Bus transport in Warsaw

In 1920, a decision was made to establish the Bus Division within the Warsaw Tramways. Initially, the routes were served by Saurer double-decker buses.

During the defense of Warsaw in 1920, buses were used to transport troops. By the end of 1921, there were five bus routes in operation, but as new tram lines were built, these routes were quickly phased out in favor of trams. The bus service was also unprofitable.^[2] In 1925, the last Line 3 was discontinued, and for four years, city buses disappeared from the streets of Warsaw.

The buses were reintroduced in 1928.^[2] In the late 1920s, many new routes were introduced (by September 1939, there were up to 23 regular lines), and a new bus depot was opened on Łazienkowska Street. In 1938, modern bus stop signs were introduced. Before the outbreak of World War II, Warsaw had 180 buses.^[3]

During the first days of Siege of Warsaw in September 1939, bus service continued without major changes.^[4] On September 6, bus service was suspended. Following Roman Umiastowski’s radio appeal calling on men capable of fighting to leave Warsaw, approximately 80 buses departed the city.^[4] The remaining fleet, which had not been damaged by shelling or bombing, was used by the military for transport and support purposes.^[4]

Bus service was restored on 3 October 1939, initially on the route from Teatralny Square to Savior Square.^[5] Over the next dozen or so days, additional routes were launched, though their sole purpose was to replace the trams until the tram network could be rebuilt.