Long before double-deckers became a familiar sight on Britain's roads, Bradford was at the forefront of a transport revolution.
This week in 1897 saw what is widely regarded as Britain's first motor bus service trial take to the streets of Bradford, offering residents a glimpse of a future beyond horse-drawn transport.
The story began on September 15, 1897, when the Bradford Daily Telegraph, a predecessor of the T&A, reported that the Yorkshire Motor Car Company had been granted a licence to operate a motor bus in the city.
The vehicle was described as an oil-powered machine producing four horsepower and capable of carrying five passengers in addition to the driver.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph's report of the plans for the motor bus service on September 15, 1897. (Image: T&A Archive)
The newspaper reported that it was expected to begin running later that week.
Just two days later, on September 17, the Bradford Daily Telegraph provided further details following a shareholders' meeting of the Yorkshire Motor Car Company.
The report revealed that the fledgling business had already made a profit in its first three months of trading despite difficulties obtaining vehicles.
Directors also confirmed that Bradford City Council had granted a licence allowing the company to run "a motor bus for hire in the streets".
The subsequent report on September 17, 1897. (Image: T&A Archive)
At the time, the idea of motorised public transport was still in its infancy.
Most urban journeys were made by horse-drawn buses, while electric tramways were becoming increasingly popular in larger towns and cities, making Bradford's experiment all the more remarkable.
A week later, on September 24, readers were informed that the new motor bus had successfully completed its first day of service.
According to the newspaper, the vehicle carried up to six passengers between Bradford Town Hall and Four Lane Ends via Thornton Road.
Three journeys were completed without incident.
The reports provide a fascinating snapshot of a city embracing a technology that was still largely unproven.
The report dated September 24, 1897. (Image: T&A Archive)
While the archive does not reveal exactly what became of the service, accounts suggest the trial may have lasted only a matter of days.
Even so, Bradford had earned its place in transport history.
The pioneering service arrived more than a decade before motor buses became a common sight on Britain's streets.
In fact, newspaper reports from the period show that engineers and transport operators were still searching for the best solution to urban travel.
A year later, in July 1898, the Bradford Daily Telegraph reported on a new generation of motor omnibuses being developed for London's streets.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph's report of the motor omnibuses intended for use on London's streets in 1898. (Image: T&A Archive)
The vehicles, powered by steam engines producing between 12 and 20 horsepower, could carry 28 passengers and travel at speeds of up to 10 miles an hour.
The paper noted that Members of Parliament had been invited to inspect the latest designs before they entered service.
Today, Bradford's roads are served by hundreds of buses every day.
But 129 years ago this week, a small six-seat vehicle trundling between the Town Hall and Four Lane Ends helped herald the beginning of a new age of public transport.