A Comprehensive Guide to London Bus Liveries: A Miscellany of Colorful Designs

London's buses are an iconic part of the city's landscape, and their distinctive liveries have played a significant role in shaping their identity. From the traditional red double-decker to the vibrant Routemaster and the modern New Routemaster, London's buses have showcased a diverse array of designs over the years.

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

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This article provides a comprehensive overview of these colorful liveries, exploring their evolution, symbolism, and cultural significance. We will delve into the history behind some of the most famous liveries, such as the red double-decker and the Routemaster, and discuss how they have evolved to reflect changing tastes and technologies. We will also explore some of the more unusual and experimental liveries that have graced London's buses, from heritage liveries to special event liveries.

The Red Double-Decker: A London Icon

The red double-decker bus is perhaps the most iconic symbol of London. It has been a fixture on the city's streets for over a century, and its design has become synonymous with the British capital.

The first red double-decker buses appeared on London's streets in the early 1900s. At the time, buses were privately operated, and each company had its own livery. However, in 1933, the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) was created, and it standardized the bus livery to red.

The red livery was chosen for a number of reasons. First, it was highly visible, making the buses easy to spot in traffic. Second, it was seen as a symbol of modernity and progress. And third, it was thought to be a patriotic color, reflecting the buses' role in serving the British public.

The red double-decker bus has remained a popular and enduring symbol of London. It has been featured in countless films, television shows, and books, and it is recognized around the world as an icon of the British capital.

The Routemaster: A British Classic

The Routemaster is another iconic London bus. It was introduced in 1956, and it quickly became a favorite of Londoners. The Routemaster was designed to be both efficient and stylish, and its unique features, such as its open platform and conductor, made it a popular attraction for tourists.

The Routemaster was originally painted in a red livery, but in the 1960s, it was repainted in a two-tone green livery. This livery was designed to be more visible in traffic, and it also helped to distinguish the Routemaster from the other red double-decker buses on London's streets.

The Routemaster was withdrawn from service in 2005, but it was later reintroduced in 2012 as part of the New Routemaster program. The New Routemaster is a modern take on the classic Routemaster, and it features a number of updated features, such as air conditioning and a wheelchair ramp.

The Borismaster: A Controversial Design

The Borismaster was a type of London bus that was introduced in 2012. It was named after the then-Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The Borismaster was a hybrid bus, and it was designed to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional red double-decker bus.

The Borismaster was painted in a bright red livery, and it featured a number of distinctive design features, such as a curved roof and a large rear window. The Borismaster was a controversial design, and it was criticized by some for being too expensive and too ugly.

The Borismaster was withdrawn from service in 2016. It was replaced by the New Routemaster, which is a more modern and efficient design.

The Bendy Bus: A Failed Experiment

The bendy bus was a type of London bus that was introduced in 2000. It was a long, articulated bus that could carry more passengers than a traditional double-decker bus. The bendy bus was designed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than the traditional double-decker bus.

The bendy bus was painted in a white livery, and it featured a number of distinctive design features, such as a curved roof and a large rear window. The bendy bus was a controversial design, and it was criticized by some for being too long and too unwieldy.

The bendy bus was withdrawn from service in 2014. It was replaced by the New Routemaster, which is a more modern and efficient design.

The New Routemaster: A Modern Classic

The New Routemaster is a type of London bus that was introduced in 2012. It is a modern take on the classic Routemaster, and it features a number of updated features, such as air conditioning and a wheelchair ramp.

The New Routemaster is painted in a red livery, and it features a number of distinctive design features, such as a curved roof and a large rear window. The New Routemaster is a popular design, and it has been praised for being both stylish and efficient.

The Elizabeth Line: A New Livery for a New Era

The Elizabeth Line is a new railway line that opened in London in 2022. The Elizabeth Line is operated by Transport for London (TfL),and it features a number of new liveries for TfL's buses.

The new liveries are designed to be more visible and distinctive than the previous TfL liveries. They feature a bright blue base color, with a white stripe and a red stripe. The new liveries are also designed to be more environmentally friendly, as they are made from recycled materials.

London's buses have showcased a diverse array of liveries throughout history, from the iconic red double-decker to the vibrant Routemaster and the modern New Routemaster. These liveries have played a significant role in shaping the identity of London's buses, and they have become synonymous with the British capital.

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