London Bus Liveries Miscellany: A Journey Through the Evolution of London's Iconic Buses

London Bus Liveries: A Miscellany

by Emma Belmont

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1374 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 0.4 x 9.1 inches

FREE

London's buses are an iconic part of the city's landscape, and their liveries (paint schemes) have played a key role in shaping their identity. Over the decades, these buses have sported a wide variety of liveries, each reflecting the changing tastes and trends of the times. In this article, we'll take a journey through the evolution of London bus liveries, exploring the fascinating stories behind some of the most famous and iconic designs.

The Early Years

The first horse-drawn omnibuses that appeared on London's streets in the early 19th century were typically painted in a variety of colors, often reflecting the livery of the company that operated them. In the 1850s, the first steam-powered buses were introduced, and these were often painted in a dark green or black livery. By the end of the 19th century, the iconic red double-decker bus had become the dominant form of public transport in London, and it was at this time that the distinctive red livery that we know today was first introduced.

The 20th Century

The 20th century saw a number of changes to the design of London buses, and their liveries also evolved to reflect these changes. In the 1930s, the first streamlined buses were introduced, and these were often painted in a cream and red livery. In the 1950s, the Routemaster bus was introduced, and this iconic vehicle sported a two-tone red and cream livery. In the 1960s, the first one-man operated buses were introduced, and these were often painted in a bright orange livery. In the 1970s, the first low-floor buses were introduced, and these were often painted in a white and blue livery.

The 21st Century

In the 21st century, the design of London buses has continued to evolve, and so too have their liveries. In 2002, the New Bus for London was introduced, and this vehicle was painted in a bright red livery with a white stripe. In 2012, the New Routemaster bus was introduced, and this vehicle sported a retro-inspired red and cream livery. In recent years, a number of new bus liveries have been introduced, reflecting the changing branding of Transport for London and the increasing diversity of bus operators in the city.

The liveries of London's buses have played a key role in shaping the identity of these iconic vehicles. Over the decades, these liveries have evolved to reflect the changing tastes and trends of the times. From the early horse-drawn omnibuses to the modern double-decker buses of today, the liveries of London's buses have told the story of the city's transport system and its people.

London Bus Liveries: A Miscellany

by Emma Belmont

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1374 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 0.4 x 9.1 inches

FREE