Before the hum of engines and the clang of electric trams, Paisley’s streets echoed with the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves. Among the many horse-drawn omnibuses that once trundled through the town, Young’s Horse Bus was a local legend. Running from 1894 until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, this service was more than just transport—it was a familiar part of Paisley’s daily life.
At the heart of it all was Jimmy, the driver, a figure as well-known to Paisley folk—affectionately called “Buddies”—as the bus itself. Whether rain or shine, Jimmy and his trusty team of horses made their way between Meikleriggs and the town centre, carrying workers, shoppers, and schoolchildren alike.
But what made Young’s bus so special? And why did it disappear? Let’s take a ride back in time.
A Town on the Move
By the late 19th century, Paisley was booming. The town, famous for its textile industry and intricate Paisley Pattern, was a hive of activity. With people needing to move between home, work, and markets, public transport became a necessity.
Before cars and trams took over, the horse-drawn bus—or "horse bus"—was the go-to mode of transport. Unlike private carriages, which were a luxury of the wealthy, these omnibuses offered an affordable and reliable way for ordinary people to get around.
▪️ A daily routine – The bus ran a regular route between Meikleriggs and Gleniffer Home on Corsebar Road, connecting suburban areas to the bustling heart of the town.
▪️ Two horses, one mission – The strong and well-trained horses pulled the carriage through cobbled streets, up hills, and across town.
▪️ Upper deck with a view – While passengers inside had shelter from the unpredictable Scottish weather, the upper deck offered an open-air experience for the brave (or budget-conscious).
Jimmy and His Loyal Passengers
If Young’s Horse Bus was a local institution, Jimmy the driver was its beating heart.
Every town had its familiar faces, and Jimmy was one of Paisley’s most recognised figures. He knew his passengers by name, exchanged stories along the journey, and probably had a few tricks for calming restless horses.
▪️ The community spirit – In an era when drivers weren’t just employees but well-known members of the town, Jimmy was more than a driver—he was part of people's daily lives.
▪️ A bus ride with character – The journey wasn’t just about getting from A to B. Passengers caught up on gossip, shared a laugh, and likely debated the latest town news along the way.
▪️ Reliable, rain or shine – Come wind, rain, or snow, Jimmy and his team carried on, proving that public transport in those days required as much resilience as horsepower.
The End of an Era
As with all things, progress eventually caught up with Paisley’s beloved horse bus.
▪️ Trams take over – By 1903, electric trams were introduced, providing faster, more efficient transport. Tracks stretched from Glasgow Road to Ferguslie and Renfrew Road, making horse-drawn buses look slow in comparison.
▪️ Motorbuses arrive – The first petrol-powered buses started appearing in the early 1910s, setting the stage for a new era.
▪️ World War I changes everything – When war broke out in 1914, resources—including horses—were urgently needed for the war effort. Many horses were requisitioned for military service, leaving traditional transport struggling.
By the time the war ended in 1918, Paisley’s transport landscape had changed forever. Young’s Horse Bus never returned, leaving behind memories of a simpler, slower time.
Looking Back on a Bygone Era
Today, cars and buses dominate the roads, and it’s hard to imagine a time when people relied on a horse-drawn bus for their daily routine. But for those who lived in turn-of-the-century Paisley, Young’s Horse Bus wasn’t just a ride—it was part of the town’s fabric, a place where community connections were made one stop at a time.
While Jimmy and his team may have faded into history, their story lives on in old photographs, nostalgic recollections, and the streets of Paisley, where once upon a time, the steady rhythm of hooves signalled another journey beginning.
Wouldn’t it be something to hop on board for just one more ride?
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