Why are London's double-decker buses painted red? The answer dates back to the early 1900s, when the city's transport system was operated by different companies. To stand out from its competitors, the London General Omnibus Company decided to paint its entire fleet red.
The General, as the largest of the private bus companies to be incorporated set the standard for the way forward; red and cream (around the windows) was its livery and this was adopted for the central area bus services, whereas in the countryside around London dark green (Lincoln green) was preferred as it was ...
Red has been the colour of London buses ever since, becoming famous around the world. The winged wheel was also one of the precursors of the famous roundel symbol still used by Transport for London today.
In 1933, the LGOC, along with the rest of the UERL, became part of the new London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB). The name London General was replaced by London Transport, which became synonymous with the red London bus.
Children under 11 travel free on red London buses (and the Underground) at all times. Child fares are available for those under 16 but it is very complex. It is possible to get discounted fares if you are under 18 or studying in London with an Oyster ID card. There are no seniors fares for visitors.
'The idea is that the prefix letter should designate the place around which the routes cluster – P for Peckham in the case of routes P4, P5, and P13; E for Ealing in the case of E1 to E11, for instance. The C in C2 stands for Central. The prefix 'N', however, denotes a night bus.
Ten years ago, the Transport for London introduced a programme for the installation of white panels atop the capital's trademark red buses in the framework of further climate-adaptation plans. More specifically, white panels reflect the rays of the summer sun, thus keeping the vehicles cooler.
The main reason for their continued popularity was because the single-level buses simply couldn't hold enough people, and the longer accordion version couldn't handle London's narrow streets. People also liked the viewing capacity and having open tops.
The double-decker bus is an icon to the sightseeing industry. While they are used all over the world, the most famous is the bright red buses in London.
In 1907 one company, the powers that be at London General Omnibus Company had a genius idea. They decided to paint the entire fleet red, making their buses stand out from their rivals, and place numbers on the front of the bus to tell people the route it would be taking.
The red double-decker bus is one of the most iconic features of London and with good reason. Just like the London Underground, these buses are one of the faster and more efficient ways to travel in the hustle and bustle of this booming metropolis.
But long distance buses are called coaches. In England and the rest of the UK and most, if not all of the english speaking world they are called - buses, which is short for - omnibus. The other word that is usefull if you wish to travel by bus is - bus stop, at these you may get on or off a bus.