Description
On November 26, 1967, Dr. Thomas William Matthew of the National
Economic Growth and Reconstruction Organization (NEGRO) acquired two South Los Angeles bus
companies from Frank and Herbert Atkinson. Atkinson Transportation Company (ATCO) and the
South Los Angeles Transportation Company originally began in the 1920s as extensions of
streetcar lines. They were merged to create the Blue and White Bus Company of Watts (Blue
& White). The Blue and White Bus Company was an African-American owned company created
out of a merger of two local bus companies and operated from 1967 to 1971. After much
hardship, the bus company was taken over by the Southern California Rapid Transit District
(SCRTD) in September of 1971. The collection consists of materials related to the Blue and
White Bus Company of Watts collected by Rapid Transit District including correspondence,
Public Utilities Commission hearings, financial and service studies, and newspaper
clippings.
Background
On November 26, 1967, Dr. Thomas William Matthew of the National Economic Growth and
Reconstruction Organization (NEGRO) acquired two South Los Angeles bus companies from Frank
and Herbert Atkinson. Atkinson Transportation Company (ATCO) and the South Los Angeles
Transportation Company originally began in the 1920s as extensions of streetcar lines and
were merged to create the Blue and White Bus Company of Watts. This new bus company was
African-American owned and ran from 1967-1971.
Extent
1.25 linear feet
3 boxes
Restrictions
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the LACMTA Research Library and
Archive. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the LACMTA
Research Library and Archive as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all
responsibility for possible infringement that may arise from reproduction or publication of
materials from the LACMTA Research Library and Archive collections.
Availability
Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact LACMTA Research Library and
Archive to make an appointment.