The name of J. James & sons Ltd., Ammanford was synonymous with a high quality reputable omnibus service in the Amman, Gwendraeth and Swansea Valleys. Founder of the business, John James first became involved with public transport in 1900 when he purchased a mews at Ammanford, diversifying from his grocery and provision merchants business at Wind Street, Ammanford. Operating horse drawn traps and brakes, he became a posting master; his clientele were the best-known commercial travellers in South Wales. Goods were also carried, and a successful undertaking business carried out.

Moving on to motor vehicles in 1912, James became Ammanford’s first bus operator. Inaugurating a service to Pantyffynnon and Brynamman, they successfully competed against a passenger railway, and literally fought off numerous ambitious competitors. Securing regular clientele the business expanded rapidly to include a motor repair garage along with a dealership for cars, vans and tyres.

Also included is the historic 6-week Ammanford bus strike and riot of 1935, and the turbulent history of the notorious Jones Bros., omnibus company known as ‘Brynteg’ from Upper Tumble near Llanelli. Brynteg were once Carmarthenshire’s largest independent bus operator; a company absorbed by James in the 1930’s.

Illustrated with 112 photographs*, and other informative memorabilia covering the period, the book is a limited edition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary Leyland ‘Atlantean’ double decker bus, (the first in the world entered service with James in December 1958).

Sadly, the much loved company, with a name that become a household word in the West Wales mining communities, was absorbed by The South Wales Transport Company in 1962, ending a fine story of enterprise and achievement.

The book is a fitting tribute to the memory of a well-respected Ammanford family, at one time Carmarthenshire’s largest public service vehicle operator, running 54 buses on 21 services to Neath, Swansea, Llanelli, Burry Port, Lampeter and Aberystwyth.