The state of Vermont has always been known for its entrepreneurial spirit, and one of the companies that best portrayed that spirit in the 20th century was Vermont Transit Company, Inc. Founder William Appleyard had the vision to tie together into one system the numerous intercity bus operations throughout Vermont. His astute business sense and his foresight changed the face of transportation in Vermont by opening the state to its own citizens. Vermont Transit connected Vermonters to their families, friends, and business associates in neighboring towns, and further to Boston, Portland, New York City, and all points beyond. For the first time, people from all corners of the state had easy and inexpensive access to transportation in the days when private automobile ownership was a rarity. Born at the beginning of the Great Depression, Vermont Transit enjoyed a highly respected national reputation for nearly eighty years, until it was completely absorbed by Greyhound in 2008. This is the first complete history of the company, with special emphasis on the people that allowed it to live up to its motto, "The People Will Be Served."
Sylvia Nichols Allen was born and raised in Enosburg Falls, Vermont and rode Vermont Transit buses regularly as a college student. She is a retired librarian with a love of Vermont history. This book is her tribute to the dedicated men and women of the Vermont Transit family. Sylvia and her husband, Michel, live in Essex Junction, Vermont.
