG), particularly Leslie Smith, Gerald Bixley and Bill Tutty.
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