British Electric Traction (B.E.T.)

British Electric Traction (B.E.T.) began in 1895 and grew into one of the most diverse conglomerates having world-wide interests in transport (tramways & buses), publishing, entertainment, television, plant hire etc., etc.

BET (BRITISH ELECTRIC TRACTION GROUP) ON PARADE

BET had its origins, as its name suggests, with the electrification of British tramways in the early years of the twentieth century. However the company had a wide portfolio of interests including radio and later television and a large chunk of the old Wembley Stadium! It operated its first motor bus in 1905 and its last electric tram at Gateshead in 1951. Many of the most interesting non-municipal operations were under the BET aegis until it sold its bus operations to the National Bus Company in 1968.