London Bus Liveries: A Miscellany

London Buses have been red for over 100 years. The livery was introduced by London General and was continued by London Transport on its formation in 1933, and then perpetuated in principal by its successors. In 1985, new operators awarded contracts were initially allowed to use their own liveries. But from 1994, 80% red livery was specified for routes entering the centre area. This was subsequently tightened to cover all routes and to become overall red, with only the fleetname to differentiate companies. However there have been several exceptions to the rule. Some routes have featured vehicles with special promotional lettering or liveries. Vehicles have appeared in commemorative liveries. Also vehicles used for driver training or private hire and tours have been given separate liveries. Many other vehicles have carried commercial advertising liveries. This book explores the variety of liveries carried by the buses of London Transport and its successors since 1969.