A Brief History of London's Buses: From Horse-Drawn to Double-Decker Icons

London's bus network has evolved continuously for nearly two centuries:

• 1829: First horse-drawn omnibus service begins (Paddington to Bank).
• 1850s: Horse-bus networks expand; the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) forms.
• 1902: First motor buses (experimental) appear.
• 1910: LGOC introduces the B-type, the first mass-produced motor bus.
• 1933: London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) created, unifying buses, trams, and the Underground. The iconic red livery and route numbering are standardized.
• 1950s-60s: The Routemaster double-decker becomes a symbol of London.
• 2000: LPTB privatised; operations contracted to private companies under Transport for London (TfL) oversight.
• Present: Over 9,000 buses (including electric and hydrogen) serve 675 routes, carrying 2+ billion passengers annually.

From horse power to zero-emission fleets, London's buses remain the backbone of the city's mobility.