The Invention of Buses

It's interesting that taxis and shared vehicles came so many years before buses. Also interesting to think about through the lens of aviation. I wonder how soon after we had powered flight someone launched a commercial fixed route service. And how much economics has to do with all of this.

The last stagecoach traveled over the Gotthardpass in the Swiss Alps in 1881, steered by Alois Zgraggen. There's a song about him that ends with:

Now I no longer travel southward,

and I pray to God: My Lord, grant me rest soon,

I’m no good for anything here anymore,

so if you would be merciful to me, let me soon pass through Heaven’s gate.

I’m no good for anything here anymore, so if you would be merciful to me,

let me soon pass through Heaven’s gate.

Then, when you call,

O God, I’ll sing merrily atop the wagon seat:

“Giddy-up, my Liesel, gently now, at an easy pace!”